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Tokenizing the future: Vienna’s FinTech rise

Vienna is no longer just a city of classical music and imperial majesty – it is fast becoming a powerhouse in Europe’s FinTech and blockchain revolution. On May 15, 2025, the city will host the 2nd International Blockchain Day at the prestigious Oesterreichische Kontrollbank, marking a high point in its transformation into a digital finance hub. Organized by the Digital Asset Association Austria (DAAA), this landmark event is part of #ViennaUP2025, the city’s premier startup and innovation festival.

Under the banner “The Digital Assets Evolution: Investing in the Future now”, global leaders, innovators, and regulators will gather to explore the dynamic impact of blockchain, tokenization, and digital assets on the financial landscape. With the DAAA at the helm, Vienna is not merely hosting the conversation – it is driving it.

A World-Class lineup of experts

The 2nd International Blockchain Day brings together a distinguished roster of international and Austrian experts. High-profile speakers include:

Sandra Ro, CEO of the Global Blockchain Business Council (Washington, D.C.)

Michelle O’Connor, Executive at Taxbit and one of the top 5 Women in Blockchain (San Francisco)

Michael Höllerer, CEO of Raiffeisenlandesbank NÖ-Wien

Philipp Bohrn, Managing Director at Bitpanda

Oliver Stauber and Christian Niedermüller, representing KuCoin

Oliver Völkel, Partner at CERHA HEMPEL

Sascha Bakry, Blockchain Lead at Deloitte Austria

Moderated by: Walter Mösenbacher, Managing Director, DAAA

These speakers will dive into key topics shaping the future of finance, including:

The Digital Assets Evolution: Investing in the Future Now

Digital Assets and the Power of Tokenization

Innovation, Integration, Investment – Banks in the Era of Digital Assets

Crowd Investing Meets Digital Assets: Redefining Corporate Financing

Digital Assets, Bold Ventures: Young Lions Pioneering the Startup Space

MiCAR in action: Austria leads with clarity

Since the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) came into force in December 2024, Austria has taken a leading role in building a transparent and forward-thinking regulatory environment. The Financial Market Authority (FMA) has moved swiftly to align with MiCAR, ensuring crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) can operate within a legally sound and innovation-friendly framework.

Bitpanda, Vienna’s own FinTech champion, is setting the pace. In April 2025, the company secured its third MiCAR license from the FMA – adding to previous approvals in Germany and Malta – cementing its reputation as one of Europe’s most compliant and progressive crypto platforms.

A magnet for global players

As international crypto exchanges assess Europe’s regulatory climate, Bybit has emerged as one of the early movers in Austria. As recently reported, Bybit’s entry into the Austrian market signals growing confidence in the country’s pro-crypto policies. Bybit is actively pursuing regulatory licensing through the FMA, aligning with MiCAR, and positioning itself to benefit from the credibility and clarity Austria offers. This step is a critical part of the company’s European growth strategy and highlights Vienna’s growing importance as a gateway to the continent.

KuCoin is following closely, having submitted its MiCAR license application and signalling intentions to establish its European headquarters in Vienna. The move would enable KuCoin to offer its services across all 30 EU and EEA countries, further solidifying Vienna’s status as a hub for regulatory alignment and innovation.

Tradition meets transformation

The momentum does not stop at startups and crypto exchanges. Austria’s traditional banking sector is evolving as well. With DORA (the Digital Operational Resilience Act) set to take effect in January 2025, banks are preparing for stricter cybersecurity and operational standards – while also exploring how digital assets can be integrated into their offerings. This balance of innovation and stability defines Vienna’s approach.

Outlook 2035: a global FinTech capital in the making

By 2035, Vienna aims to be at the epicentre of Europe’s digital finance ecosystem – leading in tokenization, decentralized finance, and blockchain innovation. The 2nd International Blockchain Day, powered by DAAA’s strategic vision and supported by Austria’s robust regulatory direction, is a clear step toward that future.

For more information on the 2nd International Blockchain Day and to register, visit the official event page.

Ksenia Gutman is the Co-Founder and President of HerBizz International, an international non-profit organization empowering women in AI, Web3 and Media. She is passionate about emerging technologies and how they can transform our everyday lives. She writes about tech, innovation, media and finance, and shares her personal insights and advice. Ksenia graduated from the University of Vienna with a Masters degree in Media and Communication in 2011. She also holds a Global Executive MBA double-degree from the University of Minnesota, US and the WU Executive Academy in Vienna, Austria since 2023.