Opening remarks

FinTech’s Evolving Landscape: Trust, Profitability, and Innovation Take Center Stage at Web Summit Lisbon 2025

Julija (JJ) Jegorova, founder of Black Unicorn PR, welcomed attendees to the final afternoon of Web Summit Lisbon 2025. She congratulated the audience for making it to the very last day, encouraging a lively atmosphere despite the conference fatigue. Ms. Jegorova humorously noted that many attendees were likely running on caffeine, paracetamol, and hope, setting a lighthearted tone for the remainder of the day’s sessions.

As the host for the FinTech stage, Ms. Jegorova emphasized its role as a hub where money converges with technology, fostering genuine innovation. She acknowledged that attendees had likely encountered numerous discussions over the past days regarding AI and blockchain’s transformative potential, with many founders promising to reinvent industries. This might lead some to wonder what remains to be transformed within the sector.

However, Ms. Jegorova assured the audience that the FinTech world consistently uncovers new challenges and opportunities. She described the current year as particularly fascinating, highlighting a wave of innovation grounded firmly in reality. Startups are now openly discussing profitability, a significant shift from previous trends, while investors are prioritizing business models that demonstrate clear viability and financial sense.

The regulatory landscape has also become increasingly dynamic, with new regulations emerging like “unexpected plot twists.” Despite these evolving conditions, creativity within the FinTech sector has not diminished. The industry is now entering a new phase where trust is rapidly becoming a crucial form of currency, reflecting a deeper demand from consumers.

Consumers are actively seeking financial services that offer speed, facilitate wealth growth, and provide additional benefits. This afternoon’s sessions are designed to address these critical aspects, moving beyond a mere “glossy future” narrative. Instead, the discussions will explore the “messy, clever, unexpected reality” of how the FinTech industry has truly evolved to its current state.

Ms. Jegorova urged attendees to remain engaged for the upcoming sessions, promising a “massive treat” of insights. She stressed the importance of maintaining high energy levels before everyone departs for airport queues, questionable coffee, and less favorable weather conditions. Her goal was to ensure the FinTech stage concludes as the most vibrant and loudest stage at the summit.

To achieve this, Ms. Jegorova encouraged active participation: clapping for smart ideas, clapping louder for bold statements, and cheering for truly visionary concepts. She reiterated the call for enthusiasm, ensuring the FinTech stage finishes strong. This collective energy would ensure a memorable conclusion to Web Summit Lisbon 2025, celebrating the innovative spirit of the FinTech community.