Multiple Hubs
16 October 2024 - 12:00

European Woman Payment Network (EWPN): Annual Event Synchronised &
Connected Across Multiple Hubs

EVENT PAGE: ewpn.eu/events/ewpn-conference-2024/

DATE: 16th October 2024

TIME: 12:00 – 21:00 CET

After Vienna in 2023, this year’s event is set to be a groundbreaking
moment in the EWPN industry, offering an experience like never before.
For the first time, EWPN will simultaneously host the conference across
multiple European hubs, allowing for greater accessibility and
engagement across the continent. More hubs will be announced soon,
further expanding the reach and impact of this landmark event.

WE WILL MEET IN:
UK, London: Rise, created by Barclays. 41 Luke St, London EC2A 4DP
Ireland: DA Ireland, Three Park Place, Hatch Street Upper, Dublin 2
D02 FX65
Germany, Frankfurt: TechQuartier, Platz d. Einheit 2, 60327 Frankfurt am Main
Netherlands, Amsterdam: Mollie, Keizersgracht 126, 1015 CW Amsterdam.

At EWPN, we realise that we are not just an organisation- WE ARE A MOVEMENT!

A movement made of people working in fintech & payments, who are committed to making changes in our industry. A movement made of people committed to starting and having difficult conversations that are necessary for impactful change in our industry. A movement made of leaders, innovators, change makers, troublemakers, trailblazers, human beings, thought leaders, diverse community and impact creators.

Our events are like no other events. We gather as a community, as a movement to share, learn, encourage one another. We curate the change we want to see in the financial industry. We gather with a purpose.

We are changing the way we interact, using our multiple identities and innovating the way we create, store and exchange value.

ANCHORING THEME: Make It Last

New technologies, digital assets, virtual worlds and marketplaces offer great opportunities to build a more sustainable and inclusive world in which boundaries are fading and silos are broken down.

We are changing the way we interact, using our multiple identities and innovating the way we create,store and exchange value.

SUPPORTING THEMES:

  • Make DEI and ESG (or The Future) Last
  • Make Careers Last
  • Make the Impact of Technology & Innovation Last

The conference brings together our community from across Europe and beyond for a dynamic blend of in-depth workshops, interactive panels,
and plenary sessions led by prominent industry leaders.

 

In case of any questions, please contact us via email: events(at)ewpn.eu


PROGRAMME

AMSTERDAM-HUB

12:00-13:00 Arrival, Registration & Refreshments

13:00 – 13:15 WELCOME & OPENING

  • Ceren Danis – Chief Product Officer at Unique Payments & Country Ambassador Netherlands at EWPN

 13:15-13:30 Theme Keynote by Mollie: Make it Last

 13:30 – 14:15 Panel: Balancing Tough Personal Life Moments with Career Ambitions

  • Andreea Pap – Senior Business Development Manager at Etraveli Group
  • Sophie Makker – Entrepreneur, Gut Leadership at Sophie Makker
  • Thais Rodrigues Alves – Product Partnerships Lead at Mollie
  • Moderator: Liesl Bebb-McKay – Director Business Development & Partnerships at BBD

14:30 – 15:15 Panel : (VC) Funding for Women

  • Claire Tange – Founder/Partner at Joanna Invests
  • Esma Choho – Growth Strategist/Founder/Angel Investor at choho.com
  • Kimberly Ofori – Founder at The Bold New Company
  • Michelle ter Laak – Investment Analyst at Arches Capital
  • Moderator: Ceren Danis – Chief Product Officer at Unique Payments

15:30 – 16:15 Networking & Coffee Break

16:15-17:00 Podcast Interview Live on Stage

  • Dirkjan Hupkes – Podcast Host at Women Disrupting Tech

17:15 – 18:15 Industry Leadership Deepdive: “Bridging the AI Gap in Fintech: Unleashing Potential vs. Real-World Adoption”

