UNCHAIN is more than a fintech event—it’s a space where decision-makers from across Central and Eastern Europe come together in a relaxed, open atmosphere to spark meaningful interaction and lasting connections. Set against a vibrant summer festival backdrop, UNCHAIN blends serious ideas with genuine human connection, creating a space where borders fade and collaborations take the center stage.
As one international delegate put it, “Everyone says their event is relaxed and relevant. UNCHAIN actually delivers that rare mix of serious ideas and genuine connections.” The festival’s mission is clear: to interconnect the region’s finance leaders, foster authentic exchange, and turn conversations into action. With its unique blend of purpose and personality, UNCHAIN has become the most relevant fintech gathering in the CEE—and will be coming back in 2026 with even more practical insights, new partnerships, and the same spirit: authentic, connected, and ready for what’s next.
A Vibrant Fusion of Finance and Festival
The key topics at UNCHAIN were as dynamic as the people in the room—over 60 sessions packed with fresh ideas, future-thinking strategies, and real-world solutions. From game-changing tech to bold regulatory conversations, the agenda left no stone unturned. As Andrew Samu, Editor at Disruption Banking and Host of UNCHAIN put it:
“Key trends likeartificial intelligence and instant paymentswere high on the agenda, but speakers were not shy to discuss topics like how long a digital euro might take to be released, or the current stable coin and wider crypto discussion. It’s important to note that Central Eastern Europe is evolving differently to other regions around the world—instant payments are already in place in many countries. The challenge the banking and fintech sectors face is about what the next iteration of fintech solutions might look like.”
Catalin Cretu, General Manager for Romania, Croatia, Slovenia and Bulgaria at Visa added: “Visa was pleased to join industry leaders and partners at UNCHAIN Festival, a premier event shaping the future of finance in Central and Eastern Europe. UNCHAIN once again demonstrated its strength as a powerful platform for shaping the future of finance, facilitating meaningful dialogue with clients, partners, regulators, and digital innovators. This year’s discussions—ranging from AI in banking and neobanking to embedded finance and cross-sector transformation—highlighted the dynamic evolution of our industry.
As a committed strategic partner since the festival’s inception, Visa supports UNCHAIN’s vision of fostering regional resilience, bridging traditional and emerging financial sectors, and accelerating market growth. We look forward to continued collaboration as we build a more connected and innovative financial ecosystem across the region”
Payments Revolution: Instant, Seamless, and Scalable
UNCHAIN’s payments track burst with energy and innovation, reflecting the CEE region’s bold momentum in instant payments and financial infrastructure development. From real-time rails to orchestration platforms, the conversation was rooted in how to build a seamless, scalable future across fragmented markets—and how collaboration is the key to unlocking it.
One of the major highlights was BLIK’s expansion into Romania—a proven Polish success story now taking its real-time mobile payment solution across borders. With BLIK already widely adopted in Poland, its move into Romania showcased how homegrown innovation can scale regionally. By enabling users to pay instantly via mobile, even without a physical card, BLIK is delivering convenience, security, and a highly localized digital experience tailored to the needs of modern consumers and merchants. It’s a big step forward in interconnecting the region’s payment ecosystems and bringing practical, proven solutions to new markets.
Visa Direct also took the spotlight, demonstrating how push payment capabilities are modernizing the way money moves—between people, across platforms, and even across borders. As a key enabler of real-time transactions, Visa Direct is helping fintechs and financial institutions in CEE tap into faster, more transparent money movement, unlocking new business models and customer experiences along the way.
Meanwhile, Payten Romania, Worldline, and SIBS Romania—three of the region’s most impactful infrastructure and processing players—brought forward tangible, future-ready solutions in payment orchestration, embedded finance, and acquiring. SIBS Romania mentioned its advanced POS-sharing model, a smart solution designed to reduce hardware duplication and operational friction for merchants—especially relevant in multi-brand retail environments. This innovation not only improves the customer checkout experience but also supports a more efficient and sustainable payment infrastructure across markets.
