Top 10 Sessions to Attend at Fintech Meetup 2025: DATAMARK’s Recommendations
As fintech continues to evolve, staying ahead of the latest trends and innovations is crucial for financial services providers. At Fintech Meetup 2025, industry leaders will share insights on emerging technologies, customer experience strategies, and regulatory advancements. DATAMARK has identified the top 10 sessions that attendees should prioritize for valuable takeaways. Here’s why these sessions matter and what you can expect to learn from each.
Delivering Personalization at Scale for Financial Services
Monday, March 10th | 2:30 PM – 3:10 PM PT | Titian 2201A – 2301B Theme: Value-as-a-Service
In today’s digital-first world, customers expect highly personalized experiences. This panel will explore how fintech companies are harnessing AI, data analytics, and behavioral insights to offer customized financial services at scale. Attendees will gain insights into hyper-personalization, real-time recommendations, and the ethical considerations surrounding data privacy.
Speakers: Brandon Gell (Founder & CEO, Clyde), Conrad Sheehan (MD, Global Payments, Accenture), Catherine Zhou (Global Head of Ventures, Digital Innovation & Partnerships, HSBC), Elizabeth Osbourne (COO, Great Lakes Credit Union).
Revolutionizing Rewards and Loyalty Programs Through Fintech Innovations
Monday, March 10th | 3:15 PM – 3:55 PM PT | Titian 2201A – 2301B Theme: Value-as-a-Service
Loyalty programs are undergoing a transformation with the integration of fintech-driven solutions. This session will explore how open banking, AI, and blockchain are enhancing reward programs to drive customer engagement and retention. Learn how financial institutions are leveraging technology to create seamless, customized loyalty experiences.
Speakers: Len Covello (CTO, Engage People), Chris Curtin (SVP, Head of Digital, Rewards & Partnerships, Bank of America), Kunal Kumar (VP, Digital, Fiserv), Brandt Smallwood (Chief Strategy Officer of Bilt Rewards).
Taking Advantage of Opportunities Presented by Embedded Finance
Monday, March 10th | 3:15 PM – 3:55 PM PT | Veronese 2401A – 2501B Theme: Dominating Distribution
Embedded finance is changing the way businesses interact with financial services. This session will highlight how companies can integrate banking, payments, and lending into their existing platforms to enhance user experience and create new revenue streams. Attendees will discover strategies for leveraging embedded finance to meet customer expectations seamlessly.
Speakers: Ryan Frere (EVP & GM, B2B, Flywire), Matt Sueoka (SVP, Global Head of Visa Ventures, Visa), Brian Graham (Co-Founder & Partner, FT Partners).
New Era CFOs Need New Expertise: The Changing Role of Finance Leaders
Tuesday, March 11th | 10:00 AM – 10:40 AM PT | Venetian Ballroom F-K Theme: Value-as-a-Service
Today’s CFOs are no longer just number crunchers; they are strategic leaders driving business transformation. This panel will feature top finance executives discussing how they navigate economic uncertainty, leverage financial technology, and use data-driven decision-making to propel their organizations forward.
Speakers: Don McGuire (SVP & CFO, Qualcomm), Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah (EVP & CFO, Uber), Max Roberts (Partner, Bain & Company), Andrew Jamison (CEO/Co-founder at Extend Enterprises).
Panel: Accelerating Digital Transformation in Regional & Community Banks and Credit Unions
Wednesday, March 12th | 8:30 AM – 9:10 AM PT | Bellini 2001A – 2101B Theme: Building Financial Services to Endure
Regional and community banks are undergoing rapid digital transformation, and this panel will highlight the key strategies, challenges, and innovations driving the shift. Experts will discuss how financial institutions can build long-term resilience while meeting evolving customer expectations.
Speakers: Michelle Prohaska, Chief Banking & Risk Officer, Corporate Secretary, Nymbus; Margaret Mayer, Chief Technology Officer, Zions Bancorporation; Chris Fritz, Digital Director: Capital Markets & Lending, Wells Fargo; Jack Ingram, Chief Information Officer, WECU; Leda Glyptis, Advisor, FinScan (Moderator)
Panel: Dealing with AI Fighting on Both Sides of Financial Fraud
Wednesday, March 12th | 10:00 AM – 10:40 AM PT | Titian 2201A – 2301B Theme: Value as a Service
As AI advances, it is being leveraged both to combat and to perpetrate financial fraud. This session will delve into the dual role of AI in financial crime, featuring insights from industry pioneers who are developing cutting-edge solutions to stay ahead of fraudsters.
Speakers: Fernando Paulin, CEO, Trully by Unico; Catherine Porter, Chief Business Officer, Prove; Soups Ranjan, CEO, Sardine; Ronen Assia, Managing Partner, Team8; Bart Willaert, EVP Global Open Banking, Americas, Mastercard; Chris Caruana, Founder & CEO, C6 Intelligence (Moderator)Topic: Value-as-a-Service
Globalization and Guardrails: The Path Forward for Cross-Border Payments
Tuesday, March 11th | 10:00 AM – 10:40 AM PT | Titian 2201A – 2301B Theme: Value-as-a-Service
As cross-border transactions become faster and more accessible, financial institutions must also navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. This session will cover the latest developments in global payments, compliance challenges, and innovative solutions that enable seamless and secure international transactions.