  • Charlotte Al Usta – Principal at Flagship Advisory Partners
  • Denelise L’Ecluse – Managing Director Continental Europe at BSI
  • Frans van Bruggen – Senior Policy officer FinTech & Artificial Intelligence at Dutch Central Bank
  • Ryan Chaves – Head of Machine Learning at Mollie
  • Sharon Ehigiene – Card Scheme & Payments Expert at Silverflow
  • Thea van Osterhout – Founder/Business Strategy Consultant Identity, Payments & Data at Mariposa
  • Moderator: Arlette Broex – Head at PaymentGenes Academy, Podcast Host at Nieuwe Knikkers

18:15 – 18:45 Drinks Reception Break

18:45 – 19:00 Awards Welcome by EWPN

19:00 – 19:15 Sponsor Keynote by Mollie

19:15 – 19:30 Awards Announcements

19:30 – 21:00 Dinner & Networking

IRELAND-HUB

12:00-13:00 Registration, Lunch & Networking

13:00 – 13:30 WELCOME

  • Alison Donnelly – EWPN Ambassador
  • Siobhain Hanley – DA Ireland

13:30-14:00 Opening Keynote – Make it Last

  • Matt McCann – Access Earth

14:00 – 14:40 Panel: Pay It Forward: The Future of Accessible Payments

  • Brian Dalton – Fidelity Payments/Clover
  • Joan Breen – DailyPay
  • Louise O’Meara – Managing Director at Citi Corporate and Investment Bank
  • Louise Hogan – ALG

14:40 – 15:00 Tea/coffee and networking break  

15:00 – 15:40 Panel: AI-tastic Futures: Crafting Timeless Tech in Fintech

  • Stéphanie Dossou – Director of Artificial Intelligence in Forvis Mazars
  • Jared Browne – Fexco
  • Aisling Browne – Glitch Ads

15:40 – 16:30 Fireside chat: The journey of a fintech entrepreneur

  • Carol Donnelly/Orla Fitzsimons
  • Alison McMurtrie – CEO & Founder Idunn

16:30 – 17:00 Female Founders EWPN Clips

  • Sinead Sharkey – Generation Women
  • Michelle O’Keefe – Platform 55
  • Lesley Tully – Founder Penny FS

17:00 – 18:00 Pre-awards Drinks Reception

18:00 – 20:00 Awards Announcement & Dinner

FRANKFURT-HUB

12:00-13:00 Arrival, Registration & Refreshments

13:00 – 13:15 WELCOME & OPENING

  • Melanie Ockerse – Sr. Director Partnership Europe at Entersekt &  Executive Board Member at EWPN

13:15-13:30 Keynote: Beyond the Buzz: Crafting Digital Change That Endures

  • Olga Brumnik – Business Consultant for Digital Transformation at Beecon

 13:30 – 14:15 Panel: Beyond Tokenism: Building Sustainable DEI Practices in Fintech

  • Peter Grouev – Co-founder & Chief Investment Officer at Tapline
  • Maria Paula Guimarães Baum (She/Her) – Senior Product Manager Xaver
  • Rukayyat  Kolawole, CFA – Founder & CEO at PaceUP Invest & Executive Board Member at EWPN
  • Moderator: Dorris Kirui –  Senior ESG Manager at Gothaer Asset Management AG

14:15 – 15:00 GenAI in digital payments: how to maximize the benefits?

  • Aigerim Smrčková – Manager at Flagship Advisory Partners
  • Tanuj Pasupuleti – CEO at Bankify Ltd
  • Verena Ritter-Döring – Partner at Taylor Wessing Germany
  • Moderator: Magda Schmid-Debska – Head of Growth & Marketing at PXP Financial

15:00 – 15:45 Networking & Coffee Break

 15:45-16:15 Fireside Chat: Forge Your Own Path and Navigate the Hidden Rules

  • Asmaa Hechenberger – Data Engineer Lead at WWK Lebensversicherung a. G.
  • Birgit Bucari-Kaiser – Titel at Unzer

