I’m thrilled to sit down with Kofi Ndaikate, a true trailblazer in the fintech and payments space. With his deep expertise in everything from blockchain and cryptocurrency to regulation and policy, Kofi has a unique perspective on the rapidly evolving landscape of financial technology. Today, we’ll dive into the exciting world of payments and fintech conferences for 2026, exploring emerging trends like AI and open banking, the value of networking, and the critical role these events play in shaping the future of the industry.
What excites you most about the lineup of payments and fintech conferences coming up in 2026?
I’m really looking forward to the energy and innovation that these events bring. Conferences like Transact in Atlanta and Nacha’s Smarter Faster Payments in San Diego are set to showcase cutting-edge ideas and tech. What excites me most is the opportunity to see how the industry is tackling big challenges—whether it’s real-time payments or new regulatory frameworks. These events are like a sneak peek into the future of finance, and I can’t wait to see the solutions that emerge.
How do you think these conferences help professionals stay on top of the fast-paced changes in the industry?
They’re absolutely crucial. The payments and fintech space moves at lightning speed, and conferences offer a rare chance to step back from the daily grind and focus on the bigger picture. You get to hear from thought leaders, dive into sessions on emerging tech, and understand regulatory shifts. It’s not just about learning—it’s about connecting the dots between what’s happening now and what’s coming next, so you can adapt your strategies before the market shifts.
What emerging trends or topics do you expect to take center stage at these 2026 events?
I think AI is going to be a massive focus. We’re already seeing it transform payments with smarter fraud detection and personalized customer experiences, and I expect deeper discussions on its potential. Open banking is another hot topic, especially with regulatory changes on the horizon. And of course, real-time payments and stablecoins will likely dominate conversations, as the industry grapples with speed, security, and stability in transactions.
Speaking of AI, how do you see it being applied in the payments industry in the coming years?
AI is already making waves, and I think we’ll see even more innovative uses by 2026. For instance, credit card companies are using AI agents to enhance shopping experiences, while processors are leveraging it for real-time fraud prevention. It’s also improving risk assessment by analyzing massive datasets faster than any human could. I believe AI will become a backbone for creating seamless, secure payment ecosystems, where transactions are not just faster but also smarter.
How might AI reshape the security or processing of payments in the near future?
On the security front, AI has the potential to revolutionize how we detect and prevent fraud. It can spot unusual patterns in milliseconds, flagging suspicious activity before a transaction even completes. For processing, AI can optimize routing and reduce costs by predicting the most efficient pathways for payments. The flip side is that we’ll need to stay ahead of bad actors using AI for fraud, so conferences will likely dive into that balance—how to harness AI’s power while mitigating its risks.
With open banking regulations evolving, what challenges do you foresee for the industry in 2026?
Open banking is a game-changer, but it’s not without hurdles. One big challenge is data security—sharing customer information between institutions opens up new vulnerabilities, and ensuring trust is critical. Compliance will also be tricky, especially with revised rules from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau coming into play. Smaller players might struggle with the tech and resources needed to adapt, while larger banks could face pushback on how data is handled. It’s a complex puzzle that’ll need a lot of collaboration to solve.
Why is networking such a vital part of attending these payments conferences?
Networking is where the real magic happens. Sure, the sessions and keynotes are valuable, but the conversations in the hallways or over coffee often spark the best ideas. You’re connecting with people who are solving the same problems you are—or who have insights you hadn’t considered. It’s about building relationships that can lead to partnerships, mentorships, or just a fresh perspective. In an industry this dynamic, those connections are gold.
Can you share a story of how networking at a conference made a difference for you or someone in the field?
Absolutely. A few years back, I met a startup founder at a fintech event who was working on a niche payment solution for small businesses. We got to talking, and I connected them with a colleague who was looking for exactly that kind of innovation. That chance meeting turned into a partnership that helped both sides grow. It’s a reminder that conferences aren’t just about absorbing info—they’re about building a community that drives progress.
For events like the Innovative Payments Conference in D.C., why is it so important for professionals to have direct access to regulators and policymakers?
Having a direct line to regulators is invaluable. Payments is a heavily regulated space, and policies can make or break a business model overnight. Being able to engage with policymakers at these events means you’re not just reacting to changes—you’re part of the conversation shaping them. It’s a chance to voice concerns, understand the intent behind regulations, and ensure the rules balance innovation with consumer protection. That dialogue is essential for the industry’s future.
What do you see as the biggest obstacles for real-time payments, especially with events like Nacha’s conference focusing on this topic?
Real-time payments are the future, but there are still significant barriers. Interoperability between systems is a huge issue—different networks and platforms need to talk to each other seamlessly, and we’re not quite there yet. Fraud prevention is another concern; the faster transactions happen, the less time there is to catch issues. And then there’s adoption—getting smaller institutions and merchants on board with the infrastructure can be slow. These are the kinds of challenges I expect will be unpacked at conferences in 2026.
What’s your forecast for the future of diversity and inclusion in the payments industry, especially with events like the Women in Payments Symposium leading the charge?
I’m optimistic about the direction we’re heading. Events like the Women in Payments Symposium are crucial because they spotlight diverse voices and create spaces for underrepresented groups to lead. The industry has historically had gaps in gender and other forms of diversity, but these conferences foster mentorship and visibility, which are key to closing those gaps. My forecast is that by prioritizing inclusion, we’ll see a stronger, more innovative industry over the next decade—diverse teams bring diverse ideas, and that’s what drives progress.
