At the Nordic Fintech Summit, held on May 15, 2025 in Helsinki, one moment stood out as especially meaningful. Amid a full day of bold ideas and strategic dialogue, we had the honor of presenting the first-ever Nordic Fintech Ecosystem “Across and Beyond” Award to Anneli Sundström of Citi.
This award, jointly presented by the fintech communities of Helsinki, Stockholm, and Tallinn, recognizes individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to building bridges across markets, industries, and borders within the fintech space.
In Anneli’s case, the recognition couldn’t be more fitting.
A Decade of Connecting the Dots
Over the past 10 years, Anneli has been one of the most active and trusted connectors in the Nordic and Baltic fintech ecosystem. Whether facilitating cooperation between banks and startups, navigating the regulatory environment, or opening doors to global networks, her work has consistently advanced the region’s position on the international fintech map.
Through her role at Citi and in various ecosystem initiatives, she has championed collaboration over competition — creating meaningful partnerships between fintechs, financial institutions, regulators, and investors. Her understanding of both local dynamics and global shifts has made her an invaluable guide and advocate for those working to scale innovation beyond their borders.
More Than an Award
The “Across and Beyond” Award is more than a trophy — it’s a tribute to leadership that connects, elevates, and inspires. It celebrates those who see the bigger picture and act as a bridge between people, ideas, and opportunities.
Anneli embodies this spirit. Her work has contributed to a more connected and resilient fintech community — not just in Finland, Sweden, or Estonia, but across Europe and beyond.
Looking Ahead
As the Nordic fintech ecosystem enters its second decade of growth, it’s more important than ever to foster the kind of cross-border collaboration Anneli has helped make possible. Her recognition serves as a reminder that ecosystems thrive when relationships are nurtured, ideas are shared, and barriers are broken down.
We extend our warmest congratulations to Anneli Sundström and thank her for helping to shape a more open, inclusive, and globally connected fintech future.