Samlink Brought Brett King to Helsinki: A Bold Vision for the Future of Banking
At Samlink, we believe leadership means staying ahead of the curve—and bringing visionary voices directly to our customers and partners. On March 19, during our flagship event 180 Minutes, we were proud to do exactly that by hosting globally renowned futurist, bestselling author, and financial industry influencer Brett King live in Helsinki.
The event was a resounding success, filling the room with energy, fresh ideas, and forward-thinking discussions. More importantly, it demonstrated Samlink’s commitment to shaping the future of banking, not just reacting to it.
Brett King’s Wake-Up Call to Nordic Banks: Six Signals Shaping the Future
Brett King has spent years cutting through the hype to highlight real, actionable trends. His keynote at 180 Minutes didn’t disappoint—offering a powerful message and a clear wake-up call for Nordic banks.
Here’s what he shared:
- Cognitive AI Is Closer Than You Think
Forget simple chatbots. Brett made it clear: “There are two kinds of people: those who use AI, and those who get replaced by people using it. True cognitive AI will redefine not only banking but every industry, and it’s happening much faster than many realize, within the next 2 to 5 years.” Banks are encouraged to ensure they are in the first group.
“There are two kinds of people: those who use AI, and those who get replaced by people using it.”
- Smart Contracts: Powering the Digital Supply Chain
Brett emphasized how smart contracts can streamline and automate digital supply chains. Traditional B2B processes, cross-border payments, and procurement systems will soon be replaced by smarter, more efficient solutions.
- The Rise of CBDCs and a Changing Global Order
With China and BRICS nations actively advancing Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), the global financial order is shifting. Coupled with the rapid decline of physical bank branches worldwide—even in previously branch-heavy markets like India—it’s clear that the future of banking is digital, borderless, and fast-moving.
- Quantum Computing: The Time to Act Is Now
Q-Day, when quantum computers break traditional encryption, is no longer science fiction. Brett urged banks to move to cloud-native, quantum-resilient infrastructures immediately. Major players like Microsoft, Google, and Chinese tech giants are making rapid progress, signaling how close this new era really is.
- Banking 5.0: The AI-Driven Bank
“AI won’t just support banking—it will lead it. Banking 5.0 is about embedding intelligence into every decision, every process, every customer interaction,” Brett emphasized.
“AI won’t just support banking—it will lead it.”
From fraud detection to personalized services, AI will be at the core of every decision. Brett pointed to JP Morgan’s acquisition of 40 fintech companies as proof that speed, innovation, and adaptability are essential.
- Neobanks & Big Tech Are Redefining the Market
Names like Revolut, WeBank, and Nubank aren’t just disruptors, they are setting new standards. Many of the world’s biggest banks are now tech companies. Banks that hesitate to transform will lose not only relevance but customers, and risk disappearing altogether.
“Tomorrow’s leading banks won’t look like traditional banks at all. They’ll be technology-first, adaptable, and invisible in everyday life,” Brett concluded.
Why choose Samlink?
At Samlink, we don’t just talk about the future, we bring it to you. By leveraging our global relationships and partnerships, we ensure our customers have access to world-class thinkers and actionable insights. Brett King’s visit to Finland and his keynote at 180 Minutes is just one example of how we are driving the conversation forward.
“A huge thank you to everyone who attended, to Brett for joining us in person, and to all the people across Samlink who helped make this event possible. If the conversations sparked on Wednesday are any indication, 2025 will be a defining year for Nordic banking,” says Pål Krogdahl, Director of Advisory Services at Samlink and the driving force behind the idea of bringing Brett to Helsinki.
The future of banking is built here. Samlink is ready. Are you?