FinLantern

What FinLantern does

FinLantern is a Swiss financial events and networking operator headquartered in Lugano (Canton Ticino), active since 2009 and managed by "The Lantern" Research SA. The company runs a portfolio of branded financial events including the Lugano Finance Forum (flagship, 15th edition in 2026), Full Investors matching events, MetaForum (blockchain/crypto, in Lugano and Milan), Lugano International Real Estate Forum, NFT Fest Lugano, Lugano International Fiscal Forum, and FinDating Geneva. These events serve asset managers, fund selectors, family offices, wealth managers, private bankers, crypto/blockchain firms, and real estate investors, with an AI-profiled database of 50,000+ financial professionals in Switzerland and Northern Italy (and 120,000+ globally) used for targeted lead generation.

The core technology stack consists of an internally developed AI-powered contact profiling system that categorizes 50,000+ financial professionals and matches them for event invitations, plus the FinLantern Community digital networking platform (with iOS/Android mobile apps) enabling year-round delegate browsing, messaging, and meeting scheduling. The technology supports rather than defines the business — FinLantern is fundamentally an event organizer that uses AI to improve targeting and matching quality.

The business model is diversified across event sponsorship and exhibition packages (primary revenue, sold to asset managers and service providers), event ticket sales (CHF 97-250 per attendee for LFF), newsletter contributor subscriptions (three regional editions reaching 60,000+ subscribers), event guide profile publications (e.g., CHF 500 for LIFF Guide), and ancillary services such as turn-key presentation organization and hotel packages. Go-to-market is event-driven and community-led: FinLantern sells sponsorship packages through direct enterprise sales while leveraging the community platform and 60,000+ newsletter audience for attendee acquisition. The company remains founder-led (Riccardo Esposito, CEO and founder) with a small 1-10 person team and no disclosed external funding.

Name

FinLantern

Legal name

"The Lantern" Research SA

Website

https://finlantern.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Financial Events & Conferences

NAICS

Finance and Insurance (52)

akta.pro primary industry

Finance & Investment Conferences (MPAGAGAG)

Keywords

• Financial event organization
• Asset management networking
• Investor matching conferences
• Fintech industry events
• Financial professional community

Headquarters

HQ city

Manno

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Event Sponsorship & Exhibition Packages: Asset management firms, service providers, and crypto/blockchain companies pay to sponsor and exhibit at FinLantern's events. Packages include exhibition space, speaking opportunities, and access to qualified fund buyers and financial professionals.
2. Event Ticket Sales: Visitors and attendees pay registration fees to attend events. Pricing varies from early bird (CHF 97) to standard (CHF 227) and on-site (CHF 250) rates for Lugano Finance Forum. Buy-side delegates (fund selectors, family officers) may receive free coupons upon qualification.
3. Newsletter Contributor Packages: Financial professionals and companies pay to contribute articles to FinLantern's three newsletters reaching 76,000+ subscribers across Switzerland and Italy. Special discounts (30-40%) offered for 6-month and 1-year subscriptions.
4. Company Profile Publication: Companies can publish profiles in event guides (e.g., LIFF Guide printed in 500 copies) distributed to qualified delegates for a fee (CHF 500 + VAT for LIFF).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

FinLantern organizes financial industry events (conferences, exhibitions, and networking forums) in Switzerland and Italy, and operates a digital community platform that connects asset managers with fund selectors, family offices, and wealth managers. Its portfolio includes flagship events such as the Lugano Finance Forum, Full Investors matching events, MetaForum, Lugano International Real Estate Forum, NFT Fest Lugano, and the Lugano International Fiscal Forum, supplemented by a multi-edition financial newsletter and turn-key event organization services.

