Istanbul, Türkiye – The International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA) is proud to announce the 31st Edition Connected Banking Summit – Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026, scheduled to take place on 21 October 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye.
As part of the globally renowned Connected Banking Summit Series, the Eurasia edition will bring together senior banking executives, regulators, fintech innovators, technology providers, investors, policymakers, and financial-services leaders from across Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, and emerging Eurasian markets to explore the future of banking, payments, financial technology, and digital transformation.
Held under the theme “Advancing Digital Banking Transformation and Financial Technology Innovation for a Connected Eurasian Market,” the summit will serve as a strategic platform for industry leaders to exchange insights, foster partnerships, and explore the innovations shaping the next generation of financial services across the region.
Türkiye: The Gateway to Eurasian Financial Innovation
Strategically positioned at the intersection of Europe and Asia, Türkiye has emerged as one of the region’s most dynamic financial and technology hubs. Supported by a rapidly evolving digital economy, increasing fintech investment, progressive regulatory initiatives, and growing adoption of advanced technologies, the country continues to play a pivotal role in connecting financial markets across Eurasia.
Financial institutions across the region are accelerating investments in digital-core modernization, real-time payments, open finance, artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, and customer-centric banking models. As competition intensifies and customer expectations continue to evolve, organizations are seeking innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency, improve financial inclusion, and unlock new growth opportunities.
Against this backdrop, the 31st Edition Connected Banking Summit – Eurasia will provide a premier forum for collaboration, enabling stakeholders to discuss emerging trends, address critical industry challenges, and identify practical strategies for building resilient, future-ready financial ecosystems.
Key Focus Areas for 2026
Driving the Next Generation of Financial Innovation Across Eurasia
- Digital Core Banking Modernization and Scalable Architecture
- Instant Payments, Interoperability and Cross-Border Efficiency
- Open Finance and API-Driven Banking Ecosystems
- Artificial Intelligence and Data-Driven Banking Innovation
- AI-Powered Fraud Prevention and Cybersecurity Intelligence
- Cloud Adoption for Operational Resilience and Agility
- Digital Identity, KYC Modernization and Trusted Data Frameworks
- Embedded Finance and Platform Economy Opportunities
- SME Banking, Financial Inclusion and Growth Enablement
- Capital Markets Digitization and Digital Asset Infrastructure
- ESG-Aligned Financial Innovation and Sustainable Finance
What to Expect at the Summit
Attendees will benefit from:
- Visionary keynote presentations from banking leaders, regulators, and fintech pioneers
- Strategic insights into Eurasia’s rapidly evolving financial-services landscape
- Expert-led panel discussions focused on payments, cybersecurity, AI, cloud transformation, and open finance
- Real-world case studies showcasing successful digital-transformation initiatives
- Exclusive networking opportunities with C-suite executives and senior decision-makers
- Curated business meetings connecting financial institutions with leading technology and solution providers
- High-value discussions focused on innovation, growth, compliance, and customer experience
- The prestigious Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026, recognizing organizations and individuals driving excellence across banking and financial services
Celebrating Excellence Across the Banking Ecosystem
The Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026 will recognize outstanding achievements across multiple categories, including:
- Digital Bank of the Year
- Best Open Banking & API Enablement Initiative
- Best Payments Innovation
- Best Digital Transformation Program
- Best Cybersecurity Strategy
- Most Innovative Fintech Solution
- CEO of the Year
- CIO / CTO / CISO of the Year
- Banking Leader of the Year
- Women in Financial Leadership Award
The awards program serves as a benchmark for excellence, celebrating institutions and leaders that are redefining the future of financial services through innovation, leadership, and measurable impact.
A Premier Platform for Eurasia’s Banking Leaders
Connected Banking Eurasia has established itself as one of the region’s most influential banking leadership forums, bringing together decision-makers from across the banking, fintech, payments, and technology ecosystem.
The summit continues to create opportunities for:
- Strategic collaboration
- Industry knowledge exchange
- Business development and partnership creation
- Technology adoption and innovation acceleration
- Regional financial-sector growth
Through the Connected Banking Summit Series, ICSA has built a strong global legacy of:
- 31 Successful Editions
- 5,000+ Curated Delegates
- 500+ Industry Speakers
- 1,000+ Hours of Executive Networking
- Hundreds of Strategic Partnerships Facilitated
The Istanbul edition is expected to further strengthen this legacy by convening the visionaries, innovators, and decision-makers shaping the future of financial services across Eurasia.
Leadership Perspective
“Eurasia represents one of the most exciting growth regions for financial innovation, where established financial institutions, emerging fintechs, regulators, and technology providers are collectively redefining the future of banking. The 31st Edition Connected Banking Summit provides a unique platform for industry leaders to collaborate, exchange ideas, and accelerate the adoption of transformative technologies that will shape the next era of financial services across the region.”
— International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA)
Registration and Participation
Delegate registrations, sponsorship opportunities, speaking engagements, and exhibition packages are now available.
For registrations, partnerships, and media enquiries:
📞 +44 20 3808 8625
📍 Istanbul, Türkiye
About the International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA)
The International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA) is a globally recognized organization specializing in executive-level summits, strategic conferences, business intelligence platforms, and leadership forums. Through its flagship Connected Banking Summit series and international events, ICSA enables collaboration between senior executives, policymakers, regulators, innovators, and technology providers—driving transformation, innovation, and sustainable growth across the global financial-services ecosystem.
Gazet International is an official Media Partner for 31st Edition Connected Banking Summit Türkiye 2026.