Worldline shared its vision for the future of payments in CEE, centered around building open, secure, and interoperable systems that adapt to the region’s unique needs. From enabling next-gen digital wallets to offering flexible acquiring models, Worldline emphasized its role in shaping a future where innovation is not limited by borders, and every transaction becomes smarter, faster, and more human-centered.
Payten Romania, meanwhile, showcased the success of its collaboration with Auchan, delivering streamlined and robust orchestration of in-store and online payments. This partnership demonstrated how integrated solutions can drive both efficiency and customer satisfaction at scale, creating a seamless ecosystem from checkout to settlement.
Together, these partners are not just keeping up with change—they’re driving it. Their presence at UNCHAIN highlighted a shared commitment to building a unified, agile, and interoperable payments landscape that supports innovation across industries, markets, and regulatory frameworks throughout the CEE. From seamless consumer journeys to scalable infrastructure and game-changing partnerships, the payments sessions at UNCHAIN proved one thing above all: in CEE, the future of money is already in motion—and only gaining speed.
Lending Reimagined: Embedded Finance and Inclusion
Lending at UNCHAIN was anything but traditional. Across sessions, speakers explored how lending is being reimagined through embedded finance, BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) models, and smarter credit decisioning powered by open data and AI. A key theme was how POS systems and online marketplaces are no longer just transaction points—they’re fast becoming distribution channels for financial products. From microloans to merchant financing, these platforms now act as both service touchpoints and lead generators, creating a bridge between new-age fintech and established banking institutions.
Big announcements reinforced this shift—most notably the launch of a cooperative partnership between Global Payments, Lendox and Visa designed to streamline access to SME lending. It represents a powerful move to digitize credit distribution and support business growth at scale, particularly in underserved markets across CEE.
“By combining the power of Lendox’s credit intelligence engine, the cards and payments infrastructure of Global Payments, and the global reach of Visa’s rails, a new horizon is emerging, one where supply chains are unlocked through an innovative, invisible, Embedded SME lending. This is not just about AI and technology—it’s about inclusion at scale. The strategic partnership stands as proof of how fintech and large financial institutions can collaborate in order to solve the huge problem of SMEs financial inclusions“. states Cosmin Curticapean, CEO of Lendox.
The spirit of innovation also shone through in the UNCHAIN Startup Tournament, where Mifundo took the top prize. Their cross-border lending platform addresses a key regional challenge: serving individuals with multi-country lives. As Mifundo’s CEO shared on stage, millions of Eastern Europeans working abroad struggle to access fair credit when they return home due to fragmented credit histories. By integrating data from over 70% of Europe’s credit bureaus, Mifundo enables local banks to make responsible, inclusive lending decisions and offer returning citizens the same conditions as domestic clients. It’s a win-win for financial inclusion and bank growth.
“There has been notable progress in the modernization and digitalization of financial services in recent years. However, there is still room for innovation, and cross-border lending remains a key area of opportunity. We estimate that around 45 million Europeans will apply for a loan in a country different from the one where they’ve built their credit history. Keep in mind that, according to Eurostat, 1.5 million Europeans move to a different EU country each year.” states Alex Blay, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Mifundo.
At UNCHAIN, lending wasn’t just about capital—it was about access, identity, and creating seamless pathways for financial empowerment in a fast-moving, mobile world.
Digital Transformation: From Legacy to Lightning-Speed
This was where the sparks really flew. The Digital Transformation track at UNCHAIN wasn’t just about buzzwords—it spotlighted how institutions across CEE are trading old systems for fast, flexible, and future-ready infrastructure. From cloud-native platforms and AI-powered services to digital identity and EUDI wallets, the sessions brought together some of the sharpest minds reshaping finance’s digital backbone.
