FinTech Junction 2025 Agenda

agenda

The event has been postponed to July 2025

The new date and venue will be announced soon

* Agenda is subject to change

8:30: conference opening, MAIN STAGE

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8:30: Registration, Breakfast & Opening Sessions (Main Stage)

08:30 - 09:20Breakfast
Registration & Networking Breakfast
By Breakfast
Start your day with fresh coffee, light breakfast, and meaningful connections. Pick up your badge, meet fellow attendees, and ease into the day’s conversations before the main stage kicks off.
- Exhibition Area: open to all attendees for casual networking and a lively atmosphere.
- Meeting Lounge: an exclusive setting for speakers, sponsors, founders, and investors to start the day with high-value conversations.
09:20 - 9:30Opening Remarks
🎤 Let's Get It Started: Welcome Remarks, Unfiltered
- Sophia Tupolev-Luz, Host & Producer, The Endgame – Israel’s Tech M&A Show
- Ben Pelled, Conference Founder, Lynx Events
No long intros. No fluff. Just a fast-paced, high-energy welcome to FinTech Junction 2025. Our MC Sofia takes the stage alongside Ben, to kick things off with purpose and personality. Expect a sneak peek at what’s coming, a few surprises, and a clear message: this isn’t just a conference – it’s where things gets real.
09:30 - 09:40Keynote
Trust at Scale: How AI is Reinventing Identity in a Borderless World
By Pavel Goldman-Kalaydin, Head of AI/ML @ Sumsub
As financial systems expand across borders and regulations grow more complex, the need for fast, accurate, and trustworthy identity verification has never been greater. In this opening keynote, Pavel Goldman-Kalaydin, Head of AI/ML at Sumsub, shares how cutting-edge AI is transforming digital onboarding, fraud prevention, and compliance – from KYC to deepfake detection.

Expect real-world insights, live trends, and a bold vision for building trust at scale in a frictionless, global fintech ecosystem.
09:40 - 09:50Keynote
Boost Your Finance Operations with Alteryx
- Avishay Levran, CTO @ ONE data.ai
- Raz Ben Chaim, Solutions Engineer @ ONE data.ai
In today’s fast-paced financial landscape, optimizing operations is paramount for FinTech companies handling immense transaction volumes and complex calculations.

This session demonstrates how Alteryx drives digital transformation in financial processes by: automating complex workflows, unifying disparate data sources, implementing sophisticated business logic, ensuring rapid adaptation to changing data.

Alteryx is an essential solution for FinTech finance teams, streamlining data cleansing, validation, and controls.

Beyond efficiency, it’s a powerful analytical tool facilitating seamless data migration.

We’ll highlight its support for accounting, month/year-end close, tax reporting, FP&A, internal audit, and SOX compliance.

Discover how Alteryx can drive significant efficiencies and strategic decision-making.
09:50 - 10:00Keynote
The Data Multiplier: Unlocking Value Across Fintech with Smart Architecture
By Keren Ben Zvi, Chief Data Officer @ PayU
Data is no longer just an asset – it’s an ecosystem. In this keynote, Keren Ben Zvi, Chief Data Officer at PayU, explores how fintech leaders are rethinking their data foundations to scale smarter, move faster, and stay compliant across global markets.

In collaboration with Snowflake, this session dives into modern data architecture, real-time decisioning, and the shift from reactive reporting to proactive intelligence.

Whether you’re optimizing risk, personalizing customer journeys, or breaking silos, you’ll learn how to turn data into a multiplier – of speed, trust, and innovation.
10:00 - 10:30Lightning Talk
Top Startups Pitches
Quick-fire pitches from 5 promising fintech startups

MCs:
- Sophia Tupolev-Luz, Host & Producer, The Endgame – Israel’s Tech M&A Show
Startups:
- Startups will be revealed soon.
10:30 - 11:00Panel Discussion
From $1M to $1B: How Israel’s Top Unicorn Founders Scaled to the Big Leagues
Moderator: Ben Pelled, Founder @ CEO, Lynx by People & Computers
- Yoni Assia, Founder & CEO @ eToro
- Yuval Tal, Founder & Former CEO @ Payoneer
- Oded Zehavi, Co-founder & CEO @ Mesh Payments
In this panel, we’ll go far beyond the polished soundbites. You’ll hear the real, unfiltered stories behind Israel’s top unicorns – the bold moves, painful setbacks, and defining moments that never made it into press releases.

