Latin America (Latam) is emerging as a hotbed for fintech innovation, driven by its young, tech-savvy population and government support for digital financial services.

In 2021, the number of fintech platforms in Latam and the Caribbean reached 2,482, soaring 112% from 2018, data from a report by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), IDB Invest and Finnovista show, underscoring the region’s increasing reliance on digital financial services.

At the same time, government initiatives like Brazil’s Pix and Mexico’s CoDi instant payment systems are further propelling the adoption of digital transactions and highlighting efforts by Latam governmental bodies to modernize their financial frameworks.

As fintech continues to rise and evolve in Latam and South America, numerous conferences and events are being organized to facilitate networking and knowledge exchange among industry professionals. Today, we delve some of the most prominent fintech events in South America scheduled for in H2 2024, shedding light on their key themes and highlights.

Chile Fintech Forum 2024

May 14 – 15, 2024

Espacio Riesco, Huechuraba, Chile

The Chile Fintech Forum 2024, taking place on May 14 and 15 at Espacio Riesco in Huechuraba, Chile, will bring together over 3,000 attendees to explore Chile’s leadership in fintech.

Featuring more than 100 speakers, including policymakers and industry leaders, the forum will address critical issues in fintech such as regulatory frameworks, digital payments, and innovation. This year’s event, organized in partnership with Chócale as a media partner, seeks to position Chile as a fintech hub in Latam.

The forum will commence with remarks from Chile’s Finance Minister Mario Marcel, focusing on the impacts of current governmental policies. Subsequent discussions will delve into the regulatory landscape and digital currencies, led by public policy expert Ignacio Briones and Banco Central’s Alberto Naudon.

A highlight of the first day will include a panel on the current and future state of digital payments in Chile, featuring industry experts Rodrigo Quijada, Paola Ledezma, and Thiago Dias. They will analyze trends and challenges within the rapidly evolving local market. Later sessions will explore open finance, with insights from leaders like Roberto Opazo and Carlos Oviedo.

Day two will emphasize financial inclusion and ecosystem development, featuring contributions from Solange Berstein of the CMF and Nelson Rojas of Caja Los Andes. Notably, there will be discussions on regional financial growth with fintech leaders from across Ibero-America.

The forum will conclude with a discussion on the role of influencers in the fintech ecosystem, featuring Francisco Ackermann, Romina Capetillo, and David Ávila. Tickets for the event are available on the official Chile Fintech Forum website, where attendees can also engage in matchmaking and networking opportunities.

Money Expo Colombia 2024

May 15 – 16, 2024

Agora Bogotá, Centro de Convenciones, Bogota, Colombia

Money Expo Colombia 2024, scheduled to take place on May 15 and 16 at Agora Bogotá Centro de Convenciones in Colombia, will bring together traders, introducing brokers, investors, financial institutions, and brokers from the dynamic trading and investing community.

With over 3,000 visitors expected, 300+ financial brokers, 30+ speakers, and representation from more than 10 countries, Money Expo Colombia will offer a unique platform for individuals to expand their professional network, gain insights into fintech, stay informed, engage with experts, attend topical workshops, and connect with market leaders.

The event will offer a unique networking opportunity and facilitate interactions with industry-leading service providers to enhance skills, knowledge, and investment strategies. It will also feature a showcase of top brands in the financial field, offering their products and services in one convenient location.

Attendees will get to expand their knowledge through educational sessions led by speakers and industry experts, covering topics such as US stocks, commodities, metals, and other online trading products. Networking activities will also allow attendees to make meaningful connections with potential clients, partners, and investors. This includes one-on-one meetings, business discussions, panel discussions, and workshops where industry experts share insights on current market trends and best practices.

Febraban Tech 2024

June 25 – 27, 2024

Transamerica Expo Center, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Febraban Tech 2024, one of Brazil’s largest technology and innovation event in the financial sector, is set to celebrate its 34th edition from June 25 to 27, 2024, at the Transamerica Expo Center in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The event aims to serve as a platform for leaders from various sectors including finance, technology, sustainability, and agribusiness, as well as those interested in innovation, to engage in discussions on pressing topics in the digital economy.

With the central theme “The responsible journey in the new AI economy”, Febraban Tech 2024 aims to shed light on how the financial sector, along with the broader economy, is gearing up to responsibly leverage new resources and advancements in AI.

The event will feature thematic tracks addressing key areas such as:

• Responsible AI: exploring trust, security, and business transformation;
• Open finance and Pix: shaping Brazil’s influence on the global financial landscape;
• DREX: examining opportunities and emerging trends in the tokenized economy;
• The future vision of banks in ensuring cybersecurity;
• Leveraging data intelligence to enhance customer loyalty;
• Harnessing connectivity for next-generation financial services;
• The role of cloud technology in driving agility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness;
• Cross-industry collaboration in the digital market landscape;
• Agro 5.0 and the transformative potential of financial technology in agriculture;
• The synergy between empathy and technology in shaping the modern workforce;
• Advancing the environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards agenda in Brazil: transitioning, fostering inclusion, and promoting equity; and
• Strengthening the financial sector and fostering inclusion through partnerships between fintechs and banks.

WebCongress Latam

August 08 – 09, 2024

Chamber of Commerce Bogotá Salitre, Bogota, Colombia

WebCongress Latam is a leading technology and digital transformation conference with 46 editions in 17 countries, dedicated to helping companies, entrepreneurs, creators, and future professionals engage actively in the new era of technology.

