The payments ecosystem has undergone a significant transformation due to shifts in technology and consumer behavior, leading to the emergence of various new payment methods. In this dynamic landscape, partnerships have become integral to facilitating a seamless payment experience for both consumers and businesses. During the workshop, our leaders will delve into the process of securing strategic partnerships, exploring the influential role partnerships play, and charting a path forward in the ever-evolving payments landscape. This discussion draws insights from data included in the Discover-commissioned Fintech State of the Union Study.

Climate change is a global priority that is fundamentally changing the financial services industry (and most other industries in the economy, too). Firms across the FI ecosystem are developing strategies to embed climate & sustainability into their strategy and core offerings – payments is no exception. While the evidence of innovation is there, there are also many unanswered questions, in particular – how do these solutions also create business value for the firm? This workshop will explore some of the exciting developments we are seeing in wholesale & retail payments – across deposits, card, and data & analytics offerings. We’ll bring together leaders from firms at the forefront of this innovation to learn about their climate mission and how they are crafting a strategy that can also deliver impact to the bottom line.

Today’s workplace is more innovative and dynamic than ever. The impact of our post-COVID world is here to stay, spurring a new era of growth, innovation, flexibility, and ways of thinking. From access to new technologies at our fingertips – from generative AI to collaboration tools –that uplevel our skillsets and drive better business outcomes, to navigating professional development for younger generations in a remote or hybrid environment, to breaking down gender barriers and instilling confidence to navigate difficult conversations – there are a range of exciting yet complex new challenges we’re up against. In this session an expert duo will lead an interactive conversation that tackles some of today’s most pressing trends, with a lens on how to engage each generation in a way that suits their needs to support a thriving and modernizing workforce.

Disruptive technologies have impacted payments and banking, with Quantum now fast becoming the new challenge. Are you prepared for “Y2Q”? Cryptographically Relevant Quantum Computers (CRQC) threaten the underpinning of many of our security protocols in payments. This session will address not only the fundamentals of quantum computing vs traditional computing but will draw the connection to payments and banking. What do payments product owners and security professionals need to understand as they work to stay ahead of threats, risks and opportunities for customers? Our expert speakers will discuss the various FI and Corporate initiatives underway including the APAC and US-based work group initiatives that address the challenges of quantum for the payments industry, including Proof of Concept’s.

True nationwide ubiquitous adoption of faster payments will come down to community banks and credit unions joining the ranks of the RTP Network, FedNow Service or both to provide their account holders the same experience consumers and businesses are seeing at larger banks who were first to implement. Join the discussion as these payment executives discuss the triumphs and challenges faced in engaging and educating the more than 7000+ community organizations critical to the success of faster payments in the U.S.

Fraud is an ever-present part of the payment universe and consumers are increasingly worried about the threat of fraud in their day-to-day life. But who are the people behind the scenes that are driving fraud prevention and innovation every day? Join us for an interactive session with some incredible female leaders in the fraud space to discuss: Trends they are seeing in fraud prevention, monitoring, and innovation. New opportunities fraudsters are taking advantage of in the faster payments space. The challenges they face and solutions they are working on in their roles.

March 2023 was a significant milestone for the payments industry as multiple market infrastructures all went live with ISO 20022 implementation. Now a year later, we will address the common misunderstandings around ISO 20022 adoption – unforeseen challenges before the big go-live, non-bank entity use cases, data quality, and new reporting messages. With the ongoing ISO 20022 efforts, our panel will include a range of subject matter experts who are continuing to navigate through ISO 20022 initiatives to guide and educate others making this the perfect time for a ‘myth busters’ session.

With consumers yearning for levity in trying times, this year’s Super Bowl ads showed us that humor is taking center stage again—the more offbeat, the better. Yet, financial services are too often marketed as earnest and product focused. Early Warning, the makers of Zelle®, are putting the fun back in online shopping by bringing to market a new checkout solution that is both more convenient and more secure: Paze. By building a payment service rooted in consumer’s trust in their own banks and credit unions, Paze earns the right to have fun… and be funny too. Understand the marketing strategy behind the joyful and story-first campaign.

Harnessing the full potential of AI to create positive outcomes for all. Artificial Intelligence (AI) could revolutionize industries, augment human capabilities, and tackle complex challenges when combined with technologies like Blockchain, edge computing and Internet-of-Things. However, mitigating predispositions in AI that stem from historical data and societal biases is crucial to develop inclusive solutions and requires a multifaceted approach. In this session, leaders will discuss promoting algorithmic transparency, ethical practices, and education to maximize AI’s potential. Addressing biases, strengthening data privacy, and providing opt-out-options without denial of service, are vital for positive AI impact and advancing open and inclusive financial solutions.

