In 2025, we strengthened our voice, our team, and our role in regulated markets through consistent fintech leadership.
Some years pass quietly. Others, however, leave a lasting mark.
For ZettaOnline, 2025 became a defining year of presence, recognition, and progress. We consistently showed up where it mattered most. In particular, we engaged in conversations, partnerships, and initiatives that strengthened trust across regulated fintech and iGaming markets. As a result, this consistency emerged as a core element of our fintech leadership.
“Growth doesn’t happen in isolation,” says Milena Tsankarska, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer. “It happens when you’re willing to engage, listen, and contribute meaningfully to the industry around you.”
This mindset guided us through a year of partnerships and growth, firmly positioning the company within the conversation on leadership in fintech across Europe.
Recognition That Reflects Our Standards
In 2025, our work was recognized with two major industry awards:
Best Payment Provider in CEE at the GamingTECH CEE Awards and Best Payment Provider at the EiGE Awards 2025, both organized by HIPTHER Agency.
These distinctions reflected years of commitment to reliability, compliance, and scalable payment solutions in complex, regulated environments.
“When recognition comes from the industry, it validates the standards you insist on every day,” Milena shares. “It’s a responsibility as much as it is an honor.”
As ZettaOnline’s representative, Milena accepted the Best Payment Provider award, reinforcing the company’s growing role in fintech industry leadership and trusted partnerships across the region.
Leadership Beyond the Stage
In parallel with company milestones, Milena’s leadership was recognized on an individual level. She was nominated for iGaming Leader of the Year and iGaming Influencer of the Year at the EiGE Awards 2025.
Milena also appeared as a guest at the BEGE Proximity Zone, where she shared her vision on innovation at ZettaOnline, the trends reshaping iGaming, and what newcomers should keep in mind as they enter the industry.
She also joined the 9th season of Mentor the Young – Bulgaria, contributing as a mentor to a three-month program connecting professionals with young people preparing to shape their future.
“Mentorship keeps you grounded,” she reflects. “It reminds you why experience matters when it’s shared.”
Conversations That Moved Us Forward
The year unfolded across five major industry stages, each shaping a different part of our journey. We began at ICE Barcelona, setting the tone for the year through early conversations with partners and technology leaders. At the Prague Gaming & Tech Summit, discussions centered on compliance, infrastructure, and digital transformation in regulated environments.
During the SBC Summit Lisbon, conversations turned toward scalability and performance, while at the European Gaming Congress, Warsaw Milena took the stage as a panel speaker, later recognized among HIPTHER’s Top 50 Speakers.
The year closed in Sofia at BEGE & EEGS, where discussions around governance, long-term stability, and trusted partnerships dominated. Milena attended the Affiliate Conference, and joined the BEGE Awards Party, reinforcing relationships across the ecosystem. The day preceding the events, Milena attended the Gaming Industry Gala Dinner by the Association of Organizers of Gambling Games and Activities in Bulgaria where she made connections with key industry figures. These exchanges reaffirmed what ZettaOnline sees consistently: organizations are seeking partners who understand complexity and commit for the long run.
“Every event is an opportunity to listen,” Milena notes. “The real value comes from understanding what operators and partners are navigating right now and how we can support them better.”
These moments reinforced ZettaOnline’s leading role in fintech, grounded in understanding complexity and committing for the long term.
A Stronger Voice Across the Industry
This year also amplified ZettaOnline’s visibility and voice. We received coverage from leading international and Bulgarian media, including European Gaming Media, The Betting Coach, Gaming NewsByte, ICE: Italian Gaming Expo and Conference, GiocoNews, Economy.bg and others. We also formed strategic media partnerships with Signals & Waves and e-Game Spectrum, expanding how we share insights with the industry.
“When your voice grows, your responsibility grows with it,” Milena says.
People at the Center of Growth
While events and awards defined our external presence, people defined our internal progress.
In 2025, we welcomed many new colleagues across teams, strengthening our expertise and culture as we scaled. This growth was complemented by our Summer Internship Program, where students from the Technological School – Electronic Systems (TUES) joined us for two weeks of hands-on work on real-world case studies. Several interns have since continued their professional journey at ZettaOnline.
“We ensure continuity, resilience, and innovation through talent development,” Milena says.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare to open 2026 at ICE Barcelona on 19–21 January, we do so with a clear sense of direction. The past year sharpened our focus, deepened our partnerships, and strengthened our position within fintech leadership conversations.