

Fintech Chatter: Insights From Fintech Leaders
Dexter Cousins | Fintech Headhunter and Founder
Fintech Chatter Podcast has been leading conversations with Fintech founders since 2019!Join the Fintech Chatter Podcast, where we dive into the world of fintech with industry leaders and innovators. Brought to you by Tier One People, Australia's leading executive search and recruitment firm for fintech ventures. Each episode features an exclusive interview with a Fintech leader, uncovering their secrets to success and the lessons learned along the way. Fintech Chatter has become the archive for anyone serious about launching and building a successful Fintech company.Whether you're a fintech founder, professional, investor, or enthusiast, gain valuable insights from expert interviews and discussions on raising capital, hiring, international expansion, innovation and technology.Tune in to stay ahead of the trends in the rapidly-evolving fintech landscape.Dexter also shares his expertise on careers, leadership and hiring all through a Fintech lens.Follow Dexter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dextercousins/Follow Tier One People: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tier-one-people
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 15, 2025 • 23min
Giving 100% selling certainty to home sellers - Dean Fraser, Brickfloor
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

Sep 8, 2025 • 40min
Nuj Super - Matt McKenzie
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

Sep 3, 2025 • 26min
Building the Internet of Debt - Stuart McGregor, OSQO
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

Aug 29, 2025 • 36min
From Employee 2 to 10,002: Alan Costello on the Afterpay Story
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.

Aug 25, 2025 • 19min
Giving First time Buyers a Leg Up - Michael Ragavan
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

Aug 21, 2025 • 26min
Co-Operty: A New Path to Homeownership
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

Aug 18, 2025 • 52min
10 Years of Valiant With Ritchie Cotton
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

Aug 13, 2025 • 26min
Downsizer - The Role of Downsizing in Addressing Housing Affordability
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

Aug 6, 2025 • 21min
Frontya - Fixing Housing Affordability Ep3
In the third part of our Fixing Housing Affordability series, host Dexter Cousins speaks with Nir Golan and Robbie Baskin from Frontya.We showcase another innovative approach to tackling housing affordability in Australia. Frontya have identified the challenges faced by first home buyers are amplified by the role of property investors.Frontya's innovative funding model aims to double deposits for home buyers, enabling them to access the property market more effectively. On the other side of the problem they've developed a managed fund geared specifically to property investors, helping them spread their risk whilst also supporting first time buyers.To find out more go to https://frontya.com.au/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

Aug 3, 2025 • 46min
Innovating Home Ownership: James Bowe from OwnHome
In this episode of Fintech Chatter, host Dexter Cousins chats with James Bowe, CEO and co-founder of OwnHome, about the innovative solutions his company is bringing to the housing market. James shares insights into the challenges of housing affordability and accessibility in Australia, and how OwnHome is empowering families to own homes sooner by funding deposits and providing buyer's agent support.James discusses the genesis of OwnHome, highlighting the financial and legal structuring challenges that inspired him and his co-founder to tackle the housing crisis. Tune in to learn about the successes and partnerships that have propelled OwnHome forward, and gain valuable insights into the current state of the fintech industry. Whether you're a potential homeowner or interested in fintech innovation, this episode offers a compelling look at how OwnHome is making a difference.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