Executive Summary
From blockchain, cryptocurrency and digital banking to AI-driven lending and financial inclusion, FinTech speakers (a blend of finance and technology; basically supporting banking and financial services) help audiences stay ahead of the curve.
Whether you are organising a global summit, corporate retreat or university conference, booking one of the best FinTech speakers ensures your audience gains fresh, actionable insights into the world of financial technology.
Estimated reading time: 12-13 minutes
Introduction
In today’s fast-changing world of finance and technology, FinTech speakers play a crucial role in transforming how businesses, investors and policymakers understand innovation in the digital finance landscape.
At Kruger Cowne, we represent some of the top FinTech speakers and AI thought leaders who bring a global perspective to the future of financial technology, making them a valuable addition to your event, whether it’s in the UK or across the globe.
Top 10 Fintech Speakers
As Editor of the bestselling FINTECH Book Series: The FINTECH Book, The WealthTECH Book and The InsurTECH Book (Wiley), she has shaped industry knowledge worldwide. A sought-after international fintech speaker, Susanne was named City Innovator – Inspirational Woman 2016 in the UK and featured in the European Digital Financial Services ‘Power 50’ list in 2015.
1. Simon Squibb
Simon Squibb, a famous motivational and fintech speaker and entrepreneur, has spent 30 years building businesses: 10 in the UK and 20 in Hong Kong. Homeless at 15, he started his first company and sold his last one, ‘Fluid’, to PwC. Over the past 15 years, he has invested in 70+ startups. Now, he leads HelpBnk, the world’s first Help2Earn platform, empowering people to start and scale businesses for free while rewarding those who help. With 3M followers and 1B views, Simon inspires through his street interviews and #GiveWithoutTake motto, urging daily acts of kindness to create lasting change. Learn more about his philosophy and why he is one of the top fintech speakers from his inspiring TEDxBrighton talk.
2. Sir Richard Branson
Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, has built one of the world’s most recognised brands, including travel and telecommunications sectors. Since its inception in 1970, Virgin has expanded to over 400 companies, employing more than 60,000 people across 50 countries. In 2021, Branson became the first billionaire founder to reach the edge of space aboard Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity. In 2024, he co-piloted Space Perspective’s inaugural crewed space balloon flight, offering passengers a luxury journey 20 miles above Earth. Branson also supports entrepreneurs through initiatives like Virgin StartUp’s “Elevator of Dreams,” providing a platform for innovative business ideas. Beyond business, he established Virgin Unite in 2004 to address social and environmental challenges, dedicating much of his time to philanthropic efforts. Knighted for services to entrepreneurship, he is among the best business speakers in the world and also tops the fintech speakers list.
3. Benjamin Bargetzi
Benjamin Bargetzi is a globally recognised AI keynote speaker and expert in change management, blending neuroscience, digitalisation and business transformation. With a background at Google and Amazon, he is now a successful startup investor and founder across industries such as AI, augmented reality, quantum computing, blockchain and e-commerce.
As one of the best AI keynote speakers, Bargetzi delivers insights on digital transformation, company culture, AI ethics and Generative AI, helping businesses navigate change. His expertise in AI and neuroscience enables leaders to understand the customer of tomorrow, develop future-proof mindsets and optimise collaboration between tech and business teams.
As the founder of ACIT Global, an AI and neuroscience research institute, he has advised Fortune 500 companies and governments worldwide. Having studied the human brain at Oxford, London, Singapore and Zurich, he offers cutting-edge insights into how the brain handles uncertainty and risk. He applies that to business, making him one of the most sought-after business and AI experts today, as well as a top financial technology speaker.
4. Shivvy Jervis
Shivvy Jervis is one of Europe’s most trusted AI keynote speakers, renowned for making cutting-edge innovations accessible. Named a Champion of Change and one of Britain’s Women of the Year, she has headlined over 600 stages alongside industry icons, reaching millions globally.
As one of the best AI fintech speakers, Shivvy helps her audience understand Generative AI, the Metaverse and the connected world, enabling businesses and individuals to harness technology for real impact. She is a sought-after AI ethics speaker and one of the best fintech speakers, too, advocating for responsible innovation and prioritising human needs.
With a background in journalism, Shivvy investigates emerging trends in AI, neuroscience and future skills, earning praise from TED Talks and the World Economic Forum. A viral sensation on TikTok, she champions “tech-for-good” and the power of AI to shape a better future. She is known for being the voice of “What’s relevant in the noise?” and for her ability to simplify complex topics.
A true AI expert speaker, Shivvy Jervis is dedicated to preparing us for the most pivotal changes.
