The EU Roundtable of Financial Centers Convenes in Tallinn for Its Spring Meeting
The meeting provided a platform for in-depth exchanges on the strategic priorities shaping the future of finance across the European Union, at a time of rapid transformation for the global financial ecosystem.
Key Topics Addressed
Participants engaged in focused discussions around several critical themes:
- The EU Savings and Investment Union (SIU) and its role in strengthening capital markets integration
- Financial education as a driver of long-term economic resilience
- Enhancing EU competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global landscape
- The development of Open Finance frameworks, including the Financial
- Data Access (FIDA) initiative
- The rise of stablecoins, tokenized deposits, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs)
- Anti-financial crime efforts, with a particular focus on AML frameworks
- Cybersecurity challenges and resilience in financial systems
These discussions reflected the shared commitment of WAIFC members to support innovation while ensuring stability, transparency, and trust in financial markets.
Strong Local Leadership and Hosting
The Roundtable was chaired by FinanceEstonia, serving as Chair for 2026, whose leadership and coordination were instrumental in delivering a high-quality and impactful meeting.
The World Alliance extends its sincere thanks to the FinanceEstonia team, including Kaarel Ots, Anu Müürsepp, Kaido Saar, and Rauno Klettenberg, for their outstanding organization and engagement.
Special appreciation is also extended to Trinity Law Firm for hosting the meeting in Tallinn.
Distinguished Contributions
The meeting benefited from the presence and contributions of distinguished guests, including Alessandra Guion-Gambrill, Karsten Wenzlaff, Andres Sutt, Andrus Alber, Rainer Olt, and Taavi Tamkivi, who shared valuable insights on Europe’s financial and technological evolution.
A Strong Network of Financial Centers
The Roundtable also offered an opportunity to reconnect with the World Alliance members and strengthen collaboration across Europe’s financial ecosystem. Representatives from leading institutions and financial centres contributed to the discussions, including:
Jochen Biedermann (WAIFC)
Bernice Buttigieg (FinanceMalta)
Véronique Ormezzano (Paris Europlace)
Paweł Widawski (Future Finance Poland)
Hubertus Väth (Frankfurt Main Finance)
Gert Heynderickx and Simon Vervaet (Febelfin)
Jan Korte (Finanzplatz Hamburg)
Gianfrancesco Rizzuti (FeBAF – Federazione Banche Assicurazioni e Finanza)
Looking Ahead
As Europe navigates an increasingly complex financial landscape, the EU Roundtable of Financial Centers continues to play a key role in fostering dialogue, aligning priorities, and shaping a competitive, secure, and innovative financial future.
The World Alliance remains committed to supporting its members and partners in addressing emerging challenges and opportunities across global financial markets.