FinTech EXPO
211 stands from banks, payment systems and fintech companies — from AI and Open Banking to cybersecurity and eKYC.
11–12 March 2027 · Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Samarkand Global Banking Forum
Connecting Banks. FinTech. Innovation.
A bank is more than financial products: today, it is becoming a platform around which customers build their entire lives. Two days that will determine how banks around the world compete over the next decade.
Until the forum opens
118days
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Forum targets
- 7 000participants
- 200+banks worldwide
- 100+fintech companies
- 50+global speakers
- 211EXPO stands
- 150+B2B meetings
Why now
An industry at a turning point
In recent years, the financial sector has changed more than it did in the preceding decades. Modern banks are working ever more closely with technology companies, digital ecosystems and fintech services — together, they are shaping new customer expectations.
Today, customers expect their bank to provide:
- a seamless digital experience;
- personalised services;
- instant payments;
- artificial intelligence;
- integration of non-financial services;
- a single mobile space for everyday life.
Forum theme · 2027
Beyond Banking: Building Financial Ecosystems
A bank is more than products: it is becoming a platform around which customers build their lives. The forum will show how collaboration between banks and technology companies creates new models of customer engagement.
- AI
- Embedded Finance
- Digital Identity
- Cybersecurity
- Payments
- Loyalty
- Travel Ecosystems
- Customer Experience
More than a conference
Original formats beyond a series of talks
Samarkand Global Banking Forum is a comprehensive business platform. Over two days, talks, an exhibition and real deal negotiations run simultaneously.
Innovation Showcase
Fast 10-minute demos of leading fintech solutions in place of lengthy presentations — straight to the essentials and results.
Business Matchmaking
Prearranged B2B meetings between banks and technology solution providers.
Speed Networking Wall
A speed networking format during registration — the first connections are made before the forum opens.
Banking Innovation Awards
A gala evening and awards in six categories — from Best Digital Bank to Future Bank Award.
Partnership Ceremony
Public signing of agreements and announcement of pilot projects at the forum's conclusion.
Programme
Two days that set the pace for the industry
The programme is being finalised. A detailed schedule with halls and timings will be published closer to the forum and sent to registered participants.
Programme →Day 1
The Future of Banking
What banks will look like in 5–10 years.
- Grand Opening and forum welcome
- Keynote — Banking Beyond 2030
- From Banks to Ecosystems executive panel featuring banking CEOs
- Fireside chat on the customer of the future and a session on AI in banking
- Lifestyle Banking panel and stories of creating banking super-apps
- Banking Innovation Awards
Day 2
Building the Digital Ecosystem
From strategy to implementation.
- Beyond Payments panel
- Innovation Showcase — fintech solution demos
- Open Banking & Strategic Partnerships executive panel
- FinTech EXPO and Business Matchmaking meetings
- Partnership Ceremony and forum closing
Speakers
50+ global experts on one stage
Bank leaders, international experts and fintech pioneers. The speaker line-up may change.
Being updated
We are in talks with global speakers
New names will be revealed in upcoming announcements.
Takhir Babamuradov
Department Director Uzbekistan Banking Association
Mikheil Lomtadze
Chief Executive Officer Kaspi.kzWant the attention of 7 000 participants?
Become a forum partner and present your product at your own FinTech EXPO stand.
FinTech EXPO: 211 stands across 7 900 m²
The forum's main exhibition area is where banks and technology companies meet face to face. 211 stands in one venue: banks can move freely between them, try products and speak with the teams.
- Payment gateways
- AI
- Digital Identity / eKYC
- AML
- Open Banking
- InsurTech
- RegTech
- Cybersecurity
- Travel Ecosystems
- Loyalty
Who will be there
All key financial market participants
Banking sector
- Board chairpersons, CEOs
- Retail & Corporate Banking
- Digital Banking, Innovation
- Cards & Payments, Loyalty
Fintech companies
- AI, Open Banking
- Digital Identity, Cybersecurity
- RegTech, InsurTech
- Payment Solutions, Travel Tech
Government organisations
- Central bank
- Ministries
- Regulators
- Digital development agencies
International organisations
- Payment systems
- International technology companies
- Consulting firms
- Industry associations
Geographical reach — banks and fintech companies from around the world: from Central Asia and the Caucasus to the Middle East, Africa, Europe and other regions.
Why Samarkand?
Where trade routes meet — then and now
For centuries, Samarkand was a meeting point for the trade routes, cultures and ideas of the Great Silk Road. Today, the city has an opportunity to become a new international platform bringing together banks, technology and innovation from around the world.
From the Silk Road to the Digital Road
Venue
Silk Road Samarkand
The forum will take place at Silk Road Samarkand — a modern international congress centre that has already hosted major interstate summits and business forums.
Silk Road Samarkand
Samarkand, Uzbekistan11–12 March 2027
Travel to Samarkand
Samarkand has hosted international summits for years: the venue, hotels and transport are ready to welcome visitors. Everything you need to know before departure — on one page.
Visa
Citizens of 90+ countries can enter without a visa. For others, the organising committee prepares an invitation within 5 working days of registration.
Request an invitation
Hotel
Reserved room allocations at special rates in six hotels — from Silk Road Samarkand to the city centre. Book within the allocation by 10 February 2027.
Book through the organising committee
City
The airport is 30 minutes from the venue, and the Afrosiyob train from Tashkent takes 2 h 10 min. Registan and Gur-e-Amir are close to the congress centre.
Getting thereFor questions about visas, hotels and transfers, contact [email protected] — we respond within 1 working day.
For partners
Direct access to decision-makers
- Direct access to decision-makers
- Your own demo area at FinTech EXPO
- Participation in Business Matchmaking and Deal Room
- An Innovation Showcase slot — 10 minutes on stage
- An expanded partner network and new commercial opportunities
Ready to discuss a partnership?
Submit an application — the forum team will contact you to find a participation format suited to your objectives.
Become a partnerForum news
View all
Partners
Uzbekistan Banking Association joins SGBF as Official Partner
Uzbekistan Banking Association has joined Samarkand Global Banking Forum (SGBF) as Official Partner. The forum takes place on 11–12 March 2027 in Samarkand.
Banks
Uzbek banks' profit for nine months of 2026 grew by 40.3%
From January to September, banks in Uzbekistan earned 15.26 trillion soums. That is almost the entire profit of the record year 2025.
Fintech
Apple Pay and Google Pay launch in Uzbekistan
Since 27 October, Visa and Mastercard cards issued by Uzbek banks can be added to Apple Pay and Google Pay. Humo and Uzcard cards are not supported yet.
Tickets
Choose your ticket
The special Early Bird price is available now — register early before the standard rate takes effect.
Early Birduntil 31 December 2026
Forum Pass
$299$499
40% off
- Business programme
- Exhibition
- Networking
Coffee breaks and lunches are not included.
Buy a ticketDelegate Pass
$499$699
29% off
- Everything in Forum Pass
- Coffee breaks and lunches on both days
VIP Pass
$999$1 299
23% off
- Everything in Delegate Pass
- Executive Lounge
- Fast Track registration
- Closed meeting with speakers (subject to the confirmed programme)
Expo Pass
$20Exhibition area only. Business programme, coffee breaks and lunches are not included.
Buy a ticketGroups of 10 or more people in one order get the Early Bird price at any time.
Executive Lounge is included in VIP Pass. Deal Room and Partnership Ceremony — by invitation for banking executives and forum partners.
Build the future of banking with us
7 000 participants. 211 EXPO stands. Two days that will shape the next decade of global banking.
118days
00hours
00minutes
00seconds
11–12 March 2027 · Samarkand, Uzbekistan