Money20/20 USA has earned its place as one of the most watched fintech events in the world. Scheduled this year for October 26–29 in Las Vegas, it is widely seen as the place where decision-makers from banking, payments, policy, and technology come together to shape what happens next. The event was launched in 2012 and has since grown into a global benchmark for where the business of money is heading.
A third of its attendees are from the C-suite, and this gives it more weight than most conferences. It’s where financial strategies are tested publicly, where partnerships often begin, and where solutions are discussed that address real-world demands across banking, retail, insurance, and tech services.
In past years, major firms like Visa, Salesforce, and Citi have not only attended but also made announcements and outlined their next steps during the event. This consistent level of corporate attention shows how Money20/20 USA is more than just a meeting. It serves as a reset point for the financial industry every year, and the 2025 edition appears poised to keep that pattern going.
Key Themes Dominating the 2025 Agenda
Each year, the event builds its content around the current state of finance and how it’s evolving. In 2025, much of the focus has shifted to digital services that work behind the scenes. This includes smarter infrastructure, advanced fraud controls, regulatory updates, and the increased use of artificial intelligence in managing customer experience.
One of the key topics this year will be around trust and transparency. With more services going online and less face-to-face interaction, companies are working to verify identity and manage fraud without adding friction. Tools using biometrics or real-time behavioral data are gaining ground.
Another area getting attention is the use of AI in lending decisions and risk profiling. Banks and fintechs are now using machine learning not just to assess credit scores, but to understand payment behaviors and make smarter loan decisions. Several sessions will break down what this looks like from both the tech and compliance side.
Payments, Platforms, and the Next Consumer Revolution
Money20/20 USA 2025 will feature many updates on how digital payments are evolving. With contactless payments, QR codes, and real-time rails becoming more common in daily use, providers are under pressure to make their systems faster and safer. More banks are testing real-time payments for both consumers and businesses, pushing the industry closer to instant transfers being the default.
Embedded finance is another topic that will see deep discussion. This refers to financial services built directly into non-financial platforms, such as shopping apps offering instant credit or BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) options at checkout. These features are no longer viewed as optional extras—they’re becoming a base expectation.
The rapid changes here are being closely followed by sectors that rely on secure and smooth transactions. One example is the online casino sector, where systems need to support safe deposits and withdrawals in real time. Playing online slots or similar games depends on having fintech solutions that protect users and reduce delays or errors. Companies attending the event are expected to talk about how their technology addresses such demands in highly regulated industries.
Who’s Taking the Stage: Notable Speakers and Panels
Money20/20 USA 2025 is shaping up to feature some of the most influential names in finance and regulation. The first wave of keynote speakers has been announced, and it includes senior leaders who have a direct role in shaping policy, developing new platforms, and guiding large financial institutions through rapid changes.
Robin Vince, CEO of BNY, and Kyle Hauptman, Chairman of the National Credit Union Administration, round out the early lineup. Their roles in banking and oversight suggest that this year’s keynotes will address not only innovation, but also the rules and frameworks needed to support it. Panels will likely explore how these changes affect everyday transactions, partnerships, and long-term stability.
Gunjan Kedia, CEO of U.S. Bancorp, is also among those confirmed. Known for her focus on customer-centered digital banking, she’s expected to bring insight on how large institutions are handling tech adoption while meeting new expectations for speed, security, and service. Her talks in the past have often highlighted the balance between automation and personalized service.
A Ground Zero for Innovation, Deals, and Collaboration
One of the reasons Money20/20 USA has become such a strong presence is its ability to bring together startups, investors, and major institutions all in one place. It’s not just about the formal sessions, it’s about the chance meetings, introductions, and product demos that lead to real deals.
In 2024, several fintechs announced partnerships or funding deals after showcasing at the event. Tools that help with identity verification or automate regulatory compliance got attention for their practical uses. The 2025 edition will continue this pattern, especially with new programs like SmArtMeet, which matches attendees based on mutual business goals.
This mix of formal content and informal deal-making gives Money20/20 a reputation as more than just a conference. It often sets the tone for which technologies get noticed and which players gain ground.
How Las Vegas Sets the Tone for Global Fintech
Holding the event in Las Vegas isn’t just about convenience. It reflects the size and seriousness of the event. With thousands attending from across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, the city becomes a temporary headquarters for the fintech world each October.
This location allows for a scale that few venues can match. It’s big enough to handle a high volume of participants but also structured enough to let people move between sessions, meetings, and networking zones easily. For many companies, launching a new platform or feature here means getting visibility not just in the U.S. market but globally.
In past years, announcements made at the Las Vegas event have led to expanded international rollouts. When payment firm Plaid introduced a new product here in 2023, it became a talking point across European financial circles shortly after.
What to Watch: Trends That Could Shape 2026 and Beyond
While Money20/20 USA is focused on the now, it often signals what’s coming next. Based on this year’s agenda, we can expect continued interest in AI tools that remove manual friction from banking processes. Identity and compliance solutions that adapt to user behavior will likely replace static checklists.
Another forward-looking topic is how financial tools are becoming more invisible to users. As embedded finance grows, people interact with banks less directly but rely on them more. This shift will push institutions to improve their behind-the-scenes technology even further.
There’s also a growing interest in making cross-border payments seamless and low-cost. Platforms that can handle both regulation and currency exchange efficiently are in demand. Companies leading in this space will likely use the 2025 event to demonstrate their reach.
All of this suggests that the conversations in Las Vegas this October won’t just stay in Las Vegas, they’ll be setting the tone for 2026 and beyond.
