Global Fintech Pulse: Key Takeaways from UK Fintech Week & Money20/20 Europe

On June 30, our CEO, Yuki Kishi, took the stage at an exclusive debriefing session hosted by the Fintech Association of Japan.

Speaking in his capacity as Managing Director, Yuki shared on-the-ground insights from two of the year's most significant global gatherings: UK Fintech Week in London and Money20/20 Europe in Amsterdam.

A Tale of Two Cities:

Yuki began by contrasting the two events. While UK Fintech Week focused heavily on regulation and government-led innovation (cementing the UK's ambition to be a global crypto hub), Money20/20 Europe was the epicenter of commercial deals, payments infrastructure, and established players.

Three Mega-Trends Shaping Finance:

Based on hundreds of conversations and sessions, Yuki highlighted three critical shifts:

1. GenAI: From "Wow" to "Infrastructure" AI is no longer a shiny new toy; it’s becoming the boring, essential plumbing of finance. The discussion has moved from "should we use it?" to "how do we govern it?"—with a focus on explainability, data lineage, and regulatory compliance.

2. Digital Assets: Regulation as a Competitive Advantage The UK is aggressively positioning itself as a "safe harbor" for crypto. New regulations are treating digital assets not as speculative toys but as legitimate financial instruments, encouraging institutional entry.

3. ESG: Profitability over Idealism The tone around sustainability has shifted. Investors are demanding "profitable net-zero" models. It’s no longer just about doing good; it’s about the economic necessity of the green transition.

The "Japan Gap" & Opportunity:

A recurring theme Yuki noted was the disparity in attendance. While global players expressed immense interest in the Japanese market—asking "How do we enter?" and "Who do we partner with?"—the number of Japanese participants on the ground was surprisingly low.

YKBridge's Role:

This gap is where we operate. YKBridge exists to translate these global macro-trends into specific, actionable strategies for the Japanese market. We ensure that when global innovators look at Japan, they see not a black box, but an open door.