Fintech Chatter: Insights From Fintech Leaders

Is Ethereum the layer to exchange value via the internet? In this episode of Fintech Chatter, host Dexter Cousins speaks with Jake Denny, Chief Commercial Officer of Pier Two, about Ethereum staking and its commercial potential.Tune in for a discussion on the differences between Ethereum, Bitcoin, and Solana, the future of money through smart contracts, and the real world use cases that are being delivered through stablecoin adoption.Find out more - https://piertwo.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction 01:28 Understanding Ethereum Staking and Its Commercial Potential07:00 The Use Cases of Ethereum vs. Bitcoin and Solana13:05 The Future of Money and the Role of Smart Contracts18:55 The Impact of Technology on Traditional Finance24:51 The Importance of Speed in Financial Transactions31:07 The Role of Curiosity and Hustle in Fintech Careers39:19 Pier Two's Mission and Vision in the Crypto Space56:24 Connecting DeFi and TradFi: Opportunities for CollaborationSend us a textContact info@tieronepeople.com for further detailsSubscribe Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fintech-leaders-7092732051488980992/Connect on Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3DsCJBp

In this episode of Fintech Chatter, Dexter Cousins speaks with Morty Tollo, co-founder of Elbaite and Faststables.com, about the intersection of traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralised finance (DeFi). They discuss the evolution of Elbaite, the importance of stablecoins in solving everyday business problems, and the challenges posed by regulation and banking in the crypto space. Morty shares insights on the future of crypto, and his observations from Token 2049 in Singapore. The need for optionality in payment solutions paints a bright future for stablecoins in the evolving landscape of financial services.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Elbaite and Morty Tollo02:20 Bridging TradFi and DeFi10:22 Challenges and Successes of FastStables17:04 The Future of Stablecoins and Banking27:37 Connecting with Elbaite and Closing ThoughtsFind out more: https://www.faststables.com/https://elbaite.com/auConnect with Morty on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mortytollo/Send us a textContact info@tieronepeople.com for further detailsSubscribe Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fintech-leaders-7092732051488980992/Connect on Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3DsCJBp

In this final episode on Housing Affordability, Fintech Chatter host, Dexter Cousins speaks with Dean Fraser, founder of BrickFloor.BrickFloor aims to help "Forever Renters" through innovative property technology and fintech solutions, including a market price guarantee product that locks in a price for sellers before they go to market.Find out more - https://brickfloor.com.au/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Housing Affordability Solutions02:39 Understanding BrickFloor's Business Model05:32 Navigating the Challenges of the Housing Market08:21 Regulatory Hurdles and Product Innovation11:08 Success Stories and Customer Experiences17:02 Future Plans for BrickFloorSend us a textContact info@tieronepeople.com for further detailsSubscribe Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fintech-leaders-7092732051488980992/Connect on Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3DsCJBp

In this episode of Fintech Chatter, host Dexter Cousins speaks with Matt McKenzie, CEO and co-founder of Nuj, a Regtech company making serious strides in the Aus$ 4trn Superannuation sector. Nuj’s plug-and-play solution streamlines workflows while ensuring compliance with all current and upcoming regulations.The platform enables quick integration, with automated workflows, audit trails, and real-time updates.Nuj raised a $4m seed round in early 2025 and counts Bluechip names like MUFG and AMP as clients.Find out more - https://www.nujsuper.com/Key topics covered in the chat:Nudge was founded during COVID-19 in 2020.The superannuation industry has significant legacy challenges.Client acquisition requires proving value in a slow-moving market.Funding strategies can include leveraging early client relationships.Growth in fintech requires patience and resilience.Remote work has become integral to Nudge's culture.Establishing authentic company values is crucial for team alignment.Hiring should focus on cultural fit and embracing collective wisdom.Networking within the fintech community provides valuable insights.Future growth at Nuj will leverage AI and technological innovations.Connect with Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-mckenzie/Send us a textContact info@tieronepeople.com for further detailsSubscribe Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fintech-leaders-7092732051488980992/Connect on Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3DsCJBp

