Fintech Daydreaming

We’re kicking off this episode of Fintech Daydreaming with something special—welcoming our new editor and producer, Femi Apanishile, to the team! 🎉 But after the celebrations, it’s straight back to business with another Nordic Fintech Highlights session.This time, things got... heated. Pål, Ville, and Janne dived into the latest fintech news, but the conversation quickly turned into a colorful rant about crypto. Here’s what made the headlines:• Janne introduced us to the first MiCA-compliant memecoin from Swan—because apparently, regulatory-approved dog coins are a thing now.• Ville tackled MobilePay’s decision to start charging transaction fees over €400, sparking a discussion on the future of digital payment business models and their sustainability.• Pål dug into Lunar Bank’s move into crypto trading in Norway—cue the skepticism.With Pål and Ville trying to inject realism to the resurgent crypto hype and Janne still on the fence, this episode delivers strong opinions, probably somewhat divisive insights, and a few fintech hot takes you won’t want to miss. Grab your favorite energy drink and have a listen—it’s a lively one!Episode hosted by Pål Krogdahl & Ville SointuEpisode produced and edited by Femi Apanishile- Email us on Hello@FintechDaydreaming.com- Fintech Daydreaming home page - https://www.FintechDaydreaming.com- Fintech Daydreaming on Twitter - https://twitter.com/FintechDaydream- Fintech Daydreaming on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintech-daydreaming- Pål Krogdahl - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krogdahl/- Ville Sointu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ville-sointu-54682b/- Femi Apanishile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/femi-apanishile-935a74a1/

In this episode of Fintech Daydreaming, Ville and Pål welcome back the one and only Leda Glyptis, PhD—advisor, speaker, and author of Beyond Resilience and Bankers Like Us. Leda brings her sharp insights and candid humor to the mic as we explore her latest book and the patterns of success (and failure) shaping the fintech industry. From debunking the myth of the "rockstar founder" to rethinking Silicon Valley's "build fast and break things" mantra, Leda challenges conventional wisdom with research-backed observations and practical advice. Among callbacks to many former guests of Fintech Daydreaming we discuss the critical importance of product-market fit, why some innovations are just "too early," and how resilience—or sisu, as Finns call it—can be balanced with the need to pivot. Tune in for a lively, thought-provoking conversation packed with stories, strategies, and plenty of wit. If you’re looking for inspiration and practical takeaways to navigate the world of fintech, look no further. - Email us on Hello@FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming home page - https://www.FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming on Twitter - https://twitter.com/FintechDaydream - Fintech Daydreaming on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintech-daydreaming - Pål Krogdahl - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krogdahl/ - Ville Sointu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ville-sointu-54682b/

Welcome to 2025 and season 11 of Fintech Daydreaming! We’re back, well-caffeinated, and ready to dive into another year of fintech wonders. To kick things off, Pål, Ville, and Janne put on their trend-spotting hats and take a look at what’s buzzing in the Nordics and beyond. What’s hot? What’s not? And what might just surprise us all in 2025? Of course, it wouldn’t be Fintech Daydreaming without some juicy fintech news: Pål dives into how Enfuce and Alisa Bank are giving Finnish SMEs the plastic they deserve with a shiny new business credit card. Janne tackles Lunar Bank’s bold leap into mortgages in Sweden—because who doesn’t want a fintech twist on home loans? Ville brings us SEB Embedded’s latest play: a co-branded grocery card with Hemköp. Is this the future of shopping? We have questions. Join us for a fun, insightful, and occasionally witty look at the trends and stories shaping the Nordic fintech scene. Season 11 is here—let’s get dreaming! - Email us on Hello@FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming home page - https://www.FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming on Twitter - https://twitter.com/FintechDaydream - Fintech Daydreaming on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintech-daydreaming - Pål Krogdahl - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krogdahl/ - Ville Sointu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ville-sointu-54682b/

