Does the United States have open banking? Well, that depends on how it’s defined. If that definition is less about regulation and more about the adoption of a common technical standard for the secure exchange of financial data, then the U.S. is considerably further along. Much of this progress is due to the Financial Data Exchange (FDX), a private non-profit founded in 2018 to unite players across financial services in creating a common standard for consent-driven data sharing. For the final, extra-length episode of Season 5, Kevin Feltes, the new CEO of FDX, joins us to discuss the state of American open banking amidst the regulatory changes unfolding under Section 1033. Eyal and Kevin sit down to talk about all things FDX, sharing the organization’s origins, what’s in the FDX tool belt to help it punch above its weight, and what it means for FDX to operate at the intersection of regulatory and market forces. Diving into possible futures, they unpack how flexibility is the key to ensuring American open banking continues to grow and thrive. Specifically they discuss:The origins of the Financial Data ExchangeHow the FDX API is member-drivenThe impact of Section 1033 regulationBalancing market and regulatory forcesThe role FDX plays in U.S. open banking

Open banking aims to revolutionize data sharing by giving individuals full control over their data - deciding who can access it, for what purpose, and for how long. Instead of personal data being locked in silos and exchanged without consent by an opaque and precious few, this shift empowers people to gain value from their data for themselves, using it, trading it and protecting it as they see fit, while engaging in the data sharing economy. In this episode, Eyal dives into these possibilities with fintech visionary Ghela Boskovich, Head of FData Europe and founder of FemTech Global. By putting control back into the hands of individuals, Ghela envisions a future where consumers can derive personal economic benefits by deciding how, and with whom, their data is shared. They explore the foundational keystones of this economy, the varying approaches nations are taking to implement it, and the transformative potential of a more equitable digital landscape. Specifically they discuss:Data as a renewable resourceConcentration of data in few handsKeystones of the data sharing economyGlobal regulations and perspectives  A more just approach to training AI

Dan Ariely, the James B. Duke Professor of Behavioral Economics at Duke University, dives deep into the quirks of human decision-making. He discusses how consumer control in open banking might not lead to better choices, challenging the assumptions of rational behavior. The conversation highlights the importance of behavioral nudges, the impact of digital money, and the need for well-designed systems that truly support financial well-being. Ariely also critiques traditional methods of financial education, advocating for a more integrated approach to data management.

We are living through a period of unprecedented technological change, an era that has been dubbed the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Building upon the previous three, this current transformative era is marked by the convergence of advanced technologies, such as robotics, AI, IoT and blockchain, that together are reshaping both industries and society at large. Navigating all these changes can be a challenge; more and more, it feels like looking into the future offers nothing but a blur. But among the interconnections between these technological trends lies opportunity. In this episode, Eyal sits down with Dr. Efi Pylarinou, renowned Fintech influencer and Co-author of Fast Future Blur, to discuss how this period of rapid digital transformation is shaping our future, including how business archetypes are evolving, the types of leaders we need and the crucial role of open standards.Specifically they discuss: The Fourth Industrial RevolutionThe four business archetypesMoving from digital native to AI nativeHow the nature of banking is changingThe importance of openness

Imagine a world where financial services are no longer separate, daunting entities but seamlessly integrated into the digital experiences you know and love. A world where buying a car, booking a trip, or even grabbing a coffee means having instant access to personalized financing options, secure payments, and innovative insurance solutions. This is Embedded Finance: an omnipresent, invisible hand guiding your financial decisions with unprecedented ease and intelligence, so that financial services are always there when you need them, and fade into the background when you don’t. In this episode, Eyal sits down with Simon Torrance, CEO and Founder of Embedded Finance & Insurance Strategies, to discuss how open banking, paired with real-time payments and agentic A.I., will help fill the gap between financial needs and financial services.Specifically they discuss: Why Embedded Finance is about collaborationAdvantages to banks and non-banks alikeMoving from Embedded Finance 1.0 to 2.0The Embedded Finance operating systemReal-time payments and agentic A.I.

The open banking community has long believed the path to open data starts with open banking. The general idea is that the common standards used to share banking data will inevitably expand in scope, leading to open data standards which will eventually cover all sectors of the economy. Australia, unique among open banking regions, has been on that road for several years. Although some now say their ambitious regulatory effort, the Consumer Data Right (CDR), has fallen short of its initial bold vision. In this episode, Eyal sits down with Jamie Leach, Open Data Strategist for Raidiam, and a self-proclaimed data champion. Jamie and Eyal discuss the origins of open banking in Australia, the significant challenges the CDR now faces, and the future of open data in the region.Specifically they discuss: The origins of Australia’s foray into open dataWhat made CDR so ambitious and forward-thinkingThe challenges that have caused the CDR to stallHow ConnectID offered a market-driven alternativeWhere Australian open banking is headed from here

John Pitts, the Global Head of Policy at Plaid, discusses the U.S. shift towards regulated open banking and the introduction of Personal Financial Data Rights by the CFPB. He emphasizes how this regulation will empower consumers while reshaping relationships between banks and fintechs. John contrasts the traditional market-driven approach with the emerging regulatory landscape, highlighting global perspectives on open banking. This shift not only enhances consumer rights but also fosters a more equitable financial services environment.

The growth of open banking is historically driven by environmental factors. In environments marked by wealth inequality, or a lack of trust in traditional finance, open banking flourishes as a promising alternative. Conversely, in stable environments, it often stagnates, viewed as a needless risk. Canada, known for its risk aversion, exemplifies this trend. To open season 5 of Mr. Open Banking, Eyal sits down with Abraham Tachjian, Director of Digital Banking at PwC Canada and the former Open Banking Lead for all of Canada, to discuss whether conservative Canada will be ready for the coming wave. In March of 2022, Abraham was appointed by the Canadian Department of Finance to lead the development of a national open banking framework, and for the last two years he has been doing just that. Eyal and Abraham explore the key role Abraham has had in delivering a guidebook for open banking in Canada, lessons learned along the way, and what the next steps are for all stakeholders involved.Specifically they discuss: • The formative years of open banking in Canada• The importance of strong governance • How the work was structured and approached• Canadian open banking versus the other regions• The future of open banking in Canada

Dr. Pramod Varma, Chief Architect of India's digital transformation, discusses the success of the India Stack in revolutionizing digital ID and payments. Topics include the rise of Aadhaar, UPI's role in financial inclusion, open banking in healthcare and e-commerce, and the creation of Digital Public Infrastructure.

Dr. Ruth Wandöfer, a key figure in European finance, discusses the history of open banking from PSD to PSD3. She explores the impact of Web3 and CBDCs on our digital society, emphasizing the need for a Digital Social Contract.