Mr. Scholz, over the years, the EURO FINANCE WEEK has developed into one of the most important meeting points for the financial industry. Which topics and developments are particularly in focus this year, and what makes the 2025 edition especially exciting from your point of view?
Indeed, the EURO FINANCE WEEK is now the largest and most important industry gathering for the banking and financial sector at Frankfurt’s financial center. However, its reach extends far beyond our local market. We see ourselves as a platform not only for Germany’s financial hub but also for Europe as a whole. The visit of the Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany on the opening day underscores this. At the same time, it is intended to send a signal to make Germany more attractive to international investors again. The challenges ahead can only be managed—and financed—if we succeed in mobilizing sufficient private capital. Germany needs a new equity story for this. I am convinced that with the upcoming EURO FINANCE WEEK, we will take the next step and make an important contribution toward that goal.
With formats such as the CHINA DAY, the Green Finance Forum, and the EURO FINANCE Tech Day, the EURO FINANCE WEEK covers a wide range of current topics. Could you give us an overview of what you see as the biggest current challenges facing the financial industry?
With us, it’s not just called a “week” — it truly is one. No other format addresses such a broad and in-depth range of topics — and thus challenges — that affect our financial center and, indeed, our economy as a whole. This year, we are even more international. Especially in times of geopolitical turbulence, the international perspective is essential.
The CHINA DAY has a long tradition with us, and its 11th edition is taking place at a time when exchange and dialogue are perhaps more important than ever. At the Green Finance Forum on Tuesday, we will discuss “Green Growth.” Yes, we need sustainable growth impulses. We do not see “green” and “sustainability” as contradictions quite the opposite.
And, of course, another key topic of growth and innovation must not be missing: artificial intelligence. It is also a decisive challenge. At the EURO FINANCE Tech Day, we will look ahead and navigate with AI into the future of the financial industry. We are very excited about this journey through time.
The EURO FINANCE WEEK sees itself as a platform for exchange and inspiration. What impact do you hope it will have on Frankfurt as a financial center this year, and which topics would you like to resonate beyond the week itself?
We are committed to strengthening our financial center and the numbers speak for themselves. This year, we expect around 2,000 participants and will welcome more than 250 speakers at our financial hub. Once again, the EURO FINANCE WEEK serves as a flagship event for Frankfurt and beyond. Our country needs a strong financial and banking sector. Europe needs a unified — and only then truly strong — capital market. That is where we come in, and once again this year, we will set the agenda on these key issues.
Here you can access the website of the Euro Finance Week
