As we planned the Fintech South conference for April of this year, to be held for the third year at majestic Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta, we never could have imagined what has transpired over the past few months. It’s both history and our new reality that the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) changed all of our plans for the year 2020.
In fact, the pandemic and the resulting economic fallout is writing new rules for fintech that will endure beyond the recovery. As most of us quarantined in our homes for weeks or months, we all collectively formed new habits. For many of us, the way we shop and manage our financial lives has transformed, and it’s become increasingly clear that fintech tools like digital banking, contactless payments, and online commerce are at the heart of the next normal.
Meanwhile, our Fintech South team had some transforming to do of our own. After careful consideration and planning with my friends and clients at the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), we developed plans for what will be a world-class virtual summit, an opportunity to leverage technology to expand our reach to an even more global audience.
I’m proud to be serving as Executive Director and Content Chair for Fintech South 2020. We’re building an amazing event, one in which to participate rather than just observe. We’re excited to provide a platform to virtually convene the global fintech community to share stories and insights from this unprecedented time and to make new connections.
The recovery from the public health and economic crisis we’re all facing is daunting. There are big hills to climb. But as I observe fintech leaders stepping up to serve consumers and businesses in extraordinary ways, I have to believe a few years down the road we’ll look back and remember this as a turning point. This is fintech’s moment.
Stay safe, and we’ll see you at Fintech South 2020 on October 5-9!
Andrew B. Morris is the Executive Director & Content Chair for Fintech South 2021 and Founder & CEO of The Fintech Agenda LLC.