16:15 – 16:45 Female Founders Talk

  • Fanny Giannou – Founder & CEO at Alithea Biotechnology
  • Rukayyat Kolawole, CFA – Founder & CEO at PaceUP Invest & Executive Board Member at EWPN
  • Sara Egetemeyr – Co-Founder PENEMUE

17:00 – 17:15 Awards Sponsor Keynote: Make Careers Last

  • Julia Faesser – Senior Vice President for Identity & Post Transactions Services for Europe at Mastercard

17:15 – 18:00 Awards Announcements

18:00 – 21:00 Dinner & Networking

LONDON – HUB

12:00-13:00 Arrival, Registration & Refreshments

13:00 – 13:15 WELCOME & OPENING

  • EWPN Board Member Lana HoffmanN
  • EWPN UK Country Ambassador & Event Host: Helen Owen

13:15-13:30 Keynote: Embracing neurodiversity in the workplace

  • Alexander Hedlund, Financial Services Programme Lead at Neurodiversity in Business

 13:30 – 14:15 Presentations & Panel: Accessible Payments

  • Prerna Geol – Core team and Founding Member at Project Nemo
  • Claire Maillet – Fraud Product Manager at Vanguard
  • Moderator: Miranda Mclean –  CMO at ecommpay, EWPN Exec Board Member

14:15 – 15:00 Panel: Inclusive payment technologies: lessons from emerging markets

  • Gary Prince –  CEO at The Pay Firm
  • Bronwyn Boyle –  CISO at PPRO
  • Teresa Cameron – Finance Director at Clear Junction
  • Moderator: Dr. Ekaterina Safonova – Managing Director at CS Consulting & Advisory, EWPN Exec Board Member

15:00 – 15:45 Networking & Coffee Break 

15:45 – 16:15 Podcast: Bounceback careers: bumps, jumps and squiggly lines

  • Divya Eapen – Chief Risk Officer
  • Megan Dunford – COO
  • Nicola Marins – CCO at The Pay Firm.
  • Host: Nadia Dashti-Edwards – Chief Customer Officer at Harrington Starr, EWPN Exec Board Member

 16:15 – 16:45 EWPN Clips: Female & Minority Founders

  • Gihan Hyde – Founder & CEO at Communique

17:00 – 17:15 Awards Sponsor Keynote: Make Inclusion Last – Lynda Clarke, COO, Tribe Payments

 17:50 – 18:00 Closing remarks
Presented by Aishat Apesin + Sponsors

17:15 – 17:50 Awards Announcement

  • EWPN Board Member Lana HoffmanN

 18:00 – 21:00 Dinner & Networking


EWPN 2024 Awards

 

Award Category: “Allyship Champion of the Year” (4)

Description:

The “Allyship Champion of the Year” award recognizes and celebrates outstanding individuals, companies, or organisations that have made significant contributions to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity within the fintech payments industry. This award honours those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment, and proactive efforts in fostering an inclusive culture and supporting underrepresented communities.

The idea is to have at least one winner for this award in each of the hubs.

Criteria:

Nominees should showcase a well-defined, comprehensive, and forward-thinking vision for diversity and inclusion within their organisation. This includes a clear strategy outlining how they integrate inclusive practices into their core operations and long-term plans, addressing at least 2 of the 4 criteria below.

  • Promotion of Diversity: The nominee should have demonstrated measurable efforts in promoting diversity within their organisation. This could involve initiatives to increase the representation of underrepresented groups in leadership positions, hiring practices that prioritise diversity, and programs that support the career development of diverse talent.
  • Commitment to Equity: The nominee must demonstrate a commitment to equity through fair and just practices. This includes initiatives to ensure equitable opportunities for all employees, transparent and fair compensation practices, and support systems that address disparities within the workplace.
  • Innovative Inclusion Programs: Judges will look for innovative and impactful programs implemented by the nominee to foster inclusion. This could include mentorship programs, employee resource groups, partnerships with diversity-focused organisations, or initiatives that create safe and supportive environments for all employees.
  • Leadership and Advocacy: The nominee should exemplify strong leadership in advocating for diversity and inclusion both internally and externally. This involves actively engaging in conversations about inclusivity, influencing industry standards, and inspiring others to champion diversity and inclusion in their own organisations.
  • Community Engagement: The nominee should demonstrate efforts to support and engage with underrepresented communities outside of their organisation. This includes partnerships with community organisations, volunteer work, and initiatives aimed at uplifting and empowering marginalised groups within the broader fintech payments ecosystem.

