Fintech Chatter: Insights From Fintech Leaders

Most people treat networking like fitness - they lie on the sofa for three years, then panic when they're out of shape. In this episode, Dexter Cousins breaks down the 95-5 principle: 95% of your job hunting success comes from 5% of your network. Learn how to identify the critical 5% of your network, activate them strategically, and turn two-minute conversations into warm introductions. This is networking done right.KEY TAKEAWAYSThe 95-5 Principle: Focus on your critical 5%, not broadcasting to thousands T1/T2/T3 Framework: How to filter your network strategically The Two-Minute Ask: Why small requests get bigger results Compounding: How one conversation generates 1-2 warm introductions  The Trust Shortcut: Borrow credibility through warm introductionsFREE DOWNLOADNetwork Activation Worksheet - Get your T1/T2/T3 filter template, email scripts, and conversation guide. https://tieronepeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Network_Activation_Worksheet-1.pdfABOUT THE HOSTDexter Cousins is Managing Director of Tier One People, the executive search firm for Fintech. With 25+ years in recruitment, Dexter has an unmatched record helping fintech companies build exceptional leadership teams.NEXT EPISODEEpisode 4: The Interview - How to interview like you're diagnosing their business, not begging for a job.Send us a textConnect on with Dexter Cousins on Linkedin Hire Exceptional Fintech Talent Subscribe on LinkedIn

🚀 Hire outstanding Fintech talent - https://tieronepeople.com✅ Follow Dexter on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dextercousins/⬇️ Download the worksheet - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rkcgAsabfYtPrZw1owzg1BpsnUxvLCDR/view?usp=sharingIn this episode of FinTech Chatter, Dexter Cousins shares insights on how to find your next role in the fintech industry using the Lean Startup methodology. He emphasizes the importance of creating a career balance sheet, identifying problem customers, and positioning oneself as an expert before applying for jobs. Dexter provides practical steps to research and validate hypotheses about companies' needs, turning job hunting into a targeted and strategic process.00:00 Creating Your Professional Brand06:24 Leveraging Top Brands07:42 Finding Target Companies08:31 Organizing Your Research10:42 Iterating Your Approach12:02 The Importance of Precision in Job ApplicationsSend us a textConnect on with Dexter Cousins on Linkedin Hire Exceptional Fintech Talent Subscribe on LinkedIn

Thinking about your next career move in 2026? Maybe you're actively hunting for your next role in Fintech?This is Episode 1 of a 5-part series that completely flips the script on job hunting in fintech. Whether you're looking for a permanent role or exploring fractional opportunities, this approach will transform your entire career conversation.Most job seekers approach their career transition completely backwards. They ask the wrong questions, compete on the wrong battlefield, and leave millions in untapped value on the table. This episode introduces the framework that transforms you from "Please hire me" to "Here's the problem I solve. Here's why you'd be crazy not to talk to me."We break down:- Why conventional job hunting is fundamentally broken- The questions you should be asking instead- How to identify the concrete problems you solve- The Career Balance Sheet framework- Real-world examples of value creation ($1.5M, $20M+, +40% revenue growth)- Why this framework makes you remarkably hireableSend us a textConnect on with Dexter Cousins on Linkedin Hire Exceptional Fintech Talent Subscribe on LinkedIn

In this episode, Dexter discusses the silent crisis affecting job seekers, highlighting the alarming rates of burnout and mental health issues before employment. He explores the current job market landscape, the challenges candidates face, and the impact of financial stress on mental health. TakeawaysTwo-thirds of job seekers are experiencing burnout.The average job hunt takes almost six months.Job seekers send an average of 294 applications before landing a job.Financial stress and mental health are intertwined issues.Over 70% of employers research candidates on social media.82% of employees are at risk of burnout in 2025.Gen Z and millennials report peak burnout at just 25 years old.Financial pressure is the top concern for young Australians.Candidates may exhibit odd behavior due to stress.Understanding candidates' contexts is crucial in recruitment.Send us a textConnect on with Dexter Cousins on Linkedin Hire Exceptional Fintech Talent Subscribe on LinkedIn

Dexter Cousins brings a new weekly insight on Fintech careers and hiring.In this episode he explores the growing trend of C-suite professionals contemplating a shift from their current roles to alternatives that better support their well-being. While at the same time executives who have made the shift by becoming self-employed or starting Fractional service offerings, are seeking permanent work again.Let s know what you think. What has been your experience in either offering Fractional Exec services or using them?Send us a textConnect on with Dexter Cousins on Linkedin Hire Exceptional Fintech Talent Subscribe on LinkedIn

In this episode of Fintech Chatter, host Dexter Cousins speaks with Dan Jowett, CEO of OpenMarkets Group, about the rapid convergence of Tradfi and DeFiAbout OpenMarkets GroupPower your Fintech, Advisory, or Trading business with an end-to-end Wealth Management and Trading solutions. Openmarkets empowers financial institutions and advisers to deliver a seamless investment experience to their clients. They provide a comprehensive suite of trading, clearing and settlement, custody, and technology solutions that enable businesses to efficiently manage portfolios, scale their business, and support investors in achieving their financial objectives.About This EpisodeTune in as Dan and Dexter discuss how OpenMarkets has transformed from a traditional stockbroker to a technology-focused fintech, the regulatory hurdles facing the crypto industry, and the future of equities trading in a rapidly changing environment.Chapters00:00 Introduction to OpenMarkets and Fintech Landscape02:26 Evolution of OpenMarkets: From Stockbroker to Tech Innovator06:08 Navigating the Future: DeFi and Traditional Finance11:45 Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities in Digital Assets15:37 Building a Strong Culture at OpenMarkets18:47 Navigating Market Changes in Fintech21:07 Lessons from Leadership During Challenging Times23:22 The Importance of Networking and Global Perspectives24:26 The Future of DeFi and Regulatory Challenges27:24 Cultivating a Positive Workplace Culture30:59 Finding the Right Fit in a Dynamic EnvironmentFind Out More - https://openmarkets.com.au/Send us a textConnect on with Dexter Cousins on Linkedin Hire Exceptional Fintech Talent Subscribe on LinkedIn

In this episode of Fintech Chatter, host Dexter Cousins speaks with Joni Pirovich, a crypto compliance expert and founder of Crystal AOS. They discuss Joni's journey from being a crypto lawyer to a tech founder, the challenges of hiring in the compliance space, and the role of AI in enhancing productivity and filling the compliance knowledge gap in the digital assets space. Joni and Dexter chat about the current state of play in the crypto industry in Australia, regulatory challenges, and the need for holistic policy to foster innovation in the tech sector.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Fintech Chatter and Guest Background04:50 The Evolution of Compliance in Crypto09:24 AI's Role in Enhancing Compliance and Legal Practices14:11 Challenges in the Australian Crypto Landscape18:43 The Need for Holistic Regulatory Approaches23:18 Building a Supportive Ecosystem for Startups27:56 Conclusion and Future OutlookContact Joni: joni@crystalaos.com Send us a textConnect on with Dexter Cousins on Linkedin Hire Exceptional Fintech Talent Subscribe on LinkedIn

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 textConnect on with Dexter Cousins on Linkedin Hire Exceptional Fintech Talent Subscribe on LinkedIn

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 textConnect on with Dexter Cousins on Linkedin Hire Exceptional Fintech Talent Subscribe on LinkedIn

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 textConnect on with Dexter Cousins on Linkedin Hire Exceptional Fintech Talent Subscribe on LinkedIn