Balancing Short‑Term Delivery and Long‑Term Innovation

About this episode:

In this episode of Fintech Insider, we dig into how UK banks can reclaim their fintech edge in a fast-moving global market. Host Ross Gallagher and co-host Tim Heard from 11:FS are joined by innovation leaders from NatWest, Santander, and Lloyds Banking Group to unpack what it really takes to modernise at scale.

From cultural shifts and agile delivery to smarter governance for rapid, safe experimentation - the panel goes deep on the realities of driving change inside major banks. You’ll hear how legacy players are rethinking tech stacks, partnering with fintechs, and empowering cross-functional teams to build standout digital experiences.

The conversation also covers how to balance innovation with risk, harness data for smarter decisions, and rally leadership around a bold strategic vision. Tune in for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at UK banking innovation - and what needs to change for the sector to lead the next wave of fintech growth.

This week's guests: 

• David Grunwald - Group Director of Innovation and Partnerships at NatWest

• Kamaljit Ahir - Senior Innovation Partner at Santander Bank

• Sarah Farrington - Head of Digital Strategy and Innovation at Lloyds Banking Group

Ready to get to work? As the five-time Consultancy of the Year, we help FIs embrace innovation to build truly digital services and products. ⁠11fs.com/innovation⁠

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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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