Event Details

Be inspired by women making waves in the EMEA payments industry and beyond. Join us at the 2025 Symposium! Our theme for this year is "Architect Your Future".


Our keynotes, panels, and break-out sessions will help strengthen your skills while keeping you on top of industry trends. Hear from women leaders on a variety of subjects including current payments issues and initiatives, fintech, and leadership. You'll also have the opportunity to network with women at all levels and with diverse backgrounds in payment and fintech. This is a must-attend event for any woman who's serious about accelerating her career in the payments industry.


The Women in Payments symposium is a unique event that provides perspectives from key women leaders in payments, supports diversity and gender parity, and includes topics impacting all aspects of the payments ecosystem. The format includes keynote addresses, executive panel discussions, career development breakout sessions and networking breaks. This forum is an unparalleled opportunity that is empowering, current and immediately relevant to any woman pursuing a career in payments.



*** ALL PRICES SHOWN DO NOT INCLUDE THE VAT TAX. THIS WILL BE ADDED UPON REGISTRATION CHECKOUT ***

Apr 9 & 10, 2025 (BST)

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County Hall
London
United Kingdom
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Agenda

NOTE: When viewing the Agenda on the Women in Payments mobile APP, please note the program is not shown in chronological order. Agenda is displayed by three tracks: Digital Payments, Payments Innovation and Career & Talent Development. Times will overlap as there are three tracks and topics within to choose from. 