This isn’t just a conversation; it’s a behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to scale from $1M to $1B. These founders aren’t here to impress — they’re here to tell the truth. Expect candor, a few laughs, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from doing it the hard way.
11:00 - 11:30Coffee Break
Coffee Break
By Coffee Break
Recharge, connect with fellow attendees, and explore the exhibition area over great coffee

11:30 - tracks

Founders & Investors

Where Founders Meet Capital & Opportunity

IT, Cloud & Security

Building & Managing Secure, Scalable Infrastructure

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11:30: Founders & Investors (Hall B)

11:30 - 11:40Opening Remarks
Welcome to Founders & Investors Track
By Lirone Glikman, Global Biz Dev Expert | Speaker | CEO @ The Human Factor
Welcome to the founders, investors, and partners shaping the future of fintech.

Despite war, uncertainty, and market volatility, Israeli startups have shown incredible resilience and innovation over the past 20 months. Today, we’ll explore the defining themes of 2025 and celebrate the spirit driving this ecosystem forward.

Track MC: Lirone Glikman, Global Biz Dev Expert, Speaker & CEO @ The Human Factor.
11:40 - 11:55Fireside Chat
Where Did All the Israeli FinTech Startups Go?
- Noam Inbar, Partner @ Viola Fintech
- Yonatan Mandelbaum, Partner @ TLV Partners
The State of the Startup Scene in 2025 – and How to Spark the Next Wave of Innovation

Israel was once a fintech powerhouse—but in recent years, new startup activity has slowed dramatically. While sectors like cybersecurity boom, fintech appears to be in retreat.

In this session, top VC investors will explore what’s behind the decline, whether it’s a global or local trend, and what it will take to reignite fintech innovation in Israel. We’ll look at the data, the drivers, and the real opportunities that still lie ahead.
11:55 - 12:05Keynote
Built to Scale, Backed to Win: Empowering Israel’s Boldest Founders
By Shai Avital, SVP, Head of Technology Banking @ Mizrahi-Tefahot Bank
Scaling a startup in Israel’s fast-moving tech landscape takes more than product-market fit – it takes the right partners who understand the journey. In this keynote, Shai shares real-world insights from working with hundreds of entrepreneurs and investors.

Drawing from his unique background in law, accounting, and fintech operations, Shai breaks down how tailored financing, strategic support, and deep relationships can give founders the edge they need – especially when the road gets steep. If you’re building big, this is the conversation you don’t want to miss.
12:05 - 12:15Keynote
Protect to Scale: Why Your Fintech IP Strategy Can Make or Break Your Exit
By Allen Richter, Founding Partner @ Richter Shimoni Patent Attorneys
In today’s dynamic tech world, innovation is fast – but imitation is faster. For founders, a strong IP strategy isn’t just legal protection – it’s a business imperative.

Patent attorney Allen Richter shares essential IP strategies to help startup and scaleup founders protect their tech, avoid legal pitfalls, and strengthen their position for funding or acquisition.

From software patents to due diligence and global filings, learn how smart IP planning can become your unfair advantage. Whether you’re building with AI, blockchain, or next-gen finance tools, this talk will help you secure what truly sets you apart – your innovation.
12:15 - 12:40Panel Discussion
Unicorn or Cockroach? Navigating Growth vs Survival
Moderator: Michal Freeman-Shor, Head of Primary Markets (Israel), London Stock Exchange
- Adi Levanon, Founder & Managing Partner, Selah Ventures
- Maya Hawlasewicz, Principal, Pitango
- Omer Nagar, MP & CEO, The Garage
- Amitai Serphos, VP Growth, Lili
Startups in 2025 must balance two paths: the high-burn race to scale, and the lean journey to profitability. This panel addresses both — from Israeli companies that stayed lean to those that doubled down on growth despite wartime constraints.

Topics include remote team challenges during mobilization, fundraising delays, resilience planning, and how to build durable companies in uncertain markets.

