
European Money Week 2025
From financial literacy to European legacy: building financially resilient generations
In 2015, the European Banking Federation (EBF) launched European Money Week, setting the stage for a decade of progress in financial education across Europe. Now, as we enter a new era shaped by artificial intelligence, digital finance, and evolving economic landscapes, financial literacy has never been more critical.
On March 18, the 11th edition of European Money Week brought together policymakers, educators, financial institutions, and industry leaders to champion financial literacy across Europe. Themed “From Financial Literacy to European Legacy: Building a Financially Resilient Generation,” this year’s event highlighted the importance of equipping citizens—especially young people—with the knowledge and skills to navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape.
The discussions throughout the day underscored the urgent need for national financial literacy strategies, better public-private partnerships, and stronger cybersecurity awareness in an era of digital finance. With over 30,000 students participating in financial education initiatives like the European Money Quiz, the event demonstrated the significant strides being made—while also acknowledging the work still ahead.
Panelists explored best practices from across Europe, emphasizing the role of banks, regulators, and educators in fostering financial well-being. Key discussions also focused on the growing risks of online fraud, investment scams, and digital security, stressing the need for robust consumer protection strategies.
A key takeaway? Financial literacy must become a core part of education, policy, and community engagement—a sentiment echoed by EU leaders and industry experts alike.
As European Money Week 2024 wraps up, it leaves a clear message: building a financially resilient future requires action today.
We look forward to continuing these vital discussions and initiatives throughout the year!




European Money Week 2025
DISCOVER THE AGENDA OF OUR EVENT!
This year’s theme, “From Financial Literacy to European Legacy: Building Financially Resilient Generations,” highlights the importance of equipping citizens with the knowledge and skills needed for a stronger financial future. A well-structured national financial education strategy is essential for promoting economic stability and enhancing Europe’s competitiveness.
09:15 – 10:15 Registration & welcoming breakfast
10:15 – 10:20 Welcome remarks Maria Abascal, Director General of the Spanish Banking Association and Chair of EBF Executive Committee
10:20 – 11:20 Panel 1: National strategies in financial education: best practices from early adopters
A robust national strategy in financial education has the potential to contribute to increased economic stability and European competitiveness. Various countries have taken the lead in preparing and implementing national strategies for financial education, while the banking sector has been an active partner in supporting Europeans to strengthen their financial skills.
What are the best practices identified by leading countries and how could they support the European Commission in preparing the strategy for financial literacy? How do financial education strategies benefit Europe’s citizens and society at large? What are the gaps that remain going forward?
Speakers:
- Maria Abascal, Director General of the Spanish Banking Association and Chair of EBF Executive Committee
- Panu Kalmi, Professor of Economics, School of Accounting and Finance, University of Vaasa, Finland
- Miles Larbey, Head of Financial Consumer Protection, Education & Inclusion Unit, OECD
- Moderator: Sébastien de Brouwer, Deputy CEO, European Banking Federation
11:20 – 12:20 Panel 2: Financial literacy as a shield against cybercrime
Digital transactions and services are rapidly becoming the norm across Europe and beyond. Together with the seamless experience they bring to customers, they also come with new types of risks.
As the magnitude of cyber-enabled crime and fraud against individuals is growing, how is the risk involving digital transactions evolving? How are different generations targeted? What is the role of financial education in mitigating the exposure to cybercrime?
Speakers:
- MEP Victor Negrescu, Vice President, European Parliament
- Peter Göransson, Senior adviser, Swedish Banking Association
- Ingrida Taurina, Head of Policy monitoring and analysis, EU Agency for Cybersecurity ENISA
- Moderator: Alexandra Maniati, Senior Director of Innovation & Cybersecurity, European Banking Federation
12:20 – 13:45 Lunch break
13:45 – 14:00 Panel framer: Magda Bianco, Head of the Bank of Italy Consumer Protection and Financial Education Department
14:00 – 15:00 Panel 3: Public-Private Partnerships: catalysts for financial empowerment
To strengthen the financial literacy of Europeans, several actors must work together. How banks, regulators, and public institutions can collaborate to advance financial education and research? What are the ongoing trends and best practices identified so far? What more can be done to better align the main stakeholders in empowering Europeans to strengthen their financial skills?
Speakers:
- Eric van der Schild, Chair of the EFIPPP Steering Group, EUROPOL
- Magda Bianco, Head of the Bank of Italy Consumer Protection and Financial Education Department
- Antonio Grasso, Public Affairs Director, European Digital SME Alliance
- Moderator: Roger Kaiser, Head of Tax & Compliance, European Banking Federation
15:00 – 15:05 Closing / concluding remarks
Sébastien de Brouwer, Deputy CEO, European Banking Federation
NATIONAL FINANCIAL EDUCATION ACTIVITIES
To celebrate the 11th European Money Week, the European Banking Federation is highlighting impactful Financial Education initiatives across member states.
EMW24: Ask me anything
The 2024 edition of European Money Week featured engaging activities, including a special session marking its 10th anniversary—the Ask Me Anything session with Commissioner Mairead McGuinness. During this session, she answered several questions from European teenagers. We received dozens of questions from people of all age groups across Europe and selected 10 key questions, to which Commissioner McGuinness provided her insights.
Supercharging Financial Skills with the Lightning Bolt Quiz
As part of European Money Week 2022, the European Banking Federation set out to make financial education more engaging and accessible. To achieve this, we created the Lightning Bolt Quiz—an interactive installation designed to challenge participants on key financial concepts in a fun and engaging way. The installation debuted in front of the ING Marnix Building in Brussels, sparking curiosity and raising awareness about the importance of financial literacy. Throughout the week, it was showcased at various events, inspiring people to test and improve their financial knowledge.
To ensure the experience continues beyond European Money Week, the Lightning Bolt Quiz is now a permanent feature at Wikifin Lab—an interactive center for financial education in Brussels.
Want to put your knowledge to the test? Visit Wikifin Lab!
Test your financial skills now!
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