Wrapping Up 2024 with Fintech Highlights and a Look Ahead

Hello, and welcome to the second edition of RoFintech Pulse!

Can you believe we’re already on the brink of bidding farewell to 2024?

With 2025 just around the corner, exciting developments are waiting for us, but for now, let’s take a moment to reflect on the latest fintech trends and updates from across Romania, Europe, and beyond. Grab your favourite drink, and let’s dive into this edition’s highlights!

What’s been happening in the fintech world?

BLIK gets authorisation in Romania

BLIK, the popular Polish mobile payment system, has officially received the green light to operate in Romania. Known for its secure and speedy online payments, ATM withdrawals, and point-of-sale transactions, BLIK is set to shake up the local payments landscape. This expansion signals a growing trend of cross-border fintech collaborations within Europe.

RoPay launches

RoPay, Romania's new instant mobile payment service by Transfond, is now live, with CEC Bank, Libra Internet Bank, and BRD among the first to adopt it. Major banks like BCR, ING, Banca Transilvania, and Raiffeisen Bank are set to join next year. The service offers free, instant mobile payments via QR codes, highlighting a significant milestone in the country’s shift towards instant payments.

iFactor rebrands as LENDOX

The Romanian fintech startup iFactor has rebranded as LendoX, reflecting its ambitious mission to drive financial inclusivity with smart lending solutions. By leveraging AI and data analytics, LendoX aims to simplify access to credit, especially for underserved markets, and position itself as a key player in Europe’s fintech ecosystem.

FintechIO launches BLIP Pay

FintechIO has introduced BLIP Pay, an innovative account-to-account (A2A) payment platform. Designed to streamline transactions and reduce reliance on traditional card networks, BLIP Pay offers businesses and consumers an efficient, cost-effective solution, heralding the future of A2A payment solutions.

The first FINE - Fintech Investor Network and Ecosystem #Matchmaking event

On December 5th, the FINE network hosted its inaugural #Matchmaking Event. It was a fantastic opportunity for investors, SMEs, and startups to connect, exchange insights, and explore co-investment opportunities. We hope you were able to join in on this exciting gathering!

BANKING 4.0 | NOCASH EVENTS conference

The RoFintech team was at the Banking 4.0 conference in November, where experts discussed some of the most pressing topics in fintech, such as conversational banking, digital identity, and the future of Web 3.0. It was a great opportunity to reconnect with professionals in the field and stay ahead of the curve on emerging trends.

FinTech Connect took place at the end of November

At FinTech Connect in London, we had the opportunity to foster new partnerships while diving into key trends like AI, payments, embedded finance, and quantum computing. Cristian Pasa, CAIA from Fagura was our correspondent at the event, keeping us updated on the latest developments. Any fellow Romanian fintech entrepreneurs or members in attendance? Tell us about your thoughts on the event!

What’s trending in fintech right now?

1.???? Embedded finance continues to grow

Embedded finance is rising, with non-financial companies integrating financial services into their platforms. Expect even more innovation in the coming months, with services like Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) in retail, insurance-as-a-service for instant policies, and subscription-based financial tools, especially in wellness and education.

2.???? Green fintech and ESG efforts

Sustainability is becoming a core focus in fintech. Look out for more apps and platforms designed to help track carbon footprints, alongside an uptick in funding for ESG-aligned lending solutions and climate risk assessment tools for financial institutions.

Upcoming fintech events you won’t want to miss

ProMoney Baltic Payment Forum 2025?(March 5, Vilnius)

A key event for (Ro)Fintech founders and members to connect, explore digital payment trends, and hear from Cosmin Cosma, President of the Romanian Fintech Association, at the panel on "Innovations in Payments and Fintech Growth Drivers.

FinovateEurope 2025 (March 11-13, Amsterdam)

A must-attend for those looking to discover the latest in open banking, regtech, and green fintech, all while networking with industry leaders.

MoneyLive Spring 2025 (April 15-16, London)

A key event for anyone interested in the future of banking, payments, and the role of AI in customer engagement.

And that’s a wrap for 2024! Thank you for being with ???? Romanian Fintech Association on this journey. We look forward to sharing more updates with you in 2025. In the meantime, we wish you a wonderful holiday season and encourage you to stay tuned to our social media for the latest news and insights!

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