It’s that time of the year! In our Christmas special, Pål and Ville close out season ten of Fintech Daydreaming with a heartfelt reflection on five years and ten seasons of podcasting. What keeps the passion alive after all this time? Tune in to hear the co-hosts share their thoughts on the journey so far, what they’ve learned, and why the world of fintech podcasting continues to inspire us. We also revisit the biggest fintech news and trends from the past season, offering fresh perspectives on the stories that shaped 2024. From standout themes to our favorite moments with guests, we highlight what made season ten truly special. Grab a cup of your favorite holiday beverage, sit back, and join us as we wrap up the year with gratitude, reflections, and a bit of festive cheer (or beer). Here’s to ten seasons—and many more to come! - Email us on Hello@FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming home page - https://www.FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming on Twitter - https://twitter.com/FintechDaydream - Fintech Daydreaming on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintech-daydreaming - Pål Krogdahl - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krogdahl/ - Ville Sointu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ville-sointu-54682b/

In this special episode of Fintech Daydreaming recorded live in Nordea headquarters in Helsinki, we sit down with Jyrki Katainen, Head of Public Relations at Nordea Bank and former Prime Minister of Finland, to explore his transition from politics to banking and what it means to lead public affairs for one of Europe’s largest financial institutions. Jyrki shares his reflections on moving from a career in politics to the private sector, detailing how his background shapes his approach to navigating policy and public relations in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. We dive into the dynamic relationship between government policy and the financial sector, examining how banks like Nordea contribute to shaping European financial policies and the critical role they play in society today. Jyrki offers his perspective on timely issues like financial literacy and inclusion—key priorities within the EU—and what banks can do to empower communities with knowledge and access to financial services. We also discuss the balance between regulatory compliance and private-sector innovation as the EU brings forward new regulations for the financial industry. Tune in as Jyrki shares his leadership insights, lessons from his time as Prime Minister, and thoughts on the future of financial services in Europe. This episode offers a unique perspective on the evolving role of banks and the collaboration needed between the public and private sectors to drive meaningful change. - Email us on Hello@FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming home page - https://www.FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming on Twitter - https://twitter.com/FintechDaydream - Fintech Daydreaming on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintech-daydreaming - Pål Krogdahl - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krogdahl/ - Ville Sointu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ville-sointu-54682b/

This week, Pål and Ville dive into the regulatory labyrinth with Eva-Lotta Hokkonen, an attorney and senior associate at Dittmar & Indrenius, and a go-to expert on fintech compliance. If you’ve ever wondered why compliance feels like scaling Mount Everest for fintechs, we’re about to break it all down. We dig into why compliance presents unique hurdles for fintechs compared to traditional banks, what happens to compliance obligations when fintechs and banks team up, and why it’s not as simple as ticking off checkboxes. Eva-Lotta shares why understanding compliance is more than just staying on the regulator’s good side—it’s about making it a competitive advantage (yes, really). Finally, we get Eva-Lotta’s insider take on emerging trends in compliance that every fintech should be bracing for. Think of this episode as a fintech survival guide for navigating the shifting landscape of regulation. - Email us on Hello@FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming home page - https://www.FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming on Twitter - https://twitter.com/FintechDaydream - Fintech Daydreaming on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintech-daydreaming - Pål Krogdahl - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krogdahl/ - Ville Sointu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ville-sointu-54682b/

We’re back with another Nordic Fintech Highlights episode, where Pål, Ville, and our regular guest co-host Janne Salminen from Helsinki Fintech Farm unpack the latest from the Nordics—and this week, it’s all about tech innovations, top fintech picks, and payment upgrades! First up, Pål takes us through Lunar’s big news: they’re launching GenAI, Europe’s first AI-native voice assistant for banking. Imagine a future where your bank not only listens but actually “gets” you—no more endless tapping or navigating through menus. But can AI really deliver that seamless experience, or are we still a few updates away from our banking chatbot dreams? Next, Janne dives into the Helsinki Fintech Farm’s latest “Top 20 Nordic Fintechs” list. Who’s in, who’s out, and which trends are setting the pace this year? Janne also covers the recent news that Mastercard has acquired Minna Technologies, a game-changing move that could bring subscription management to the fingertips of millions globally. Finally, Ville wraps things up with an update on tap-to-pay, with Adyen, SumUp, myPOS, and Viva rolling out this feature across European markets. From tap-to-pay iPhones to terminal-free transactions, the payment space just keeps getting easier and more digital. But are we inching closer to a cashless society, or will it all be canceled because people will start using their phones to steal contactless card information in crowded places? Tune in for all the latest insights on how AI, acquisitions, and new payment solutions are shaping the future of Nordic fintech! - Email us on Hello@FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming home page - https://www.FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming on Twitter - https://twitter.com/FintechDaydream - Fintech Daydreaming on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintech-daydreaming - Pål Krogdahl - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krogdahl/ - Ville Sointu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ville-sointu-54682b/

