Europe’s financial and technology industries are rapidly evolving, with numerous examples of innovation through digital technologies, blockchain, and artificial intelligence. These changes are shaping the future of finance, creating new opportunities and challenges. In this context, business events like Money Motion, the largest FinTech conference in Central and Eastern Europe, play a key role. Supported by leading regional brands such as ASEE, Monri, Mastercard, OTP Bank, A1 Croatia, and Croatia Insurance, the conference will take place on March 27-28 at the Zagreb Fair. Over 2000 participants and 700 institutions, including major banks, tech companies, startups, and investors, are expected.
Money Motion brings panels and lectures on the latest trends, networking opportunities, and business collaboration opportunities. We spoke with Robert Penezić, co-founder of the conference and a board member of Monri, one of the most successful challengers in the regional payment market, known for its innovative solutions and rapid growth.
Penezić reveals the key themes of this year’s edition and shares insights on how Monri achieves success in the dynamic FinTech environment.
The third edition of the Money Motion conference is approaching, where leading experts from FinTech gather. Why should every entrepreneur who wants to remain competitive attend this conference?
Money Motion is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to understand how financial and technological innovations shape the region and the world. We bring together key players from the payments, banking, e-commerce, and regulatory industries to present the latest trends and solutions that are shaping the future of business. Through panels, workshops, and networking opportunities, participants gain concrete insights into improving their business and staying ahead of the competition. In a time when digital transformation is happening faster than ever, staying informed and adaptable are key success factors, and Money Motion provides the most relevant information and contacts to achieve those goals.
From 1000 to over 2000 conference participants in three years, you’ve achieved impressive growth. How can one best utilize Money Motion for business networking?
Networking at a conference like Money Motion can be extremely valuable for opening new business opportunities, but the key to success lies in proper preparation and active participation. This year, we’ve further facilitated participant connection through the MoMo app, which allows for easy contact search and meeting arrangements. To make the most of networking opportunities, it’s important to have a clear and concise presentation of your business – what you do, what value you offer, and how you can contribute to potential collaborators.
Active participation in panels and discussions provides valuable knowledge and an opportunity to stand out and attract the attention of key partners. However, many of the most essential business contacts often arise in informal settings, which is why we also have two events at the conference where visitors can connect in that way. After the conference, maintaining contact is crucial, and the actual value of such events is not only in initial acquaintances but in long-term relationships that can lead to successful business collaborations.
Money Motion stands out by bringing together all branches of the financial and technological industries. Which parts of this year’s program would you highlight?
This year’s Money Motion program is vibrant. We’ve placed a more significant emphasis on retail, brought numerous international FinTech associations, and opened a completely new stage. The main stage will host the traditional panel of Croatian bank executives, offering an exclusive insight into domestic banking development. We will also have a panel with top international experts who have been developing the InsurTech market for years, and at Money Motion, they will present this direction as the only future for the insurance industry. The retail sector will receive deserved attention through three segments that will reveal how merchants are becoming digital pioneers, what drives online shopping and payments, and how AI contributes to the new customer experience through autonomous commerce. There is also the Money Motion Startup Pitch competition, which this year is breaking records – 20 competitors from 14 countries with innovative solutions are competing for the most valuable prize pool yet. But what excites us all the most is the new fourth stage in the expo zone with content not directly related to the main themes, allowing visitors to hear how chess is connected to strategic thinking and what the connection is between sports and business.
Monri is one of the best examples of FinTech success in the region, especially when digitalizing payments in retail and tourism. What are the main factors behind Monri’s growth?
Our growth is based on technological innovation and adapting to market needs. Founded in 2017, Monri Payments started as a small startup with a bold vision: to simplify and improve digital payments. By 2019, with just 10 employees, Monri successfully implemented an omnichannel platform that accelerated its growth. Today, Monri’s team of 200 people operates in 9 countries, focusing on further international expansion. We have built an infrastructure enabling seamless payment and invoicing experiences for merchants, hospitality businesses, and end-users. We have particularly focused on integrating various payment channels—from POS devices to e-commerce solutions—to provide complete flexibility for business users. In addition to continuous technological advancements, our success stems from a dedicated team that understands the market’s specific needs, remains available to clients, and proactively develops innovative solutions that enhance how businesses operate.
There is increasing talk about the rise of cashless transactions and the broader availability of digital payment methods. How much growth and change in consumer habits are we seeing in the market?
The trend of cashless payments is unstoppable. Over the past five years, we have seen double-digit growth rates in card and digital payments, with mobile wallets and QR code payments experiencing rapid adoption. Consumers expect faster, safer, and more convenient payment methods, which is driving merchants to implement advanced solutions. In Croatia in 2024, every tenth transaction at a POS terminal was made via a digital wallet instead of a physical card. This data, derived from Monri’s payment traffic analysis, clearly indicates that mobile wallets are no longer just a passing trend—they have become an integral part of modern payment solutions. Additionally, Generation Z and millennials are using cash less and less, further accelerating this transition. As small businesses increasingly embrace digital payments, we can expect that, in the near future, cash will become the exception rather than the rule in everyday transactions. I am particularly excited that, for the first time at Money Motion, we are hosting key players from the retail sector and discussing how digital payments and innovative payment solutions, including mobile wallets, can enhance customer experience and optimize business operations for merchants.
What new opportunities are opening up for merchants and hospitality businesses with the digitalization of payment and related processes?
Digitalization allows merchants and hospitality businesses to process transactions faster, manage revenues more efficiently, and optimize operations. With advanced payment analytics, they can better understand customer behavior and tailor their offerings accordingly. The integration of digital tipping and loyalty programs further enhances the customer experience. Moreover, the omnichannel approach—combining physical stores with online sales—is becoming essential for growth. This improves the customer experience and enables businesses to differentiate themselves in the market and offer innovative services that boost their competitiveness.
Given the many trends shaping Monri’s solutions, which will also be discussed at Money Motion, what will payments look like in 20 years?
It’s difficult to predict the future 20 years ahead, but even in the shorter term, we can confidently say that payments will become fully integrated into everyday life and almost invisible. Biometric authentication will replace traditional cards, and digital wallets and cryptocurrencies will become mainstream. The focus will be on security, speed, and personalized user experiences, with maximum simplicity for the end user. We are already witnessing the blurred boundaries between the physical and digital worlds. In the future, technology will enable fully autonomous payments where user interaction will be minimized while security and convenience will reach unprecedented levels. However, despite digitalization, some cash will likely remain in circulation even in the future.
Original article published by Dalmatinski portal.
