From September 23 to 26, Fintech Latvia Association joined the largest-ever Latvian business delegation to Germany, which brought together more than 180 company and organization representatives from across industries. The mission, led by Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis and joined by Prime Minister Evika Siliņa on September 25, aimed to deepen collaboration with German partners in technology, finance, energy, and innovation.

As part of the program, the Latvian–German Fintech Roundtable in Hamburg became a key highlight for the financial technology sector. The event gathered entrepreneurs, investors, regulators, and policymakers to explore growth opportunities and the potential for cross-border cooperation.

Fintech Latvia Association’s Managing Director Tīna Lūse co-moderated the discussion together with Karsten Wenzlaff, focusing on success factors for fintech growth in the Riga and Hamburg ecosystems, modernization of finance, and improved access to venture capital. Minister Valainis also joined the discussion, underscoring the importance of innovation and regulatory openness in building competitive fintech ecosystems.

We extend our sincere thanks to our expert members who contributed to the dialogue: Tatjana Kulapina (VIAINVEST) and Jānis Līcis (Paynt). The roundtable concluded with dynamic company pitches from both Latvian and German participants, including our members LANDE, VIAINVEST, Debitum, Paynt, and Bonusukarte, alongside abillio and Mintos.

“Agile and forward-looking regulators and policymakers willing to work hand in hand with visionary entrepreneurs are essential if Europe wants to deliver real innovation to the world. Europe often plays it too safe, which is why genuine dialogue between decision-makers and businesses is invaluable,” said Tīna Lūse, Managing Director of Fintech Latvia Association.

Fintech Latvia Association thanks Handelskammer Hamburg and Jan Korte, European Digital Finance Association (EDFA) and Karsten Wenzlaff, as well as Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) and Ilze Upatniece for their partnership and support in making this event possible.

Latvia’s fintech sector made a strong impression in Hamburg. As Lūse noted, Latvia currently leads the EU with the highest concentration of licensed investment platforms, serving around 24% of all portfolios attracted through such platforms across the Union. Latvian payment companies, already recognized across Europe and awarded in Germany for payment innovation, showcased solutions that resonated with Hamburg’s innovation centers and partners.

“We mainly operate in export markets, so visits like this—especially when joined by high-level state representatives—provide a powerful boost. It is truly inspiring to see even competing companies unite in marketing efforts to reach new markets more effectively. The groundwork laid during this mission will certainly bring tangible results,” Lūse emphasized.

This mission marked an important step in strengthening Latvia’s fintech visibility in Germany and in building new bridges for cooperation, investment, and innovation between the two countries.