Brussels · Finance · Community

The network Brussels' financial world was missing.

Connecting professionals from EU institutions, banking, consulting, fintech, and policy — over drinks, not panels.

150+professionals at pilot events
6sectors represented
3successful evenings

About BFA

Filling a gap in Brussels' financial community

Brussels sits at the crossroads of European financial regulation, institutional policy, and private sector innovation. Yet for professionals navigating this ecosystem, there is no space to connect beyond formal conferences or fleeting networking events.

Brussels Financial Apéro changes that. Through recurring, intimate gatherings, BFA brings together a select group from across the financial services landscape — for the kind of substantive conversations that build lasting professional relationships.

Professionals networking at an evening event
BFA Pilot Event #2 — Blankspace, Brussels · Nov 2025

Events

Upcoming & past gatherings

Upcoming · BFA #3

A Dialogue with Mario Nava

Director-General, DG EMPL — European Commission

Thursday, 15 May 2026
18:30 — 21:00 CET
Bibliothèque Solvay, Parc Léopold
Mario Nava
Mario Nava
Director-General, DG EMPL — European Commission
Bocconi-educated, LSE PhD. EC since 1994. Former DG of REFORM, three-time Director at DG FISMA, former Chairman of CONSOB. Visiting Professor at Bocconi and Solvay Business School.
Focus
  • Future of financial services in Europe
  • Careers in a shifting regulatory environment
  • Skills for the next generation of EU professionals
Format
  • 30-minute fireside chat
  • Moderated Q&A session
  • Networking apéro with wine & canapés
Attendance

40–60 selected participants. Admission by application — balanced for sector, seniority, and gender.

Request an Invitation

We respond to every request within 48 hours.

14 Nov 2025

BFA #2 — Capital Markets Union: What's Next?

Panel with DG FISMA & ESMA officials · Skyline, European Quarter

52 attendees
18 Sep 2025

BFA #1 — The Brussels Financial Ecosystem

Roundtable on cross-sector networking · Blankspace, EU District

48 attendees
12 Jun 2025

BFA #0 — Founding Apéro

Private founding dinner · Le Chou de Bruxelles, Sablon

18 attendees

The Community

A different kind of network.

Selective Community

Every gathering is carefully composed — the right mix of seniority, perspective, and sector.

Substance over Formality

An apéro setting for genuine conversation — not panels, pitches, or name-badge scanning.

Cross-Sector Exchange

Bridging EU institutions, banking, consulting, law, fintech, and public affairs informally.

Built for the Long Term

Recurring events focused on cultivating relationships — not transactional networking.

"Finally a space in Brussels where you can talk about financial regulation without a lanyard around your neck."
Sofia Lindqvist — Policy Advisor, European Banking Authority

Who joins

Banking, Asset Management & Insurance
EU Institutions
Public Affairs & Consulting
Law Firms
FinTech & Innovation
Think Tanks & Policy Research