Fintech Chatter: Insights From Fintech Leaders

🎯 1M+ paying users 🇦🇺 Australian market 💡 One remarkable journeyThe Spriggy story returns to Fintech Chatter, five years after their debut. Our most-requested guest ever is back with insights you can't afford to miss.Follow now - premiering Friday, Feb 21st.Send us a textSubscribe Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fintech-leaders-7092732051488980992/Connect on Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3DsCJBp

Dexter Cousins welcomes Sean O'Malley CEO of AMP Bank for his Fintech Chatter debut. It's been a BIG week for AMP Bank as they launched their new digital mobile-first bank aimed at helping small business owners manage their business and personal finances.Dexter and Sean discuss the role of technology in modern banking and how an established financial institution tackles innovation.Sean and Dexter uncover AMP’s extensive research on the needs of small businesses and the need for more human support in banking. Sean also shares the thesis on the problem they’re solving and the rapidly evolving nature of how, when and where people work.And Sean shares his secrets to successful partnerships showcasing their relationship with UK Fintech Starling Bank and their ‘Engine’ platform.About Sean O’Malley Sean O’Malley was appointed the Group Executive of AMP Bank in September 2021, after 11 years at AMP. He is responsible for the management and growth of AMP Bank, delivering its future growth strategy, uplifting its digital capability and ensuring the ongoing delivery of high-quality products and services to customers.He has over 25 years of experience in delivering enhanced business results, predominately in the financial services industries.About AMP BankAMP Bank is aiming to disrupt the small business banking market in Australia. They have launched a fully digital, 24x7 human-supported, full-service Bank to help serve the needs of the Australian small business community.Their aim is to help Small businesses get started, survive and thrive, embracing the challenge of bringing new thinking, new ways of working and new bold ideas to a 26 year old Bank, inside a 175 year old Super & Wealth business.Key Takeaways AMP Bank has launched a fully digital offering for small business owners.The future of work is evolving, with more emphasis on gig and flexible employment. Sean sees continued growth in small and micro businesses as a result.The banking industry faces challenges in balancing innovation and risk management.Brand reputation is crucial for banks, especially in the digital age.Curiosity and a willingness to learn are key traits for success.AMP Bank is focused on building a customer-centric culture.Partnerships are vital for delivering innovative banking solutions.Chapters00:00   The Launch of AMP Bank's New Platform03:39   Targeting Small Businesses & Personal Banking Customers06:03   Insights on the Future of Work11:13     Viewing Business Failures as Learning Opportunities14:18    Embracing the Challenges of Modern Workforces17:31     Lessons from Fintech Startups and Neobanks23:00   Navigating Change and Innovation at AMP27:28    The Importance of Strategic Business Relationships31:53    Risk Management in Fintech Partnerships35:58   Talent Acquisition and Staff Retention38:59   Managing Stress and Building Resilience43:50   Future Outlook for AMP BankSend us a textSubscribe Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fintech-leaders-7092732051488980992/Connect on Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3DsCJBp

Matt Baxby, CEO of Revolut Australia, shares his experience steering Revolut's growth to 50 million global customers. He discusses the unique challenges of building a digital bank in Australia, the importance of profitability, and the significance of super apps in promoting financial freedom. Matt reflects on shifting attitudes towards financial independence across generations, emphasizing team dynamics and entrepreneurial leadership in navigating the fintech landscape. He also highlights Revolut's ambitious plans for 2025 and the necessity of user-friendly technology in consumer banking.

A little taste of what is to come in this weeks Fintech Leader episode of Fintech Chatter.Matt Baxby, CEO of Revolut Australia joins Dexter Cousins to take about his five years with Revolut, their remarkable growth to 50 million customers, the path to profitability and what it takes to succeed at a Fintech unicorn.Send us a textSubscribe Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fintech-leaders-7092732051488980992/Connect on Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3DsCJBp

In this rant, Dexter Cousins discusses the ongoing debate between Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Merit, Excellence, and Intelligence (MEI) in hiring practices. He argues that while diversity is essential, it should not come at the expense of merit. Dexter highlights the importance of hiring based on meritocracy to improve business performance and shares insights from the McKinsey Report on diversity's impact on financial returns. He highlights the need for companies to focus on the overall talent of their executive teams rather than just superficial diversity metrics. The McKinsey Report - https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/why-diversity-matters----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Follow us LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fintech-chatter-podcastContact us - https://tieronepeople.com/contact/Send us a textSubscribe Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fintech-leaders-7092732051488980992/Connect on Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3DsCJBp

