Since the 16^th century, it has been a tradition in Belgium for children to write a “Nieuwjaarsbrief” (New Year Letter), which they read out loud to their grandparents and godparents at a family meal on January 1^st. As per the custom, the letter has to be written in rhyme and should express their honest wishes for what will come about in the year ahead, making it a challenging task indeed!

The tradition starts from the first year of school (around 3 years old) and continues until secondary school (around 12-13yrs old), and although it’s been a few years since I was in secondary school, this year I decided to continue with the tradition by writing a New Year Letter dedicated to you, the parents and godparents of our banking community and industry.

A New Year’s Verse for Banking’s Quest

Oh banks, the stewards of trust and trade,
In 2025, let bold strides be made.

Contribute now to the green transition,
With purpose clear and a shared ambition.
Invest in futures, the earth, the air,
For generations beyond, show you care.

The social contract, never forget,
A promise to serve with no regret.
Beyond transactions, build bonds that last,
A partnership strong, steadfast, steadfast.

Collaboration’s call, we must now heed,
For shared success grows from this seed.
With fintechs, partners, and allies aligned,
We’ll build a future, connected and kind.

Embedded finance calls us near,
Integrating services customers hold dear.
Seamless solutions, in every space,
A future where banking blends with every place.

GenAI rises, a beacon of change,
From tailored insights to processes rearranged.
Innovation with intelligence at its core,
Revolutionising services like never before.

Stand tall in the fight against fraud’s dark tide,
With vigilance strong, and ethics as guide.
Secure the trust that customers give,
In a system where integrity will always live.

And let us not forget FIDA’s might,
Empowering access, expanding the light.
Financial inclusion, a goal we share,
A system that's equitable, just, and fair.

CBDCs emerge, a new frontier,
Transforming payments, year by year.
A bridge to innovation, secure and fast,
Redefining how transactions will last.

Prepare for quantum’s dawning power,
A shift that grows with each passing hour.
From cryptographic strength to untold speed,
Embrace its potential; prepare for its lead.

Innovation calls, it’s time to embrace,
Personalisation to lead the race.
Digital banking, tailored and true,
A service unique for every view.

Let 2025 inspire anew,
As we shape a world that’s fair and true.
Education in finance, a tool of power,
To help communities thrive and flower.

Seek wisdom from ethos, my guiding light,
For banking’s heart is within our sight.
Ethics and values must lead the way,
To redefine success each day.

So here’s to a year of purpose and grace,
Where banking evolves to a better place.
Together we’ll rise, beyond the past,
And build a future that will truly last.

Happy New Year to all who strive,
For a banking world that’s vibrant and alive!

(Join us at our in-person events this year where we will discuss and debate all of the above topics, and help shape the future of banking!)