Executive Summary

In fintech and payments, the role of trade and industry associations is critical to fostering collaboration, influencing policies, and disseminating knowledge among key stakeholders. The global fintech technologies market size was valued at $110.57B in 2020 and is projected to reach $698.48B by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 20.3% from 2021 to 2030. This comes at a time of broadening environmental, social and governance standards and stricter regulations over the use of data and technology. With the EU push to create a digital Euro for payments, the impact of the external environment has never been clearer. Associations serve as critical platforms for professionals within the sector, enabling them to collectively address challenges, drive industry growth, and elevate industry standing.

Associations play a particularly important role in Europe’s fintech and payments industry, working to represent firms on issues like open finance, digitalisation and cross-border global payments infrastructures. When firms navigate intricate regulatory frameworks, the significance of effective association engagements cannot be overstated. Within this context, trade and industry associations in Europe, such as Payments Europe, and specialised associations like the Blockchain Association, assume central roles. They not only provide a unified voice for the industry but also offer valuable insights, best practices, and networking opportunities that contribute to informed decision-making and strategic growth. However, corporate affairs professionals working in this space grapple with challenges stemming from underperforming associations. These challenges reflect a gap between the expected benefits of affiliations and the realised value. This discrepancy impacts policy influence, networking initiatives, and even industry reputation.

A comprehensive approach to addressing these challenges is association assessment and optimisation. This solution is marked by its data-driven foundation and strategic alignment with industry-specific goals. Anchored in industry benchmarks and insights, it empowers firms to make well-informed decisions about their association engagements, enhancing resource allocation and strategic concentration. The choice of the right solution for association assessment and optimisation holds paramount importance. Tailored recommendations acknowledge the unique objectives of fintech and payments firms in Europe, intensifying strategic alignment. A holistic evaluation of association impacts, spanning networking, insights, and policy influence, ensures a well-rounded perspective. Implementation support bridges the gap between recommendation and tangible outcomes, effecting change within the European financial context.

The complexities presented by underperforming association memberships necessitate a bespoke, region-specific approach. By embracing comprehensive solutions that leverage data-driven insights, provide tailored recommendations, and offer actionable strategies, Europe’s fintech and payments firms can confidently navigate the policyscape. This strategic partnership between firms and assessment providers propels enhanced growth, heightened industry influence, and sustained prominence within Europe’s fintech and payments landscape. To read the full report, please click the download button above.