Hungary offers one of the lowest corporate tax rates in Europe (9%), along with fintech-specific incentives for R&D and innovation. Budapest has positioned itself as a fintech gateway for non-EU investors, focusing on blockchain and AI applications in financial services. Fintech firms such as TransferGo and Barion Payment have thrived in Hungary due to the combination of low taxes and supportive policies.
Hungary has launched accelerators like Start it @K&H, which support youth- and minority-led fintech startups through mentoring and funding. Regions with competitive tax environments can replicate this model by adding fintech-specific incentives, such as grants for sustainable or green finance solutions.Budapest hosts the Budapest Fintech Summit, a key event connecting local fintech startups with international investors and partners. The event promotes Hungary’s fintech strengths in AI, open banking, and digital wallets. The summit has attracted foreign investors and led to cross-border collaborations, strengthening Budapest’s fintech reputation. Organizing fintech-specific summits or events in other CEE cities, like Bratislava or Zagreb, can raise their global profiles and connect them with international investors.
