The latest edition of Fintech Visits to DG FISMA highlighted the strength and innovation of the French fintech ecosystem, bringing together entrepreneurs and policymakers in Brussels for a timely exchange on the future of digital finance in Europe.

Organized under the EDFA program, which fosters direct interaction between fintech innovators and EU decision-makers, the event spotlighted France FinTech that shared insights into France’s vibrant ecosystem. Represented by President Alain Clot and Deputy CEO for Institutional Relations Florence de Maupeou, the delegation emphasized the sector’s commitment to responsible innovation, social inclusion, and cross-border collaboration.

Showcasing Fintech Excellence: Alma and Defacto

France FinTech brought along two standout member companies to illustrate the real-world impact of French fintech solutions:

• Alma, presented by Sébastien Dalphinet and Joseph Lunet, demonstrated its flexible payment solutions, including Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) and instalment plans. Alma’s approach prioritizes transparency and usability, empowering merchants and consumers alike in their financial decisions.
• Defacto, represented by Chief Financial Officer Charlotte Gounot, introduced its API-driven short-term lending platform for SMEs. As the first French B2B fintech licensed by the ACPR, Defacto leverages automation to deliver rapid and accessible financing, redefining the standards for SME credit in Europe.

Engaging Dialogue with EU Institutions

Throughout the session, discussions explored the regulatory frameworks needed to support the next stage of fintech growth. Topics included access to growth-stage capital, scalability across markets, and upcoming evolutions in PSD2 and open finance. These exchanges underscored the vital role that collaborative policymaking plays in unlocking digital innovation across the continent.

A Vision for the Future

This latest edition of Fintech Visits reaffirms France’s leadership in digital financial services. The constructive dialogue between innovators and regulators reflects a shared ambition: to build a secure, inclusive, and future-ready European financial landscape.