Product overview

FinLantern operates a platform-plus-events model centered on its FinLantern Community digital networking platform and a portfolio of branded financial events. The core offering consists of the Community platform for professional networking and event coordination, complemented by signature events including the Lugano Finance Forum (flagship annual event), Full Investors matching events, MetaForum (blockchain/crypto), Lugano International Real Estate Forum, NFT Fest Lugano, FinDating Geneva, and the Lugano International Fiscal Forum. Additional offerings include a Financial Newsletter delivered to 60,000+ subscribers across three regional editions, a Mobile App (iOS/Android) for event registration and messaging, and turn-key presentation organization services. An internally developed AI system profiles 50,000+ contacts for targeted lead generation and attendee matching.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• FinLantern Community A digital networking platform connecting qualified financial professionals who participate in FinLantern events. Members can view delegate lists, exchange messages, schedule meetings, and develop business relationships before, during, and after events.
• FinLantern Events Organization of financial events including conferences, exhibitions, road-shows, seminars, and courses held in Switzerland and Italy. Events cover asset management, ESG, blockchain, fintech, and fiscal topics.
• Lugano Finance Forum (LFF) Annual flagship financial event in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland featuring conferences on ESG, fintech, blockchain, crypto, alternative investments, fixed income, private markets, ETF, and macroeconomics, combined with an exhibition area and matching opportunities.
• Full Investors Exclusive matching events connecting 6-10 leading asset management firms with 30-50 highly selected fund selectors, family officers, and wealth managers. Events are held over 1.5-2 days in prestigious venues in Switzerland or Northern Italy.
• MetaForum A conference series focused on blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and financial products, examining the state of the art and future of these technologies in light of geopolitical scenarios. Events held in Lugano and Milan.
• Lugano International Real Estate Forum Annual forum examining trends, challenges, risks, financing tools, and opportunities in real estate investments as portfolio diversification, featuring conferences and exhibition area.
• NFT Fest Lugano A 5-day NFT and blockchain event featuring 100 speakers, workshops, business area, and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, developers, and creators.
• Lugano International Fiscal Forum (LIFF) Event dedicated to opportunities from business internationalization and fiscal issues for entrepreneurs and investors in Canton Ticino, featuring conferences on tax advantages, fiscal jurisdictions, and networking with tax advisors.
• FinDating Geneva Exclusive asset management forum bringing together fund managers, institutional and private investors, family offices, and consultants at the Four Seasons Hotel Des Bergues in Geneva.
• Financial Newsletter A contributor-based financial newsletter delivered monthly to over 60,000 financial professionals across Switzerland and Italy, divided into three targeted editions for Swiss professionals (35,000), Canton Ticino subscribers (11,000), and the Italian market (30,000).
• Turn-key Event Organization & Presentations Customized presentation and seminar services including target selection from the FinLantern community database, event organization advisory, electronic invitation management, direct phone outreach, attendee list management, check-in desk, and follow-up activities.

Quantifiable outcome

• 60,000+ financial professionals reached through newsletters monthly
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers26 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability3 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

37 partnerships are on record, tiered main partner, core sponsor, core partner, venue partner and minor partner.