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11:30: IT, Cloud & Security (Hall A)

11:30 - 11:40Opening Remarks
Welcome to IT, Cloud & Security Track
By Sharon Zarfati, Innovation & Ecosystem Strategist @ Mastercard’s FinSec Innovation Lab
Join us as we kick off the track with insights into the themes and what’s ahead, and welcome speakers, sponsors, and guests.
11:50 - 12:15Panel Discussion
Beyond Infrastructure: CIO Insights on AI, Innovation, and Institutional Agility
Moderator: Meital Raviv, Owner & CEO @ MERA
- Miri Gelbort, CIO @ Clal Insurance & Finance
- Amit Geva, CIO @ Ayalon Insurance Company
- Shai Galila, CIO @ Harel Insurance & Finance
- Kobi Avnon @ Head of IT Infrastructure, DevOps & Cyber Unit @ Tel Aviv Stock Exchange
CIOs at major financial institutions are navigating a new era – one defined not just by digital transformation, but by AI innovation, evolving customer expectations, and the need for rapid adaptability.

In this no-fluff panel, top tech executives share how they’re moving beyond infrastructure modernization to lead cultural and operational shifts within complex organizations. Expect real-world insights on adopting AI, driving innovation from the top, and building agile teams in a highly regulated, high-stakes environment.
12:15 - 12:25Keynote
Fintech speakers TALK. The smart ones INFLUENCE. The best ones LEAD.
By Idit Neuderfer, CEO @ Redhead Method
Why do some fintech leaders win trust fast—while others lose the room?
In this TED-style talk, Idit Neuderfer, founder of The Redhead Method, reveals how sharp storytelling and strong delivery shift business outcomes | With real-world insights from banks, VCs, and global teams—you’ll get practical tips to speak with clarity, presence, and impact | From team meetings to investor calls, in Hebrew or English—know how to own the moment.
Talk. Influence. Lead.
12:25 - 12:50Panel Discussion
Securing the Future: AI, Identity & Trust in a Digital-First World
Moderator: Idan Wiener, Co-Founder & CEO, illustria.io
- Pavel Goldman-Kalaydin, Head of AI/ML, Sumsub
- Yair Ladizhensky, Co-Founder & VP R&D, Aryon Security
- Meiran Galis, CEO & Founder @ Scytale AI
As AI reshapes industries, it also redefines the threat landscape. From deepfakes and synthetic identities to supply chain vulnerabilities and automated cyberattacks, organizations are facing a new generation of risks that challenge traditional security models.

In this high-level discussion, leaders at the forefront of AI, cybersecurity, and digital identity will explore how trust can be built – and protected – in an era of machine-generated threats. The panel will cover real-world use cases of AI in fraud detection and defense, the delicate balance between innovation and regulation, and strategies for securing infrastructure, code, and users at scale.

Join us for a forward-looking conversation on how companies can stay one step ahead in a world where identity is fluid, attackers are automated, and trust is the most valuable currency.

12:50 - tracks

Retail, Payments & CFO

Seamless, Secure, Instant: The Future of Commerce

AI, Data & Vibe Coding

The Biggest Revolution in Decades is Here

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12:50: Retail, Payments & CFO (Hall B)

12:50 - 13:00Opening Remarks
Welcome to Retail, Payments & CFO Track
By Michal Hayon, Founder & CEO @ 2DO!
Join us as we kick off the track with insights into the themes and what’s ahead, and welcome speakers, sponsors, and guests.
13:00 - 13:15Fireside Chat
From Counter to Concierge: Reinventing Retail and Payments in the Luxury Experience
- Michal Hayon, Founder & CEO @ 2DO!
- Snir Mazuz, CFO & Deputy CEO @ Pandora
Discover how Pandora, in partnership with Nayax, is merging elegance with efficiency, creating a seamless, high-touch shopping experience that removes friction from payment and elevates in-store service. Snir Mazoz, CFO & Deputy CEO @ Pandora ,shares how advanced retail tech transforms every purchase into a premium, concierge-like moment.
13:15 - 13:25Keynote
Scaling with Purpose: What it takes to Thrive in Global Fintech Today
By Adam Cohen, Chief Growth Officer @ Payoneer
In a world where fintechs can go global overnight, growth is no longer just about speed – it’s about intention. In this keynote, Adam Cohen, Chief Growth Officer at Payoneer, shares what it truly takes to scale with purpose in today’s complex, opportunity-rich financial landscape.