About this EpisodeDexter Cousins talks with Tristan Dakin, Country Manager at Wise on the Fintech Chatter Podcast. They chat about the innovative solutions Wise provides in the payments technology space and the complexities of instant payments. Tristan speaks about the company's growth and the challenges of operating in a highly regulated environment.He shares insights into Wise's culture, the importance of transparency in financial services, and the future of fintech in Australia.About WiseWise launched in 2011 making international money transfers cheap, fair, and simple their vision. Today, their multi-currency account helps millions of customers and businesses manage their money globally.Their story started in London with Taavet (paid in Euro's) & Kristo (paid in Pounds) solving the issue of making money in one country but needing to meet payment commitments in their home country. Expensive fees and bad exchange rates led them to make a simple workaround. Taavet would pay Kristo's mortgage in Estonia and Kristo would pay him back in pounds.No waiting, no stress, and no extra cost, they quickly realised that they had hit upon a great idea and TransferWise was born. They have since added a multi-currency account, a debit card, and a business account, and changed their name to Wise.About TristanTristan joined Wise in 2020, and since 2022, has been leading Wise in ANZ as Country Manager. Before joining Wise, Tristan worked in the financial services industry, including Lombard Securities in the UK.He is skilled in FX, Banking, Management, Financial Markets, Trading, Structured Products and Derivatives, and Financial Risk.Key TakewaysWise aims to build the best way for people to move money globally.The company focuses on transparency in fees and payment processes.Instant payments are achieved through advanced technology and infrastructure.Wise's growth has been significant, with millions of active customers.The complexity of regulatory compliance is a major challenge for fintechs.Tristan's background in financial services shaped his approach at Wise.The culture at Wise emphasises autonomy and problem-solving.Australia's fintech landscape is evolving, with increasing competition.Regulatory changes could enhance transparency in the financial sector.Wise is committed to empowering customers and improving financial services.Chapters00:00    Introduction to Fintech Chatter and Wise01:15      Wise's Mission and Products03:27     Challenges of Cross-Border Payments07:09     The Complexity of Instant Payments09:10     Wise's Growth and Market Presence10:54     Wise's Centralised Infrastructure and Competitive Advantage12:32      Australia's Unique Remittance Landscape13:18      Tristan's Background and Attraction to Wise16:25     The Role of Country Manager at Wise17:55      Inspiration and Motivation in Fintech19:43     Cohesion and Culture at WISE26:51      Navigating the FinTech Landscape in Australia30:18     The Future of FinTech: Trends and Innovations38:36     Download the Wise AppSend us a textSubscribe Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fintech-leaders-7092732051488980992/Connect on Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3DsCJBp

About this Episode Dexter Cousins calls in the expert for the annual Fintech Predictions 2025! We welcome Danny Levy Managing Director, Asia & ANZ for Money 20/20. Dexter and Danny discuss the evolution & significance of Money 2020 and they chat about the unique experience and the rigorous selection process undertaken for speakers.Danny shares insights on trends for 2025, highlighting the rapid changes in the banking scene, the rise of digital payments, and the opportunities in embedded finance. They also explore the role of AI in FinTech and the importance of maintaining energy and focus while travelling for business. About Money 20/20Money20/20 is the world’s leading, premium content, sales and networking platform for the global money ecosystem.Their events feature in-depth analytics & inspirational speakers, our world-class insight and networking opportunities help our customers stay ahead.Key TakeawaysMoney 2020 is designed to create a unique festival-like experience.The event focuses on quality networking and content over quantity.Health and wellness initiatives are now integral to event planning.Speaker selection is based on editorial integrity and industry relevance.The banking landscape in Asia is rapidly evolving with digital innovations.Digital payments are leading the way in cross-border transactions.Embedded finance presents significant growth opportunities in FinTech.AI is transforming customer service and operational efficiency in financial services.FinTech innovations can significantly improve financial inclusion.Maintaining personal health and wellness is crucial for high performance in business.About DannyWith 15 years of senior leadership experience in Singapore, Danny is an accomplished business leader with a proven track record of scaling businesses and driving record-breaking profits. As the founder and host of "Digital Transformation & Leadership," a top 100 Business podcast, Danny regularly engages with industry leaders from global companies. He is a guest host on the South China Morning Post podcast, focusing on digital transformation.Danny serves as an Ambassador for the Emerging Payments Association Asia (EPAA).Danny spent a decade as Managing Director at Worldwide Business Research, where he delivered consecutive record-breaking profit results and led market expansion across Asia and ANZ.Danny’s leadership philosophy centres on creating empowering environments where teams can excel. He is passionate about strategic business growth and innovation, recruiting and developing high-potential talent, building inclusive, high-performing teams, and driving innovation and digital transformation.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Money2020 and Its Impact 03:36 The Evolution of Money202006:28 Wellness and Networking at Events09:22 Speaker Selection and Content Integrity12:18 Trends and Insights from the 2025 Report15:05 Digital Payments and Cross-Border Innovations17:56 The Role of Regulators and Collaboration in FinTech20:47 Opportunities in Emerging Markets23:49 Innovations and Challenges in FinTech26:50 The Evolution of AI in FinTech29:39 Identifying Opportunities in FinTech33:20 Game-Changing Innovations inSend us a textSubscribe Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fintech-leaders-7092732051488980992/Connect on Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3DsCJBp