Another instalment of our series on Housing Affordability! In this episode, Dexter speaks with OSQO CEO Stuart McGregor on how they're using Blockchain technology to solve housing affordability and the last frontier of finance yet to be adapted for the internet - Debt!Starting with deposit gap loans - Stuart shares his bold and ambitious vision https://depositgaploans.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Housing Affordability Challenges01:21 Osco's Innovative Approach to Home Ownership02:51 The Role of Technology in Fintech Solutions08:19 Navigating Regulatory Challenges in Fintech11:53 The Evolution of Osco's Business Model15:02 Future Opportunities and Market Adaptation21:11 Connecting Capital Supply and Demand for Home OwnershipFind out more - https://depositgaploans.com/Send us a textContact info@tieronepeople.com for further detailsSubscribe Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fintech-leaders-7092732051488980992/Connect on Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3DsCJBp

In a captivating discussion, Alan Costello, the second employee at Afterpay, shares his remarkable journey from the startup's humble beginnings to its rise as a global fintech giant. He delves into the challenges of rapid growth and the critical importance of timing and relationships in business success. Alan reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, the impact of external factors like the pandemic, and what it truly means to scale a company while maintaining culture. His insights offer a unique window into the dynamic world of fintech.

In this episode of Fintech Chatter, we continue our series on the challenges of housing affordability in Australia. Dexter Cousins speaks with Michael Ragavan, founder of Our Leg Up.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Housing Affordability02:48 The Concept of OurLegUp05:37 Innovation in Financial Products08:37 Challenges in Product Development12:17 Investor Relations and Capital Raising14:21 Legal Wins and Product Feasibility16:08 Future Plans and Market StrategyFind out more: https://www.ourlegup.com/Send us a textContact info@tieronepeople.com for further detailsSubscribe Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fintech-leaders-7092732051488980992/Connect on Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3DsCJBp

In this episode of our special series on Housing Affordability, Dexter speaks with Lynda Coker, co-founder of Co-Operty, about their innovative solution enabling fractional co-ownership of property.Here's what's discussed.00:00 Introduction to Housing Affordability and Co-Opity01:51 Understanding Co-Ownership as a Solution04:48 The Role of Parents in Home Buying07:42 Navigating the Lending Landscape10:49 Challenges in Integrating with Lenders13:03 Innovative Approaches to Property Ownership15:29 Future Roadmap for Co-Operty18:26 Fractional Property OwnershipFind out more about Co-operty https://co-operty.com/Send us a textContact info@tieronepeople.com for further detailsSubscribe Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fintech-leaders-7092732051488980992/Connect on Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3DsCJBp

In this episode of Fintech Chatter, host Dexter Cousins speaks with Ritchie Cotton, co-founder of Valiant Finance, about the company's journey over the past decade. Key Talking PointsValiant connects small businesses with the right finance options.The company has helped nearly 25,000 small businesses with over $2bn in funding.How Ritchie and Co-founder Alex Molloy met and the genesis for Valiant.Building one of the best working environments in Fintech.Valiant's push into embedded finance solutions.Getting the right combination of technology and human touch.How COVID-19 was a pivotal moment for Valiant.Valiant's plans for global expansion.The companies customer centric values.Ritchie's leadership style and focus on empowering teams and fostering collaboration.Find out more https://www.valiantfinance.com/careersSend us a textContact info@tieronepeople.com for further detailsSubscribe Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fintech-leaders-7092732051488980992/Connect on Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3DsCJBp

In this episode of Fintech Chatter, Dexter Cousins speaks with Mark Macduffie of Downsizer about the pressing issue of housing affordability in Australia. They discuss the challenges faced by the downsizer segment, the innovative solutions being implemented in the FinTech space, and the importance of collaboration within the industry to address these challenges. Downsizer helps baby boomers find properties with zero cash deposit.There are 1.9 million homeowners in Australia looking to downsize.Downsizer has sold $168 million of property off the plan to downsizers.The 'bank of mum and dad' is becoming a common transaction method.Future plans include launching in the UK and expanding their white label technology offerings.Find out more https://Downsizer.com.auSend us a textContact info@tieronepeople.com for further detailsSubscribe Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fintech-leaders-7092732051488980992/Connect on Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3DsCJBp