Spearheading the Future of European Fintech: The Role of EDFA
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Spearheading the Future of European Fintech: The Role of EDFA
An interview with Don Ginsel, CEO of Holland Fintech
At the crossroads of technology, finance, and regulation the European Digital Finance Association (EDFA) is orchestrating European Fintech interests and paving the way for collaborative growth, representation, and innovation
We spoke to Don Ginsel, a board member of EDFA, who shared his insights into the association’s journey and its pivotal role in shaping the future of European fintech.
Making Fintech Accessible through a Unified Voice
“Innovation often lies in brushing away the unnecessary jargon and encouraging experimentation. Everyone can work with technology, and it’s essential to break the myth of a divided world into tech and non-tech people,” Says Don Ginsel, CEO of Holland Fintech, a member organisation of the European Digital Finance Association (EDFA) of which he is also a board member.
EDFA evolved as an association with a unified voice, addressing critical aspects impacting the European Financial Ecosystem. Based in Brussels, at the heart of the EU, and fostering strong ties with parliamentary and decision-making entities, EDFA is uniquely positioned to thrust matters of collective importance onto the European Commission political agenda.
Recognizing the increasing European focus in the fintech landscape, Ginsel highlights the significance of EDFA. “We joined EDFA, an initiative uniting associations from different European countries, to collaborate on a mutual scale. It’s about creating a beneficial network and addressing policymakers in Brussels,” Ginsel explains.
EDFA: A Catalyst for Change Across Europe
EDFA operates on a federative model, comprising country associations that unite at the European level. The association’s main goal is to establish a level playing field across Europe, addressing the challenges faced by fintech companies seeking to scale across borders.
“We aim to facilitate connections, share expertise, and voice the interests of our members to European policymakers. Unified regulations and financial standards across Europe are crucial for fostering a conducive environment for fintech growth,” Ginsel emphasizes.
Supporting Members and Shaping European Policy
One of the key roles of EDFA is supporting its member associations and shaping European policy. The association facilitates mutual event promotions, allowing members to showcase their main events across Europe. Additionally, working groups are formed to address specific regulatory trajectories, ensuring a collaborative approach in voicing concerns and ideas at the European level. These represent the most pressing issues in the regulatory agenda like Payment Services, Open Finance, CBDCs & Digital Euro and Credit, Taxes and Financial Services.
“We act as a knowledge partner for European policymakers, providing insights into the fintech landscape and contributing to discussions on legislative trajectories,” elaborates Ginsel.
A Growing Network and Vision for the Future
With 16 member countries and plans for expansion, EDFA envisions further collaboration with various fintech associations, including those focused on payments, lending, crypto, and crowdfunding. The focus lies in cultivating a network that fosters knowledge sharing, business activities, and a shared vision for European fintech, which involves creating European coverage and accelerating cross-border interactions among member companies.
Moreover, by focusing on key initiatives like Decentralization, MiCA, Digital Onboarding, and Identification, as well as Licenses and Sandbox Regimes, EDFA guarantees discussions that move the most impactful conversations forward.
“We want to see increased collaboration, knowledge sharing, and business activities across the European fintech ecosystem. By growing our network, we aim to contribute to the establishment of Europe as a unified and thriving fintech market,” Ginsel envisions.
As the European fintech landscape evolves, EDFA continues to strengthen its membership, fostering unity, collaboration, and shared success. The Digital Finance Summit in Brussels is the ideal place to engage with EDFA members, meet the board and engage in conversation about the benefits that membership can bring to local ecosystems across Europe.
Through its commitment to a collaborative future, EDFA will continue to act as an advocate for innovative, more affordable and secure financial services, shaping the destiny of European fintech and creating new possibilities and opportunities for its diverse member base.
We act as a knowledge partner for European policymakers, providing insights into the fintech landscape and contributing to discussions on legislative trajectories
By Chris Crespo / Nordic Fintech Magazine
Published and Distributed by FinTech Belgium asbl
Contact: Alessandra Guion - CEO