Fintech Insider Podcast by 11:FS

1021. News: Revolut takes on phone snatchers - and banks still need to take sustainability seriously

7 snips
Dec 8, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Aditi Subbarao, a financial services expert at Snowflake, James O’Sullivan, founder of Nuke from Orbit, and Virginie O'Shea, industry analyst and founder of Firebrand Research, delve into pressing fintech topics. They tackle Revolut's innovative 'Street Mode' feature designed to combat transfer mugging while also exploring HSBC's strategic AI partnership with Mistral. Additionally, Virginie sheds light on the FCA's proposed regulations for ESG ratings, highlighting the need for transparency in financial markets.
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INSIGHT

Banks Favor Small, Self-Hosted Models

  • HSBC's deal with Mistral AI signals banks prefer self-hosted, smaller models for predictable, localised workflows.
  • Self-hosted SLMs offer control, cost and explainability advantages for geographically fragmented banks like HSBC.
INSIGHT

Geopolitics Shapes AI Vendor Choice

  • Regulators and European institutions prefer European AI providers to limit third-country exposure and geopolitical risk.
  • That preference increases demand for regional players like Mistral among banks and regulators.
ADVICE

Plan For The Hidden Costs Of Self-Hosting

  • Don’t assume self-hosting is low-effort: plan for updates, drift fixes and security maintenance before choosing it.
  • Allocate skilled people and budget because managing models in-house is resource intensive.
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