Measurable Results:

Judges will assess the nominee’s ability to achieve tangible and quantifiable results in their allyship and inclusivity efforts. This could involve improved diversity metrics, certifications, awards, and recognition from reputable bodies. Recognising that many fintech companies may be at the early stages of their inclusivity journey, demonstrable measures could include:

  • Diversity Metrics: Increase in the percentage of underrepresented groups in leadership positions (board, executive committee, senior leadership team, middle managers, etc.). AND /OR Achievement of specific diversity targets across the organisation.
  • Inclusive Hiring Practices: Implementation of unbiased recruitment policies and processes. AND / OR Partnerships with organisations that support the recruitment of diverse talent.
  • Employee Engagement and Support: Establishment and active participation in employee resource groups. AND / OR Implementation of mentorship and sponsorship programs for underrepresented employees. AND / OR Results from employee satisfaction and engagement surveys, particularly from diverse groups.
  • Training and Development: Mandatory diversity, equity, and inclusion training programs for all employees. AND / OR Specialized training programs for managers and leaders to foster inclusive leadership.
  • Recognition and Awards: Receipt of diversity and inclusion certifications or awards from reputable organisations. AND / OR Public acknowledgment and awards for inclusive initiatives and programs.
  • Community Engagement: Quantifiable contributions to community organisations supporting underrepresented groups. AND / OR Volunteer hours dedicated to diversity and inclusion initiatives.
    Innovation in Inclusion: Development and implementation of unique programs or initiatives that have positively impacted inclusivity. AND / OR Metrics demonstrating the success and impact of these innovative programs.

Scalability and Replicability: Consideration will be given to how easily the nominee’s inclusive practices can be scaled and replicated by other businesses, promoting a ripple effect of positive impact across the fintech payments industry.

Nomination Process:

Self-nominations or nominations by others are accepted, and nominees should submit a detailed application highlighting their diversity and inclusivity initiatives and achievements.

Evaluation Process:

  • All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges with expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion within the fintech payments industry.
  • Nominees will be evaluated based on the criteria outlined above, with particular emphasis on measurable results and the scalability and replicability of their practices.

The winner will be announced during the EWPN Awards ceremony on October 16th across all hubs.

The “Allyship Champion of the Year” award aims to inspire and encourage businesses to embrace diversity and inclusivity, serving as a beacon of hope for a more equitable, inclusive, and prosperous future.

 

Award Category: “Sustainable Business Champion of the Year”

Description:

The “Sustainable Business Champion of the Year” award recognises and celebrates outstanding individuals, companies, or organisations that have made significant contributions to the promotion and implementation of sustainable business practices. This award honours those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to creating a positive impact on the environment, society, and the economy through their sustainable business initiatives.

Criteria:

Sustainable Vision and Strategy:

Nominees should showcase a well-defined, comprehensive, and forward-thinking sustainable vision for their business. This includes a clear strategy outlining how they integrate sustainable practices into their core business operations and long-term plans around at least 2 of the 4 criteria below.

