ATMIA Europe & Emerging Markets Summit 2025 – Conference Highlights

The ATMIA Europe & Emerging Markets Summit 2025 in London brought together leaders, innovators, and industry experts from around the globe to explore the future of ATMs, cash, and financial inclusion. Over two days, the Summit delivered actionable insights, strategic discussions, and networking opportunities that reflected ATMIA’s year-round commitment to advancing the industry.

🌍 Day 1 Highlights – Strategy, Sustainability & Future Trends

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  Barclays’ Response to Less-Cash High Streets – Tim Allen MBE
  This keynote set the tone by examining how banks are adapting to declining cash usage while preserving community access. It’s a vital case study in balancing digital adoption with financial inclusion.

• Cash Access UK – Shared Branch Banking – Mark Essex
  Presented the growing role of shared branches and cash services in maintaining access, especially in underserved communities.
• What Does the Next 5–10 Years Hold for CITs and Customer Relationships? – David Milner
  Explored how Cash-in-Transit providers must evolve to remain relevant, moving beyond logistics into true partnership models with clients.
• Branch Optimization Powered by AI Forecasting & Smart Devices – Joachim Walser
  Demonstrated how AI and smart devices can reshape branch and ATM efficiency, enabling operators to optimize resources in a cost-sensitive era.
• Sustainability in a Changing Cash Cycle – John Winchcombe
  Challenged the industry to embed sustainability in every aspect of operations, from logistics to device lifecycle management.
• Environmental Impact of Cash vs. Digital Payments (EICVDP) – Pascal Rencker
  Brought data-driven analysis to the debate, showing how both systems impact carbon footprints and what can be done to move toward greener solutions.
• 8 ATM Trends Shaping the Future of Choice & Inclusion – Mike Foster
  Based on ATMIA’s research, this session highlighted the innovations—from recycling to UI and AI—that ensure ATMs remain essential tools for financial inclusion.
• Best Practice in Community Banking Services (Podcast Live) – David Fagleman & Graham Mott
  Delivered insights in a dynamic format, emphasizing how innovation in shared access models requires structural solutions combined with community engagement.
• Supporting Access to Cash Across the UK – Charles Barnett
  Outlined NatWest’s initiatives to secure sustainable access to cash, reinforcing that physical cash availability remains a strategic priority even in a digital-first environment
• Inside Serbia’s Banking Transformation – Fintech, Digital & Regional Trends – Svetlana Pajević
  Offered a powerful case study on how emerging markets can embrace digital and fintech innovation, providing lessons for broader regions.
• Future Proofing Security & Efficiency with Connected Safe Locks – Axel de Blok
  Showed how IP- and BLE-enabled safe locks can transform physical security with real-time monitoring and compliance, reducing both risks and costs.

💡 Day 2 Highlights – Access, Security & Regional Perspectives

How ATMs are Crucial for Individuals and Society – Jay Zagorsky
Positioned ATMs as essential infrastructure that ensures access, inclusion, and resilience for communities worldwide.

The ECB’s Take on Recent Developments in the Euro Cash Cycle – Benjamin Sahel
Shared insights from the European Central Bank on circulation trends, demand, and policy directions for managing euro cash efficiently.

Addressing Financial Exclusion Through Innovative Solutions – Gareth Evans
Explored how new models and services can make cash more accessible and relevant in an increasingly digital payments landscape.

Open Banking: Innovating to Support the Role of Cash – Javed Anjum
Showed how open banking technology can complement cash, creating hybrid solutions that expand financial access and inclusion.

Securing the Future of Cash Processing and Distribution – Brian Leary & Rob Turbeville
Introduced next-generation security innovations designed to protect cash processing and distribution systems from modern threats.

Insights from Europe for Emerging Markets on ATM Physical Security – Paul Nicholls
Demonstrated how European best practices in ATM security can help emerging markets grow safely and expand financial inclusion.

Panel: The Hidden Backbone – How Cash Enables Electronic Payments and Builds Resilience – Frane Maroević, Oliver Krist, Svetlana Pajević, Thierry Lebeaux (Moderator: Lonnie Talbert)
Highlighted the vital but often overlooked role of cash in supporting electronic payments, ensuring resilience, and reinforcing stability in financial systems.

🙏 Thank You

We extend our sincere gratitude to all speakers, exhibitors, delegates, and members who made this Summit a success. Your insights, questions, and participation created an environment of collaboration and learning that will help guide the ATM and cash industry forward.

🔮 Looking Ahead

Feedback from attendees is essential to improve future events. In the coming weeks, ATMIA will be reaching out to delegates for short conversations to understand what worked well and where we can enhance next year’s Summit.

For ATMIA EEM Board members, the final Board meeting of 2025 will take place on 11 December. Please bring your ideas to help shape programming, formats, and initiatives for Europe and emerging markets in 2026.

Together, we look forward to building on the momentum of London 2025—promoting inclusion, innovation, and sustainability across the global ATM ecosystem.

Warm Regard,
Erika