The financial world is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by rapid technological developments. In recent years, digitalization has played a major role in replacing traditional banking with next-generation digital banks and financial technologies (fintech).
One of the most important indicators of this transformation in Turkey’s financial sector is Istanbul Fintech Week. Held annually, the event brings together finance and technology professionals to showcase innovations and trends in the industry.
So, what is fintech? How is the fintech sector evolving in Turkey? Why is Istanbul Fintech Week so important? You’ll find answers to all these questions and much more in this blog post.
What is Fintech? The Fintech Sector in Turkey
Let’s now take a closer look at the concept of fintech and explore the fintech sector in more detail.
The Concept and Importance of Fintech
Fintech is a term formed from the combination of the words “financial technology” and refers to the intersection of finance and technology. In other words, fintech encompasses innovative solutions in areas such as payment systems, digital banking applications, cryptocurrencies, investment platforms, insurance technologies, and more.
Compared to traditional financial institutions, fintech companies can offer much faster, more flexible, and user-friendly services. They enhance financial accessibility while significantly reducing costs. Especially with the acceleration of digitalization during the pandemic, the growth of the fintech sector has gained momentum.
The Fintech Ecosystem in Turkey
Turkey’s fintech sector has shown substantial growth in recent years. Factors such as a young and dynamic population, widespread mobile device usage, and a high level of digital adaptation have fueled the rapid emergence of fintech startups. Another important factor is the strong structure of Turkey’s banking system and its proximity to technological developments.
For this reason, key players in Turkey’s fintech ecosystem include digital banks, payment service providers, investment platforms, and insurtech companies.
With the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA) starting to issue digital banking licenses, digital banking services have also become more common in Turkey. Licensing processes continue, allowing users to perform traditional banking transactions entirely in digital environments—quickly and securely.
Istanbul Fintech Week: The Heart of the Sector
The Story of Istanbul Fintech Week
Istanbul Fintech Week (IFW) has been organized since 2019 as one of the largest fintech events in Turkey and the region. Each year, professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and regulators working in financial technologies gather to discuss current developments, challenges, and opportunities in the sector.
Istanbul Fintech Week has evolved into more than just a conference—it has become a major meeting point shaping the industry. The event covers a wide range of topics including digital banking solutions, blockchain, artificial intelligence, payment systems, cybersecurity, and sustainable finance.
The 2025 Event and Agenda
Preparations for Istanbul Fintech Week 2025 have been ongoing for some time. The event, scheduled for June 11–12, 2025, will bring the latest trends and innovations in the industry to participants.
According to the official event program, this year’s theme will be “Redefining the Future of Finance with AI and Web3.” Topics such as AI-based financial solutions, next-gen payment technologies, crypto, and financial inclusion will be in the spotlight.
Organized by fintech-focused consultancy KOOP Ventures, some of the event’s key session topics include:
- AI in Finance: Panels on machine learning, data analytics, and automation in operations; current state of AI adoption; AI’s impact on the workforce; and its broader societal implications
Some Speakers:
- Jean-Marc Bonnefous
Mehmet Zahit Ateş
Pınar Emirdağ
Chitro Majumdar
Maryam Torshizi
Görkem Köseoğlu
Hermann Rapp
Kee-Meng Tan
Kieran Garvey
- Trading Technology: Panels on Borsa Istanbul trading efficiency, global market applications, HFT dynamics in crypto markets, and regulations
Some Speakers:
- Mahmut Gündeş
Prof. Dr. Vedat Akgiray
Deniz İkizlerli
Niyazi Atasoy
Arkın Şengönül
Harun Özkan
Uğur Arslan
Bayramhan Demircan
Erdem Muratlı
Emrah Ahi
Serhat Başkurt
Prof. Dr. Cenktan Özyıldırım
İlkay Öztürk
Onur Yurtsever
Rıdvan Sezen
- Web3: Panels on the transformative impact and opportunities of Web3 technologies in the financial world
Some Speakers:
- Ali İhsan Güngör
Cem Tutar
Cemil Şinasi Türün
Mücahit Dönmez
Celal Cündoğlu
Kylie Poole
Yiğit Akkoyunlu
Christine Abou Assali
Sinem Cantürk
Elçin Karatay
Kürşad Oz
Onur Güven
Reece Merrick
Prof. Dr. Hatice Karahan
Katie Evans
Peter Grosskopf
Doruk İşmen
Efe Bulduk
Sebastian Higgs
Sveinn Valfells
Çağın Dönmez
Rafi Ersözlü
Dominik Longman
Eren Temren
Jean-Marc Bonnefous
By hosting both local and international speakers and participants, the event increases Turkey’s visibility in the global fintech ecosystem. Additionally, you can attend C-Level executive meetings, watch startup showcases, and join events focused on women in fintech.
Some featured session titles include:
- Financial Services of the Intelligence Era
- Panel: AlgoTrading Solutions: Build or Buy, Software or FPGA?
- Web3 and the Role of Traditional Finance
- Crossroad Between AI and Digital Assets
The Rise of Fintech and Digital Banks
Turkey’s Place in Digital Banking
The concept of digital banking in Turkey has developed in parallel with the rise of the fintech sector. Digital banks offer a completely branchless experience, delivering financial services in fully digital environments. They promise advantages such as fast account opening, low transaction fees, innovative payment solutions, and personalized financial management.
Thanks to legal regulations, the number of digital banks operating in Turkey is steadily increasing. This trend is making consumers’ lives easier while enhancing access to financial services.
Fintech Startups and Investments
The number of fintech startups in Turkey continues to grow each day. Areas like payment systems, digital wallets, investment platforms, and insurance technologies are among the most popular. With increasing investor interest, Turkish fintech startups are achieving notable success in both local and international markets.
Istanbul Fintech Week’s Contribution to the Sector
Istanbul Fintech Week provides a platform for all stakeholders in the sector to exchange knowledge, build partnerships, and launch new projects. It creates important networking opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and major financial institutions, contributing to the sector’s growth.
Through panels, workshops, and sessions held during the event, both professionals and fintech enthusiasts can gain valuable insights. This helps increase awareness and knowledge of financial technologies. Main sponsors of the event include Binance TR, Define X, Akbank, Odeabank, Mastercard, Türkiye İş Bankası, and Garanti BBVA Payment Systems.
For more information, visit the official Istanbul Fintech Week website.
Visit Us at the SatoLOC & SatoLOC Insight Booth
We’re excited to introduce our agency SatoLOC—named in reference to Satoshi Nakamoto—and our AI-powered platform, SatoLOC Insight. As a media partner of Istanbul Fintech Week, we’ll be at Fişekhane on June 11–12.
SatoLOC is active in content creation, translation, and localization for sectors like cryptocurrency, Web3, and finance, as well as in shaping SEO strategies for brands.
SatoLOC Insight is a startup launched in 2024 and supported by initiatives such as She’s Mercedes, ITU Çekirdek, and TÜSİAD. The platform focuses on enabling the easy creation, translation, and SEO optimization of written content via an AI-based system. It also offers features such as API integration, visual generation, internal/external linking, originality checks, and translation quality control.
Our IFW booth is located on Floor -2. You can meet us, explore our product, and participate in our T-shirt and book raffle.
As we move toward a world where financial services are more accessible, faster, and user-centric, events like Istanbul Fintech Week continue to significantly contribute to both the sector’s growth and Turkey’s recognition in the global fintech ecosystem.
Note: This content was created using SatoLOC Insight’s “Custom Content” module and refined through human editing.