Leading the way, Raiffeisen Bank shared its bold leap into the cloud with Amazon Web Services (AWS), illustrating how major institutions can unlock agility, scalability, and innovation when they leave legacy behind. Garanti Bank introduced us to GIA, its AI-powered virtual advisor, which delivers 24/7 personalized assistance and exemplifies the growing role of conversational AI in modern banking. And Banca Transilvania showcased together with Finshape how BT GO is setting new standards for mobile banking—offering speed, simplicity, and smart services for millions of users. Their trailblazing progress was rightly honored during the event with the CEE Digital Bank of the Year Award 2025, powered by Visa—a well-earned recognition for Banca Transilvania’s leadership in redefining what a full-service digital bank of the future looks like.
A remarkable spirit of innovation was echoed in a panel featuring BRD Groupe Société Générale, Payten Romania, Visa, Symphopay, and Transfond, which explored how real-time technologies and smarter liquidity tools are transforming corporate payments. The session underscored the growing importance of agile infrastructure and digital-first cash management in helping businesses stay efficient, competitive, and connected across channels.
A standout panel featuring IBM and IT Smart Systems zoomed in on the data-driven foundations of transformation—covering data governance, lineage, trust, and AI transparency. Experts emphasized that robust architecture and clear data ownership are now just as crucial as the front-end experiences. Building trust in data—from source to decision-making—emerged as a critical factor in accelerating innovation responsibly. It was a clear reminder: behind every great digital leap is a rock-solid data strategy.
The push toward neobanks and superapps was also in full focus. Agile players like Natech and Snappi demonstrated what’s possible when you build banking experiences from the ground up—lean, mobile-first, and deeply user-centric. As AI becomes increasingly embedded into core services, the conversation moved from automation to prediction, from customer service to customer intuition.
Resilience, of course, remained a central theme. Cybersecurity leaders like FORT emphasized the urgent need for fortified, real-time security frameworks, especially as digital ecosystems become more interconnected and data-heavy. Meanwhile, Namirial emerged as a key transformational player in the adoption of EUDI wallets, helping translate the EU’s vision for cross-border digital identity into practical, scalable solutions. Their efforts are paving the way for a more secure and user-empowered future in digital onboarding and authentication.
In short, the message was clear: digital transformation isn’t about catching up—it’s about staying ahead. And for those who embrace it fully, the future of finance is already here.
Fintersections: Finance Meets Real-World Industries
New to UNCHAIN this year, Fintersections explored one of the most exciting trends shaping finance today—the growing convergence of financial services, technology, and traditional industries. As banks, fintechs, and insuretechs aim to move closer to the end user, they’re embedding financial solutions directly into the platforms, journeys, and ecosystems that define daily life and commerce. Whether it’s agriculture, fleet & fuel, or retail, the message is the same: the future of finance isn’t just digital—it’s deeply contextual.
In the Fleet & Fuel vertical, the momentum was unmistakable. From Eurowag and E100 to Petrol Pay, Token, and Global Payments, industry leaders discussed how financial services—payments, tolling, insurance, and credit—are being woven directly into the driver’s journey. Embedded finance is no longer a perk; it’s a competitive necessity, unlocking new revenue streams and operational efficiency for platforms like Autonom, Cargo Track, and Westaco. The panel explored how data, integration, and experience design are aligning to make fleet services smarter, faster, and more user-centric than ever.
Over in Retail, BNPL remained a strong theme. Platforms like Twisto and Klarna continue to refine how consumers shop online, but it was eMAG that made headlines by stepping fully into the fintech space with the launch of HeyBlu. Meanwhile, retailers like Auchan showcased how financial partnerships—especially through payment orchestration and credit options—can transform both checkout experience and customer lifetime value. And Pluxee turned heads with its innovative employee benefit programs, proving that smart incentives can drive real-world retail traffic while deepening the financial relationship with users.
In Agriculture, conversations focused on personalization, precision, and unlocking capital. Agricover presented a comprehensive vision for improving the financial lifecycle of farmers, from tailored lending to embedded insurance. NHR Agro Partners emphasized how precision farming isn’t just about tech—it’s about efficiency, sustainability, and profitability, making the need for intelligent financing even more urgent. That’s where players like Lande come in, offering new funding models and platforms that are finally addressing the capital access gap for SMEs in the agro sector.