From navigating regulation to building resilient infrastructure and customer trust across borders, Adam will reveal hard-won lessons and future-forward strategies from one of the world’s leading global payment platforms. Whether you’re a startup eyeing expansion or a scaleup chasing sustainability, this session delivers the blueprint for going big without losing your edge.
13:25 - 13:55Panel Discussion
Connected Commerce: Powering Omnichannel Retail with Tech & Data
Moderator: Michal Hayon, Founder & CEO, 2DO!
- Roy Carmel, CIO @ Golf & Co Group
- Idit Chen, CIO @ Lubinski Group
- Keren Ben Zvi, Chief Data Officer @ PayU
- Valery Migirov, CEO & Founder @ B24club
- Gil Tal, CTO @ Comax
As customer expectations rise, seamless experiences across digital and physical retail have become essential. This panel explores how technology and data are closing the gap between online and offline, creating frictionless, personalized journeys.

Join industry leaders as they share how AI, real-time data, and integrated platforms are transforming commerce — driving engagement, loyalty, and business growth.
13:55 - 14:05Keynote
Beyond Great Design and Technology: Why Digital Products Fail
By Hagit Liran, GM Strategy @ Zemingo
In this talk, we’ll explore why digital products often fail despite having outstanding design and cutting-edge technology. Drawing on real-world cases and extensive industry experience, we’ll uncover the critical importance of clearly defined business goals, strategic alignment, and meaningful measurement, to ensure digital products achieve genuine business impact and success
14:05 - 14:25Panel Discussion
Startups Under Pressure: How Founders & CFOs Are Redefining Risk and Growth Strategy
Moderator: Sophia Tupolev-Luz, Host & Producer, The Endgame – Israel’s Tech M&A Show
- Shai Avital, SVP, Head of Technology Banking @ Mizrahi-Tefahot Bank
- Alon Zieve, CEO & Co-founder @ Aption
- Adam Cohen, Chief Growth Officer @ Payoneer
In a high-stakes world of burn rates, uncertain funding cycles, and volatile markets, startup founders and finance leaders are increasingly expected to do more than just “manage the books” or define growth KPIs. They must design bold, creative strategies that protect equity, enable smart growth, and navigate risk in entirely new ways.

This powerhouse panel brings together influential voices reshaping how tech companies think about finance who will unpack how companies – from pre-scale to post-IPO – can rethink capital strategy, equity management, and risk diversification.
14:25 - 14:45Panel Discussion
From Chargebacks to Strategic Gains: Unlocking Hidden Value in the CFO Tech Stack
Moderator: David Feldman, Principal @ Flint Capital
- Ofir Tahor, Co-Founder & CEO @ Justt
- Alisa Applebaum, Sr. Director, Business Payments @ Guesty
Chargebacks are more than a payment nuisance – they’re a hidden drain on revenue and resources. In this panel, fintech leaders explore how AI-powered tools like Justt are helping finance teams fight fraud, win disputes, and recover revenue at scale.

We’ll also zoom out to look at the broader CFO tech stack, revealing untapped opportunities for efficiency, automation, and ROI. Whether you’re battling chargebacks or modernizing finance ops, this session offers actionable insights to drive smarter growth.

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12:50: AI, Data & Vibe Coding (Hall A)

