Marijana Gligoric: Cyprus has a unique chance to use its location as a fintech meeting point for different cultures and expertise

Marijana Gligoric is a software engineer and the driving force behind brigit.dev, a software engineering and product development agency.

The team’s core areas of expertise are FinTech, SAAS, and AI. They focus on developing dashboards, analytics platforms, payment systems, transaction solutions, and operate worldwide.

What inspired you to participate in this year’s Cyprus Fintech Summit, and what do you hope attendees take away from your session?

I was inspired by the chance to connect with organizers, sponsors, and participants who share a similar passion for fintech innovation. I'm excited to exchange ideas with like-minded professionals and to share valuable insights and lessons learned in business, especially in this niche.

In Panel 5, I’ll discuss best practices for developing FinTech projects that address real-world challenges. I’ll also highlight the importance of having experts in this field, and a well-trained team to bring these solutions to life effectively.

Considering that it is a very complex industry, it is necessary to create a very good communication bridge between financial experts and engineers who develop the product.

How do you see the fintech landscape evolving over the next few years, and what role do you envision for Cyprus in this transformation?

I think Cyprus has a unique chance to use its location as a meeting point for different cultures and expertise. This mix can help spark fintech innovation by bringing together diverse perspectives.

With AI technology advancing, fintech will be able to tackle challenges faster and in new ways, including problems we might not have focused on before. Cyprus can play an important part in these changes by creating a space where people work together to solve new issues in fintech.

Can you share some key trends in fintech that you believe will shape the future of the industry, especially in areas like AI, digital wallets, or customer experience?

AI will keep driving more personalized customer experiences, making services smarter and more efficient. Digital wallets are also set to grow as people seek faster, easier ways to manage their money. Gamification, or using game principles to boost motivation and engagement, will be especially important for Millennial and Gen Z users, who are drawn to interactive and rewarding digital experiences.

Products that are easy to use, have intuitive interfaces and build user habits will stand out as the most successful, creating a stronger connection between users and the services they rely on daily.

The Summit covers the integration of AI across finance, marketing, and HR. How do you see AI impacting these areas, and what challenges and opportunities does it bring?

In finance, advanced technology is improving data-driven decision-making, helping teams reduce errors and better manage risks. Marketing teams now have powerful tools to dig into customer insights, allowing them to prepare campaigns that actually connect with their audiences. Meanwhile, in HR, automation and machine learning speed up hiring processes, making it easier to find the right fit for each role.

The big win with AI is how much more efficient and personalized it makes things, but there are real challenges too - like keeping data private and making sure the AI doesn’t develop biases.

To get the most out of it, we’ll need to keep a close eye on those ethical and practical issues.

In your experience, what are some effective strategies for fostering innovation and adapting to rapid technological changes in fintech?

One key strategy is building a team that’s flexible and open to learning because staying current is a must. Encouraging a culture where people aren’t afraid to test new ideas and take smart risks is also huge.

I’ve found that setting up regular knowledge-sharing sessions where team members bring in the latest trends or tools helps everyone stay updated and adapt quickly.

It’s also important to have finance experts on the team who can share their knowledge with those who might not have that background, so everyone stays aligned with industry needs.

And finally - a big part of fostering innovation is having a strong focus on the user.

When teams understand the real problems users face, they’re more likely to come up with creative solutions that add real value.

What advice would you give to startups and established companies looking to make a significant impact in the fintech space today?

Start with a problem. Focus on a specific group of people or companies that have this problem, and create a prototype as soon as possible. Validate your concept before diving into MVP development. It’s crucial to know that people actually want to pay for your solution because that’s what leads to real innovation.

Having a strong team you can rely on is also essential - expertise, ambition, and a results-oriented mindset are key qualities.

Avoid adding unnecessary features in the first version of the product and build what future users ask for, not just what you think they might need.

How do events like the Cyprus Fintech Summit contribute to building stronger fintech communities and promoting Cyprus as a potential fintech hub?

Events like the Cyprus Fintech Summit are MUST for bringing together people with shared goals and expertise. They create a space for networking, exchanging ideas, and discussing trends, which strengthens the fintech community and inspires new projects.

By hosting these events, Cyprus gains visibility as a place open to innovation and collaboration, attracting talent and investments. Over time, this helps position Cyprus as a serious player in the global fintech landscape.

Looking forward to meeting you all on the 6th of December - see you at the Cyprus Fintech Summit this year!