Fintech Layer Cake

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.

In this episode of Fintech Layer Cake, host Reggie Young sits down with Scott Johnson, President of the Card Division at LoanPro. Scott shares his deep expertise from over two decades in fintech, including his time at Galileo and his current work at LoanPro, where they are pioneering transactional-level credit. Together, they discuss the core pillars of launching a credit card, common mistakes fintech founders make, and how the lending landscape is evolving. Whether you’re a fintech builder or just curious about how credit cards really work, this conversation is packed with insights on the future of card issuing and credit products.

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.

In this episode of Fintech Layer Cake, Reggie Young sits down with Ashwin Vasan and Peter Freeman, partners at FS Vector, to discuss the evolving regulatory landscape and its implications for fintech and banking innovation. From personnel changes in Washington to the future of digital assets and data privacy, Ashwin and Peter provide actionable insights on what’s shaping the fintech industry in the wake of election outcomes.

In this episode of Fintech Layer Cake, Reggie Young is joined by Matthew Goldman, founder of Totavi, to dive into the latest card trends of 2024 and look ahead at what's in store for 2025. As the first return guest, Matthew shares his insights on the evolving fintech landscape, including the rise of secured cards, the impact of AI in payments, the potential of stablecoins, and predictions for the future of payments. Plus, we explore the regulatory challenges fintechs may face in the coming years and the growing interest in open banking. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on the card industry’s biggest takeaways and where it's headed next.

In this episode of Fintech Layer Cake, Reggie Young speaks with Tal Schwartz, founder of the Canadian Fintech Newsletter and Exit North Ventures. Together, they explore the Canadian fintech ecosystem, comparing it with the U.S., discussing unique market dynamics, and highlighting opportunities in embedded finance and regulatory innovation. Tal also shares insights on building a Fintech fund and why Canada is primed for fintech growth.

In this episode, Reggie Young unpacks the latest insights from Money 20/20 in Las Vegas. From the rise of AI in compliance and cross-border payments to the evolving challenges in sponsor banking, Reggie dives into key trends shaping fintech. Tune in to hear his reflections and predictions on the future of financial technology and how companies are adapting in a tough regulatory landscape.

In this episode of Fintech Layer Cake, Reggie Young presents a crash course on Sponsor Bank MSAs (Master Services Agreements) with Andrew Grant, co-founder of The Runway Group. They unpack the complexities of these critical agreements, discuss the latest trends in regulatory expectations, and highlight key strategies for founders and operators to navigate sponsor-bank relationships effectively.