Momentum 2023 by Central1, held at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver from November 27 to 29, 2023, marked a milestone event for the financial services sector. Bringing together over 350 credit union leaders and financial industry experts, this conference bridged forward-thinking strategies and key innovations, especially pivotal for credit unions and fintech companies looking to evolve in 2024.
Key themes from the Event
Pre-Conference Focus and Welcome Reception:
The summit kicked off with a pre-conference Treasury Roundtable, fostering insightful discussions on financial landscape trends and challenges. This was followed by a welcome reception at “The Roof” at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, setting the stage for collaboration and networking.
Embracing Digital Transformation and Open Banking:
Open Banking and Digital Modernization were dominant themes. Frequent breakout sessions highlighted how digital solutions enhance customer service and operational efficiency. The transformative potential of Open Banking in offering personalized, efficient services was also a focal point, emphasizing the need for credit unions to adapt to this open ecosystem.
Cybersecurity and Digital Identity in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape:
The increasing importance of robust cybersecurity measures and the implementation of Digital ID systems were underscored. Keynotes and panels explored these themes in depth, illustrating their critical role in the security and efficiency of financial services.
Payment Modernization and Innovative Solutions:
Payment Modernization emerged as another key topic, with discussions around adopting new payment technologies to enhance customer experiences and transaction efficiency. The conference also hosted a Community Fintech Pitch Battle, showcasing innovative solutions from leading Canadian fintechs.
The Human Element and Collaborative Ecosystems:
The conference emphasized the human element in technology, particularly in fraud prevention strategies. Additionally, it highlighted the evolving collaborative ecosystems between credit unions and fintech companies, moving from competition to collaboration.
Comprehensive Agenda Covering Diverse Aspects of Financial Services:
The event’s packed agenda included keynotes, breakout sessions, and panel discussions covering a wide range of topics from sustainable finance, cybersecurity, software partnerships, and the future of credit unions. Industry experts and leaders shared insights and practical knowledge across these varied sessions.
Charting the Course Forward:
Momentum 2023 painted a comprehensive picture of the evolving financial services landscape. With a focus on digital transformation, cybersecurity, human-centric approaches, Open Banking, Payment Modernization, and Digital ID, the summit laid out a clear roadmap for credit unions and financial institutions. Embracing these changes and fostering collaborative partnerships while committing to customer-centric innovation appear key to navigating this dynamic environment successfully. To read more about how the event went, read Central 1’s official blog post here.
As we reflect on the invaluable insights and knowledge shared at Momentum 2023, it’s clear that the journey towards a more innovative and secure financial future is well underway. At AEQ, we are committed to being at the forefront of this transformation, driving progress and innovation in the financial services sector.
For more insights, collaboration opportunities, or to discuss the trends and strategies highlighted at Momentum 2023, feel free to reach out to our Head of Technology Baris Tuncertan. Together, let’s redefine the future of financial services.
Baris Tuncertan
A seasoned technology executive with over 25 years of experience, adept in orchestrating technological innovations, strategizing digital transformations, and leading teams towards high-impact deliverables in multifaceted organizations.