This week, Ville and Pål sit down with Elisabeth Prager, co-founder of Aila Money, to tackle a topic that deserves way more airtime—the gender wealth gap. Spoiler alert: it’s still very much a thing, and the numbers aren’t pretty. But fear not, because Elisabeth and her team at Aila Money are stepping up to be part of the solution. We explore how Aila Money is empowering women financially, with tools and insights designed to help close the gap once and for all. From practical steps to the challenge of addressing a systemic issue that could take up to seven generations to fix, we break down what it’ll take to make financial equality more than just a dream—and why it’s a win for everyone (yes, even the men). Whether you're a fintech junkie, equality advocate, or just curious about the future of finance, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for a conversation that’s both enlightening and, dare we say, a little inspiring—because the future is all about equal opportunities, driven by financial empowerment! P.S. The book Elisabeth recommends in this episode is Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men—available at all good bookstores. - Email us on Hello@FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming home page - https://www.FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming on Twitter - https://twitter.com/FintechDaydream - Fintech Daydreaming on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintech-daydreaming - Pål Krogdahl - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krogdahl/ - Ville Sointu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ville-sointu-54682b/

We’re back with another Nordic Fintech Highlights episode, kicking things off with a nod to the Mobey Forum member meeting’s epic "Fight Club" debate earlier that week. Two of our former guests, Monika Liikamaa and Anders Olofsson, went head-to-head—and let’s just say, the fintech gloves were off! As always, Pål and Ville are joined by Janne Salminen from Helsinki Fintech Farm to break down the latest from the Nordic fintech scene: Ville opens with Sweden's central bank issuing a stark warning to banks about protecting access to cash. Could this ironic twist in the cashless story lead to new legislation? In a world moving away from cash, is it still essential? Janne follows up with the latest on the DDoS attacks that hit Nordic banks in September. What does this mean for the region’s digital infrastructure, and how vulnerable are we to future cyber threats? Pål closes by exploring Alisa Bank’s renewed strategic focus on embedded finance and Banking-as-a-Service. With their sights set on SMEs, partners, and deposit customers, are they poised for a fintech glow-up, or is it just another pivot in an already crowded Nordic banking space? Tune in for a no-holds-barred discussion, covering everything from cash flow dilemmas to cyber chaos and strategic shake-ups. Let us guide you through the twists and turns of the Nordic fintech world! - Email us on Hello@FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming home page - https://www.FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming on Twitter - https://twitter.com/FintechDaydream - Fintech Daydreaming on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintech-daydreaming - Pål Krogdahl - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krogdahl/ - Ville Sointu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ville-sointu-54682b/

In this episode of Fintech Daydreaming, Pål and Ville are joined by Jani Ristimäki from BearingPoint to dive deep into one of the buzzwords of the moment—embedded finance. Spoiler alert: it’s already here, and it’s changing the game for banks, fintechs, and consumers alike. From payments baked seamlessly into apps to financial services appearing in places you’d never expect, we break down what embedded finance really means and why it’s the future. Will banks survive this shift, or are fintechs taking over the new customer touchpoints? And how does it all impact you—the everyday user who just wants to sustainably and intelligently finance your next purchase without thinking about it too much? If you find yourself sometimes wondering whether banking will become entirely invisible or if banks are going to lose touch with their customers as a result - this might be an episode for you. Tune in for a lively discussion packed with smart insights, terrible humor, and plenty of speculation about what’s next in the world of fintech. - Email us on Hello@FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming home page - https://www.FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming on Twitter - https://twitter.com/FintechDaydream - Fintech Daydreaming on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintech-daydreaming - Pål Krogdahl - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krogdahl/ - Ville Sointu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ville-sointu-54682b/