Digitization has transformed how people and businesses think about money. In this era of connected finance, providing frictionless choice and value in every interaction is vital. This session will explore how technologies like open banking, biometric authentication and tokenization, UPI, Digital Banks, and mergers are driving the future of payments. New entrants have entered and attempted to disrupt the market – Square, Stripe, Shopify, PayPal. Who is best suited to crack the code on the future of this evolving industry; banks, fintechs, digital banks, new entrants, or all of the above? Our panel of experts will share their perspectives on the evolution of payments.

With the rise of e-commerce, growing preference for digital payments and the increasing demand of real-time payments, consumers are driving treasury and payments departments to adapt and transform the way companies manage cash flow and handle payments. The panel will examine the key trends that are shaping the consumer landscape and discuss how treasurers and payments professionals can keep pace, including the exploration of global emerging innovation behind these trends and how they can apply to the transformation of payments for corporates.

Hear from our Executive Panel how post pandemic work has changed. The panel will explore the changing profile of their customers and how this impacts the day-to-day strategies that they deploy to develop their businesses. Have traditional approaches to client engagement changed to accommodate the behaviours of Gen X, Y, and Z. Can one approach serve all client profiles or is a matrix strategy the best approach.

Real-time and faster payments shorten financial transaction clearing times, raising the potential for security and fraud risks, and reinforcing the need for updated and agile security and fraud detection programs. This includes authentication and access protocols to protect against online fraud such as malware, phishing attempts, first-party fraud such as Synthetic Identify Fraud (SIFs), and other. As a result of ever-increasing high levels of risk, regulatory expectations are rapidly increasing. All financial services companies are expecting high levels of supervision and enforcement activity across the key challenge areas. Hear how our panel of experts are managing in an environment of regulatory change that is being implemented at a pace never seen before while maintaining growth in their businesses.

The Women in Payments Unicorn Challenge gives female-run fintech start-ups the chance to present their concepts to a panel of judges and an audience of payments professionals. Winners will have the chance to pitch to major market leaders to gain valuable feedback from industry experts. Don’t miss an exciting event.

Allies play a crucial role in supporting and addressing the challenges that women face in the workplace. Being an ally is more than just expressing support or solidarity with marginalized groups. It requires a commitment to taking action and continuously educating oneself about various identities and experiences. In this panel, it’s an opportunity for the panelists to share how allyship has been instrumental in advancing their career.

Neurodiversity is the concept that all humans vary in terms of our neurocognitive ability. This includes people with autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and other conditions. Diversity spans many different components including culture, gender, and how success is defined organizationally or within communities. Does the basic science behind why human behaviour inform what they do, and does their environment impact their responses? Are organizationally diverse companies best positioned to leverage the unique strengths and talents of their teams to innovate and grow their businesses? You will hear unique perspectives from this panel on why this is the key to success.

In this post pandemic environment what are the implications of hybrid and work from home in your industry and workforce? What is the impact on managing teams and your/their work/life balance? What are the implications of each work arrangement on career advancement? What is the impact on young talent? How can you attract and retain talent in this ever-changing environment? How do you spot a quiet quitter? In this panel, we will offer practical advice, real examples, and helpful techniques for professionals in various stages of their career to navigate what remains new territory for all of us.

In life we are faced with different challenges. Should we, shouldn’t we? One of those challenges may be whether or not to take a chance on that new job opportunity. It starts with being comfortable with the uncomfortable and stepping out of your comfort zone. Venturing into the unknown can be a scary but it helps you gain insight and self-confidence that you otherwise wouldn’t have. Don’t let fear prevent you from missing out on what could be a new and exciting change.

Discover the power of positive relationships at our Networking Session. We aim to curate an enriching experience for the attendees of the Women in Payments Symposium. Our forum will serve as a platform where women can unite, foster connections, and truly appreciate the significance of networking in the industry. This networking session will promote a series of engaging and empowering activities designed to inspire confidence and foster inclusion among women. The networking session will feature an interactive Ambition Board Workshop, that is designed to empower and inspire women through the sharing of personal ambitions. The aim is to foster self-belief and a sense of belonging, as attendees connect deeply with other women who might share their aspirations. This supportive network is intended to extend beyond the workshop. By exchanging contact details with each other, participants can maintain connections, fostering a lasting community of empowered and uplifting women. In addition, we invite you to participate in a moment to reflect on your own personal networking journey. Attendees will reflect on someone who has been instrumental in their networking journey and will be encouraged to reach back out to these individuals, expressing gratitude and reconnecting. This activity serves as a reminder of the power of mentorship and the impact it can have on our professional lives. Finally, don't forget to capture the moment and create lasting memories at our Photo Booth. This fun and interactive feature provides a creative and informal way to network with other attendees.
Join us in these activities that are designed to create an atmosphere of camaraderie, empowerment, and inspiration. We look forward to seeing you at the Women in Payments Symposium. Together, we can inspire change, foster inclusion, and empower each other to reach new heights.