26-05-2025
Istanbul Fintech Week 2025 to host 3,000+ global experts shaping the future of finance this June
Istanbul Fintech Week (IFW) is fast becoming a must-attend event on the global fintech calendar. Now in its sixth edition, the summit will take place on June 11–12, 2025, under the theme 'Redefining the Future of Finance with AI and Web3.'
Demet Zübeyiroğlu, co-founder of event organiser KOOP Ventures, emphasises the event's consistent mission since its launch in 2019: to bridge fragmented yet complementary fintech ecosystems across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. 'We've already hosted over 14,000 professionals from more than 60 countries. Thanks to Istanbul's strategic location, we're able to offer one of the most inclusive and regionally relevant fintech gatherings in the EMEA region,' she says.
Backing this ambition with data, fintech investment across EMEA is projected to surpass $18 billion in 2024. Türkiye alone is home to more than 700 active fintech startups and boasts a digital payments volume exceeding $194 million. Zübeyiroğlu notes that this combination of scale and momentum positions Türkiye as both a proving ground and a launchpad for cross-border fintech expansion.
'IFW provides a unique dual lens — insight into a rapidly growing market and access to global fintech thought leadership. Participants leave with both localized knowledge and international perspective,' she adds.
The 2025 edition will feature three flagship summits: Digital Finance, AI in Finance, and Web3, each exploring transformative technologies in capital markets, payments, and banking infrastructure. Complementary tracks such as Women in Fintech, TradeTech, and Fintech for Businesses underscore IFW's commitment to diversity and actionable innovation.
In addition to keynote panels, exclusive C-suite roundtables will tackle issues like regulatory alignment, while country-specific briefings will shed light on rapidly evolving fintech markets from the GCC to Sub-Saharan Africa. A highlight of the event is the start-up showcase in partnership with Fintech Factory, where founders will pitch to venture capitalists scouting the next breakthrough in embedded finance.
Within the 'Fintech for Businesses' track, focused panels will delve into practical applications of financial technology — one session, titled 'Fintech in Agriculture – Transforming Agribusiness,' will explore how digital payments, insurtech, and blockchain are being used to enhance financial inclusion, improve access to financing, and streamline agricultural supply chains. Another session, 'Fintech in Retail – The Evolution of Payments & Commerce,' will examine the growing influence of BNPL, digital wallets, embedded finance, and the transformative role of AI and data analytics in reshaping the retail financial landscape.
IFW 2025 will feature an impressive lineup of global experts, including Ronit Ghose, Future of Finance Lead at Citi and author of Future Money; Theodosia Togia, Managing Director of AI/ML at JPMorgan Chase; Christine Abou Assali, Partner and Policy & Regulations Lead at the MENA Fintech Association; and Kieran Garvey, AI Research Lead at the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance.
Notable voices from the start-up world, such as Peter Grosskopf (COO, AllUnity) and Julie Barbier-Leblan (CEO, Merit Incentives), will also be part of the discussions. Additionally, the conference will feature prominent Turkish economist Dr Mahfi Eğilmez as a keynote speaker.
As part of the event, the Pioneers of Digital Finance awards, organised by KPMG will return to honor leading banks and fintech firms across categories like Visionary Bank and Financial Inclusion Champion. Finalists have until May 16 to submit their entries, with winners announced live on the IFW main stage.
Shaping the future of fintech
While AI, digital finance, and Web3 remain the dominant themes, Zübeyiroğlu believes the true power of IFW lies in its ability to foster collaboration. 'It's a launchpad for next-gen ideas, bold cross-border partnerships, and inclusive innovation strategies,' she says.
With its unique mix of global scope and regional depth, IFW 2025 is set to accelerate fintech progress in the region while reinforcing Istanbul's role as a prototype hub for the future of finance.
