banking summit banking summit

The summit of the banking scene

Structural change, ongoing geopolitical conflicts, rising credit risks, digital disruption: The market environment for banks and fintechs remains challenging, but also offers plenty of opportunities. Smart (change) management and swift, decisive action are essential.

At the Handelsblatt Banking Summit, we bring together key players from politics, regulatory bodies, the financial sector, and business to discuss concrete solutions to the challenges of the coming years. Look forward to inspiration, best practices, and valuable contacts that will provide you with guidance and a competitive edge.

The first leading thinkers have confirmed their attendance:

Peter Bosek - CEO Erste Group
Peter Bosek CEO – Erste Group
Béatrice Cossa-Dumurgier - CEO Western Europe Revolut
Béatrice Cossa-Dumurgier CEO Western Europe – Revolut
Franz von Metzler - Board Member of Bankhaus Metzler
Franz von Metzler Board of Directors – Bankhaus Metzler
Petri Nikkilä - CEO Santander Germany
Petri Nikkilä CEO – Santander Germany
Dr. Bettina Orlopp - CEO Commerzbank
Dr. Bettina Orlopp CEO – Commerzbank
Steven van Rijswijk - CEO ING Group
Steven van Rijswijk CEO – ING Group
Christian Sewing - CEO Deutsche Bank
Christian Sewing CEO – Deutsche Bank

The topics

  • Trade conflicts, economic slowdown, risk of a multi-bubble: How are banks and fintechs coping with the stress test?
  • Investments in arms – from black sheep to booming industry?
  • Stablecoins & Co. – Game Changer for the Financial System?
  • Agentic AI: Key to the competitiveness of banks and fintechs?
  • Germany under pressure: How work, talent and productivity need to be rethought
  • Best practices from home and abroad

Exclusive. Inspiring. Up close.

Listen to keynotes and talks and join the discussion: Your strategy update after the summer break

Networking formats where we get you talking: including at round tables, women's lunches, the evening event at Le Panther, etc.

Experience thought leaders on site, meet decision-makers in person: at the conference with the highest density of board members

Summit Specials – even more news & networking for you.

  • NEW this year: First Timer Breakfast for all first-time attendees, live translation and networking session for international participants
  • 2 Events – 1 Ticket: Create your own individual program from the agenda of the Banking Summit and AI in Banking.
  • Live podcast recordings: A glimpse behind the scenes of the editorial team
  • Women's Lunch as well as exclusive business lunches
  • Handelsblatt Award ceremony For Women in Banking & Fintech – apply now!
  • Live Editorial: Behind the Scenes of the Handelsblatt Editorial Team
  • Communication Lounge: Inspiration & new contacts

Review of the 2025 Banking Summit

Impressions 2025

Under the motto "Geopolitics, disruption, economic downturn: what makes banks & fintechs successful now", more than 500 participants from the financial world discussed the current challenges.

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The inspiring atmosphere of the local community made the summit a unique experience.

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Your expertise in the next Handelsblatt Journal

Evolutionary leap completed?

AI has long since moved from experimentation to reality for processes and business models, and innovative payment solutions have also found robust use cases. But how can banks and fintechs shape change consistently and sustainably when the market environment is more volatile and customer demands more differentiated than ever?

Learn more

Definitely a 'place to be' to help shape the financial world of the future.

Silke Hohmuth MenschBank eV.

A top-class event with very good, important speakers in the banking and economic sector with whom one can network.

Roger Furrer ERI Bancaire SA

This is where the who's who of the financial industry meets for a relaxed exchange.

Martin Halusa FleishmanHillard

We will keep you updated.

View all posts
Published on June 26, 2026

Financing transformation means securing the future

Article
The German and European economies face a long-term transformation challenge. Digitalization, artificial intelligence, sustainable transformation, and geopolitical changes are influencing…
Published on June 25, 2026

The AI gap in banking: Many strategies, little effect

Article
Almost every bank has an AI strategy today. Hardly any can quantify its return. This discrepancy is the industry's real problem. The years 2023 to 2025 were intensively used for experimentation…
Published on June 24, 2026

Why banks need to redefine their role in the AI age 

Article
When artificial intelligence is discussed in the financial sector, the focus is often on efficiency. Faster processes, automated workflows, or more productive employees are central to many discussions…
Published on June 15, 2026

The implementation of the T+1 settlement will determine the competitiveness of European banks.

Article
The reduction of the settlement cycle to T+1 is one of the most profound changes in the European securities business in years.
Published on June 15, 2026

Greater security for real-time transfers: Identifying systemic risk factors and taking preventative countermeasures.

Article
Since banks in the Eurozone have been required to not only receive but also send real-time payments, the speed of payment transactions has increased. At the same time, this has also led to…
Published on June 12, 2026

From process automation to process autonomy: Agentic-Native Process Design in banking

Article
Strategies for an AI-native transformation of banking processes
Published on June 5, 2026

Video statement Susanne Krehl, Chief Growth Officer, wealthAPI

Video
Data economy in the financial system: How do new business models emerge through Open Finance & AI?
Published on September 17, 2025

Video interview Harry Newman, Managing Director, Industry Policy and Senior Advisor, Swift

Video
How ISO 20022 Is Shaping the Future of Cross-Border Payments In this video Harry Newman explores how ISO 20022 is transforming the way financial institutions communicate across borders. With richer data...
View all posts
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Handelsblatt Banking Summit 2026
September 2nd, 2026 – September 3rd, 2026 | Cape Europe Frankfurt

from €650 plus VAT.

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