This year’s edition, scheduled for August 08 and 09, 2024, will focus on the pervasive role of artificial intelligence (AI) in various aspects of our lives, including strategies, campaigns, governments, creative ideas, and physical spaces. Attendees can expect a program featuring conferences, workshops, and networking sessions designed to provide a comprehensive view of the industry.

Renowned experts will share revolutionary ideas, strategies, and success stories in areas such as:

• AI in key industries;
• Virtual experiences;
• The future of immersive content;
• Social networks and content creation;
• Digital transformation and data analysis;
• Startup and entrepreneurship culture;
• Digital culture and community building; and
• Security, ethics, and privacy.

WebCongress events worldwide attract the entire industry and major companies, with sponsors and allies including brands like Meta, TikTok, LinkedIn, Samsung, Nvidia, Salesforce, Adobe, and Google, among others. This year’s event is expected to draw hundreds of decision-makers, agency owners, digital creators, and marketing directors, providing attendees with a valuable business experience and meaningful connections.

Volcano Innovation Summit 2024

August 31 – September 02, 2024

Hotel Casa Santo Domingo, Antigua, Guatemala

The Volcano Innovation Summit is a global initiative aimed at fostering innovation, science, and culture exchange, with a particular focus on incorporating Latam into the global network. Held in Antigua, Guatemala, from August 31 to September 02, the event will bring together world leaders from various fields including digital, corporate, financial, telecom, cyber, energy, and sustainability, and is expected to be attended by over 2,000 participants, 30 partners and more than 130 speakers.

The Volcano Innovation Summit 2024 will feature co-located events and sessions, in addition to cultural and social happenings. This includes Content Treks and immersive content journeys covering topics such as investment, technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, inspiration, wellness, and fintech. Attendees can expect thought-provoking discussions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities with industry leaders and innovators.

The summit will also include the Startup Avenue Competition 2024, aimed at promoting an entrepreneurial culture in Latam and fostering innovation to drive economic growth. Additionally, the Volcano4Good philanthropy initiative will seek to make a real difference in Guatemala’s future by addressing core obstacles such as education, malnutrition, natural resources, and mobility.

ANDICOM

September 04 – 06, 2024

Cartagena de Indias Convention Center, Bolivar, Colombia

ANDICOM, held at the Cartagena de Indias Convention Center in Bolivar, Colombia, from September 04 to 06, 2024, aims to serve as a platform for high-level leaders and executives from the technology, real estate, financial sectors, as well as government and regulatory entities, to explore the latest trends and technological solutions.

Featuring a high-profile academic agenda, a commercial exhibition showcasing innovative solutions from leading technology companies in the region, and networking opportunities with decision-makers, ANDICOM strides to facilitate the strategic exchange of knowledge and the creation of key alliances for organizations.

Each day of the congress will focus on a specific theme:

Day 1 will emphasize the intersection of technology, business, and society, with a particular focus on AI as a catalyst for innovation. Attendees will learn about the effective application of emerging technologies and the importance of implementing ethical frameworks and appropriate regulations for social and business development.

Day 2 will center on innovation and the digital future, highlighting how creativity and human capacity shape tomorrow’s solutions. Topics will range from automation and data analysis to personalized experiences, promising efficiency, connectivity, transnational trade, and a more equitable world.

Finally, day 3 will shift the focus to digital ecosystems and tech trends applications, exploring how these ecosystems are driving innovation and business growth. Attendees will delve into the integration of emerging technologies and the practical application of technological trends, analyzing their impact on industries, global collaboration, sustainable development, and an inclusive digital economy.

Fintouch Brasil 2024

September 13, 2024

Rebouças Convention Center, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Fintouch Brasil 2024, scheduled for September 24-25 in São Paulo, Brazil, stands out as a premier fintech event in the country. Organized annually by ABFintechs, the event aims to serve as a vital platform for fostering discussions on the challenges encountered by fintech companies, covering topics such as innovation, business strategies, regulations, and sector trends.

Participants can expect engaging discussions, thought-provoking panels, and networking opportunities tailored to meet the specific demands of the fintech industry in Brazil.

Gartner CIO and IT Executive Conference

September 23 – 25, 2024

WTC Sheraton Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil

The Gartner CIO and IT Executive Conference 2024, taking place from September 23 to 25 at the WTC Sheraton Sao Paulo in Sao Paulo, Brazil, will offer a gateway to a new era of possibilities for CIOs, IT leaders, and business executives. With a focus on leveraging digital and emerging technologies, especially AI and generative AI, the event aims to serve as a platform for strategic leaders to update enterprise governance and operating models and strategies.

The 2024 Gartner CIO and IT Executive Conference will addresse the strategic needs of enterprise IT leaders and their teams across various areas, including digital business strategy and execution, leadership development, culture and talent, technology and innovation, technology finance and value, cybersecurity, risk, and compliance, application strategy and modernization, infrastructure and operations, and more.

Highlights of the event include workshops, executive stories, social engagements, guest speakers, Gartner Magic Quadrant sessions and Market Guides, solution provider sessions, one-on-one meetings with Gartner experts, ask the expert sessions, and more.

Attendees can expect to explore innovative and transformational opportunities alongside a global community of experts and peers. With insights and expert guidance on digital business transformation, data value realization, the future of intelligent applications, building digital foundations, and mitigating cyber risks, participants will be equipped with the tools needed to support mission-critical priorities.

Through interactive and collaborative sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with Gartner experts, industry-leading CIOs, and technology executives, fostering new relationships, gaining insights, and uncovering solutions to pressing challenges.

This article first appeared on fintechnews.am

Featured image credit: edited from freepik