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 following thought leaders 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 Openbank Germany
Petri Nikkilä CEO – Openbank 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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The current Handelsblatt Journal

„"If Germany were a start-up"“

… is the title of the very first article in the Handelsblatt Journal Banking 2026.

And it is precisely this proactive attitude that unites the featured articles in the current issue of the journal: The 20 renowned authors see themselves as co-architects of an upswing that not only needs to be proclaimed, but above all, financed in the long term.

Free download

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 September 14, 2026

AI in Banking: From activity metrics to customer outcomes

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For banks, successful AI adoption is not about counting tokens or measuring activity. It is about creating measurable results for customers – reducing costs, increasing revenue and improving the quality…
Published on September 10, 2026

From capital to implementation: Why SMEs are crucial

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Germany doesn't have a capital problem, but an implementation problem. For billions in investments to reach the real economy, it needs more speed, less bureaucracy, and simpler processes…
Published on September 10, 2026

Agentic Commerce: When AI agents pay for us in the future

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Artificial intelligence could fundamentally change payment transactions. Paying via AI agents is expected to become as commonplace as mobile payment or e-commerce soon. This technology is being developed in Europe…
Published on September 10, 2026

Why banks now need to rethink entire processes

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FinTechs, BigTechs, and banks face similar challenges – and similar opportunities. The decisive competitive advantage, therefore, might not lie with a single company…
Published on September 10, 2026

More financial education, more capital markets: Germany needs speed

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Germany lacks a strong investment culture – and many people are still unaware of new retirement savings options. This video therefore focuses on the importance of financial literacy…
Published on September 10, 2026

How digital payments create trust

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The introduction of a central bank digital currency could fundamentally change how we pay – and at the same time relieve the burden on our costly cash infrastructure. But for CBDCs to become commonplace in everyday life,…
Published on September 10, 2026

Financial education, capital markets and new approaches in the deposit business

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What does access to the capital market cost investors – and why is it worth taking a close look at fees and spreads? The video discusses the importance of early financial education, the…
Published on August 27, 2026

Digital was just the beginning. 

Article
For years, the banking industry seemed to be developing in a clear direction: increasingly digital, increasingly less personal. Digital providers have set new standards with intuitive customer experiences….
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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