In an era where technology is reshaping every facet of our lives, the financial industry stands on the brink of transformative change. This was the central theme at Diebold Nixdorf’s Intersect 2024 conference, held in Madrid, Spain.

Looking back at a 15-year history of working with this company, I once again had the honor of moderating this incredibly inspiring event, where industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts gathered to discuss and shape the future of banking.

Helena Müller, Vice President Banking Europe at Diebold Nixdorf, opened the conference with an inspiring speech on navigating change in consumer banking. Carmela Aguado Tuduri, Head of Digital Banking at Banco Santander España, followed with a session on creating the best relationship models in digital banking.

Engaging with experts from various fields, we explored critical topics such as AI in banking, data privacy, and the evolution of branch banking. Tim Allen from Barclays UK discussed adapting to less-cash trends on UK high streets, while Joe Myers, Executive vice president at Diebold Nixdorf, shared insights on future-proofing self-service channels.

Michael Ramprashad from TD Bank and Jeremy Paul from Diebold Nixdorf discussed building more sustainable operations models, while Aleksander Kurtevski from Bankart detailed the journey toward a digital Euro. Jitka Haubová from Komer?ní Banka presented on the pioneering collaboration in shared ATM initiatives, and Julia Koch from Finanz Informatik discussed using AI to drive tomorrow’s banking.

One of the most impactful moments was the session with Octavio Marquez, President and CEO of Diebold Nixdorf, and Joe Myers, Executive Vice President Global Banking. During a relaxed fireside chat with Joe Myers, Octavio communicated his vision for the company’s future, emphasizing the importance of innovation, customer-centricity, and strategic growth. He highlighted the company’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance consumer experiences and drive industry-wide transformation. It was inspiring to hear his strategic roadmap and the ambitious goals set to navigate the future of financial services.

As is the tradition, Intersect also invites speakers outside the banking sphere to share their perspectives. Steven Van Belleghem, a customer experience enthusiast from Belgium, captivated the audience with his talk on the human touch in digital innovation.

The event was a testament to the financial industry’s collaborative spirit. It provided ample opportunities for professionals from diverse sectors to connect, share ideas, and foster potential collaborations. These interactions, which are crucial for driving the industry forward and creating a more integrated ecosystem, made everyone feel included and part of a larger community.

The conference was not just about business but also about celebrating the cultural diversity of the international finance industry. Beyond the sessions, attendees enjoyed a networking dinner at the Ginkgo Sky Bar, which offered breathtaking views of Madrid, and a gala dinner at the iconic Madrid Stock Exchange.

It was a privilege to once again be part of this journey and witness firsthand the future of banking technology. Supported by the incredibly creative and wonderful event team from Diebold Nixdorf, I had an amazing time, and I look forward to seeing how these innovations will shape our world in the coming years.