Create The Future at Money20/20 Europe

Inside Money20/20 Europe

In this episode of FinTech Focus TV, Toby welcomes an industry voice who sits at the very epicentre of innovation, storytelling, and strategic influence in global financial technology. Ian Horne, Head of Content: Europe at Money20/20, joins Toby for an illuminating conversation that unpacks the immense planning, creativity, and vision that goes into curating the FinTech ecosystem’s most celebrated event.

As a FinTech recruitment business, we at Harrington Starr are passionate about driving progress in financial technology and showcasing voices that help shape the future of the industry. This episode is a masterclass in event curation, industry connection, and the power of content to transform not just a conference, but the careers, companies, and communities it touches.

An Unfiltered Look Inside the World’s Most Iconic FinTech Event

Opening the episode with light-hearted charm, Toby and Ian ease into a deep-dive discussion that soon reveals the scale and intricacy of what it takes to bring together over 9,000 professionals from across banking, payments, and FinTech each year in Amsterdam. With Ian responsible for leading the European content strategy, the conversation naturally gravitates towards the complexities and responsibilities that come with orchestrating a global stage.

Ian shares that his role goes far beyond selecting speakers. As Head of Content, he is accountable for every dimension of the narrative — from processing over 1,000 formal session proposals to identifying emerging voices, shaping stage environments, and delivering thought-provoking conversations that offer genuine return on attendance (ROA) for delegates.

The level of dedication and quality assurance that goes into the Money20/20 agenda is unlike anything else in the industry. It’s not just about inviting notable names to speak — it’s about ensuring every session offers actionable insight, moves the needle on industry discourse, and leaves the audience better informed, better connected, and inspired to innovate.

From Journalism to the Global Stage: Ian’s Unique Path to Leadership

Ian’s journey into the world of FinTech events is itself a fascinating story. With a background in sociology and journalism, including years as a writer and networker at Citywire, Ian honed his craft in understanding people, markets, and technology before joining Money20/20.

This varied background has proven invaluable in his current role. He describes himself as “intellectually curious” — someone who may not practise finance directly, but who can understand and challenge it with depth and authenticity. Ian is also an author, having written a book on decentralised finance (DeFi), which gives him unique perspective on blockchain, crypto, and financial innovation.

It’s this combination of curiosity, creativity, and rigour that underpins his ability to deliver a world-class experience year after year — and it’s exactly what makes this podcast episode such a compelling listen for anyone involved in the FinTech space.

Why Money20/20 Europe Is More Than Just Another FinTech Event

As Ian and Toby discuss, Money20/20 Europe isn’t your typical industry conference. Taking place from 3rd to 5th June 2025 in Amsterdam, it’s widely regarded as the Super Bowl of FinTech — a place where the sector’s most influential figures, emerging disruptors, and strategic partners collide over three days of high-impact content and immersive experiences.

According to Ian, what truly sets Money20/20 apart is its ability to balance substance with spectacle. From creatively designed stages — like the now-famous “Nature Stage” surrounded by greenery — to unexpected moments like brass bands bursting into song when someone redeems a merchandise token, the entire event is designed to feel more like a curated experience than a transactional trade show.

It’s these moments that leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re attending to secure investment, close deals, connect with talent, or simply gain strategic insight, the sense of theatre and spontaneity adds value beyond the agenda. As Toby reflects, Money20/20 doesn’t just bring FinTech professionals together — it energises the whole community.

Post-Covid Renaissance: The Return of Live Events in FinTech

Toby raises a timely point in the episode — that after the disruption of COVID-19, there was uncertainty around whether large-scale events would ever return with the same force. Ian’s response is clear: not only have they returned, they’ve become more impactful than ever.

With more FinTech events now appearing across the calendar, standing out requires relentless innovation. Yet Money20/20 continues to lead the way, not by chasing trends, but by deeply understanding its community. The result is an event that fosters high-value networking, world-class insight, and the kind of unexpected connections that can define a company’s next chapter.

As a FinTech recruiter, we often hear stories of transformative moments at events — from partnerships formed over coffee to founders meeting future CTOs. Ian’s description of the Money20/20 ecosystem reflects exactly this kind of environment. It's not just about who’s on stage — it’s about who’s in the room.

Content as the Competitive Edge: A Curator’s Perspective

One of the most powerful parts of this episode is Ian’s breakdown of how the agenda for Money20/20 is crafted. With thousands of applications and only a few hundred speaking slots, the competition is fierce. But the selection process is meticulous.

