This Week in Fintech's Podcast

René Lacerte, founder of BILL, and Frank Mastrangelo, co-founder of Bancorp and PayAmigo, share their remarkable journeys in shaping the FinTech landscape. They reminisce about their pivotal dinner meeting in 2006 and the exhilarating experience of taking their companies public. The duo discusses the persistent challenges in global commerce, the transformative potential of blockchain and AI, and the emotional lessons learned from their fathers. Personal stories about adoption and community through sports also make for a heartwarming exploration.

Explore the transformative moments in fintech from 2024, highlighting the rise of super apps like Nubank. Discover how companies like Revolut navigated regulatory waters while facing the tension of innovation and scrutiny. Unpack the burgeoning role of stablecoins and cutting-edge AI in reducing currency volatility and enhancing security. Delve into the government's impact on innovation, including the introduction of free tax filing software. Finally, reflect on Ripple's advancements and the ethical considerations shaping the industry's future.

Join Tomer London, Co-founder and CPO of Gusto, dedicated to empowering small businesses, and Anu Hariharan, Co-founder of Avra and former Y Combinator partner, as they explore fintech's evolution. They discuss the complexities of payroll systems, the impact of AI on finance, and the transformative potential of startups. Personal insights reveal their inspirations—from historical icons to morning routines—while sharing lessons from setbacks that shaped their resilient journeys in the ever-changing fintech landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Dave Glaser, CEO of Dwolla and former executive at Visa and Mastercard, shares insights from his extensive fintech career. He delves into the evolution of payment solutions, highlighting the shift from credit cards to bank payments. Glaser discusses the impact of regulations and innovations like biometric payment technologies. Beyond fintech, he shares his journey training for an Ironman, balancing professional and personal passions while enjoying the transformative nature of triathlons.

Nik Koblov, VP of Engineering at Ramp, shares his insights on building a fast-paced, innovative engineering organization. He discusses Ramp's unique hiring practices, attracting talent from diverse backgrounds, including high school dropouts and gamers. The conversation dives into balancing rapid product launches with user experience and how Ramp leverages generative AI to enhance efficiency. Nik also emphasizes the importance of structured beta testing and nurturing young talent through internships, shaping the future of fintech.

Dive into the intriguing world of AI-powered payment agents and their impact on personal finance. Learn about the security concerns tied to delegating financial decisions to AI, including fraud and transaction disputes. The discussion reveals how neobanks like N26 are thriving while traditional institutions adapt. Explore the evolving role of AI in complex financial operations and the importance of balancing technology with financial literacy. Innovations in security measures are essential as we navigate this transformative landscape in fintech.

Tom Brown, a pivotal figure in Visa's IPO and now investing in fintech at NYCA, joins Edward Woodford, founder of ZeroHash, focused on cryptographic technology infrastructure. They discuss the evolution of fintech into next-gen financial services, tackling challenges like regulatory roadblocks and identity security. The duo celebrates innovations such as Tap to Pay and earned wage access, sharing personal stories about their career journeys, favorite books, and quirky tales. Join them for an enlightening and entertaining perspective on the fintech landscape!

Join Michael Sindicich, CEO of Navan Expense, a corporate travel innovator with a background in insurance and tech, as he discusses a groundbreaking partnership with Brex. Michael shares insights on mastering collaborations with rivals and transforming business travel through automated processes. He reflects on his unique journey, the shift towards AI in travel management, and the culture of promoting growth within tech firms. Add in some amusing stories from his travels, and it’s a compelling dive into the future of fintech!

Welcome to the 2,179 new readers who’ve joined us since last week. You’re joining 137,000+ other subscribers surfing the AI wave. Today's newsletter and podcast are brought to you by our friends at Silicon Valley Bank. 📢 We're launching a new podcast: In early 2025, Jillian and Julie will be talking to the biggest names at the intersection of artificial intelligence and financial services. Who do you most want to see as a guest? (Btw... speaking of AI x fintech, check out the new Stripe launch from this week.) Please enjoy another week of fintech and banking news in this short pod.

Michael Tannenbaum, CEO of Figure and a seasoned fintech leader, joins Nicky Goulimis, co-founder of Nova Credit and TunicPay, for an engaging discussion. They hilariously dissect parenting challenges during the pandemic while sharing insights from their journeys in fintech. Tannenbaum and Goulimis explore the innovative strides in credit scoring and the promising future of cryptocurrency payments. They also touch on the growing role of AI in combating fraud, underscoring the delicate balance between innovation and consumer protection in financial services.