At the core of Fintersections was a unifying insight: finance works best when it works where people work. Across industries, integrated financial tools are no longer just nice to have—they’re the engine of growth, trust, and transformation. UNCHAIN didn’t just talk about the future of finance—it showed where.
Insurance Redefined: Innovation and Inclusion in CEE
At UNCHAIN 2025, insurance didn’t just show up—it transformed. Once seen as a slow-moving sector, it emerged as one of the most actively reimagined industries at the event. Across firesides and panels, the message was clear: in Central and Eastern Europe, insurance isn’t catching up—it’s leapfrogging.
The shift started with a deep dive into insurtech innovation across CEE. Leaders from FlowX.AI, InsurWiz, and Eazy Asigurări explored how tech is finally making digital insurance operationally viable at scale. While legacy challenges persist, the mood was optimistic—especially around startups and incumbents learning to co-create.
The regulatory landscape is changing, too. With the EU’s FiDA proposal back on the table, the idea of open insurance is gaining traction. As Andres Lehtmets highlighted, access to customer-permissioned data could redefine both competition and collaboration in insurance ecosystems.
A standout moment came during the AI in Insurance fireside, where panelists from RebelDot, Campion Broker, Hellas Direct and Marsh shared how AI is already powering claims automation, personalization, and fraud detection. The message: this isn’t hype—it’s already happening.
Insurance distribution, often overlooked, had its spotlight too. Founders revealed what it takes to go from pilot to scale—and as Erik Barna, UNCHAIN InsurTech industry expert noted, “we’re witnessing a rapid leap from pilot projects to fully scaled digital distribution models, especially in underserved markets like Romania, Bulgaria, and the Western Balkans.” This mix of local ingenuity and global ambition is fueling embedded insurance models in sectors like mobility and e-commerce, reporting conversion rates as high as 15–18% when integrated directly into partner ecosystems.
But insurance isn’t just being sold differently—it’s being redesigned. On-demand, modular, and behavior-based models are no longer theoretical. Panelists debated how far personalization can go within the limits of regulatory frameworks and operational complexity.
The most forward-looking discussion asked: how do we insure the uninsured? Embedded niche products—like pet insurance or micro-health coverage—are quietly expanding protection to people who’ve never bought insurance before. When integrated into everyday life, insurance shifts from product to service experience.
By the end of UNCHAIN, the takeaway was unmistakable: insurance in CEE is becoming a testbed for reinvention, driven not just by risk management, but by technology, empathy, and bold ideas.
Regulation and Investment: Building a Resilient Ecosystem
At the heart of UNCHAIN’s dialogue was a shared understanding: innovation cannot thrive without regulation that’s both forward-looking and pragmatic. Across the region, central banks are taking the lead, not just as overseers but as active architects shaping the financial landscape.
Representatives from the National Banks of Romania, Croatia, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic painted a vivid picture of this evolving role. They are driving the rollout of low-cost, instant payment systems—a critical infrastructure aimed at making transactions faster and more accessible for everyone. But beyond speed, their mission is to build a system that is safe, resilient, and inclusive. As Claudiu Negrea of Romania’s central bank emphasized, this is about opening markets in a way that balances innovation with stability, ensuring trust in a rapidly changing ecosystem.
This regulatory momentum is mirrored in the transformation of capital markets, where blockchain technologies are moving beyond hype into practical application. Leaders from Binance, Billon Group, and Pekao Bank shared how blockchain is increasingly embedded into compliance and finance operations, a shift powered by clear frameworks like the upcoming MiCA regulation. These advancements are not just technical—they represent a new phase where regulators and innovators collaborate to unlock real value, fostering ecosystems where fintechs and traditional institutions thrive side by side.
Investment, too, is being reshaped by these changes. The panel of asset managers and fintech CEOs explored how the modern investor demands simplicity, speed, and digital empowerment. Platforms leverage AI, tokenization, and social features to meet diverse needs—from novice to expert investors. But all agreed that regulatory clarity remains essential to build confidence and unlock cross-border opportunities, creating a level playing field where innovation can scale without compromising safety.