• Swissquotemain partnerGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Swissquote, a leading provider of online financial services, operates as Main Partner of Lugano Finance Forum 2026. Offers innovative solutions and analysis tools including online trading, Robo-Advisory, and eMortgage services. Swissquote Bank Ltd holds a banking license from FINMA and is listed on SIX Swiss Exchange (symbol: SQN).
• UBS Asset Managementmain partnerGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026UBS Asset Management serves as Main Partner of Lugano Finance Forum 2026. A global asset management firm deeply rooted in the Swiss market, combining global scale with local expertise across public markets, solutions, wealth management, and private markets (including private equity, renewable infrastructure, private debt, and real estate).
• Sygnumcore sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sygnum is a global digital asset banking group with Swiss and Singapore heritage, operating as sponsor of Lugano Finance Forum 2026. Holds banking license in Switzerland, CMS and Major Payment Institution licenses in Singapore, with additional presence in Abu Dhabi, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein.
• CheckSigcore sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026CheckSig, a Bitcoin and crypto services provider for private and institutional investors, sponsors Lugano Finance Forum 2026. Licensed in Europe and Switzerland with SOC1/SOC2 Type II certifications, insurance coverage, and monthly blockchain Proof-of-Reserves publications.
• Schroderscore sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Schroders, a global investment management firm with CHF 847 billion AUM (as of June 2025), operates as sponsor of Lugano Finance Forum 2026. FTSE 100 listed company with over 5,800 employees across 38 locations, founded in 1804 and remaining family-controlled with ~44% family ownership.
• Saxo Bankcore sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Saxo Bank, headquartered in Copenhagen with Swiss banking license, sponsors Lugano Finance Forum 2026. Trusted by 200+ banks and brokers, 400+ financial intermediaries globally, with over 100 billion Euros in client assets. Offers multi-asset trading platforms and market access.
• Aberdeen Investmentscore sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Aberdeen Investments, a globally active independent asset manager with CHF 416.1 billion in assets (as of December 2025), sponsors Lugano Finance Forum 2026. Operates across 25+ locations with expertise in equity, fixed income, real estate, private markets, and liquidity funds.
• J.P. Morgan Asset Managementcore sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026J.P. Morgan Asset Management, with $4.3 trillion AUM (as of March 2026), sponsors Lugano Finance Forum 2026. Global leader serving institutions, retail investors, and HNWIs in every major market, offering investment management across equities, fixed income, real estate, hedge funds, private equity, and liquidity.
• DNB Asset Managementcore sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026DNB Asset Management, the asset management division of Norway's largest financial services group DNB, sponsors Lugano Finance Forum 2026. One of the leading Nordic asset managers with EUR 120 billion in assets, offering equity, fixed income, private equity funds, and investment management services.
• Bank Frickcore sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Bank Frick, a pioneer of regulated blockchain banking since 2018 and sponsor of Lugano Finance Forum 2026. European family-owned bank (established 1998) with expertise in tokenization, fund solutions, capital market issues, and credit card acquiring. ISO 27001 certified with 300 employees in Balzers plus branches in London and Dubai.
• Allspring Global Investmentscore sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Allspring Global Investments, an independent asset management firm with over $628 billion in assets under advisement, 19 offices globally, and 375+ investment professionals, sponsors Lugano Finance Forum 2026.
• Aquis Capitalcore sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Aquis Capital AG, a Swiss-licensed multi-asset management boutique focusing on hedge funds and Emerging Asia, sponsors Lugano Finance Forum 2026. Manages the globally recognized Lumen Vietnam Fund with top-quartile performance for over a decade.
• Mediobanca Certificatescore sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Mediobanca Certificates, the securitized derivatives division of Mediobanca, sponsors Lugano Finance Forum 2026. A central player in the Certificates market offering flexible tools for various investment needs and market scenarios.
• GenTwocore sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026GenTwo, a Swiss B2B Fintech revolutionizing financial product creation, sponsors Lugano Finance Forum 2026. Platform enables financial professionals to design and launch investment solutions, having helped 300+ clients across 26 countries create 1,650+ products surpassing $6.5 billion in volume since 2018.
• Expersoftcore sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Expersoft, a Swiss wealth technology provider serving clients worldwide for over 30 years, sponsors Lugano Finance Forum 2026. Supports banks, wealth managers, family offices, and insurers with solutions including PM1 Cloud (SaaS), PM1 On Premises, and AM-One.
• Logolcore sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Logol, a Swiss technology partner with 50+ digital-native professionals, sponsors Lugano Finance Forum 2026. Delivers digital transformation and AI solutions, presenting EFFE - AI-Powered Integrated Wealth Monitoring Platform at Full Investors events.
• Prometeiacore sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Prometeia, with over 50 years of proprietary research in risk, wealth, and asset management solutions, sponsors Lugano Finance Forum 2026. Bologna-based group with 1,200+ professionals worldwide and Zurich office for financial institution advisory.
• CAIA Associationcore sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026CAIA Association, a global professional body dedicated to alternative investments with members in 100+ countries, sponsors Lugano Finance Forum 2026 as Educational Partner.
• CFA Society Switzerlandcore sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026CFA Society Switzerland, representing 3,500+ CFA members to promote integrity, knowledge, and professionalism in Switzerland's investment industry, sponsors Lugano Finance Forum 2026.
• Beyond Strategy Advisory (BSA)main partnerGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Beyond Strategy Advisory (BSA), an independent Swiss boutique specializing in strategic and financial advisory with cross-border expansion, M&A, structured finance, capital markets, and venture design expertise, serves as Main Partner of Lugano International Real Estate Forum 2026.
• QBT part of RINA Primecore partnerGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026QBT, a worldwide technological solution provider for digital enabling with AI-integrated algorithms and platforms, serves as partner of Lugano International Real Estate Forum 2026. Since 2023, QBT is a subsidiary of RINA Prime Value Services.
• Artisa Groupcore partnerGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Artisa Group, a Swiss real estate developer and investor founded by Stefano Artioli and led by President Alain Artioli, serves as partner of Lugano International Real Estate Forum 2026. Develops, realizes, and manages sustainable real estate projects throughout Switzerland.
• EYcore partnerGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026EY (Ernst & Young), a global professional services firm, serves as partner of Lugano International Real Estate Forum 2026. Operates across audit, consulting, tax, legal, and strategy/transaction services with advanced AI and data technology capabilities.
• TEDA Advisorscore partnerGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026TEDA, an innovative financial consulting and alternative asset management firm founded in early 2000s, serves as partner of Lugano International Real Estate Forum 2026. Operates through three divisions: TEDA Advisors (M&A, debt structuring), TEDA Merchant (multi-asset investment platform), and TEDA Service (credit portfolio servicing).
• Four Seasons Hotel Des Berguesvenue partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Four Seasons Hotel Des Bergues in Geneva serves as venue for FinDating Geneva events, hosting high-level asset management forums for private bankers, family offices, portfolio managers, and financial advisors.
• Italian Chamber of Commerce for Switzerlandcore partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Italian Chamber of Commerce for Switzerland (CCIS), based in Zurich, Geneva, and Lugano with 700 members, serves as supporter of Lantern International Fiscal Forum. Recognized by the Italian Government to foster bilateral trade between Italy and Switzerland, part of international network of 82 Italian Chambers worldwide.
• ClubIN Ticinominor partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017ClubIN Ticino, a non-profit networking association founded in 2014 connecting business professionals in Ticino, serves as supporter of Lantern International Fiscal Forum 2017.
• AIFO (Associazione Italiana Family Officer)core partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017AIFO, the Italian Family Officer Association founded in 2006, serves as supporter of Lantern International Fiscal Forum 2017. A meeting point for Family Offices and qualified investors focused on multi-generational wealth protection.
• MarketPlus.chcore partnerGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017MarketPlus.ch, an independent publishing website specialized in economic and financial information, serves as Media Partner of Lantern International Fiscal Forum 2017. Publishes in English targeting the Swiss financial community.
• InvestHKcore partnerGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017InvestHK, the Hong Kong SAR Government department for foreign direct investment attraction, partnered with Lantern International Fiscal Forum 2017 to promote Hong Kong as a business location and Belt Road advantages.
• Sviluppo Cinacore partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Sviluppo Cina, an association promoting economic relationships with the Chinese market with permanent structures in Hong Kong and Shanghai, served as exhibitor/sponsor at Lantern International Fiscal Forum 2017 with speaker presentations on China market entry.
• QI Solutionscore partnerGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017QI Solutions, specializing in FATCA, QI regime, and CRS compliance advisory for wealth management companies, served as exhibitor/sponsor at Lantern International Fiscal Forum 2017 with educational sessions.
• Paramount Capitalcore partnerGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017Paramount Capital, an international consulting firm with headquarters in Switzerland and offices in Hong Kong, Dubai, Monaco, Tallinn, Panama, and Asunción, served as exhibitor/sponsor at Lantern International Fiscal Forum 2017.
• Best Visioncore partnerGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017Best Vision, an international group acquiring entities in technology and services for the finance sector, served as exhibitor/sponsor at Lantern International Fiscal Forum 2017 with presentations on wealth management platforms.
• Titanus Wealth Planningcore partnerGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017Titanus Wealth Planning, an insurance broker active in Switzerland, Monaco, and Luxembourg with FINMA license, served as exhibitor/sponsor at Lantern International Fiscal Forum 2017.
• YourCFO Consultingcore partnerGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017YourCFO Consulting, providing finance, administration, and tax advisory services for businesses, served as exhibitor/sponsor at Lantern International Fiscal Forum 2017.
• OmLog Groupcore partnerGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017OmLog Group, a leading 3PL logistics provider for the fashion industry with offices in Switzerland, Italy, New York, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Singapore, served as exhibitor/sponsor at Lantern International Fiscal Forum 2017.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Hubbis: Asia-focused wealth management media and events business running regional briefings and conferences for private bankers, family offices and wealth managers. Comparable in audience (wealth/family offices) and event-led monetization, though geographically distinct.

