Open Banking Expo UK & Europe returns to London’s Business Design Centre on 13 and 14 October, bringing together more than 1,800 attendees and 200 industry speakers for two days of insight, debate and collaboration at a pivotal moment for Open Banking, Open Finance and Smart Data.
With less than a week to go, final preparations are underway for one of the industry’s biggest gatherings of the year, as financial institutions, fintechs, regulators, policymakers and technology providers prepare to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of financial services.
Taking place across four stages of content each day, alongside The Engine Room podcast studio, the event will examine how the industry can move beyond ambition and regulation towards delivering real commercial and consumer value.
With the Smart Data agenda gathering momentum, the continued evolution of Open Banking payments and growing interest in Open Finance, the conversations taking place in London next week come at a critical time for the sector.
Industry-leading keynotes set the agenda
The Main Stage will welcome a diverse line-up of keynote speakers, combining regulatory insight, industry expertise and fresh perspectives from beyond financial services.
On Tuesday 13 October, Andrew Self, head of department, Open Banking & Open Finance at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), will deliver an opening keynote exploring ‘Moving from Open Banking into Open Finance: What’s needed to unlock the next chapter?’.
His address comes as the industry looks towards the next phase of regulatory and commercial development, with questions around collaboration, innovation and the future framework for Open Finance firmly in focus.
Dr Ruth Wandhöfer, internationally recognised financial services and technology expert, will take to the stage on Wednesday 14 October to explore ‘The post-payments world: Open Banking, AI and the new architecture of value’. Her keynote will examine how emerging technologies are reshaping financial services and creating new opportunities for innovation.
Bringing the conference to a memorable close will be Maz Farrelly, the award-winning television executive behind some of the world’s biggest entertainment shows, including Big Brother and The X Factor.
In her closing Main Stage keynote, ‘Why be boring when you can be bad ass’, Farrelly will draw on more than 30 years in television to challenge conventional business thinking and reveal what financial services can learn from showbusiness about capturing attention, communicating with impact and creating unforgettable experiences.
From Open Banking to Open Finance: Turning ambition into action
Across the two days, the conference programme will tackle some of the most pressing issues facing the financial services ecosystem.
The Main Stage will bring together influential voices to examine the direction of Open Banking and Open Finance, while the dedicated Payments Stage will explore the continued growth of Pay by Bank, variable recurring payments and the opportunities presented by account-to-account transactions.
The co-located Open Finance Show will examine the commercial opportunities emerging from greater access to financial data, including new business models, customer propositions and the infrastructure needed to support them.
On Day One, the Smart Data Stage will explore how the principles of Open Banking can extend into other sectors, while Day Two will introduce the Trust & Identity Stage, focusing on the technologies and frameworks underpinning secure digital interactions.
The programme will also feature the new Question Time format, encouraging lively debate and audience participation on the issues shaping the industry’s future.
More than a conference: Where the industry connects
Alongside the content programme, attendees will have access to an exhibition featuring more than 40 organisations showcasing the technologies and solutions driving the next generation of financial services.
The Expo floor will provide opportunities to discover new products, meet potential partners and explore practical applications of Open Banking and Open Finance.
The Engine Room returns with recorded conversations bringing together industry leaders for more in-depth discussions, while dedicated networking spaces and facilitated networking sessions will help attendees build valuable new relationships.
With decision-makers, innovators and regulators all under one roof, the event offers an opportunity to move conversations forward, establish partnerships and turn ideas into action.
Celebrating the industry’s achievements
The Open Banking Expo Awards 2026 will take place on the evening of Tuesday 13 October, recognising the individuals, teams and organisations making an outstanding contribution to the advancement of Open Banking and Open Finance.
Following a record year for entries, the ceremony will celebrate excellence across the ecosystem, from technological innovation and customer impact to industry leadership and collaboration.
The countdown is on
As Open Banking and Open Finance enter their next chapter, the need for meaningful industry collaboration has never been greater.
Open Banking Expo UK & Europe 2026 will bring together the people, ideas and organisations shaping that future, providing two days of discussion, practical insight and opportunities to build the relationships that will drive the industry forward.
Open Banking Expo UK & Europe takes place on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 October 2026 at the Business Design Centre, London.
With just days remaining, there is still time to join the conversation. Visit the website and register to attend.
