Converge

This week, Head of Market Insights Steven Dooley discusses the current state of the market amidst ongoing uncertainty, particularly focusing on tariffs, equity market performance, the dynamics of the US dollar, and the strength of European currencies. He touches on how recent legal rulings on tariffs have impacted business operations and market sentiment, the rebound in equity markets, and the shifting perceptions of the US dollar as a safe haven. The conversation also highlights the performance of the Euro and British pound, as well as the technical patterns forming in the Japanese yen.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

In this episode, hosts Alex Lawrence and Alanna Frost discuss the growing role of AI in finance - including how AI agents are now capable of managing end-to-end payment processes. They touch on the increasing interest in stablecoins among traditional banks, the rising demand for speed in payments, and how fintech is shifting towards deeper partnerships and operational efficiency. The conversation also highlights the evolving expectations of CFOs, with agility and risk management taking center stage.Check out the Convera Payments Pulse report for more on the shift.Brex CFO Imperative report for source material and inspiration.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

In this episode of the Converge Market Update, George Vessey and Steven Dooley discuss the recent developments in financial markets, focusing on the US-China trade deal, US fiscal concerns, the performance of the US dollar, and the implications of Australia's monetary policy shift. They analyze how these factors are shaping market sentiment and investor behavior, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty and the potential for future market movements.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

In this episode, Bryce Deeney, CEO and founder of Equipifi, discusses the innovative approach of his company in the Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) space. He shares his unique journey from being a professional poker player to leading a fintech startup that aims to disrupt traditional banking models. The conversation delves into the challenges of launching a new financial product, the future of embedded finance, and the potential expansion into the SME market. Bryce emphasizes the importance of consumer engagement and the operational efficiencies that Equipifi brings to financial institutions.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

In this episode of Converge, host Steven Dooley and Convera's lead APAC FX and global macro strategist, Shier Lee, discuss the significant movements in Asian currencies, particularly the Taiwanese dollar, and their implications for the broader FX market. The factors driving these changes include tariff worries, of course, but also trade and foreign equity flows, illustrating why these currencies have recently gained. The conversation also touches on the outlook for commodity currencies and the economic landscape across Asia, highlighting the interplay between currency movements and macroeconomic developments.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

In this conversation, Raja Chakravorti discusses the transformative potential of blockchain technology, particularly through the Stellar Development Foundation. He emphasizes the importance of creating accessible financial solutions for underserved populations, the role of tokenization and stablecoins in democratizing finance, and the significance of regulatory clarity in driving innovation. The discussion also highlights Stellar's partnerships and initiatives aimed at improving cross-border payments and expanding its reach in the APAC region.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

In this episode of Converge Market Update, George Vessey and Kevin Ford discuss the growing concerns surrounding the 'Sell America' trade, particularly in light of President Trump's threats to fire Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell unless he cuts interest rates. They explore the implications of this tension on market dynamics, the importance of Fed independence, and the potential future of the US dollar amidst ongoing economic uncertainty.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

In this podcast, Jody Flournoy from Blockfuel talks about how blockchain is shaking things up in traditional finance, especially when it comes to cross-border payments. The conversation covers why stablecoins matter, some of the challenges with international transactions, and what a "stablecoin sandwich" actually means. Jody also touches on where digital treasuries could be heading, how crypto regulations are shaping up, and the mix between permissioned and permissionless tech in finance. It all comes back to the importance of transparency, trust and staying adaptable as the financial world keeps changing. Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

In this conversation, George Vessey and Kevin Ford discuss the recent turbulence in financial markets triggered by Trump's aggressive tariff policies. They explore the implications of these tariffs on the economy, the potential for a 'hard reset' theory suggesting a deliberate slowdown to pressure the Federal Reserve, and the challenges of balancing economic policies amidst rising inflation and market volatility. The discussion also delves into the weakening US dollar and its impact on global markets, highlighting the uncertainty and complexity of the current economic landscape.Note: Recorded before Trump's recent U-turn on tariffs.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

Real estate tokenization is changing how people invest in property. In this episode, hosts Alex Lawrence and Alanna Frost speak with Jack Land, Head of Marketing and UK Growth at MetaWealth, about how blockchain - specifically Solana - enables fractional ownership of high-end real estate. They discuss the benefits of tokenization, regulatory challenges, and how ESG principles shape asset selection. The conversation also explores the broader implications of Web3 for traditional finance and how real-time tracking of rental yields builds investor trust. Tune in for insights from the latest Fintech Meetup and deep dive into real-world asset tokenization. Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.