Fintech Layer Cake

In this episode of Fintech Layer Cake, Reggie Young sits down with Max Eber, Co-Founder of Taktile, to explore how modern fintechs are rethinking risk infrastructure. Max shares insights from building a flexible decision engine used by leading lenders and fintechs around the world. They dive into what it really takes to customize underwriting, how Taktile is approaching AI and LLMs in production, and why success often hinges on enabling teams, not just engineers, to iterate faster.Whether you're navigating credit models, fraud risk, or just curious about what LLMs can actually do in a fintech setting, this episode delivers a practical, high-level crash course on decisioning infrastructure at scale.

In this episode of Fintech Layer Cake, host Reggie Young speaks with Maik Wehmeyer, co-founder and CEO of Taktile, an AI-powered risk decisioning platform redefining how fintechs, banks, and even telcos approach mission-critical decisions.Maik shares the multi-year journey from MLOps tooling to a hyper-flexible decisioning platform, and how Taktile now powers over 150 institutions. They discuss the evolution of embedded finance, overlooked AI opportunities, and why enterprise deals are where the real money is. This episode is a masterclass on product-market fit, infrastructure innovation, and building a culture that attracts the top 1%.

In a captivating discussion, Matt Brown, an early-stage investor at Matrix Partners and former product leader at Afterpay, explores the potential of vertical SaaS and embedded fintech. He shares his unique insights on the importance of customer feedback and strategic integrity in product development. Matt dives into the dynamics of founder-investor relationships and the future of buy now, pay later services, shedding light on evolving distribution strategies in fintech. His experiences as a founder offer invaluable lessons for anyone navigating this complex landscape.

In this episode of FinTech Layer Cake, host Reggie Young speaks with Michele Alt, Co-Founder of Klaros Group, about new opportunities in fintech bank charters.They unpack the recent SmartBiz approval, what it signals for the industry, and the realities of the charter process—from regulatory hurdles to risk management. Michele also shares why now might be the best time in years to act—and why ILC charters could be the next big thing.If you're thinking about chartering, partnering, or future-proofing your fintech, this episode is a must-listen.

Simon Taylor, a fintech thought leader and writer of Fintech Brainfood, joins to discuss the future of agentic payments and Visa's new tokenization framework. He highlights real-world applications like 'vibe shopping' and automated purchasing. Trust issues and fraud challenges in AI-driven transactions are also examined, along with how Sardine's Agentic Oversight Framework tackles complex compliance tasks such as KYC. This discussion is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of payments and AI.

Join Braulio Lam, Senior Director of Engineering at EQ Bank, as he shares his wealth of experience in the fintech world. He dives into selecting the right card processor, emphasizing the importance of API documentation and customer support. Braulio discusses EQ Bank's agile transformation journey, highlighting team restructuring and fostering innovation. He also sheds light on the collaboration needed between operations and technology for successful integration. Packed with practical insights, this conversation is a goldmine for anyone in payments.

In this episode of FinTech Layer Cake, host Reggie Young speaks with Cato Pastoll (Co-founder & CEO) and Nik Nampalli (Head of Strategic Projects) of Loop—Canada’s #1 business banking platform. Loop offers multi-currency credit cards, global payment tools, and financial services that save SMBs thousands each year.Cato and Nik break down how Loop evolved into a fintech solution for Canadian businesses with cross-border needs, why multi-currency capabilities matter, and what makes Canada’s fintech landscape uniquely challenging.Whether you're navigating card issuing, expanding across borders, or curious about what’s next for Canadian fintech—this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

Scott Johnson, President of the Card Division at LoanPro, boasts over two decades of fintech experience, including pivotal time at Galileo. He dives into launching credit cards, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships and innovative design. Scott reveals the innovative concept of transactional level credit, which customizes interest rates per transaction. He also discusses the evolving landscape of credit cards, compliance challenges, and the need for fintechs to work with regulators to shape policies that benefit consumers.

In this episode of Fintech Layer Cake, host Reggie Young chats with Penny Lee, President and CEO of the Financial Technology Association (FTA). Penny shares insights on key federal fintech policy developments, the implications of open banking, and how fintech companies can navigate the evolving regulatory landscape. They discuss recent court filings related to CFPB’s final open banking rule, regulatory trends under the new administration, and opportunities for fintechs to influence policy.

Fintech Layer Cake officially kicks off its third season as Reggie Young and Alli Nilsen dive into an insightful conversation with Erica Khalili, Chief Legal Risk Officer and Co-founder of Lead. Erica shares the transformative journey of Lead, from its legacy as a century-old institution to becoming a cutting-edge fintech sponsor bank. She discusses the critical pillars of success—technical excellence, client obsession, and risk management—and reflects on the evolving landscape of fintech partnerships and compliance. Packed with real-world insights, this episode is a must-listen for fintech enthusiasts and industry leaders alike.