Financial services technology companies, known as FinTechs, are making moves and currently the latest trend in the financial sector. Across the globe, start-ups are pursuing the goal of digitalization in the finance industry, making it more efficient and customer oriented.

We strongly believe that Fintech is a global game that cannot be played in one hub alone. Digitalization is a global process. Even though information travels at the speed of light across the world, the local connection to people is what creates value. Therefore, creating a worldwide network of Fintech hubs is the only way to really accelerate Fintech companies’ growth and reduce time to market both for startups and large corporates.

As a number of FinTech companies are already active in the Netherlands and Germany, we see great potential for increased cooperation between our FinTech communities.

“Even though financial services have a very strong local flavor, due to regulation and culture, technology is driving companies to do business across borders. We believe that cross- fertilization of ideas, technology and businesses will provide access to diverse and better solutions, empowering economic potential.” Don Ginsel, CEO Holland FinTech

“Our FinTechs and their innovation power are essential for Frankfurt to maintain its position as a leading international financial center. Supporting them to expand internationally by leveraging our global network of partners are of utmost concern for us. Together with Holland FinTech, we want to bring Amsterdam and Frankfurt closer together.” Hubertus Väth, Frankfurt Main Finance e.V.

To ease matchmaking between German and Dutch FinTechs, we organized an event last Friday at Holland FinTech’s member Kempen & Co in Amsterdam to encourage FinTechs from both countries to meet each other, present themselves and discover possible partners and investors. On the 25th of November, we will have a similar event in Frankfurt powered by ING DiBa.

“FinTech is by nature pan-European/global, regulation is not. But at the same time we have the European Banking Union, Solvency 2 and the integration of the European capital markets that will break down the borders over time. Therefore it was great to host the first cross border event of Holland FinTech and Frankfurt Main Finance. The theme of the event resulted in a packed room with very good discussions and this made it a fantastic and very useful event.” Cees-Jan Welkzijn, Managing Director FI & FinTech Kempen & Co.