

FinTech Focus TV – Powered by Harrington Starr
Harrington Starr
FinTech Focus TV is hosted by Harrington Starr’s CEO, Toby Babb. This celebrated podcast invites the industry’s foremost thought leaders to share their role in driving innovation, growth, and technological change. From the merge of TradFi and DeFi, to the current state of FinTech investment opportunities, FinTech Focus TV places the spotlight on the most pressing marketplace conversations.We are always looking for people from across the industry to join us on FinTech Focus TV? Keen to get involved? Or know someone ideal for the show?Get in touch: marketing@harringtonstarr.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 11, 2024 • 31min
How to Build Culture on a Trading Floor | Caroline Serdarevic, Millennium Advisors, LLC
In this episode of FinTech Focus TV, host Toby Babb interviews Caroline Serdarevic, Head of International and Global Head of Sales at Millennium Advisors, LLC. Caroline discusses the firm's focus on electronic trading and its growth across various asset classes.Caroline highlights Millennium Advisors' commitment to continuous innovation, a strong, collaborative company culture, and a flat structure that promotes nimble decision-making, alongside their recent expansion into Asia and the efforts to maintain a unified culture across global offices.Caroline discusses Millennium Advisors' rigorous recruitment process to ensure cultural alignment and outlines future plans for global expansion and continued investment in technology and new asset classes.FinTech Focus TV is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Tech Recruitment. For more episodes or FinTech recruitment advice, please visit our website: www.harringtonstarr.com

Sep 4, 2024 • 19min
30 Years of FIX Honored at the Americas Conference | Scott Govoni, the Regional Director for the Americas at FIX Trading Community
In this episode of FinTech Focus TV, Toby is joined by Scott Govoni, the Regional Director for the Americas at FIX Trading Community. The pair discuss the upcoming Americas Trading Conference on October 16th in New York, highlighting its significance for networking and electronic trading discussions.Scott shares his excitement about expanding FIX events across various regions in the Americas, driven by community input. The conference will cover topics like T+1, digital assets, AI in trading, and geopolitical market structure, while also celebrating FIX's 30th anniversary. Scott emphasises the member-driven nature of FIX and the importance of connecting industry participants to tackle critical issues.And if you haven’t already, secure your ticket today: https://www.fixtrading.org/event/americas2024/FinTech Focus TV is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Tech Recruitment. For more episodes or FinTech recruitment advice, please visit our website: www.harringtonstarr.com

Aug 30, 2024 • 34min
The Evolution of Payments | Andrew Riabchuk, Founder of Akurateco
In this episode of FinTech Focus TV, Toby Babb interviews Andrew Riabchuk, the Founder of Akurateco, about his extensive experience in the payments industry and the development of his payment orchestration platform. Andrew explains how Akurateco simplifies complex payment processes for fintech businesses, banks, and telecom providers by offering a wide range of payment methods and features, including AI-driven solutions for anti-fraud measures. He highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on accelerating the need for seamless online payments and shares success stories from clients in Central Asia and Qatar. The episode also touches on Akurateco's growing presence in the UK market and its commitment to helping businesses optimise their payment infrastructures.FinTech Focus TV is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Tech Recruitment. For more episodes or FinTech recruitment advice, please visit our website: www.harringtonstarr.com

Aug 28, 2024 • 32min
Financial Services are Missing Out on Tech Innovation | Chris Lees, Founder of FixSpec
In this episode of Fintech Focus TV, Chris Lees, Founder of FixSpec, discusses the inefficiencies in financial services connectivity, particularly the outdated use of the FIX protocol and PDFs. Chris highlights the industry's reluctance to innovate due to regulatory and risk concerns but emphasises the potential for transformation with new technologies like blockchain, AI, and cloud computing.FixSpec is currently in a "going dark" phase, where they are rethinking their business model to better serve the evolving needs of the market. Chris is excited about developing new solutions that address these challenges and invites those interested in innovation to reach out.FinTech Focus TV is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Tech Recruitment. For more episodes or FinTech recruitment advice, please visit our website: www.harringtonstarr.com

Aug 21, 2024 • 42min
How a Strong Brand Builds Value for your FinTech | Eric Soderberg, Forefront Communications Group Inc.
In this episode of FinTech Focus TV, Toby Babb interviews Eric Soderberg, Managing Partner of Forefront Communications Group Inc., about the critical role of branding in fintech. Eric emphasises that strong, consistent branding is essential for value and differentiation in a crowded market, advising companies to prioritise professional design and messaging. He discusses common pitfalls founders face in brand development, recommending outsourcing to specialised agencies rather than hiring in-house too early. Additionally, he highlights the importance of employee engagement and internal alignment in maintaining a cohesive brand presence. Ultimately, a strong brand, supported by professional marketing services, is vital for business growth and market success in the fintech industry.FinTech Focus TV is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Tech Recruitment. For more episodes or FinTech recruitment advice, please visit our website: www.harringtonstarr.com