  • Thames lounge
    12:30 - 13:00REGISTRATION
    15:20 - 15:50NETWORKING BREAK
    17:10 - 18:00AWARDS RECEPTION
    MAIN STAGE/ County Suite
    13:00 - 13:10WELCOME REMARKS
    13:10 - 13:25OPENING REMARKS
    13:25 - 13:30KEYNOTE INTRODUCTION
    13:30 - 14:00OPENING KEYNOTE
    14:00 - 14:30GLOBAL POLITICAL LANDSCAPE
    The global geopolitical landscape has a profound effect on Europe's financial community. Trade disruptions, sanctions, and economic tensions—such as those stemming from the Russia-Ukraine war—continue to reshape market dynamics, causing volatility and investment uncertainty. Additional factors such as shifts in U.S. monetary policy, China’s economic slowdown, and global supply chain challenges further impact European markets. In response, financial institutions face increased regulatory scrutiny and the need for diversification to mitigate risks. Geopolitical instability also impacts cross-border investments, sparking initiatives like the European Central Bank's digital euro and efforts to reduce reliance on non-EU financial systems. These measures aim to enhance Europe’s financial sovereignty and resilience. Our experts will dive into the far-reaching impacts of global affairs on Europe’s financial landscape.
    15:50 - 16:20PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE - GEN AI, QUANTUM COMPUTING AND MORE
    This panel will discuss how Europe is actively preparing for a future shaped by AI and quantum computing through strategic investments in research, infrastructure, and talent development. Initiatives like the European Commission’s Digital Compass and Horizon Europe programs focus on advancing AI and quantum technologies while promoting ethical AI frameworks and robust data privacy measures. Collaborative initiatives like the Quantum Flagship and AI4EU support cross-border innovation. Key players in both public and private sectors are building quantum computing capabilities, aiming to lead in fields like cryptography and material science. Europe also emphasizes building regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible, transparent AI use while nurturing a skilled workforce to compete globally in these transformative technologies. This panel will explore Europe’s forward-looking strategies and how they are equipping the region to compete globally in these emerging technologies.
    18:00 - 18:05WELCOME REMARKS
    18:05 - 19:15AWARDS DINNER
    19:15 - 19:20KEYNOTE INTRODUCTION
    19:20 - 19:50AWARDS KEYNOTE
    19:50 - 21:00AWARDS PRESENTATION
    Chancellor 1 & 2
    14:40 - 15:20SPONSORED NETWORKING SESSION
    Discover the power of positive relationships at our networking session, designed to unite and empower women through industry connections. The session will feature an interactive Ambition Board Workshop, designed to empower, and inspire through the sharing of personal ambitions. The aim is to foster self-belief and belonging as attendees create profound connections with like-minded women, exchanging contact details and building a supportive network that extends beyond the symposium. Join us in an atmosphere of camaraderie, empowerment, and inspiration. Together, we can inspire change, foster inclusion, and empower each other to reach new heights.
    16:30 - 17:10FUELING CREATIVITY THROUGH DIVERISTY
    This panel explores the evolving workplace, where diversity extends beyond gender and race to encompass life experiences, neurodiversity, and individual perspectives. Panellists will share how inclusive environments fuel creativity and innovation, offering transformative lessons from their experiences. Key discussions will include mentoring strategies to champion people of all genders, fostering collaboration between leadership and management, and building inclusive cultures. Attendees will be inspired to embrace alternative talent paths, trust transferable skills, and dare to hire unconventionally. Discover how celebrating diversity empowers individuals and organisations to tackle challenges with boldness, unlocking unique potential for innovation and business success.
    Lord 1&2
    14:40 - 15:20NAVIGATING SUCCESS THROUGH CAREER MOBILITY
    Join us for an insightful fireside chat exploring how mobility, both physical and career-driven, fuels success in today’s fast-paced world. Discover the transformative power of career mobility, from embracing new opportunities to navigating diverse roles and industries. Gain valuable insights into how moving between teams, functions, or locations can accelerate professional growth, foster innovation, and build a dynamic skill set. This session will also highlight the importance of personal flexibility in leadership development, offering practical strategies to leverage mobility for long-term career success and organisational impact in an ever-changing business landscape.
    16:30 - 17:10REGULATING ECOSYSTEMS โ€“ CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES
    Explore what it takes to build a world-leading payments ecosystem through regulatory alignment, collaboration, and consumer-centric strategies. This session will delve into regulatory complexities, the role of inclusive innovation, and strategies for fostering diversity within financial solutions. Gain valuable insights into navigating regulatory challenges, promoting sustainable solutions, and achieving global reach—all while learning how to build a resilient and inclusive payments ecosystem that meets the needs of diverse businesses and consumers.
    Westminster
    14:40 - 15:20EMBEDDED FINANCE: TRANSFORMING THE B2B PAYMENTS ECOSYSTEM
