Blockchain, digital assets and artificial intelligence: future topics at the focus of theFinance Summit 2025

On Thursday, September 18, 2025, Stuttgart will be the venue for two top-class discussions on the most important technology and business trends of our time as part of the Finance Summit of the Boerse Stuttgart Group and Stuttgart Financial. At the Digital Technology Stage, experts will shed light on the strategic importance of blockchain & digital assets and artificial intelligence for Europe. The panels will offer in-depth analyses, concrete application examples and critical observations, all condensed into one afternoon.

The first panel is entitled "Blockchain and Digital Assets: Paving the way for new markets or just a bubble?"

The focus here is on the question of whether digital assets will transform the financial system in the long term or merely trigger the next speculative wave. While proponents speak of a revolution that will lead to greater efficiency, transparency and new business models, critics see the danger of exaggerated expectations and volatile markets. Practical examples such as tokenization, the creation of digital identities and applications in the field of DeFi (Decentralized Finance) will be discussed. Regulation will be a key topic. Without a clear legal framework and a high level of security and trust, the technology will not be able to establish itself across the board. The panelists will also take a look at current technology trends that are crucial for the future viability of blockchain and discuss how Europe can play a pioneering role in this area without falling into a speculative bubble.

Speaker of this panel:

• Dr. Ulli Spankowski: Chief Digital Officer, Boerse Stuttgart Group: drives the digital transformation and the development of blockchain trading platforms.
• Dr. Frank Engels: CIO / Member of the Board, Union Investment: Brings the perspective of an institutional investor with a focus on long-term strategies.
• Marion Spielmann: COO Banking, DekaBank: Specialist for operational processes, regulatory implementation and digitalization in banking.
• Dr. Heiko Beck: CEO Avaloq, has over 30 years of experience in the financial sector and will provide insights into the sustainable transformation of business models and the integration of digital and traditional assets.

"Artificial intelligence - progress or threat for Europe?"

AI is considered a key technology that holds enormous economic potential, but at the same time raises social and ethical questions. This panel will examine the balance between technological progress, job change, regulation and strategic sovereignty. One focus is on the question of how Europe can survive in the global AI competition. This involves strengthening its own innovative power, reducing dependencies on international tech companies and creating a European framework that both exploits economic opportunities and preserves values such as data protection, transparency and ethical responsibility. Particular attention is being paid to the social impact of AI. Technological change is transforming labor markets, creating new job profiles, but also making many activities redundant. For companies and politicians, this means developing strategies for further training and retraining in order to make the transformation socially acceptable. At the same time, risks such as discriminatory algorithms, a lack of traceability of decisions and the misuse of sensitive data must be minimized.

Speaker of this panel:

• Dr. Valentin Schöndienst: CPO & CTO, Axel Springer SE: Leads digital product development and integrates AI into media and business processes.
• Arno Huhn: Managing Director, Schwarz IT: Responsible for the IT strategy of one of Europe's largest retail groups with a focus on AI-supported processes.
• Christine Rupp: Managing Director, IBM Deutschland GmbH: Brings extensive experience in cloud and AI solutions.
• Holger Harreis: Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company: Strategy consultant with a global perspective on digital transformation.
• Dr. Michael Zimmer: Chief Data & AI Officer, Wüstenrot & Württembergische AG: Develops and manages AI strategies in the financial sector.

Both panels will address topics that represent not only technological, but also economic and societal trends for the coming years. Blockchain & digital assets are emblematic of the search for new, decentralized and transparent financial structures. The discussion will show whether and how this technology can establish itself in the long term. Artificial intelligence, on the other hand, affects almost all areas of life and could become a decisive competitive factor for companies and entire economies, provided that it is developed and applied responsibly.

With these discussions, the Finance Summit 2025 offers a platform for exchange between industries, disciplines and perspectives. The aim is to understand the complex opportunities and risks of these key technologies, prepare well-founded decisions and develop concrete approaches for companies, politics and society. For the participants, it is an opportunity to gain a comprehensive picture of the current situation in a short space of time, learn from leading experts and make valuable contacts. At the end of this day in Stuttgart, it will become clear how seriously Europe is taking the task of not just playing along with blockchain and AI, but actively shaping the course. The panels will provide orientation and perhaps even change some people's view of the future.