East Meets West in Lithuania: Debating the Future of Fintech at Future Finance Fest (3F)

This August, our CEO, Yuki Kishi, traveled to Lithuania to speak at the Future Finance Fest (3F), one of the Baltic region's most vibrant fintech conferences.

Yuki joined a global panel titled "Fintech Ecosystems around the World," moderated by Aadil (UK-based transformation director), alongside fellow panelists Marius and Sebastian.

VIP Dinner @ Lithuania

Dream Makers or Buzzkillers?

The discussion was anything but dry. The moderator challenged the panel with provocative themes, sparking a lively debate on the realities of our respective ecosystems.

• Regulators: Dream Makers or Buzzkillers? Yuki shared the evolution of Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA). Once seen as conservative, Japanese regulators are now acting as "Dream Makers" through initiatives like the Fintech Sandbox and regulatory bridges, actively inviting global players to innovate within a safe framework.

• The Talent Pool Party: The "war for talent" is global. Yuki highlighted Japan’s unique position: while the language barrier remains a hurdle, the stability and high loyalty of the Japanese workforce offer a distinct competitive advantage for companies willing to invest in localization.

• Crystal Ball: Fintech 2030: When asked to predict the future, the panel agreed that the next wave won't just be about "cashless" or "digital banking"—it will be about embedded finance becoming invisible, seamlessly integrated into non-financial industries like mobility and healthcare.

Connecting the Dots:

Standing on stage in Lithuania, discussing the same challenges with leaders from Europe, reaffirmed a core truth: Innovation has no borders. Whether in Vilnius or Tokyo, the need for trust, regulatory clarity, and top talent remains universal. YKBridge continues to serve as the connector between these diverse ecosystems.