    Embedded finance is transforming the B2C space, delivering seamless financial services at the point of need. However, while B2B adoption remains limited, businesses are now demanding similar frictionless experiences to those they enjoy as consumers. This workshop will explore emerging use cases for embedded finance in the B2B sector, examine current trends, and highlight what’s on the horizon. Join us as we discuss how businesses can unlock value through integrated payment solutions, streamline financial processes, and meet rising expectations. Gain valuable insights into this evolving landscape and stay ahead in the next wave of payment innovation.
    16:30 - 17:10SMALL BUSINESSES INNOVATION - WHATโ€™S NEXT?
    Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, driving local economies, creating jobs, and meeting diverse needs. In this workshop, we’ll explore the unique challenges and opportunities faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in today’s digital landscape. Discover innovative tools, reliable solutions, and strategies designed to support their daily operations and ensure long-term success. Join us to uncover how empowering small businesses with the right resources not only fosters their success but also strengthens communities and economies.
  • Thames lounge
    08:00 - 08:40REGISTATION & NETWORKING BREAKFAST
    10:10 - 10:40NETWORKING BREAK
    12:15 - 13:30NETWORKING LUNCH
    03:40 - 16:10NETWORKING BREAK
    MAIN STAGE/ County Suite
    08:40 - 08:50WELCOME REMARKS
    08:50 - 09:05OPENING REMARKS
    09:05 - 09:10KEYNOTE INTRODUCTION
    09:10 - 09:40OPENING KEYNOTE
    09:40 - 10:10EXECUTIVE PANEL - THE MANY PATHS TO SUCCESS
    Women in Europe’s payments sector have excelled through talent, mentorship, and strategic career development. This panel features industry leaders sharing how they’ve advanced by mastering emerging technologies, building professional networks, and demonstrating strong leadership. They’ll discuss the importance of collaboration, innovation, and staying ahead of regulatory changes and market trends. Additionally, the panel will explore how women-led initiatives and career development opportunities have empowered professionals to succeed. These executives will illustrate how leveraging skills and expertise has enabled them to thrive in a fast-evolving industry, driving innovation and shaping the future of the payments sector.
    13:30 - 14:00ESG - CHANGES IN PAYMENTS REGULATION
    Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, along with sustainability, have become integral to European business practices, driven by regulatory frameworks like the EU Green Deal and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Companies across Europe are increasingly focused on reducing carbon emissions, promoting social equity, and ensuring strong governance to meet these evolving standards. Investors and stakeholders demand greater transparency, and sustainability is often tied to long-term profitability. Europe’s leadership in green finance, renewable energy, and sustainable innovation underscores its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. As consumer expectations shift, businesses are integrating ESG criteria into their operations to foster resilience and meet evolving regulatory and market demands. This panel of experts will discuss expected changes in the payments landscape and explore how ESG and sustainability are shaping the future of the industry.
    16:10 - 16:40THE GREAT DEBATE: AGILE TEAMS
    This debate explores two distinct approaches to developing Agile teams: embracing cutting-edge technologies and tools versus relying on time-tested practices. The discussion will explore how each approach can foster innovation, adaptability, and collaboration while addressing the challenges of today’s workplaces. The two teams will examine the balance between leveraging modern advancements and maintaining foundational principles. With Europe’s diverse workplace culture as a backdrop, they’ll examine which approach better equips organisations to thrive in dynamic environments. Engage in this lively discussion and decide—what drives true agility?
    16:40 - 16:45KEYNOTE INTRODUCTION
    16:45 - 17:15CLOSING KEYNOTE
    17:15 - 17:30CLOSING REMARKS
    17:30 - 19:00CLOSING COCKTAIL
    Chancellor 1 & 2
    10:40 - 11:20PAYMENT TRENDS - THE FUTURE IS NOW
    As digital payments reshape the landscape of commerce, this session explores the key trends driving the future of financial services. We’ll discuss the growing importance of real-time payments, open banking, and cross-border solutions in creating secure, inclusive ecosystems that support underbanked communities. Key trends like A2A payments, Pay by Bank, and tokenisation are revolutionising the UK, Europe, and beyond, enhancing the e-commerce experience. With AI driving security and personalisation and DLT/blockchain transforming transactions, discover how these innovations are paving the way for safer, more seamless digital payment solutions in the future.
    11:30 - 12:10TRUSTWORTHY EXCHANGES AND AI
    Explore the intersection of trustworthy exchanges and AI in enhancing the security, efficiency, and transparency of financial transactions. Participants will gain insights into how AI technologies can detect and prevent fraud, ensure data privacy, and improve the overall reliability of digital exchanges. Key topics include AI-driven risk management, automating compliance processes, and creating a trusted environment for both businesses and consumers. Discover how AI is transforming the landscape of digital exchanges by fostering trust, enabling seamless transactions, and empowering organisations to meet the growing security demands in the digital age.