Aug 14, 2024 • 36min
Solving the Access Problem with the Time to Give Network | Andrew Kaufmann, Founder of Time to Give Network
In this FinTech Focus TV episode, Toby Babb interviews Andrew Kaufmann about his nonprofit venture, the Time to Give Network.Andrew explains how his extensive career in institutional sales and fintech led him to identify inefficiencies in accessing key individuals in the financial services industry.Andrew shares how a period between jobs allowed him to ideate and launch the platform, driven by a desire to create a meaningful legacy. He discusses the mechanics of the platform, where time givers can control their availability and the charities that benefit from donations, ensuring a risk-free and impactful experience. The organisation operates as a community interest company, ensuring transparency and altruism, with all excess revenues going to charity. Andrew highlights the support he has received from volunteers and early sponsors and emphasises the importance of corporate social responsibility in driving the initiative forward.FinTech Focus TV is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Tech Recruitment. For more episodes or FinTech recruitment advice, please visit our website: www.harringtonstarr.com

Aug 7, 2024 • 33min
The Personalisation of Digital Hospitality in Fintech | Matt Ryan, CRO of Totem
In the latest episode of Fintech Focus TV, Toby Babb sits down with Totem’s CRO, Matt Ryan to discuss Totem's evolution, highlighting their integration of technology to enhance user-generated content and support virtual and hybrid events. The pair explore the importance of data in creating personalised and efficient event experiences, and the role of technology in improving event ROI and participant engagement. Matt introduces the concept of "digital hospitality," stressing the need for enhanced online client interactions and personalised experiences to keep attendees engaged. FinTech Focus TV is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Tech Recruitment. For more episodes or FinTech recruitment advice, please visit our website: www.harringtonstarr.com

Jul 31, 2024 • 36min
Bridgewise's $21M Series A and Driving Innovation Through AI | Adedamola Adetola the General Manager of Europe and Africa at Bridgewise
In the latest episode of Fintech Focus TV, Toby Babb sits down with Adedamola Adetola the General Manager of Europe and Africa at Bridgewise.Adedamola discusses Bridgewise’s $21 million Series A funding round and its innovative use of AI, pivoting from running an equity fund to generating institutional-grade research reports on undercovered stocks globally.The episode delves into the company's strategic growth, particularly in the retail segment, and addresses the longer sales cycles in institutional markets while emphasising the importance of building trust through responsible AI practicesThe pair cover the global market dynamics, including capital concentration and the lack of analyst coverage for smaller companies, which Bridgewise aims to address.FinTech Focus TV is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.comFinTech Focus TV is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Tech Recruitment. For more episodes or FinTech recruitment advice, please visit our website: www.harringtonstarr.com

Jul 24, 2024 • 31min
Maple's Secret Sauce and DeFi's iPhone Moment | FinTech Focus TV with Martin de Rijke at Maple
In the latest episode of FinTech Focus TV, Toby sits down with Martin de Rijke, Business Operations Manager at Maple Finance. Martin shares his fascinating journey from discovering Bitcoin in high school to leading growth at Maple Finance, an innovative institutional marketplace built on blockchain technology. Discover how Maple is revolutionising the financial industry by bringing transparency and efficiency through decentralised finance (DeFi). Learn about their latest offering, Syrup, which opens institutional-grade yields to a broader audience. Martin also discusses the future of DeFi, predicting a significant surge in mainstream adoption driven by user-friendly innovations. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in fintech careers and the evolving landscape of financial technology.FinTech Focus TV is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Tech Recruitment. For more episodes or FinTech recruitment advice, please visit our website: www.harringtonstarr.comFinTech Focus TV is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Tech Recruitment. For more episodes or FinTech recruitment advice, please visit our website: www.harringtonstarr.com

Jul 17, 2024 • 52min
Creating True Partnership and Peak Performance in Financial Services | Thomas Ungi, Co-Founder & CEO of True Partnership
In the latest episode of Fintech Focus TV, Toby Babb sits down with True Partnership’s Co-Founder & CEO, Thomas Ungi, about how his transformative experience with coaching led him to co-found True Partnership.We discover how the firm has grown, expanded and emphasised their focus on understanding individual needs, fostering diversity, and connecting with people.The pair discuss the importance of recognising and nurturing unconventional talent and sharing anecdotes about successful hires from non-traditional backgrounds. They also talk about the evolving recognition of coaching in the financial sector, noting its crucial role in enhancing performance, retention, and overall well-being.FinTech Focus TV is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.comFinTech Focus TV is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Tech Recruitment. For more episodes or FinTech recruitment advice, please visit our website: www.harringtonstarr.com