Others

• SwissBanking / Swiss Private Banking events: Swiss Bankers Association and adjacent industry bodies producing financial industry events in Switzerland. Adjacent/ecosystem participant that overlaps with FinLantern's fiscal forums and, to a lesser extent, Lugano Finance Forum audience.

Broad incumbents

• Financial Times Live (FT Events): Premium financial media-events operator producing asset management, banking and wealth conferences globally. Comparable as a media-affiliated financial events business monetizing via sponsor packages and delegate registration.
• Reuters Events: Large-scale financial industry events organizer (acquired by/LSEG-relationship) producing flagship investor and asset management conferences worldwide. Comparable as a sponsor-driven B2B financial events business, though operating at much greater scale across geographies.
• Institutional Investor Events: Long-running financial media brand hosting conferences, awards and roundtables for asset owners, institutional investors and wealth managers. Comparable sponsor-led conference format targeting senior financial decision makers.
• FundForum / FundForum Group (Knect365 / Informa): Series of asset management and fund selector conferences run under the Informa umbrella. Direct overlap with FinLantern's institutional asset gathering focus (Full Investors / Lugano Finance Forum).

Emerging players

• ETF.com (TMX VettaFi): ETF-specific media and events business (ETF Conference) addressing asset management and fund selection audiences. Comparable thematic focus, smaller event scale, but competing for ETF/index sponsor dollars.
• Money 20/20 (Ascential): Large fintech and payments conference with strong crypto/blockchain adjacency (USA, Europe, Asia). Overlaps with FinLantern's MetaForum and NFT Fest Lugano as a higher-budget alternative for crypto/blockchain sponsors.

Direct peers

• Marcus Evans: Global events company running high-end financial and investment conferences, including wealth management and family office summits. Closest comparable in business model: VIP gathering, sponsor-driven, with regional European editions.
• Opal Group: Boutique financial conference organizer for institutional investors, family offices and wealth managers with multi-day, invite-heavy formats. Highly comparable to Full Investors / FinLantern's matchmaking event style.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-lantern-research
• Instagraminstagram.com/finlanternlugano
• Xx.com/FinLanternForum
• Facebookfacebook.com/FinLantern

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about FinLantern