Fintech Insider Podcast by 11:FS

This week, Conrad Ford, Merva Ferrero, and Valentina Christensen spotlight Zopa's new current account 'Biscuit,' which offers competitive interest rates and cashback. They dive into Coinbase's stablecoin service and its potential to revolutionize SME payments. The conversation highlights the increasing importance of financial inclusion initiatives, especially in emerging markets. Plus, there's a lighthearted debate on the best biscuits to enjoy while navigating the fintech landscape!

Lorraine Salmond, Head of Identity Strategy at LexisNexis, Azy Shojaeian, Chief Compliance Officer at Pockit and Monese, and Katryna Dow, CEO of Meeco, dive deep into the intricate world of digital identity in finance. They discuss rising threats like deepfakes and synthetic identities, highlighting the urgent need for improved security measures. The trio emphasizes balancing robust fraud prevention with user experience while exploring innovative strategies that leverage technology for verification. Trust and collaboration emerge as key themes in tackling these evolving challenges.

In this discussion, Alex Johnson, founder of Fintech Takes, Miguel Armaza of Gilgamesh Ventures, and Evan Simmonds from Up dive deep into the latest fintech trends. They explore Chime's remarkable 37% stock surge post-IPO and Walmart and Amazon's intriguing interest in stablecoins amidst changing regulations. The conversation delves into Up's innovative in-app group money feature, designed to help users manage shared expenses effectively, and the introduction of Pix Automático in Brazil, a game-changer for recurring payments.

Catrin Hinkel, CEO of Microsoft Switzerland, and Daniela Stoffel, State Secretary for International Finance, dive into the global competitiveness shaped by AI. They explore how countries like Switzerland leverage robust AI infrastructures to stay ahead. The conversation shifts to fostering innovation through collaboration and the importance of stability in the marketplace. They also address the transformative impact of AI on financial services and the need for balance between progress and regulatory frameworks, all while cultivating a skilled workforce for the future.

Monika Liikamaa, Co-CEO of Enfuce, Elliott Locke, CEO of Abroaden, and Dimitri Masin, CEO of Gradient Labs, dive into exciting developments in fintech. They discuss the UK FCA and NVIDIA's partnership for an AI sandbox, enabling safe experimentation with artificial intelligence. Starling Bank's new AI chatbot enhances customer interaction, while Enfuce’s collaboration with Octopus Energy launches an innovative EV charging card. They also explore Revolut's ATM debut in Spain and highlight the resilience of the Irish fintech sector.

Joining the discussion are Zak Lambert from Plaid, a leader in open finance; Ankur Sisodia from N26, focused on neobank innovations; and Alexander de Rafols from Affirm, expanding access to credit. They dive into the limitations of traditional credit scores and how they're misaligned with modern financial lives. The guests explore the transformative power of alternative data and technology in lending, emphasizing financial inclusion for gig workers and younger borrowers. The conversation also highlights the role of open banking in creating personalized and seamless lending experiences.

Brice Van der Walle, Executive VP at Mastercard, discusses the company's exciting new partnerships aimed at enhancing payment security and tokenization. David Jarvis, CEO at Griffin, shares insights on their groundbreaking AI MCP server and its potential to revolutionize financial interactions. Lara Barbuto from OpenPayd highlights their new stablecoin infrastructure for seamless global transactions. The trio also shares personal highlights from the Money20/20 conference, providing a mix of industry insight and light-hearted conference anecdotes.

Join Joëlle Bønding, VP of Vertical Strategy at Adyen, and Stephane Dehaies, CEO of Spendesk Financial Services, as they explore the evolving landscape of spend management. They dive into how embedded finance is revolutionizing expense tracking for SMBs and discuss the critical challenges CFOs face, such as balancing cost control with growth. They highlight the transformative potential of AI in financial services and examine the powerful partnership between Spendesk and Adyen, shaping a future where seamless financial operations are a reality.

Aditi Subbarao, Strategic Partnerships Lead at Instabase, discusses how AI can reshape enterprise processes. Edoardo Volta, from Curve, reveals the launch of Curve Pay, a direct competitor to Apple Pay, emphasizing user experience and data privacy. Kate Flocken, Principal at FS Vector, navigates the implications of the CFPB's decision to retract open banking rules. They also explore Google’s innovative AI shopping experience, Kakao Pay's acquisition strategies in Korea, and surging hiring trends in UK fintech, all while addressing ethical concerns around consumer data and financial crime.

Join Martin Della Chiesa, CEO of Skaleet; Christian Rau from Mastercard; and Emilia Bayer from Primer as they unravel the exciting dynamics of unbundling and rebundling in financial services. They explore how technology is reshaping banking, driving modular services that enhance customization. The conversation contrasts outdated banking models with user-centric approaches, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships in delivering seamless experiences. Get insights on how the financial landscape might look by 2030!