Led by FinTech Atlanta, this Georgian delegation includes more than 20 exhibitors and 25 leaders who will speak at 13 educational sessions on topics ranging from machine learning to checkless checking to lending-as-a-service.

Over the past five years, the shifting legislative landscape combined with evolving technology and consumer expectations brought the previously behind the scenes FinServ/FinTech industry into the spotlight. Metro Atlanta essentially created the payments industry, and today, more than 50 percent of United States’ FinTech companies are based in the region, including giants such as First Data, NCR, Worldpay, and Equifax. As a result of this density, 70 percent of all debit, credit and gift card transactions that occur in America flow through Atlanta, now dubbed “Transaction Alley.”

On Oct. 23 from 3:10 - 4pm, leaders from Atlanta’s FinTech ecosystem will share how and why the metro region has nurtured its FinTech industry. The panel, entitled Role of Local Governments in Building a Thriving FinTech Ecosystem, will uncover how effective public-private partnerships can support FinTech companies, attract new investment, and create an environment for local growth with global impact. Panelists include Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) President & CEO Hala Moddelmog, First Data Executive Vice President Barry McCarthy, Vice Consul for U.K. Department for International Trade Chonchol Gupta, and TruRating CEO and Founder Georgina Nelson. The Wall Street Journal’s Rachel Witkowski will moderate the panel, which takes place in the San Polo room of the Venetian.

“Atlanta is already the world’s FinTech capital, and First Data is proud to be a leader in building Atlanta’s FinTech brand globally,” said McCarthy, who also serves as chair of FinTech Atlanta. “FinTech is about commerce enablement. Every business and every consumer every day rely upon FinTech solutions. At First Data we help enable commerce for businesses of all kinds, including exciting startups like truRating.”

In addition, on Oct. 25 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., press and tradeshow attendees are invited to Atlanta’s Transaction Alley Reception. This event will be held at the restaurant db Brasserie, and will serve as a chance for business leaders and guests to mingle and network. There is limited space, and guests can secure their spot by visiting the Transaction Alley Reception event website. The FinTech Atlanta delegation and associated events are curated by the following partners and sponsors: Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC), American Transaction Processors Coalition (ATPC), City of Alpharetta, Georgia Department of Economic Development, Development Authority of Fulton County, Habif, Arogeti and Wynne (HA&W), Invest Atlanta, MAC, Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), and WNA.

“FinTech is one of the tech sectors Where Georgia Leads, with Atlanta being home to more than 100 established and emerging companies,” stated Tino Mantella, president and CEO of TAG. “Our FinTech ecosystem covers everything from payment processing and digital currencies; to advanced banking technologies and loyalty rewards programs."

“Transaction Alley launched America’s payments processing industry yet its companies were content until recently to stay behind the scenes, securely and effectively moving funds between consumers, merchants and financial institutions,” said ATPC Executive Director H. West Richards. “Atlanta’s payments processing companies mobilized in response to passage of legislation like Dodd Frank to ensure that their voice was heard by federal, state and local governments considering complex policy issues related to cybersecurity, investment and workforce development that will define FinTech’s future, and America’s role in it.”