FinTech Summit 2026

From Insight to Impact in FinTech

This exclusive event will bring together industry and academic experts, state and local leaders and the UCF community for collaborative discussions on Florida’s FinTech landscape. Topics will include the latest in technological innovations within the financial services sector, the growing demand for FinTech professionals, and how UCF is helping the State of Florida lead the way in FinTech initiatives with the State’s only Master of Science in Financial Technology.

Summit Mission
  • Promote UCF’s focus on STEM programs that will forge a new path in interdisciplinary education and contribute to research—in this case—focusing on finance, computer science, and management to teach skills needed for the growing FinTech industry via the MS in FinTech.
  • Support the development and acceleration of FinTech companies in Florida, driving economic development and the creation of high wage jobs.
  • Provide knowledge and access to information on the FinTech industry to students, faculty, partners, and innovative entrepreneurs.

SUMMIT DATE & TIME

Friday, April 10
11 a.m. – Registration
11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Summit
5:30 to 7 p.m. – Networking Reception

LOCATION

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
445 S. Magnolia Ave.
Orlando, FL 32801

QUESTIONS?

Email Tiffany Hughes at tiffany.hughes@ucf.edu

Program Highlights

Featured Speakers
  • Welcome Remarks by Barry Miller, President, VoLo Foundation
  • Sean Cao, Ph.D., Associate Professor of FinTech, AI and Capital Markets, University of Maryland College Park
  • Crypto Funding for Space Initiatives by Grant Blaisdell, CEO, Copernic Space
  • Stablecoin Presentation by Cuneyt Akcora, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Finance, UCF
  • Closing Remarks by David L. Yermack, Ph.D., Albert Fingerhut Professor of Finance and Business Transformation, New York University Stern School of Business

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    Fireside Chats
  • Innovation, Decentralization, and the Future of Finance with Dean Paul Jarley and Taylor Gerring, Co-Founder, Ethereum & UCF Business Hall of Fame Inductee 2026
  • The Next Wave of Financial Intelligence — AI, Data, and the Consumer Experience with Sarthak Pattanaik, Chief Data & AI Officer, BNY & Dexter Wilson, Senior Director & Head of Strategic Partnerships, BNY
     

    Panel Discussions
  • State of FinTech 2026 — Exploring emerging trends in lending, payments, investment, blockchain and digital identity
  • The Next Gen — Highlighting partnerships between academia and industry to prepare tomorrow’s FinTech leaders
    • Space
    Networking Reception

    Guests are invited to join the UCF College of Business for a complimentary networking reception following the summit. Meet our UCF FinTech faculty, network with FinTech Summit guests and grow your professional network.
     

     

    Legally Blonde: The Musical

    Guests are invited to end the evening with a performance of Legally Blonde: The Musical, presented by UCF Celebrates the Arts.

     

    Florida’s Only Master of Science in Financial Technology

    The first of its kind in Florida, the M.S. in Financial Technology is an interdisciplinary master’s program with the College of Business and College of Engineering and Computer Science. The program’s carefully designed curriculum and distinguished faculty will provide students with employable technical and analytical skills for the application of technology to improve and automate the delivery of traditional financial services. This stem-designated program offers on-campus and fully online schedule options and is currently accepting applications for Fall 2026. Learn More


     

    UCF Celebrates the Arts 2026

    March 30 – April 12
    UCF Celebrates the Arts is an immersive and dynamic cultural extravaganza that fuses creativity, innovation and community engagement. This annual festival showcases the artistic prowess of UCF’s faculty and students and invites the broader community to enjoy performances, exhibitions, presentations and interactive experiences. With a focus on accessibility, partnership and diverse offerings, UCF Celebrates the Arts is a unique opportunity for the community to experience the creative side of UCF’s innovative spirit.

    Learn More

    UCF Celebrates the Arts 2026 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts March 30 to April 12

    Our Sponsor

    The mission of the VoLo Foundation is to accelerate change and global impact by supporting science-based climate solutions, enhancing education, and improving health. Learn more…

    Become a Sponsor