Optimism in Fintech Amid Challenges

About this episode:

Join host Ross Gallagher from 11:FS as he teams up with an expert panel to explore the week’s biggest stories across fintech, banking, and the broader financial services landscape.

This week's guests:

• Brian Spurling - Head of EMEA at Cogo
• Jasper Sneff Nanni - Managing Principal at FS Vector
• Ruth Foxe Blader - Managing Partner, Foxe Capital

Stories covered on the podcast:

This week, we delve into Revolut’s bid for a U.S. banking licence, examining it in the context of its prolonged “mobilisation” phase here in the UK. Cogo has launched a new electronification tool aimed at helping homeowners and vehicle owners save money - they join us to talk us through it. We also cover a record-breaking funding round by Alaan in the UAE, while Klarna is back in the spotlight - could an IPO revival be on the cards? Host Ross shares his thoughts on Hong Kong’s first stablecoin licences and Coinbase’s latest TV ad, which has stirred debate in the UK...

This week's guests:

Timestamps:

Intro - (00:00)

⁠Revolut weighs buying US bank to get licence⁠ - (06:22)

Cogo strengthens product portfolio with the launch of electrification tool - (19:28)

⁠AI-powered fintech Alaan  raises $48m, one of the largest Series A rounds in MENA- (36:06)

⁠Klarna considers autumn IPO revival- (45:51)

⁠Hong Kong to issue first stablecoin licences in early 2026⁠ - (56:29)

⁠Coinbase’s UK musical ad hits a nerve - sparking debate from crypto fans to founders- (58:04)

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About 11:FS

At 11:FS, we don’t just talk digital - we make it happen. We're building truly digital financial services by partnering with bold teams to take them from market insights to real-world products. Whether you're an incumbent innovating or a startup breaking new ground, we bring the strategy, research, design, and delivery to make it real. Less talk, more impact.Proud winners of the British Bank Award for Consultancy of the Year - five times and counting. 👉 Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠11fs.com/ventures⁠⁠⁠

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About Fintech Insider:

Fintech Insider by 11:FS is a bi-weekly podcast that covers everything from finance and banking to technology and the latest trends in financial services.

Our expert hosts, with hands-on industry experience, are joined by key decision-makers, VCs, and top reporters from across the financial landscape, including guests from companies like Stripe, Revolut, Plaid, PayPal, and Monzo. Together, they break down the biggest news and innovations shaping the space.

Our weekly news show drops every Monday, covering major stories like mergers, new product launches, regulatory shifts, and emerging tech trends. On Thursdays, our Insights show goes deeper into the hottest topics driving the future of finance, including AI in banking, decentralised finance, and the evolving landscape of embedded finance.

Whether you're already in the fintech game or just starting to explore, this is the #1 podcast for you.

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