The fintech and finance festival FIBE, hosted by Messe Berlin, Handelsblatt, and Berlin Finance Initiative, attracted 1,700 attendees over two days at CityCube, Berlin this year for its debut. Featuring 180 speakers from over 15 countries, the event covered fintech trends, venture capital, ESG criteria, and regulatory issues, with a focus on networking and dialogue-driven sessions. Here are the first details about the second edition of the festival.

Fintech Leaders and Visionaries to Headline FIBE 2025 in Berlin

Berlin's premier fintech and finance festival, FIBE, has unveiled its first set of speakers for the second edition of the event in 2025. These industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, making them invaluable for the evolving landscape of financial technology. Their insights will shape critical conversations around digital finance, startups, and economic policy.

- Christian Lindner – Federal Minister of Finance, Germany

As the Federal Minister of Finance, Lindner will provide vital insights into Germany's economic policy and financial regulation. His leadership in steering Germany’s financial direction and fostering a competitive business environment will be key topics for FIBE attendees, particularly in light of Europe’s evolving financial regulations.

- Dan Schulman – Former CEO of PayPal and Tech Leader

Schulman, known for revolutionizing digital payments and advancing financial inclusion, brings unparalleled expertise in fintech innovation. His vision for democratizing global financial services will offer valuable lessons on how technology can empower individuals and businesses alike, particularly in expanding access to financial services worldwide.

- Hélène Falchier – Partner, Portage Ventures

A pioneering fintech investor, Falchier leads European investments at Portage Ventures and has backed successful startups like Mooncard and CLARK. Her deep experience in scaling startups and driving growth will resonate with entrepreneurs and venture capitalists at FIBE, highlighting the intersection of fintech innovation and investment strategy.

- Valentin Stalf – CEO & Co-Founder of N26

As the co-founder of one of Europe’s most successful digital banks, Stalf has redefined traditional banking with N26. His entrepreneurial journey and expertise in building a digital-first financial institution will inspire aspiring fintech founders, offering insights into disruptive business models and the future of banking.

- Dr. Anna Christmann – Commissioner for Start-ups and the Digital Economy at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

Dr. Christmann’s focus on modern financing solutions for startups and her role in shaping Germany’s digital economy make her a key voice for the fintech ecosystem. Her advocacy for startups, particularly in green tech and sustainable finance, will address the need for innovative solutions to global challenges.

Key Topics at FIBE 2025: Global Trends, Tech Innovations, and Growth Strategies

FIBE 2025 will offer a comprehensive look at the key factors shaping the global fintech industry, focusing on macroeconomic shifts, emerging technologies, startup growth challenges, and new business models. These programme tracks will provide attendees with insights into the latest developments and trends driving the future of financial services.

- Global Fintech Dynamics: Macroeconomics, Regulation, and Market Hubs

This track will examine the macroeconomic trends, regulatory developments, and key market hubs—including the US, India, and the Nordics—shaping the global fintech landscape. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the policies and economic forces influencing fintech growth worldwide.

- Emerging Technologies and Trends: AI, Cybersecurity, Open Banking, and Cryptocurrencies

Focused on technological advancements, this session will address the impact of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, open banking, and cryptocurrencies on financial services. Industry leaders will discuss how these technologies are being integrated into current systems and what the future holds for tech-driven financial innovations.

- Fintech Founders and Funding: Mergers, Acquisitions, and Growth Challenges

This track will explore key issues for fintech startups, such as funding strategies and navigating mergers and acquisitions. Experts will provide insights into the obstacles fintech founders face when scaling their businesses and strategies for overcoming growth challenges.

- Beyond Banking: Revenue Streams and Business Model Innovation

With financial institutions increasingly looking beyond traditional banking, this track will cover new revenue streams and business models. It will explore how financial organizations can adapt and diversify in a digital economy, focusing on ways to remain competitive in a rapidly changing market.

Online Accreditation

You can apply for accreditation online starting today. Please mind our accreditation guidelines. After successful registration and verification, you will receive the accreditation and your badge with your personal QR code for admission by email as a PDF file attachment.

Press badges for FIBE 2025 are valid on 9 and 10 of April 2025, from 9 am until the end of the festival at 6 pm and entitle the holder to free access to FIBE. The badges are non-transferable and only valid in conjunction with an ID card.

About Messe Berlin
Berlin has been a trade fair destination for 200 years, and has been one of the most important such hubs for many decades. Messe Berlin – the state’s own trade fair company – conceives, markets and organises hundreds of live events every year. It strives to be an outstanding host for visitors at all events, generate optimal business stimuli, and provide fair conditions for everyone. This concept is reflected in the company slogan: Messe Berlin– Hosting the World.

About Handelsblatt
Handelsblatt is the largest business and financial newspaper published in German. Around 200 editors, correspondents, and permanent staff ensure up-to-date, comprehensive, and well-founded reporting. With more than 70 domestic and foreign correspondents, Handelsblatt is represented on all continents. It is indispensable reading for decision-makers at first and second management levels. According to the crossmedial "Reader Analysis Decision-Makers in Business and Administration (LAE) 2024”, Handelsblatt reaches 1,035,000 top decision-makers every trading day.

About Berlin Finance Initiative
The Berlin Finance Initiative (BFI) sees itself as the umbrella of Berlin's fintech ecosystem, uniting traditional banks and fintech companies. As the voice of Berlin's finance and technology industry, the BFI actively advocates for its diverse interests and strengthens ties to global markets. The BFI is a proud partner of de:hub FinTech Berlin and Germany Finance and was founded in 2020 by Achim Oelgarth and Caroline Wahl.