Finance Summit 2025 - Capital market, technology and new financial strategies in dialog

The upcoming Finance Summit 2025 will be a platform for trend-setting debates on the future of Germany as a financial and business location. In times of geopolitical uncertainty, increasing regulation and rapid technological developments, experts from business, technology and SMEs will discuss key questions of transformation, always with a view to concrete solutions and new approaches.

Capital market as driver or brake?

Panel: "Stock exchanges, banks and business: the capital market as a driver or obstacle to growth?"

Right from the start, a central area of tension will become clear: what role does the capital market play in transformation processes? The panel brings together representatives from BNP Paribas, HSBC and SocGen. They will discuss whether stock exchanges promote innovation or slow it down by focusing on short-term returns and strict regulation. The question is not purely theoretical. SMEs in particular need sustainable financing models for the digital future.

Artificial intelligence as a strategic necessity

Keynote: "Unlock Your AI Mindset" with Tanuja Randery (AWS)

Technology will therefore play a key role in the Finance Summit program. Right at the beginning, AWS manager Tanuja Randery will set the tone with her keynote speech: Companies that want to be successful in the long term must not only use digital tools, but also change their entire mindset. An open, innovation-oriented AI mindset has become a strategic necessity.

Technological implementation: Why banks often fail with GenAI

Lecture: "GenAI cannot grant credit - why banks fail at automation" with Oliver Wibbe (SPS-Germany)

However, the implementation of digital technologies also remains a challenge. Despite the availability of technology, many financial institutions fail due to outdated structures and a lack of implementation expertise. GenAI is seen as the next big innovation, but its success stands and falls with the right application.

Next Generation Mittelstand: the future through startup cooperations

Panel: "Financing next generation SMEs"

One of the highlights will be the panel on SME financing. Tim Gegg (Match VC), Sven Weizenegger (Cyber Innovation Hub of the German Armed Forces), Johannes Heinloth (L-Bank) and Dr. Ulrich Thiem (Porsche Ventures) will show how SMEs can remain fit for the future through targeted investments, cooperation with start-ups and new models such as venture clienting. The focus is on the question of how traditional family businesses can not only buy in innovations, but also co-develop and strategically integrate them.

Venture clienting, i.e. the role of SMEs as customers of start-ups, offers a promising alternative to traditional capital investment. Companies benefit directly from innovative solutions and strengthen their own competitiveness at the same time. Especially in times of global uncertainty, this form of cooperation can be a stable source of innovation. Sven Weizenegger will also provide an unusual but highly relevant perspective on cybersecurity and technology promotion with his military innovation perspective.

Geopolitical upheavals and Europe's economic self-assertion

Panel: "Geopolitical shifts - the starting signal for a European awakening or just a race to catch up?"

Geopolitical changes are also on the agenda. Personalities such as Franz Reiner (Mercedes-Benz Mobility), Christoph Keese (Axel Springer), Dr. Christian Ricken (Aareal Bank AG), Armin von Falkenhayn (Bank of America Europe DACH) and Bonita Grupp (Trigema) will analyze how Europe can remain economically independent. The discussion shows that Europe needs targeted investments, technological independence and a strategic vision in order to remain globally competitive.

Blockchain & digital assets: Innovation or bubble?

Panel: "Blockchain & Digital Assets - Paving the way for new markets or just a bubble?"

Another key topic is blockchain and digital assets. Ulli Spankowski (Boerse Stuttgart Group), M. Spielmann (Deka) and representatives of the Bundesbank and Union Investment will discuss the opportunities, risks and potential applications of the technology.

Private investors in transition: from savers to speculators

Panel: "Private investor - from saver to speculator"

After a short break, there will be two panels with a strong focus on society. This panel focuses on the changing role of private investors. Representatives from ABN Amro, Consorsbank, DKB and others will discuss how modern financial products and digital platforms are reshaping access to the capital market. The focus will be on how investors make decisions in uncertain times - while also taking ethical, sustainable criteria into account.

Artificial intelligence: Europe's path between progress and risk

Panel: "AI - progress or threat for Europe?"

At the same time, another panel will be dedicated to one of the key technology topics of our time. Christine Rupp (IBM), Arno Huhn (Schwarz Digits) and Valentin Schöndienst (Axel Springer) will emphasize the strategic importance of AI for Europe's economic future - and show ways in which Europe can act with technological sovereignty.

The Finance Summit 2025 will show how impressively closely economic success, technological innovation and social responsibility are linked. The panels offer not only discussion, but also concrete solutions and insights into successful practical examples. Whether it's about digital assets, SME financing, venture clienting or AI, the summit encourages creativity and opens up new perspectives. In an increasingly complex world, the event provides exactly what decision-makers need today: orientation, exchange and inspiration. Those who attend the Finance Summit leave not only with new ideas, but also with a clearer understanding of the economic challenges and opportunities of our time.