Finance Forum Zürich 2026 – Finance Conference Switzerland

Finance Forum Zürich 2026 is a major meeting point for Switzerland’s financial industry, bringing together decision-makers from banking, asset management, politics, technology, business and academia. The fourth edition takes place at Kongresshaus Zürich and focuses on the future competitiveness of the Swiss financial centre, regulation, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, innovation and geopolitical developments.

What to expect in 2026

The confirmed event is Finance Forum Zürich 2026 on 22 September 2026. No official 2027 date or programme has been announced yet. However, the event has been held annually in recent years, with editions in 2024, 2025 and 2026, so a further edition in 2027 can reasonably be expected, subject to official confirmation.

A future edition is expected to continue examining the competitiveness of the Swiss financial centre, technological innovation, banking transformation, regulation, artificial intelligence and changing international financial conditions.

Startup sectors & themes

Finance Forum Zürich is not primarily a startup conference. Its focus is the established financial sector and the wider financial ecosystem, with technology and innovation forming important parts of the programme.

Key themes for 2026 include:

• Financial-centre competitiveness: How Switzerland can maintain its international position.
• Regulation: The relationship between regulation, financial stability, innovation and competitiveness.
• Artificial intelligence: Practical and strategic applications of AI within financial services.
• Digital transformation: How banks and financial institutions are adapting their technology and business models.
• Banking innovation: New customer expectations, new competitors and modern banking platforms.
• Geopolitics: International developments affecting financial markets and European economies.

Pitch competitions & startup showcases

Finance Forum Zürich does not operate as a traditional startup pitch competition or accelerator showcase. Instead, the event provides a professional platform where established financial institutions, technology companies, executives and experts discuss innovation and the changing competitive environment.

Technology-led financial businesses and financial-service providers can benefit from the networking environment and discussions around AI, digital transformation, modern banking platforms and innovation.

Talks, panels & workshops

The programme combines keynote presentations, talks, a panel discussion, fireside chats and optional workshops. The workshops take place before the main conference and are designed around current issues affecting the financial industry.

The 2026 programme includes discussions covering:

• Europe and its role in a changing international environment
• Innovation, regulation and digitalisation in banking
• Digital transformation of financial institutions
• Strategic use of artificial intelligence
• Competitiveness and innovation within the Swiss financial centre
• Changing customer expectations and new financial-sector competitors

Registration & ticket types

The published 2026 participation fee is CHF 590 excluding VAT, which is approximately $740 USD before VAT, based on an exchange rate of about CHF 1 = $1.25. The Swiss Finance Chapter member rate is CHF 470 excluding VAT, approximately $588 USD before VAT.

Because the published prices exclude Swiss VAT, the final payable amount can be higher. The ticket includes admission to the conference and networking programme; the event listing also identifies the participant list and networking apéro as included.

Investor & networking opportunities

Networking is one of the central elements of Finance Forum Zürich. The event brings together several hundred decision-makers from the Swiss financial sector and provides opportunities for direct professional exchange.

Networking opportunities include the pre-conference lunch, refreshment breaks, networking areas, informal discussions and the concluding apéro riche. Previous editions have also included partner and sponsor presentation areas where attendees could learn about financial products and services.

Exhibitors & participating companies

Finance Forum Zürich is primarily a conference rather than a conventional trade exhibition. Nevertheless, financial-sector companies and technology providers participate as sponsors, partners, knowledge partners and service providers.

The 2026 ecosystem includes organisations such as EFG, VP Bank, Finnova, ti&m, UBS and other financial and technology-sector participants. The event also works with organisations from academia and the professional finance community.

Funding, investment & business opportunities

The conference does not function as a dedicated investment marketplace or startup funding event. Its business value comes mainly from executive networking, industry knowledge, strategic discussions and access to decision-makers.

Participants can use the event to explore business relationships involving banking technology, asset management, private banking, financial regulation, AI, digital transformation and other areas influencing the future of financial services.

Event rules & professional access

Finance Forum Zürich is designed primarily for professionals and decision-makers in the financial ecosystem rather than as a general public event. Attendees should register in advance and follow the organiser’s participation requirements.

The conference programme is structured around professional presentations, discussions, workshops and networking. Optional workshops are scheduled before the main conference, followed by the principal afternoon programme and networking apéro.

How to get there

Finance Forum Zürich 2026 takes place at Kongresshaus Zürich in central Zurich. The venue is close to Zurich Main Station, Bahnhofstrasse, Lake Zurich and Zurich Stadelhofen, making it convenient to reach by public transport or on foot.

