The two days of the conference included presentations on the future of banking and financial services. More than 40 speakers gave their answers to the question “Which opportunities are new technologies opening up for financial service professionals?”

The conference’s first session gathered on stage representatives of the largest Russian banks, including Alfa-Bank, VTB and Sberbank Technology Research Center, as well as top managers from successful foreign banks –Alior Bank (Poland) and Axis Bank (India).

In his presentation, Alfa-Bank’s Head of IT and E-business Sergey Mednovspoke about several interesting financial projects which banks are developing in light of the financial services market’s move towards mobility, and also the growing role of social networks. Mircea Mihaescu, Director of Sberbank Technology Research Center, looked at changes in consumer behaviour which have occurred due to technological innovations.

The perspective of one of Poland’s most innovative banks was presented byCezary Smorszczewski, Deputy CEO of Alior Bank. Mr Smorszczewski spoke about how Alior Bank has used new technologies to remain ahead of its competitors. The dynamic financial services market in India was covered byNitin Chittal, Vice-President of Axis Bank.

All the conference’s speakers agreed that, as we work in the digital era, business models and interaction with clients must be re-thought.