12:50 - 13:00Opening Remarks
Welcome to AI & Data Track
By Eden Bibas, Founder @ Brain
Join us as we kick off the track with insights into the themes and what’s ahead, and welcome speakers, sponsors, and guests.
13:00 - 13:10Lightning Talk
Optimizing Equity Portfolios Using AI and Quantitative Models
By Tsuriel Horin, Chief Business Officer @ Cherries
CHERRIES is a portfolio optimization platform designed to support institutional investors and advisors in constructing equity portfolios that balance return and risk. The system integrates AI methods with scientific and mathematical models to select and weight stocks based on user-defined constraints and objectives. Tsuriel Horin, Chief Business Officer, will present CHERRIES’ methodology, which focuses on maximizing yield while minimizing drawdown and volatility. Backtested and real-money portfolio results demonstrate consistent outperformance compared to leading benchmarks such as the S&P 500 in “Backtesting” simulation as well as in “real money” portfolios.
13:10 - 13:35Panel Discussion
The AI-Powered Financial Institution: Personalization, Automation, and Decision-Making
Moderator: Yarden Lifshitz, Business Development Manager @ Zemingo
- Assi Dahan, VP Data Science & AI @ ONE data.ai
- Adi Yona, VP Product @ Cherries
- Kochavith Arnon, CEO @ KA
- Heli Mirel, Head of Development & Innovation @ Direct Lab
AI is reshaping every facet of financial services, from underwriting and risk analysis to hyper-personalized customer journeys. This panel showcases how leading players are operationalizing AI to enhance performance and outcompete rivals.
13:40 - 14:10Panel Discussion
The Next AI frontier: Risk as a Product
Moderator: Yoni Arbel, Fintech Advisor and Mentor
- Shimon Azar, CEO & Founder @ Crediarc
Join us for a panel on building AI-powered risk management in FX, liquidity, and credit. Hear from the CEO of CrediArc and a FinTech veteran from Wise and eToro as they explore how AI is transforming risk into a strategic product.

From real-time credit insights to global liquidity systems, discover what it takes to build intelligent, scalable infrastructure in today’s fast-moving financial landscape.

14:10 - tracks

Web3, Blockchain & Crypto

Decentralizing Finance: Beyond Traditional Boundaries

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14:10: Web3, Blockchain & Crypto (Hall A)

14:10 - 14:20Opening Remarks
Welcome to Web3, Blockchain & Crypto Track
By Yoel Israel, Founder & CEO @ IsraelTech & WadiDigital
Join us as we kick off the track with insights into the themes and what’s ahead, and welcome speakers, sponsors, and guests.
14:20 - 14:50Panel Discussion
Fortifying the Future: Real-Time Security Infrastructure for Digital Assets
Moderator: Meirav Harel, Founder & CEO @ MHfintechs
- Dan Danay, Head of Web3 @ Check Point Software
- Mark Smargon, CEO @ Fuse.io
- Omer Sadika, Co-Founder @ Ika
- Bentzi Rabi, Co-Founder & CEO @ Utila
- Tomer Sharoni, CEO & Co founder @ Addressable
As crypto adoption grows, real-time security is no longer optional – it’s essential. This panel explores how on-chain firewalls and threat prevention are reshaping digital asset protection.

From contract exploits to bridge hacks and compliance risks, the threat landscape is evolving fast. How can institutions, protocols, and investors stay ahead? What does real-time defense really mean — and who’s responsible for implementing it?

Join us for a deep dive into the technologies and strategies defining the future of crypto security.
14:50 - 15:10Panel Discussion
From Fintech to Cryptotech: How Unicorns Are Integrating Digital Assets
Moderator: Adam Benayoun, Founding Partner @ Collider Ventures
- Vitaly Konovalov, Marketing Manager @ B24club
- Noam Kaplan, Director, Head of Forensics & Blockchain Analytics @ KPMG Israel
- Sagi Winer, VP R&D @Papaya Global
As crypto matures and regulation clarifies, fintech giants are no longer sitting on the sidelines. This panel will explore how leading fintech companies are building real-world integrations with crypto and blockchain infrastructure.

What are the business drivers, compliance challenges, and customer use cases? Meet the leaders who are shaping the convergence of traditional finance and the decentralized economy.
15:10 - 15:30Panel Discussion
Crypto Beyond the Hype: Building Sustainable Ecosystems in Web3
Moderator: Shauli Rejwan, Managing Partner @ Masterkey
- Jeremy Musighi, Chief Operating Officer @ Snapshot Labs
- Shelly Hod Moyal, Founding Partner & Co-CEO @ iAngels
- Ben Samocha, CEO & Co-founder @ CryptoJungle
As the dust settles from crypto’s boom-and-bust cycles, industry leaders are shifting focus from speculation to sustainability. This panel brings together key investors, innovators, and policy shapers to explore the long-term building blocks of Web3.

We’ll discuss regulatory developments, infrastructure readiness, real-world asset tokenization, and the changing expectations of users and VCs. How do we transition from hype to habit? And what role will Israel play in the global crypto landscape?