5. Susanne Chishti
Susanne Chishti is a globally recognised fintech thought leader, ranked #13 by Onalytica in 2017. She is the CEO of FINTECH Circle, Europe’s first angel network dedicated to fintech investments, with a global community of over 120,000 members.
As Editor of the bestselling FINTECH Book Series: The FINTECH Book, The WealthTECH Book and The InsurTECH Book (Wiley), she has shaped industry knowledge worldwide. A sought-after international fintech speaker, Susanne was named City Innovator – Inspirational Woman 2016 in the UK and featured in the European Digital Financial Services ‘Power 50’ list in 2015.
She also founded the FINTECH Circle Institute, offering peer-to-peer fintech education through online and in-person programmes. With over 14 years of experience at Deutsche Bank, Lloyds Banking Group, Morgan Stanley and Accenture in London and Hong Kong, Susanne brings unmatched expertise in digital finance and enterprise innovation.
6. Gerard Grech CBE
Gerard Grech CBE is a distinguished leader in technology and fintech, currently serving as the founding managing director of Founders at the University of Cambridge, a strategic initiative supporting the growth of deep technology startups. He founded and led Tech Nation, shaping one of Europe’s most productive digital ecosystems and supporting over 1,300 companies, including Monzo and Skyscanner.
Under his leadership, a third of all UK tech unicorns graduated from Tech Nation programmes, contributing to a fivefold increase in UK cities hosting unicorns and reinforcing the UK’s digital leadership in Europe. Gerard co-led the UK Government’s 2022 FinTech review, leading to the creation of the Centre for Finance, Technology and Innovation. Appointed CBE in 2024 for technology services, he also serves on the UK Government’s Digital Economy Council and the World Economic Forum’s Digital Board. Gerard’s career spans Nokia, France Telecom, Blackberry and Orange. His earlier experience in media journalism and the music industry has earned him a prominent position on the fintech speakers list.
7. Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE
Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE is a remarkable prodigy and leading voice in technology and STEM. At age 11, she became the youngest girl to pass A-level Computing and by 20, she earned a Master’s Degree in mathematics and computer science from the University of Oxford.
Recognised globally, she was named the most influential woman in tech in the UK (2020) by Computer Weekly and listed among Forbes’ Top 50 Women in Tech. Anne-Marie has served as President of the British Science Association (2022–2023), Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University, Co-Chair of the Institute for the Future of Work and Chair of UD Music Foundation.
She appeared as the temporary Arithmetician on Channel 4’s Countdown for 60 episodes and authored She’s In CTRL (2022). Awarded an MBE in 2017 for services to young women and STEM, she has also received multiple honorary doctorates from leading UK universities and an Honorary Fellowship at Keble College, Oxford, reflecting her outstanding contributions to education, technology and innovation.
8. Alex Depledge MBE
Alex Depledge MBE is a serial tech entrepreneur and CEO of Resi, the UK’s most extensive residential architectural practice, helping homeowners renovate and extend their homes through a fully digitised platform that doubles productivity and halves lead times. Previously, she founded Hassle.com, Europe’s largest domestic cleaning marketplace, scaling it to over £8m in turnover in under two years and expanding across four European countries before selling it for €32 million.
Alex has contributed to public service through a four-year tenure on the board of London LEAP, advising on over £100 million in investments in culture and communities, including the London COVID-19 Recovery Programme. She has also served as a non-executive director at Edited, a fashion analytics platform and sits on the board of Persimmon Homes.
A recognised media commentator and award-winning entrepreneur, Alex has received accolades including Emerging Technology Scale-up 2022, Barclays Entrepreneur Award 2020 and an MBE in 2016 for services to the sharing economy, reflecting her impact on tech, innovation and the UK business landscape.
9. David Rowan
David Rowan is one of today’s best fintech speakers, renowned for his insights into how emerging technologies transform business. As the founding Editor-in-Chief of WIRED UK, he has worked with tech pioneers from Google to Spotify and has delivered over 700 keynotes globally. His bestselling book, Non-Bullshit Innovation, explores 17 proven strategies for future-proofing businesses.
A sought-after speaker, David customises every talk, offering real-time analysis of AI, generative AI, quantum computing and more. He explains how businesses can develop a culture of innovation and adapt to disruptive technologies. His expertise spans finance, real estate, healthcare and manufacturing.
Recent topics from his address include AI’s impact on the workplace, the role of AI ethics and how businesses can attract top talent in the age of automation. As one of the best AI speakers, David’s speeches are constantly engaging, insightful and thought-provoking.
