On 27 November, Latvian and international experts will discuss attracting investment, developments in financial technology and Latvia’s competitiveness in international markets at Fintech Pulse 2026.
The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) continues its targeted efforts to attract foreign investment, promote the international expansion of Latvian fintech companies and strengthen the country’s global visibility as part of the Latvian Financial Technology Sector Development Strategy for 2025–2027. The Fintech Pulse 2026: Finance of the Future Forum, taking place in Riga on 27 November, will review achievements and progress during the strategy’s first year of implementation and consider the sector’s future development priorities. By the end of 2027, the strategy aims to increase the number of fintech companies by 30%, the amount of investment attracted by 15% and employment in the sector by 18%.
Director General of LIAA Ieva Jāgere emphasises: “Financial technology is one of the sectors in which Latvia has every opportunity to become a significant player in international markets. We have competitive companies, skilled professionals and a business environment that can attract international interest. LIAA’s role is to translate these advantages into tangible investments, new export markets and well-paid jobs. During the strategy’s first year, we laid the groundwork for more focused international positioning of Latvia’s fintech sector, and this year we have significantly expanded our engagement with foreign investors and potential market entrants. Our ambition is clear: Latvia should become a destination of choice for international financial technology companies looking to develop their operations in Europe. The latest industry data will help us assess what has been achieved and define our next steps more precisely.”
The forum, organised by the FinTech Latvia Association, will see the launch of the fifth annual Fintech Pulse industry report, presenting the latest figures on the number of companies, turnover, profits, tax contributions and employment. The conference will bring together fintech executives from Latvia and abroad, investors, regulators and industry experts to discuss Latvia’s competitive strengths, its licensing environment, access to capital, financial security and emerging technology trends.
Head of the FinTech Latvia Association Tīna Lūse says: “Latvia’s fintech sector has grown from a niche into one of the drivers of the economy, and the figures bear this out. Five years of data will enable us to take an honest look at where we are strong and where more work is needed, particularly in licensing, access to capital and financial security. This year, we will also present the Fintech Pulse Awards for the first time, because we want to publicly recognise the companies whose work is strengthening Latvia’s profile in international markets.”
Latvia Strengthens Its Position in the International Fintech Market
As part of implementing the strategy, LIAA has worked with the FinTech Latvia Association and other partners to expand the Latvian fintech sector’s international activities. In June this year, Latvian companies were represented at a national stand at Money20/20 Europe in Amsterdam, one of the world’s leading financial technology events. In September, during a trade mission to Berlin organised by LIAA, Latvian fintech companies met with German institutional investors, banks and representatives of the financial technology sector to present their solutions and explore opportunities for cooperation.
In October, LIAA and the FinTech Latvia Association organised a dedicated workshop for the agency’s overseas representatives, strengthening their ability to engage potential investors and communicate Latvia’s advantages as a location for fintech business development. Participation in Money20/20 Europe 2027 in Amsterdam is planned for next year, alongside further activities in Germany, Austria and France.
Growing licensing activity also reflects Latvia’s appeal. Since the beginning of 2026, the Bank of Latvia has issued more than 20 licences to fintech companies, including payment institutions, crowdfunding platforms, investment brokerage firms and crypto-asset service providers. Several other companies are currently undergoing licensing procedures or making use of pre-licensing consultations.
Latest Data to Show Five Years of Industry Growth
One of the forum’s highlights will be the presentation of the latest Fintech Pulse 2026 report, which will provide an opportunity to compare developments in Latvia’s fintech sector over a five-year period and assess its competitiveness in the Baltic and wider European markets.
The previous report showed rapid growth. Latvia was home to 127 fintech companies, whose combined profit reached €97 million in 2024, more than double the 2023 figure. Companies in the sector paid more than €91 million in taxes to the state budget, while employment rose to 3,644 people. Their combined turnover reached nearly €372 million.
One of the key strengths of Latvia’s fintech sector is its international reach. Investment platforms licensed in Latvia serve more than 800,000 investors abroad, while the total value of investments made through these platforms exceeds €13 billion. This demonstrates Latvian companies’ ability to compete in European financial markets and generate added value by serving clients outside Latvia.
Forum to Focus on Investment, Licensing and Financial Security
The forum programme will feature discussions on the future of financial technology, attracting investment, fintech licensing in Latvia and opportunities for international growth.
Among the special guests will be Alexander Browder, who was placed on Russia’s sanctions list at the age of 17. His Global Cryptocurrency Laundering Database has helped expose schemes used to evade sanctions and launder money. In an exclusive interview, Browder will discuss the detection of financial crime, sanctions-related risks and how technology can help mitigate them.
Ronald Kleverlaan, Director of the European Centre for Alternative Finance at Utrecht University, will examine the development of crowdfunding in Europe and its potential to help small and medium-sized enterprises raise capital.
In separate discussions, representatives of the Bank of Latvia and international companies will examine experiences of fintech licensing in Latvia, changes in the supervision of non-bank lending and prospects for the development of specialised banks. Two speakers with experience at some of Europe’s best-known financial institutions will also share their insights. Thomas Köck previously headed s Bausparkasse, the Austrian building society of Erste Group, and is now a co-founder of pinyya. He chose Latvia as the base for his European business, and the company received a licence from the Bank of Latvia this year. Max Schertel was among the first employees of German neobank N26, where he headed business operations, and is now a co-founder of fintech company finmid.
The programme will also include discussions on the international expansion of Latvian fintech companies, financial literacy and the training of future industry professionals. Speakers will include Director General of LIAA Ieva Jāgere, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Latvia Santa Purgaile, Mintos co-founder Mārtiņš Šulte, TWINO head Nauris Bloks, and representatives of Magnetiq Bank, Wandoo Finance and other fintech companies.
The inaugural Fintech Pulse Awards will be presented at the end of the forum, recognising companies for their contributions to the Latvian economy, international expansion and innovation.
The Fintech Pulse 2026: Finance of the Future Forum will take place on 27 November at Forum Cinemas, 13. janvāra iela 8, Riga. Participant registration will open at 9:00 a.m.
Forum supporters: the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency (RITA), Magnetiq Bank, Lande, Visa, Wandoo Finance and Twino.
Further information, full programme and registration: https://fintechpulse.io/
About the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA)
LIAA promotes the competitiveness of Latvian businesses, export growth and investment attraction, while also developing the tourism sector and implementing the country’s national branding policy. The agency acts as a government partner in business development – from the initial idea to international markets. Through an extensive network of overseas representative offices and regional business centres in Latvia, LIAA helps companies grow and positions Latvia as a safe, innovative and open country in the global economy.
About the FinTech Latvia Association
The FinTech Latvia Association is Latvia’s financial technology industry organisation, bringing together more than 50 fintech companies – a tenfold increase in membership over five years. Its members include payment and electronic money institutions, lenders, investment and crowdfunding platforms, regulatory technology companies and crypto-asset service providers. The association represents the industry in its dealings with government institutions and regulators and publishes the Fintech Pulse report annually.
Further information: www.fla.lv