Fintech Insider Podcast by 11:FS

Matej Pfajfar, Group CTO at Monzo Bank and former Google Android developer, discusses the unseen challenges of banking outages. He explains how Monzo’s innovative Monzo Stand-In solution keeps services available even during failures. The conversation dives into the engineering strategies essential for operational continuity and customer security. Matej also emphasizes Monzo's unique culture that fosters resilience and collaboration, ensuring they stay ahead in an increasingly tumultuous landscape.

This discussion features Veronica Glab, an independent fintech strategist; Lucy Ingham, VP of Content at FXC Intelligence; and James Dodsworth, a senior manager at Thistle Initiatives. They dive into Revolut's aggressive €1 billion investment in France and the implications of acquiring a banking license. The panel also critiques new regulations on Buy Now, Pay Later schemes in the UK, weighing consumer protections against potential industry impacts. Additionally, they explore funding disparities for women in fintech and innovative trends in cross-border payments.

Triona Smith, Director at Visa specializing in digital products, David McGuiness, Chief Product Officer at Frisbii, and David Messenger, CEO of PingPong, delve into the evolving payments landscape. They discuss the necessity of speed beyond 2020, the rise of invisible payments, and how AI and tokenization are revolutionizing security and consumer experience. The guests also highlight merchants' challenges in adopting new technologies and emphasize the bold strategies needed to future-proof payment experiences in the rapidly changing digital world.

Join Jason Mikula, a fintech consultant, Monika Liikamaa, CEO of Enfuce, and Dave Morris, CEO of 11:FS Foundry, as they dive into the latest happenings in the fintech world. They discuss the anticipated IPOs of Monzo and Chime, unraveling their growth strategies and market positions. The collaboration between Ramp and Stripe for stablecoin payments takes center stage, while Nordic countries aim to enhance offline payment systems to counter cyber threats. Furthermore, Klarna's shift to prioritizing human interaction over AI sparks a fascinating debate.

Richard Davies, CEO of Allica Bank, brings extensive experience from giants like HSBC and Barclays to the fintech scene. He discusses Allica's unique approach to SME banking, focusing on relationship-led service and rapid growth strategies. Richard shares insights on competing with neobanks, the role of AI in finance, and the quirky branding strategy behind the iconic orange bowler hat. He addresses the pressing issue of credit access for SMEs in the UK and outlines the bank's ambitious goals for future expansion.

Raphael Landesmann, Director Regulatory Counsel at GSR, shares insights on the evolving crypto regulations. Carl Hazeley, CEO of Finimize, discusses how financial firms can engage consumers better while navigating challenges in the fintech space. Mathieu Limousi, CMO at Thunes, highlights the significance of mobile wallets and Tide’s new BNPL feature aimed at small businesses. The trio also tackles the implications of PayPal's mobile wallet launch in Germany and the UK FCA's potential ban on credit card crypto purchases, showcasing the dynamic intersection of innovation and regulation.

Francesca Carlesi, UK CEO of Revolut and co-founder of Molo Finance, shares her insights on Revolut's transformative year after securing a banking license and surpassing 10 million UK customers. She discusses the company's relentless innovation culture and plans for expansion into wealth management and SME banking. The conversation highlights the challenges of traditional banks versus fintech disruptors and emphasizes the importance of customer-centricity and trust in this rapidly evolving financial landscape.

Steve Quirk, Chief Brokerage Officer at Robinhood, discusses the company's strong financial performance and the launch of Robinhood Gold, targeting wealth management. Miguel Armaza, General Partner at Gilgamesh Ventures, shares insights on Nubank's new banking license in Mexico, enabling broader service offerings. Kate Drew, Director of Research at CCG Catalyst, highlights Thunes' $150 million funding for cross-border payments and the launch of a UK crypto and AI accelerator by Coinbase. The panel explores fintech trends and the evolving investing landscape.

Ian Rand, CEO of Monument Bank, leads a digital private bank tailored for the mass affluent. He shares insights on Monument's impressive growth and how it's transforming wealth management for a demographic often overlooked by traditional banks. Rand emphasizes the importance of a digital-first approach, personalized services, and robust client engagement. The discussion also delves into cybersecurity challenges and the future of wealth management, highlighting the role of technology in democratizing financial services for diverse clients.

Nick Philpott, co-founder of Zodia Markets, discusses the significant acquisition of Worldpay by Global Payments, predicting a shift in payment solutions dynamics. Hannah Baynham from Haboo Money shares insights on their flexible repayment platform and the cultural shift needed to treat borrowers with greater dignity. Meanwhile, Doug Mackenzie highlights the potential of Circle's Payments Network in revolutionizing cross-border payments using stablecoins. The guests delve into the growth of fintech in MENA, particularly how Saudi Arabia is leading the venture capital charge.