Venue address: Kongresshaus Zürich, Claridenstrasse 5, 8002 Zürich, Switzerland.

Public transport & parking

From Zurich Main Station, visitors can take tram 7 or tram 10/13 to Stockerstrasse and walk approximately five minutes, or tram 11 to Bürkliplatz and walk approximately four minutes.

From Zurich Stadelhofen, tram 8 or 11 can be used to reach Bürkliplatz, followed by a short walk. From Zurich Airport, visitors can take an S-Bahn or InterCity service to Zurich Main Station and continue by tram.

The venue does not have its own parking spaces. Nearby options include Parkhaus Park Hyatt Zürich and Parkhaus Bleicherweg, with Hohe Promenade and Opéra parking garages also available in the wider area.

Accommodation areas

Central Zurich is the most convenient area for Finance Forum Zürich because the venue is close to the main railway station, Bahnhofstrasse, Lake Zurich and Stadelhofen.

Useful accommodation areas include:

• City Centre: Convenient for walking and public transport.
• Old Town: Suitable for visitors combining the conference with sightseeing.
• Enge: Close to the venue and well connected by public transport.
• Bahnhofstrasse: Central business and shopping district.
• Lake Zurich: Convenient for premium hotels and a quieter setting.

The Zurich Convention Center also lists partner hotels including Park Hyatt Zürich, Hotel Adler Zürich, Hotel Alexander, Hotel City Zürich and Hotel Felix Zürich.

Event dates

Finance Forum Zürich 2026 takes place on Tuesday, 22 September 2026.

The optional workshops are scheduled from 11:00 to 12:00, while the main conference runs from 13:00 to 17:00, followed by an apéro riche. Some event listings give the broader programme window as approximately 11:00–18:30.

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Venue & event site

The event is held at Kongresshaus Zürich, also known as the Zurich Convention Center.

Address: Claridenstrasse 5, 8002 Zürich, Switzerland.

The venue is centrally located and provides extensive conference facilities, including the Kongresssaal and additional meeting and workshop rooms. The conference centre has more than 20 rooms and over 5,300 m² of event space.

Full programme

The 2026 programme focuses on the future direction of Switzerland’s financial centre. Confirmed programme elements include:

• Welcome address: Carmen Walker Späh, President of the Government Council of the Canton of Zurich.
• Keynote: Jean-Claude Juncker on Europe between crises and opportunities.
• Panel: Franco Polloni and Urs Monstein on changing customer expectations and new competitors.
• Digital transformation: Hendrik Lang on modern banking platforms and digital transformation.
• Artificial intelligence: Thomas Wüst on strategic and practical applications of AI in financial services.
• Fireside chat: Sergio P. Ermotti on the competitiveness and innovative strength of the Swiss financial centre.
• Political perspective: Karin Keller-Sutter on regulation and the framework conditions for the financial centre.
• Networking: Apéro riche following the main programme.
• Workshops: Optional sessions before the conference covering current industry topics.

Founders, investors & speakers

The 2026 speaker line-up includes prominent figures from finance, politics, technology and academia.

• Sergio P. Ermotti – Group CEO, UBS
• Karin Keller-Sutter – Swiss Federal Councillor and Federal Finance Minister
• Jean-Claude Juncker – Former President of the European Commission and former Prime Minister of Luxembourg
• Carmen Walker Späh – President of the Government Council of the Canton of Zurich
• Franco Polloni – Head Switzerland & Italy, EFG Bank
• Urs Monstein – CEO, VP Bank
• Hendrik Lang – CEO, Finnova
• Thomas Wüst – Founder and CEO, ti&m
• Marianne Wildi – Chairwoman, Hypothekarbank Lenzburg

The programme is moderated by Andi Lüscher, with speakers representing different perspectives on financial regulation, technology, banking, international competitiveness and economic policy.

Accessibility

Kongresshaus Zürich is designed to provide barrier-free access. All event rooms are accessible for guests with limited mobility, with lifts serving the upper floors and designated wheelchair spaces in the halls.

The venue also provides accessible toilets, hearing systems and assistance for blind and visually impaired visitors. Guide dogs are welcome, and eight disabled parking spaces are available in the surrounding area.

Official registration & tickets

Registration for Finance Forum Zürich 2026 is available through the official event website. The published standard participation fee is approximately $740 USD before VAT, while the Swiss Finance Chapter member rate is approximately $588 USD before VAT.

Official website and registration: Finance Forum Zürich

Event contact: info@finance-forum.ch
Telephone: +41 43 524 34 00