After receiving great feedback on our LinkedIn posts this year, Dexter has decided to record a weekly rant sharing his thoughts and insights on leadership, careers and Fintech.In this very first episode, Dexter discusses the impact of AI on the job market, AI is indeed replacing jobs rather than just augmenting them. He highlights the shift in focus from hiring based on technical skills to leadership capabilities, reflecting a broader trend in Fintech. Dexter also provides insights on how professionals should adapt their experience to remain relevant in a rapidly changing industry.TakeawaysAI is replacing jobs, not just augmenting them.Fintech companies are thriving with fewer employees.The focus is shifting from skills to leadership capabilities.Leadership can come from any background or demographic.Every hire should embody leadership qualities.Experience should be framed around problem-solving.The next 20-30 years will differ significantly from the past.Diversity in leadership is essential for success.Adapting resumes to highlight relevant experience is crucial.If you enjoyed this format send us a message.You can check out the episode with Paul Roos on Leadership - https://tieronepeople.com/2025/01/21/paul-roos-building-high-performance-cultures/Send us a textSubscribe Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fintech-leaders-7092732051488980992/Connect on Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3DsCJBp

About this Episode Dexter Cousins interviews Craig Carroll, co-founder of JustFund, one of Australia's fastest-growing startups.Craig shares their innovative approach to solving a problem that creates untold stress on those seeking divorce - lending for family law fees.With a background as a serial entrepreneur, Craig shares insights on navigating uncertainty, his lessons learned from the US market, the importance of company culture, and the role of AI in enhancing client service. Dexter gets to discuss his favourite topic - hiring the right talent and building a strong company culture as JustFund prepares for international expansion.About Craig Craig is passionate about financial services, education and technologies that either promote economic well-being and/or address societal challenges. Craig's career has been focused on creating, building and managing teams, raising capital, consumer social lending, product development, software development, corporate strategy and general management across various sectors.Craig has extensive experience developing services that help individuals deal with financial matters. He has also advised educational institutions on admission strategies and accessibility. Throughout his career, Craig has been an investor and advisor to various early-stage and growth companies. Key TakeawaysJustFund has approved about $115 million in lines of credit since its inception.Lessons from the US market -the importance of controlling customer acquisition costs.JustFund focuses on client-centric solutions for individuals facing family law issues.The cultural differences between the US and Australia have a major impact on business strategies and operations.How AI can enhance productivity and client service in the lending process.Hiring for adaptability and resilience is crucial in a startup environment.Building a strong company culture from day one is essential for long-term success.JustFund's plans to expand into international markets, starting with New Zealand.Chapters00:00 Introduction to JustFund and Its Mission03:24 Innovating Financial Products Using Data06:36 The Role of AI in Product Development12:17 Rapid Growth and Scaling Strategies19:26 Craig's Experience in the USA23:32 Australian vs US Talent27:40 The Challenges of Hiring in 202531:36 Setting the Foundations of Culture36:35 The Benefits of Being Obsessed with NPSLinks & Resources:Visit JustFund websiteConnect with Craig Carroll Connect with Dexter CousinsLearn more about Tier One PeopleSend us a textSubscribe Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fintech-leaders-7092732051488980992/Connect on Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3DsCJBp

In this special episode of Fintech Chatter, host Dexter Cousins speaks with Paul Roos, AFL legend and founder of Performance by Design. They explore the parallels between elite sports and startup culture, discussing how founders and leaders can build high-performance teams on a budget! About Paul Paul shares insights from his trophy-winning coaching career, steering the Sydney Swans to their first title in 72 years! The culture Roosy built at the club is still legendary 20 years later. He's spent the past decade advising startups and executives at some of Australia's largest companies on building high-performing cultures and unique challenges faced by Fintech founders.In the interview Dexter and Paul discuss the importance of self-awareness, the role of leadership in shaping culture, and the challenges startups face as they grow. The conversation also touches on the significance of health and wellbeing in leadership, and how small companies can create a positive culture that drives success.Key TakeawaysThe culture built at the Sydney Swans is a model for startup success.Leadership behaviours directly influence organisational culture.Self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership.Startups must define their culture early to avoid fragmentation.Investing in culture can prevent costly turnover.High-performance teams require clear role definitions.Remote work challenges can be overcome with a team-first mindset.Health and well-being are essential for leadership effectiveness.Leaders should model the behaviours they want to see in their teams.Incremental changes can lead to significant improvements in culture.Chapters00:00   Introduction and Guest Background04:38   Transition from Sports to Corporate Culture09:30   Building a High-Performance Culture14:11      Leadership and Self-Awareness in Startups18:44    The Importance of Foundational Culture23:25    Role of Leaders in Shaping Culture27:16     Navigating Growth and Leadership Challenges30:13    The Shift to Remote Work and Team Dynamics33:11     Hiring for Culture and Team Cohesion36:32   The Importance of Defining Company Culture39:07   Mental Health and Personal Wellbeing in Leadership42:02    Looking Ahead: Commitment to Growth in 2025LinksVisit Performance by Design websiteConnect with Paul RoosConnect with Dexter CousinsLearn more about Tier One PeopleSend us a textSubscribe Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fintech-leaders-7092732051488980992/Connect on Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3DsCJBp