10. Tabitha Goldstaub
Tabitha Goldstaub MBE co-founded CogX, a festival and online platform. Alongside CogX, Tabitha is the chair of the UK government’s AI Council, a DCMS Digital Economy Council member and a member of the TechUK board. A serial entrepreneur, Tabitha was the co-founder of video distribution company Rightster (IPO 2011). Tabitha is the author of How To Talk To Robots: A Girl’s Guide to a World Dominated by AI. She’s also an advisor to The Stack, TeensInAI, Raspberry Pi, Tortoise Media and The Alan Turing Institute.
Why Book a FinTech Speaker?
Booking FinTech speakers is not just filling up an hour or slot on your event’s long agenda. Instead, it is about empowering audiences with meaningful, future-focused knowledge. Here’s why they are worth it:
- Future-readiness: FinTech experts decode how AI, blockchain and digital currencies are reshaping global financial systems.
- Innovation & Inspiration: The best FinTech speakers inspire creativity in business models and digital transformation strategies.
- Practical Insights: From regulation and risk management to blockchain and AI in finance, they offer valuable insights and extensive knowledge on financial transformation, helping financial institutions adapt to change.
- Global Perspective: Many technology speakers bring experience from multiple markets, offering a broad view of emerging trends and opportunities.
Whether you are looking to book finance speakers for a corporate leadership session or a fintech expo, these professionals deliver unmatched depth and inspiration.
Key Trends in FinTech (2026)
The year 2026 promises to be pivotal for the financial technology industry. Here are a few key trends our FinTech speakers are highlighting:
- AI-Driven Finance: Artificial intelligence is revolutionising financial services – from automated trading to predictive credit scoring to fraud detection. Many AI thought leaders are now focusing on responsible, transparent and ethical AI systems.
- Embedded Finance: Non-financial brands are integrating banking capabilities into their offerings, creating seamless consumer experiences.
- Digital Currencies and Blockchain: Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and decentralised finance (DeFi) continue to evolve, challenging traditional banking models.
- Sustainable Finance: ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) factors are increasingly influencing investment decisions.
- RegTech and Compliance: With new data privacy and cybersecurity challenges, technology-driven regulation is becoming a must-have solution.
Our financial technology speakers provide insights and case studies that help businesses navigate these dynamic shifts confidently.
How to Choose the Right FinTech Speaker
Selecting the right speaker can define the success of your event. Here is how to make the right choice:
- Define Your Event Goals: Are you aiming to educate, inspire or spark innovation? Your goals will guide the choice between futurists, founders or AI specialists.
- Match Expertise with Audience: A financial technology speaker with deep banking experience may suit corporate audiences, while startup events may prefer innovators or entrepreneurs looking for technological breakthroughs in finance.
- Check Speaking Style: Some technology speakers excel in technical discussions; others thrive on storytelling and audience engagement.
- Look for Global Perspective: The top FinTech speakers often bring an international outlook, making them ideal for multinational audiences.
- Consult with Experts: At Kruger Cowne, our team helps match your event objectives with the ideal FinTech speakers list to ensure a perfect fit.
Booking a FinTech Speaker with Kruger Cowne
Kruger Cowne is a trusted partner for event organisers worldwide, known for representing top FinTech speakers, business innovators and AI thought leaders.
Here’s why event organisers choose us:
- Curated Expertise: Our roster includes some of the best FinTech speakers across banking, blockchain, crypto and tech innovation in finance.
- Personalised Service: We help you book finance speakers who align with your event goals and audience expectations.
- Global Reach: Whether you need in-person or virtual sessions, we connect you with technology speakers from around the world that perfectly fit your needs.
- End-to-End Support: From contracts to logistics, Kruger Cowne ensures a seamless booking experience.
Partnering with us guarantees insightful, engaging and motivational world-class content for your audience.
Conclusion
As financial technology continues to reshape our world, FinTech speakers bring the vision, expertise, inspiration and energy that modern events need. They inspire transformation, foster innovation and offer foresight into what’s next for global finance.
Whether you’re looking for AI thought leaders, technology speakers or the best FinTech speakers for your next conference, Kruger Cowne covers all your needs.
FAQs
What topics do FinTech speakers typically cover?
FinTech speakers often cover digital banking, blockchain, artificial intelligence, financial inclusion, cybersecurity, payments innovation and sustainable finance. Some also focus on leadership, regulation and the ethical impact of emerging technologies.
Are virtual FinTech sessions available?
Yes. Many top FinTech speakers offer virtual sessions that can be delivered via live streaming platforms, perfect for global teams or hybrid conferences.
How much does it cost to book a FinTech speaker?
Fees vary depending on the speaker’s profile, location, experience and engagement type. Kruger Cowne works with clients to book finance speakers that suit both their budget and event needs.
How far in advance should I book a FinTech speaker?
It is best to book at least three to six months in advance, especially if you are targeting popular, high-profile financial technology speakers for international events.
