Answer ... Fintech companies are booming in Spain, in all verticals. Neobanks, real estate investment platforms, payment services providers (including account information and payment initiation) and blockchain ventures are leading the field today; although big data and artificial intelligence tools, together with regtech initiatives, may be the next big thing.

New developments anticipated in Spain over the next 12 months include the implementation of the Fifth Anti-money Laundering Directive, which will subject cryptocurrency exchanges and wallet providers to the Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism and its associated Royal Decree 304/2014. In addition, the sandbox for financial innovation should soon become a reality if, as expected, Parliament ratifies the draft government bill that regulates its creation.