Athens Mastercard Innovation Forum 2026 discusses the future of artificial intelligence in payments

On October 22, 2026, the Athens Mastercard Innovation Forum 2026 took place at Peiraios 260, focusing on the evolution of artificial intelligence from an information-providing tool to a proactive agent for consumers and businesses. The event, held under the theme “building tomorrow together,” brought together leaders from the banking, technology, and business sectors to examine the changing landscape of commerce.

Key speakers included Kelly Devine, President of Europe at Mastercard, and Panagiotis Polydoros, Senior Vice President and Country Manager of Mastercard for Greece, Cyprus, and Malta. Discussions centered on how AI and new trade models are reshaping payment systems. Participants emphasized that trust, security, and responsible innovation are the necessary foundations for utilizing these technological capabilities. The forum highlighted Greece's progress in electronic payments and explored growth opportunities for the domestic market within the broader region.

The event served as a platform for industry experts to align on strategies for integrating automated action into financial interactions. By shifting from passive data delivery to active transactional support, these developments are expected to influence how both individuals and companies conduct commerce, with a strong focus on secure implementation in the Greek market.