Together, these conversations tell a powerful story: CEE is not waiting for the future of finance—it is defining it. Central banks are proving that thoughtful regulation can be a catalyst, not a constraint, while startups and institutions collaborate to build seamless, secure financial experiences.
What became unmistakably clear at UNCHAIN is that success in this region lies in integration—not just of technologies, but of voices. By bringing together regulators, financial institutions, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across CEE, UNCHAIN fosters the kind of cross-border dialogue that builds trust, dismantles silos, and lays the foundation for long-term growth. Only through genuine friendship and deep cooperation can we lower barriers, unlock capital, and lift the entire region onto the global stage. From regulators enabling open markets to startups embedding finance into everyday experiences, progress will come from working together—not in parallel, but in sync.
As Rik Coeckelbergs, author of The New Ethos in Banking, beautifully summed up, “Everyone says their event is relaxed and relevant. UNCHAIN actually delivers that rare mix of serious ideas and genuine connections.”
Celebrating Excellence: UNCHAIN 2025 Award Winners
Digital Bank of the Year 2025: Banca Transilvania Sets the Standard
A major highlight at UNCHAIN 2025 was the “CEE Digital Bank of the Year Award,” powered by UNCHAIN x Visa, awarded to Banca Transilvania. The recognition reflects the bank’s groundbreaking strides toward becoming a truly full-service digital bank.
With its evolving BT GO and BT Pay platform, Banca Transilvania is delivering fast, intuitive, and AI-enhanced banking to millions—raising the bar for what modern banking can be. From seamless onboarding to always-on digital services, Banca Transilvania has blended innovation with usability in a way that’s both bold and customer-centric.
In a region accelerating toward digital maturity, BT stands out not just for its technology, but for its clear vision and execution—offering a blueprint for the future of banking in CEE and beyond.
Startup Tournament: Mifundo Takes the Win at UNCHAIN 2025
The UNCHAIN Startup Tournament competition crowned Mifundo as its 2025 winner—recognizing the fintech’s bold mission to make cross-border lending as seamless as local credit.
By enabling banks to serve customers across the EU without borders, Mifundo is tackling one of the region’s most persistent pain points. Their tech-driven approach to portability and regulatory alignment struck a chord with judges and investors alike.
A well-earned victory that signals not just promise, but real momentum toward a more open and inclusive European credit market.
Looking forward to 2026!
About UNCHAIN Fintech Festival
UNCHAIN Festival is a premier event that brings together the financial and tech sectors from across Central and Eastern Europe, acting as a regional platform for cross-industry collaboration and innovation. Set in the historic Oradea Fortress, the festival connects markets, communities, and ideas, creating the space where emerging trends turn into actionable conversations and strategic partnerships. Since 2022, UNCHAIN serves as a regional launchpad, pushing innovation forward and bridging the gap between traditional industries and the future of finance.
All of this is possible thanks to the foundational involvement of regional fintech innovators such as Visa, the event’s Main Partner, together with Raiffeisen Bank Romania, BRD Groupe Société Générale, Banca Transilvania as Banking Partners, Global Payments, BLIK, Payten Romania as Gold Partners, Hellas Direct, RebelDot, Campion Broker as InsurTech Partners. Event sponsors that support innovation throughout the CEE region are Garanti BBVA, SIBS Romania, Worldline, Digital Systems, IT Smart Systems, Noda, Finshape, Amazon Web Services, NOTA, Namirial, FORT, Imobiliare.ro Finance, Austria Card, BTCBNK, Finqware, CMS Cameron McKenna and VeritaHR.
Hosting partnerships further strengthen the event’s regional ties, with support from Visit Oradea and Make IT in Oradea — a collaboration reflecting the city’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation — alongside LOT Airlines, Oradea Airport, Autonom, Izvorul Minunilor, Digi, Duval Furniture, Darabont Winnery, Aerotravel and ADD.