Speakers: Paul Camp (CEO, Treasury & Trade Solutions, Citi), Sunil Sabharwal (Board Member, Wise), Terry Angelos (CEO, DriveWealth).
Interview: Scaling Embedded Financial Services for Modern Businesses
Wednesday, March 12th | 10:20 AM – 10:40 AM PT | Bellini 2001A – 2101B Theme: Dominating Distribution
Embedded finance is reshaping the way businesses operate, and this exclusive interview will offer a deep dive into how leading organizations are scaling their embedded financial services. Experts will explore strategies for seamless integration and the future of financial service distribution.
Speakers: Tom Bianco, GM, Newline, Fifth Third Bank; Nate Starrett, Head of Financial Partnerships, Stripe; Sanjib Kalita, Chairman, Fintech Meetup (Moderator)
AI and Automation: Transforming Customer Experience in Banking
Tuesday, March 11th | 1:00 PM – 1:40 PM PT | Titian 2201A – 2301B Theme: Value-as-a-Service
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing banking and customer experience. This discussion will focus on AI-driven chatbots, fraud detection, and predictive analytics that enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction. Attendees will learn how leading financial institutions are implementing AI to create frictionless interactions.
Speakers: Stephane Wyper (SVP, Innovation & Fintech, Mastercard), Sudhir Jha (Head of Brighterion, Mastercard), Will Lansing (CEO, FICO).
Panel: How Proposed, Incoming, and Future Regulatory Changes Will Impact Financial Services
Thursday, March 13th | 9:30 AM – 10:10 AM PTVeronese 2401A – 2501B Theme: Certain Uncertainty
Regulations in financial services are constantly evolving, and this panel will dissect the most pressing regulatory changes on the horizon. Experts will provide actionable insights into how businesses can navigate compliance challenges while maintaining innovation and growth.
Speakers: Christina Tetreault, Deputy Commissioner, California DFPI; Chris Napier, Partner, Mitchell Sandler LLC; Julapa Jagtiani, Senior Economic Advisor & Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia; Joyce Mehlman, CEO/Founder, iLex Consulting Group (Moderator)
The Future of Open Banking: What’s Next?
Tuesday, March 11th | 2:45 PM – 3:25 PM PT | Titian 2201A – 2301B Theme: Value-as-a-Service
Open banking is empowering consumers by giving them control over their financial data. This session will examine the next phase of open banking, including security measures, regulatory changes, and how fintech companies are creating new opportunities by embracing data transparency.
Speakers: Sheila James (Head of Open Banking, Wells Fargo), Steve Boms (Executive Director, FDATA North America), Imran Haider (EVP, Open Finance, Plaid).
Fraud Prevention Strategies for the Digital Age
Wednesday, March 12th | 10:00 AM – 10:40 AM PT | Veronese 2401A – 2501B Theme: Risk and Security
With digital transactions on the rise, fraud prevention has become a top priority. This panel will discuss AI-powered fraud detection, biometric authentication, and proactive strategies to combat cyber threats. Learn from industry experts about best practices in safeguarding financial transactions.
Speakers: Tracy Kitten (Director, Fraud & Security, Javelin Strategy & Research), Scott Zoldi (Chief Analytics Officer, FICO), Shawn Holt (CEO, Veriff).
The Rise of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and Its Impact on Consumer Finance
Wednesday, March 12th | 1:45 PM – 2:25 PM PT | Titian 2201A – 2301B Theme: Dominating Distribution
BNPL services are reshaping consumer finance, offering flexibility but also posing risks for both consumers and financial institutions. This session will analyze the growth of BNPL, its regulatory implications, and strategies for ensuring sustainable lending practices.
Speakers: Liz Pagel (SVP, Consumer Lending, TransUnion), Ginger Schmeltzer (Senior Analyst, Aite-Novarica), Jesse Silverman (Chief Legal Officer, Affirm).
The Evolution of Digital Identity in Financial Services
Wednesday, March 12th | 3:30 PM – 4:10 PM PT | Titian 2201A – 2301B Theme: Risk and Security
Digital identity verification is crucial for secure financial transactions. This discussion will cover the latest advancements in identity authentication, the role of blockchain in digital security, and how financial institutions are adapting to new fraud prevention techniques.
Speakers: Joni Brennan (President, Digital ID & Authentication Council of Canada), Cameron D’Ambrosi (MD, Liminal), Armin Ebrahimi (Head of Identity, Plaid).
The Bottom Line
Fintech Meetup 2025 is your gateway to the future of financial services. Don’t miss these must-attend sessions! Let’s connect—schedule a meeting with DATAMARK and visit booth #1730 to explore how our solutions can help you stay ahead in the fintech revolution.
