Key Insights from NextGen Nordics

Editorial

This content has been selected, created and edited by the Finextra editorial team based upon its relevance and interest to our community.

Set against the dynamic backdrop of the Nordic financial landscape, the NextGen Nordics 2025 event in Stockholm, Sweden on 29 April 2025 featured key findings from

Finextra’s latest survey, highlighting the Nordic community’s concerns and aspirations.

Real time data gathered from interactive audience polls throughout the event offered live insights into how organisations are navigating critical areas such as regulation, resilience, and innovation.

One of the clearest signals came from responses to the EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). While most organisations recognised DORA’s strategic value, only 35% reported being fully prepared with a defined roadmap and compliance measures underway.
The majority (60%), were still in progress, with gaps remaining in their readiness. A further 5% were either unfamiliar with the regulation or had not started taking action. This paints a picture of a sector in transition, actively working towards resilience
but still facing challenges in achieving full readiness.

The perceived value of DORA also exposed tension between regulatory intent and operational impact. Only 27% of respondents believed DORA would enhance long term resilience, while 65% acknowledged it brought benefits along with a heavy short term burden.
6% dismissed it as just a box ticking exercise. The mixed sentiment reflects a classic regulatory paradox of long term gains clouded by short term strain. While optimism exists, most organisations feel weighed down by the initial implementation.

Beyond DORA, broader sentiment pointed to changing dynamics when asked about shifts in user behaviour in data sharing over the past two years. 42% of respondents reported greater user willingness to share data, whereas 38% noted increased caution. These
figures reflect a complex consumer mindset, where users are increasingly aware of the value of their data. Financial institutions must now cater to both the confident and the cautious.

Striking the balance between security and innovation

Findings also revealed the need to balance convenience with security. When asked ‘As we strive for frictionless payments, do you want more friction to identify fraud?’, a clear majority of the audience voted yes, signalling a willingness to balance user
experience with robust security. An even larger majority of the audience voted yes when asked ‘Is the impact of regulation stifling innovation in your organisation?’, highlighting the ongoing tension between maintaining operational resilience and the freedom
to innovate.

Looking at what builds trust between banks and fintechs, 35% of respondents voted strong security protocols as the most important factor. Joint innovation projects, shared standards, and clear regulations followed, at 24%, 19%, and 17% respectively. Security
remains the…