Forbes: Europe’s Fintech Center Isn’t in Frankfurt or London

Earlier this year, a Forbes journalist visited Vilnius during the Vilnius TechFusion Awards, meeting with a broad range of local companies and high-growth startups. The conversations on the ground reflected a clear reality – Vilnius is firmly established as one of Europe’s key fintech centers.

In her recent feature, Forbes contributor Ilona Limonta-Volkova highlights Lithuania as one of the continent’s most compelling fintech ecosystems. With more than 200 licensed fintech companies and a strong standing in European rankings, the country has built a reputation for both speed and reliability.

Vilnius stands at the core of this success, bringing together global companies and ambitious local players that are scaling across international markets.

A defining characteristic of the ecosystem is its focus on substance – many companies are building the infrastructure that underpins financial services across Europe, from banking-as-a-service platforms to advanced payment solutions.

At the same time, businesses based in Vilnius are addressing complex financial needs, including cross-border payments and financial accessibility, while also expanding into areas such as cybersecurity and digital services.

What stood out during the visit was the combination of regulatory clarity, technical talent, and execution speed – factors that continue to attract both established players and new investment.

The takeaway is straightforward – Vilnius is not a future contender. It is already a central player in Europe’s fintech landscape, with continued growth driven by strong foundations in innovation, compliance, and talent.

How Lithuania Became One Of Europe’s Most Surprising Fintech Hubs: read the full article on Forbes here.