'We want people to feel like rock stars'

What do a giant Pac-Man game and 4,000 fintech leaders have in common? At last year’s Money20/20 Asia in Bangkok, both were part of the experience. Now the event returns to the city later this month, building on that momentum with immersive formats, curated networking, and a creative approach to content.

“We want people to feel like rock stars over the three days,” said Danny Levy, Managing Director of Money20/20 Asia. He told The Crypto Radio that the event isn’t structured like a conventional conference. Instead of dry panels and endless booths, it’s designed as a high-energy show – one that sparks genuine connections and encourages fresh thinking across the fintech space.

"Most of the time, when you go to an event, you kind of know what you're going to get," Levy said. "A large concrete hall, sponsors in rows, average food, and you'll forget about it by the time you get back to the office." Money20/20 aims to deliver something more memorable – what Levy calls a “wow factor” for attendees.

Immersive ideas, real-world outcomes

The event attracts 4,000 senior decision-makers, with one in three being C-suite executives. It’s more than just scale. The conference places emphasis on meaningful connections and discussions about how technology can help solve real-world financial challenges.

This year’s edition introduces a new element: an AI co-host named Aiana, who will help moderate the “HumanA.I.ty Stage.” The focus of this stage is how technology can drive positive outcomes, especially in areas like financial inclusion – reaching people traditionally excluded from banking systems.

One key trend Levy pointed to is the rapid acceleration of digital payments in Asia. "Non-cash payments in the region grew by 20% year on year," he noted, growing faster than in Europe and North America. This reflects growing use of digital wallets, mobile apps, and other tech-driven solutions across Asia’s increasingly digital economies.

Fintech without borders

The conference also brings together 20 regional regulators to address issues like cross-border payments. A practical example is the new payment link between Singapore and Thailand, enabling instant, seamless transactions across national borders – signalling growing collaboration across the region.

Another defining feature, Levy said, is a commitment to diverse, merit-driven representation on stage. “Everyone at Money20/20 is on the stage on merit,” he emphasized.

There are no repeat speakers from previous years – the lineup is curated from scratch each time to keep perspectives fresh and relevant. The event ensures that 40% of speakers are women, challenging long-standing gender imbalances in the financial services industry.

For anyone interested in the future of money, technology, and international collaboration, Money20/20 offers a timely look at a rapidly evolving space. As Levy puts it, they’re “not approaching it wanting to be a normal event” but constantly pushing boundaries.

Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a finance professional, or simply curious about how innovation is reshaping economies, Money20/20 represents a unique intersection of human creativity and technological advancement.

Listen to the whole interview on The Crypto Radio's live player or The Pulse podcast.