Febelfin hosted its annual Febelfin Connect event, bringing together key players from the Belgian financial sector at the iconic Gare Maritime. This year’s edition focused on a forward-looking theme: “Technological innovation reshaping the financial sector, with a special focus on quantum technology.”
In his remarks, Prime Minister Bart De Wever highlighted a crucial challenge for Europe: “We currently face a paradox where we export capital while importing technology.” Reversing this trend will be essential, as the financial sector stands at a turning point where innovation—particularly in quantum technologies—can drive meaningful change.
Moderated by Hanne Decoutere, the event featured high-level contributions from leading voices across finance, technology, and policy, including Karel Baert, Michael Anseeuw, Jean-Paul Servais, Petra Florizoone, Stijn Bijnens, Thierry Geerts, Laurent Van Lancker, and Alexandra Maniati.
Key discussions explored:
- 🌍 The evolving technological landscape and its impact on banks, infrastructure, and customers
- 💶 The potential of quantum computing for optimisation, data analysis, and efficiency
- 🛡️ The urgent need to rethink cybersecurity and cryptography
- 🤝 The importance of collaboration to strengthen resilience and drive innovation across the sector
A clear message emerged throughout the day: Europe must retain and direct more investment internally while fostering collaboration and innovation to build a resilient and sustainable economic future.
While much of the focus was on digitalisation and cybersecurity, the conversations also highlighted broader opportunities—particularly the role financial institutions can play in supporting the transformation of the built environment in Belgium. This transition represents a significant opportunity for investors and banks alike to accelerate sustainable change.
The Belgian Green Building Council left the event with a strong sense of optimism: a renewed focus on European investment and the proactive engagement of financial actors can significantly advance the sustainability transition.
A warm thank you to Tom Van den Berghe and Febelfin for the kind invitation and for hosting an inspiring and timely event.
Future-Proof Real Estate, Together