UX at fintech fests: What we’re doing there
Manpreet Vilkhu

Here's a thought experiment: Picture yourself walking into the world's most significant financial technology exhibitions. You know, the events we’ve attended so far didn’t quite see us coming. Were they surprised? Yes. Did we stand out? Absolutely. But that mattered not just for us, but for you too. We weren’t just there to showcase design; we were there to demonstrate why it belongs at the heart of the fintech industry.
Picture this: an event where everyone’s in sharp suits, deep in conversation about blockchain protocols and regulatory frameworks. And right in the middle, a small pop-up café appears serving fresh lemonade, sketching user journeys on napkins, and starting conversations that might not happen in boardrooms. That’s us. That’s design, meeting strategy, right where it matters most.
What started as our mission to crash the party (with permission, of course!) and spread the FinteD philosophy has somehow evolved into a whirlwind tour across four countries, countless coffee conversations, and one unforgettable realization: when design meets finance, magic happens.
Festive spirits meet design innovation
What started as a mission to introduce design in the financial sector has evolved into a global movement. At each festival, we've brought our signature blend of creativity, technical expertise, and that unmistakable "lemon-fresh" approach to user experience design. But more than just showcasing our work, we've been spreading the FinteD philosophy, the idea that great design is fundamental to financial technology's success.
Global Fintech Festival 2024: The cafe that stole hearts
"The one where FinteD talked about a latte!"
At the Global Fintech festival 2024, we did something unprecedented. We opened a cafe right in the heart of the festival grounds. This wasn't just about serving coffee; it was about creating an experience. We served up our most delightful UX solutions, transforming casual conversations into meaningful connections.
The cafe became an unexpected networking hub where traditional barriers between clients and designers dissolved. Financial executives found themselves sketching user journeys on napkins while our team demonstrated how thoughtful design could transform their customer experiences. It was organic, authentic, and utterly effective, the buzz around FinteD spread faster than caffeine through the crowd.
Canada fintech symposium 2024: Leading the design revolution
"The one where FinteD flew to Canada!"
When Canada's premier fintech event called, where we led the design wheel. The Canada FinTech Symposium provided the perfect platform to showcase how user-centered design principles could reshape the Canadian fintech landscape.
Our sessions focused on bridging the gap between complex financial products and intuitive user experiences. We demonstrated how Canadian fintech companies could maintain their innovative edge while ensuring accessibility and user satisfaction. The response was overwhelming, with several major Canadian financial institutions expressing interest in long-term design partnerships.
Seamless Middle East 2024: Mapping the future in Dubai
"The one where FinteD ventured to Dubai!"
Dubai's gleaming skyline provided the perfect backdrop for our most ambitious festival participation yet. At Seamless Middle East 2024, we helped map the future of the fintech landscape alongside some of the brightest minds leading change across the UAE region.
Here, we had a theme of lemonade stall providing fresh design solutions to fintech partners committed to democratizing the digital economy. The Middle eastern market's unique blend of traditional banking and cutting-edge innovation provided fascinating challenges that our team was excited to tackle. We collaborated with local fintech pioneers to create solutions that honored cultural nuances while embracing global design standards.
The phrase "FinteD was (proudly) the odd one out!" captures something special about our Dubai experience. In a sea of traditional fintech presentations, our human-centered approach and playful brand personality stood out like a beacon. Rather than conforming to industry norms, we celebrated our uniqueness and found that it resonated deeply with festival attendees.
FinTech festival India 2023: A bicycle ride
“The one where FinteD was (proudly) the odd one out!”
Mumbai, the city of dreams, is where we brought our dream to life: FinteD. And what a dreamy debut it was! With a lemonade-themed stall and our proudly offbeat selves standing out from the crowd, we made our mark.
At the heart of it all? A bicycle. Not just for show, but as an invitation, a ride into the world of UX. This wasn’t your everyday cruise; it was a journey through uncharted design ideas and overlooked creative corners.
And just like our thoughts, the lemonade shots flowed, a zesty little something from Lemon Yellow to refresh minds and spark conversations.
FinTech festival India 2022: Where it all began
"The one where enthusiasts of FinteD reached Delhi!"
Our journey began in Delhi at the FinTech Festival India 2022, where we first introduced the transformative value of design to the finance and technology sectors. Through interactive, first-hand experiences, we demonstrated that great UX was essential for fintech success.
We showed Indian fintech companies how thoughtful design could increase user adoption, reduce support costs, and ultimately drive business growth. The enthusiastic response from Delhi laid the foundation for our global expansion and established our reputation as design innovators in the fintech space.
The FinteD philosophy: Design as a democratic Force
Throughout our festival journey, one theme has remained constant: our commitment to revamp the digital economy through exceptional design. We believe that financial services should be accessible, intuitive, and delightful for everyone, not just the tech-savvy elite.
At each festival, we've championed the idea that good design isn't about making things pretty; it's about making complex financial processes understandable, trustworthy, and user-friendly. Whether we're serving lemonade in Dubai or leading workshops in Canada, our message remains clear: when design and fintech work together, everyone wins.
Looking forward: The next chapter
As we reflect on our global festival journey, from Delhi's enthusiastic beginnings to Dubai's innovative futures,we're energized by the connections we've made and the impact we've created. Each festival has taught us something new about the global fintech landscape and reinforced our belief in design's power to transform financial experiences.
The conversations started over coffee at our cafe, the partnerships forged in Canadian boardrooms, and the innovations sparked in Dubai’s magnanimous landscape. Together these all point to an exciting future. We're not just attending these festivals; we're helping to shape the future of financial technology, one thoughtfully designed user experience at a time.
Ready to experience the FinteD difference for yourself? Connect with us and discover how we can transform your fintech vision into delightful user experiences that drive real business results.