Ian and his team don’t just look for popular topics — they seek originality, clarity, and relevance. Sessions must demonstrate clear audience value. It’s not enough to host a panel on AI, for example — the speakers must be actively using AI in transformative ways, with real-world insights to offer.

This ethos has led to the introduction of new formats like the “Off the Record” stage — a confidential space where no phones, recording devices, or press are allowed. The aim? To create honest, raw discussions where senior leaders can share insights that wouldn’t be appropriate for public broadcast. It’s risky, bold, and brilliant — a perfect example of how the team continues to evolve the FinTech event experience.

Return on Attendance: The ROA Metric That Shapes the Agenda

A central theme in Ian’s approach is his concept of “Return on Attendance” (ROA). For every session proposed, he asks: What will the audience take away from this?

It’s a simple question, but one that filters out vague, salesy, or repetitive content. Ian seeks sessions that offer genuine value — whether that’s strategic thinking, operational insight, or a new way of solving a persistent industry problem.

This focus on ROA also speaks to the wider challenge of event curation in FinTech. With the space evolving so rapidly, audiences have higher expectations than ever. Sessions must be current, credible, and curated with care. As Ian puts it, many sessions that don’t make the cut at Money20/20 would still headline at other events — that’s how high the bar is.

Who Attends Money20/20? The Most Influential Audience in FinTech

The scale of the event is impressive, but so is the quality of the audience. Ian explains that around one-third of attendees are C-suite executives or founders, with the rest comprising senior professionals across financial services, payments, and technology.

For Toby, this raises a key point about preparation. He notes that the most effective attendees treat the event like a campaign — planning meetings in advance, aligning their teams, and approaching each interaction with purpose.

Ian agrees, urging attendees to leverage the Money20/20 app to pre-book meetings and map out their time. With thousands of decision-makers in one place, preparation can be the difference between a productive trip and a missed opportunity.

From a FinTech recruitment perspective, this level of access is invaluable. Whether you're a hiring manager seeking top-tier talent or a candidate looking to position yourself for growth, events like Money20/20 offer a unique platform to accelerate your goals.

Previewing the 2025 Agenda: What to Expect on Stage

Toby and Ian spend time unpacking what’s coming up at the 2025 edition of Money20/20 Europe, and it’s clear that the content lineup is both ambitious and deeply relevant.

Confirmed speakers include the CEO of ING, who will be focusing on sustainability in banking — a topic Ian believes is critical as financial institutions look to meet net-zero targets amidst growing pressure to act faster. It’s an example of how the event doesn’t shy away from complex issues but rather leans into them with intelligence and intention.

Another exciting keynote is Charles Hoskinson, Co-Founder and CEO of the blockchain engineering company Input Output (IO) and Co-Founder of Ethereum. His presence signals a growing convergence between traditional finance and the decentralised world, reinforcing Money20/20’s role as a bridge between the old guard and the new wave.

Other major topics include wealth tech, AI in financial services, stablecoins, and cross-border payments — with speakers ranging from banking giants like Citi and Standard Chartered to high-growth FinTechs ready to disrupt the status quo.

Why It’s Essential to Be There: The Business Case for Attendance

As the conversation draws to a close, Toby asks a question on everyone’s mind: Why should people come to Money20/20?

Ian’s answer is unequivocal: because the entire industry will be there. Whether you’re seeking new clients, forging partnerships, exploring investment, or simply trying to stay ahead of the competition, Money20/20 is where it happens.

Toby adds that the success stories from the show are remarkable — companies that landed investment just before running out of capital, founders who met future board members by chance, and scale-ups that graduated from small booths to major sponsorship within a few years. It’s proof that opportunity favours those who show up prepared and ready to engage.

For businesses in FinTech recruitment, the event is also a powerful source of market intelligence. From understanding where talent is trending to identifying the next big movers in the space, attending Money20/20 provides the insight needed to stay ahead.

Be Where FinTech Happens

As we reflect on this outstanding episode of FinTech Focus TV, one thing is clear: Money20/20 is more than a conference. It’s a catalyst for growth, a hub for connection, and a celebration of everything that makes FinTech one of the world’s most dynamic industries.

Thanks to Ian Horne’s vision and leadership, the European edition continues to set the gold standard — delivering not just content, but experience; not just names, but narratives.

Whether you're a FinTech leader looking to scale, a founder searching for your next partnership, or a professional aiming to expand your network, Money20/20 Europe (3rd–5th June 2025, Amsterdam) is the place to be.

And if you’re looking to strengthen your FinTech team or take your next step in this fast-moving industry, Harrington Starr is here to help you connect with the right opportunities.