    14:10 - 14:50WHATโ€™S NEW IN CROSS-BORDER PAYMENTS
    Dive into the latest trends in cross-border payments—from the rise of alternative methods such as mobile wallets, BNPL, and cryptocurrencies, to the evolving customer experience, shaped by fintech innovations and data-driven personalization. Discover how integrating these technologies can create seamless, future-ready and regionally tailored payment experiences while addressing key challenges such as fraud prevention, technical advancements, and cross-border interoperability. Gain actionable insights into navigating the rapidly evolving global payments landscape and preparing for the future of consumer transactions.
    15:00 - 15:40BUILDING FOR THE CONSUMER
    Join us for an engaging discussion on innovative strategies to enhance payment systems, creating seamless experiences for both merchants and consumers. This session will explore practical approaches for balancing efficiency with convenience, featuring real-world examples. Discover emerging trends shaping the future of payments and gain valuable insights into how digital currencies are revolutionising cross-border payments.
    Lord 1&2
    10:40 - 11:20CHALLENGES TO TRIUMPH: BUILDING CAREER RESILIENCE
    In this fireside chat, you will discover the power of resilience and learn how to thrive in high-pressure environments while staying true to your identity. This session explores strategies for cultivating leadership skills, finding your voice, and creating pathways for success — even when you're the only one in the room. Gain valuable insights into the importance of mentorship, networking, and DE&I initiatives, alongside candid reflections on balancing work with personal challenges, such as caregiving and parenting children with neurodiversity. Uncover practical approaches to building resilience, maintaining purpose, and fostering positivity in competitive spaces, empowering you to navigate your career with confidence and impact.
    11:30 - 12:10THE ROAD AHEAD FOR B2B PAYMENTS
    How can payments companies help digital businesses strike the perfect balance between cost optimisation and exceptional customer experiences? This fireside chat dives into the strategies driving success in the B2B payments space. Join our experts as they explore cutting-edge solutions like tokenisation and advanced payment orchestration, offering practical insights into how businesses can streamline operations while delivering seamless experiences. We’ll also discuss staying competitive in an evolving market, highlighting key trends and innovations shaping the industry. Whether you’re navigating current challenges or planning for the future, this session will provide valuable perspectives for B2B payments success.
    14:10 - 14:50MACHINE LEARNING: PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS FOR AI
    In this fireside chat, we’ll explore how advancements in machine learning and AI are transforming the payments landscape. Beyond facilitating transactions, the future of software-led payments is about creating integrated, value-added experiences that enhance user engagement and enable innovative business models. We’ll discuss the key AI developments driving these changes, focusing on how AI technologies are enabling new, transformative customer experiences. From seamless payment processes to smarter solutions, this conversation will highlight the practical applications of machine learning in revolutionising payments and shaping the future of financial services.
    Westminster
    10:40 - 11:20RISK MANAGEMENT AND AI - TOOLS, TRENDS AND THREATS
    This workshop explores how financial institutions are increasingly focused on intercepting high-risk inbound transfers to fraudsters, targeting scams, and detecting mule accounts more effectively. Gain valuable insights into security programs that leverage AI and emerging data sources to combat payment risks. Explore the latest advancements in payment risk intelligence and how AI and machine learning (ML) are reshaping fraud detection. Understand current threats and uncover innovative tools to safeguard against digital payment fraud.
    11:30 - 12:10PATHWAYS TO LEADERSHIP: PREPARING FOR BOARD SUCCESS
    Join us for an empowering workshop on securing Non-Executive Director (NED) and board roles, with a focus on addressing gender disparities in leadership. Despite progress, achieving parity, especially in board chair roles, remains a challenge. This session will explore actionable strategies, including mentorship, tailored development programs, and clear pathways to leadership success. Learn how to challenge traditional norms, position yourself as a strong candidate, and inspire systemic change to increase diversity in boardrooms. Whether you're an aspiring leader or an advocate for equity, this workshop provides the tools and inspiration needed to increase the representation of women on boards and make a lasting impact.
    15:00 - 15:40AMPLIFY YOUR VOICE: BUILDING A POWERFUL PERSONAL BRAND
    Explore the fundamentals of creating a compelling personal brand that enhances career opportunities and strengthens your professional presence. This workshop offers practical guidance on articulating your unique value, highlighting your strengths, and fostering trust within your network. Discover how to leverage marketing and communication strategies, maximize visibility, and consistently deliver on your brand promise to build credibility. Gain actionable insights to elevate your personal brand, empowering you to stand out in competitive spaces, amplify your voice, and unlock new opportunities in your career journey.
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