--- title: "MPE 2026: Building the Next Generation of Payments Leaders" description: At MPE 2026, Europe’s merchant payments leaders explore AI-driven fraud, PSD3 and real-time finance with mentorship and curated networking for fintech startups. author: Darie Nani (Editor-in-Chief) date: 2025-12-16T15:58:52.000Z updated: 2026-03-02T01:12:40.236Z canonical: https://www.sovereignmagazine.com/article/mpe-2026-building-the-next-generation-of-payments-leaders image: https://cdn.nanimediahouse.com/MPE_day1_128-scaled.jpg categories: FinTech, Networking content_type: Spotlight region: Europe publication: Sovereign Magazine about: - type: Organization name: MPE (Merchant Payments Ecosystem) description: "MPE (Merchant Payments Ecosystem) is Europe's premier merchant payments conference, attracting over 1,600 attendees annually, including more than 500 merchants. The conference brings together payment service providers, technology vendors, merchants and industry experts to explore the latest developments in European merchant payments, including card acquiring, open banking, embedded finance, payment orchestration and regulatory developments like PSD3.\n\nMPE 2026 takes place in Berlin from 17 to 19 March at the InterContinental hotel. The event features keynote presentations from leading industry figures, interactive workshops, networking opportunities and an Innovation Hub showcasing emerging payment technologies and fintech startups." url: https://www.merchantpaymentsecosystem.com --- The payments industry is changing rapidly. Advances in [AI-driven fraud detection, stablecoins, and real-time cross-border transactions](https://www.sovereignmagazine.com/article/mpe-2026-s-innovation-hub-the-battle-for-the-future-of-payments) are redefining how money moves. Yet, the industry’s progress depends not only on technology but also on the people driving it forward. As roles evolve and new challenges arise, the ability to develop talent and encourage collaboration will separate leaders from followers. MPE 2026, Europe’s premier conference for the merchant payments ecosystem, is addressing this need by focusing on mentorship and community as catalysts for growth. ## Bridging the Mentorship Gap The payments sector faces a growing demand for skilled professionals, driven by innovations in AI, open banking, and digital currencies. However, formal mentorship programmes remain rare, particularly for underrepresented groups and startups. While 92% of Fortune 500 companies have mentoring initiatives, many fintech and payments firms have yet to adopt similar practices. This oversight is a risk: as automation reshapes roles, employees without guidance may find it difficult to adapt. A [study by Women in Payments](https://womeninpayments.org/mentorship-programs/) found that mentorship programmes significantly improve career progression for women in fintech, yet few organisations prioritise them. Startups, which drive much of the industry’s innovation, often lack access to the networks and expertise needed to scale. MPE 2026 is addressing this through MPE NXT, a mentorship programme designed for both individuals and startups. The initiative offers fireside chats, skill-building clinics, and peer roundtables, providing young professionals with access to industry veterans and startups with opportunities to connect with investors and partners. ## Skills for the Future The skills required to succeed in payments are evolving. Technical expertise alone is no longer sufficient; leaders must now combine AI proficiency, regulatory knowledge, and customer-centric strategies. A [Visa report](https://corporate.visa.com/en/services/visa-consulting-analytics/insights/vca-10-influencers-in-payments-2025-overview.html) highlights that the most successful payments professionals in 2025 will be those who can leverage data to create seamless, personalised experiences while navigating regulatory shifts. However, reliance on AI for decision-making carries risks. A philosophy professor at the University of California warned that over-dependence on AI could weaken critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. This highlights the importance of continuous learning and mentorship. MPE 2026’s agenda reflects this trend, with sessions on AI in payments, tokenization, and PSD3 compliance, paired with hands-on workshops. The MPE NXT growth clinics, for example, provide practical insights on [leadership in the AI era](https://www.sovereignmagazine.com/article/are-european-merchant-payments-splitting-into-competing-layers), ensuring attendees gain actionable skills. ## Networking with Purpose Effective networking goes beyond superficial connections. [Similar events](https://www.sovereignmagazine.com/article/money20-20-europe-2023-gears-up-with-ai-powered-networking-app) use tech-powered matchmaking to facilitate over 50,000 qualified one-to-one meetings annually. This transforms conferences into dynamic ecosystems where partnerships flourish. MPE 2026 adopts a similar approach, with a business-focused format that ensures every interaction (whether a curated one-to-one meeting, closed-door discussion, or buyer-hosted roundtable) delivers value. The event’s emphasis on merchants, with over 500 global brands in attendance, ensures discussions are grounded in real-world challenges. These include POS innovations and embedded finance. For startups and scaleups, this level of access is invaluable. Many early-stage companies struggle to break into established networks, but MPE’s community-driven approach levels the playing field. By bringing together merchants, acquirers, innovators, and regulators, the event creates opportunities for collaboration that might otherwise take years to develop. ### Event: MPE 2026 17 March 2026 – 19 March 2026 In-person Venue: InterContinental Berlin, Berlin, Germany Organized by: Merchant Payment Ecosystem MPE (Merchant Payments Ecosystem) is Europe's premier merchant payments conference, attracting over 1,600 attendees annually, including more than 500 merchants. The conference brings together payment service providers, technology vendors, merchants and industry experts to explore the latest developments in European merchant payments, including card acquiring, open banking, embedded finance, payment orchestration and regulatory developments like PSD3. MPE 2026 takes place in Berlin from 17 to 19 March at the InterContinental hotel. The event features keynote presentations from leading industry figures, interactive workshops, networking opportunities and an Innovation Hub showcasing emerging payment technologies and fintech startups. [Event website](https://www.merchantpaymentsecosystem.com/)