  • Environmental Impact: The nominee should have demonstrated measurable and positive impacts on environmental sustainability. This could involve efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimise waste and pollution, conserve natural resources, promote eco-friendly production processes, and biodiversity conservation.
  • Social Responsibility: The nominee must demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility and ethical practices. This includes initiatives to improve employee conditions, foster inclusivity and diversity, support local communities, and ensure fair trade practices throughout their supply chain.
  • Innovation and Creativity: Judges will look for innovative approaches and creative solutions employed by the nominee to address sustainability challenges within their industry. This could include the development of new green technologies, business models, or partnerships to promote sustainable growth.
  • Leadership and Engagement: The nominee should exemplify strong leadership in advocating for sustainable business practices both internally and externally. This involves inspiring and involving employees, stakeholders, and customers in their sustainability journey.

Measurable Results:

Judges will assess the nominee’s ability to achieve tangible and quantifiable results in their sustainable business efforts. This could involve improved sustainability metrics, certifications, awards, and recognition from reputable bodies.

Recognising that most FinTechs will be in very early stages on their sustainability journey demonstrable measures could include:

  • Implementation of carbon tracking
  • Moving to 100% renewable energy
  • Use of sustainable suppliers
  • Changing recruitment policies
  • Achieving diversity for each level of seniority in the business (board, Exco, senior leadership team, middle managers, etc)
  • Producing a materiality assessment
  • Reducing carbon emissions

Scalability and Replicability:

Consideration will be given to how easily the nominee’s sustainable practices can be scaled and replicated by other businesses, promoting a ripple effect of sustainable impact across industries.

Nomination Process:

Self-nominations or nominations by others are accepted, and nominees should submit a detailed application highlighting their sustainable initiatives and achievements.

The winner will be announced during the EWPN Awards ceremony on October 16th across all hubs.

The “Sustainable Business Champion of the Year” award aims to inspire and encourage businesses to embrace sustainable practices, serving as a beacon of hope for a greener, more responsible, and prosperous future.

 

The Positive Troublemaker Award

The Positive Trouble Awards will recognise one woman* and one male ally* who has been, and continues to be, very vocal in promoting diversity & inclusion in the industry, especially in areas where women and minority groups are absent or under-represented. The recipients have continuously demonstrated through actions their strong beliefs that diverse organisations are better run, more successful and more innovative than homogenous ones. Recipients should meet at least 3 of the following criteria:

  • A known fintech or payments evangelist, who “got there” by blazing the trail where there was none before (and continues to blaze the trail today), all the while displaying high integrity, ethical and professional standards
  • An active sponsor, mentor and promoter of gender equality
  • Doesn’t hesitate to loudly advocate, promote and fight for diversity in the industry
  • Has no problem publicly calling out and refusing to participate in “Manels”
  • Speaks up and is not afraid to point out non-inclusive or poor behaviour
  • Goes the extra mile to create positive environments to encourage innovation, diversity and leadership
  • Known for being a good mentor to fellow women in the industry
  • Responsible for and champions internal and external policies and programs to maximise the contributions and influence of a diverse team in their workforce and/or across the industry

*Individual must be working and based in Europe

 

Fintech/ Payments Leader of the Year

The Fintech/Payments Leader of the Year will recognise one woman*, who has demonstrated the most leadership in Fintech/Payments. She has persistently shaped the Fintech/Payments dialogue and supported the Fintech community in Europe. The recipient should meet at least 3 of the following criteria:

  • Recognised thought leader and fintech/payments evangelist known for her distinguished leadership and inspiring work in making a positive impact in her company and the financial services industry
  • Demonstrable impact of significant financial, strategic and fintech innovative value to her company, investors, customers and community
  • Demonstrable dedication and commitment to clients and customer service
  • Exceptional skills in managing and partnering with internal and external stakeholders
  • A commitment to personal development and a clear vision of the goals they have for themselves
  • Responsible for and champions internal and external policies and programs to build diverse teams, inspire the next generation, and mentor talent inside and outside her company

*Individual must have worked in the European Fintech/Payments industry for at least 3 years, and is also currently working and based in Europe


Submit your nomination

Awards Nomination

If you would like to submit yourself, your colleague, your organisation or someone who you think deserves any of the awards listed below, please fill in the form below. Please note that only ONE form of submission can be received from one individual.

 

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