Tearsheet Podcast: Exploring Financial Services Together

On this episode of the Tearsheet Podcast, Nigel Vaz, CEO of Publicis Sapient, discusses how AI is fundamentally changing the financial services industry. Nigel shares his deep insights on how financial institutions can navigate this technological disruption, from enabling broader access to wealth management to AI-driven credit models in mortgage lending, and on why some banks are better positioned than others to capitalize on AI's potential.

The Tearsheet podcast often explores the intersection of financial services and technology. What makes this exploration unique is its focus on emerging trends, like the connection of the Web3 technologies of crypto and blockchain with the traditional finance ecosystem. Today, Bam Azizi, the co-founder and CEO of Mesh, joins me on the podcast. Founded in 2020, Mesh is an embedded financial platform designed to simplify crypto transactions by enabling real-time connectivity and asset transfers. Previously, Azizi co-founded the cybersecurity company, No Password. Azizi has a strong background in robotics and software engineering. He is now leading Mesh towards a future focused on tokenized assets.“Everything will be tokenized because it’s easier to transfer and build,” says Azizi. He emphasizes the importance of addressing market gaps. Mesh integrates exchanges and enables crypto payments. The Evolution of Crypto & Embedded Finance Embedded finance has emerged as a pivotal market structure in fintech. It allows financial services to be seamlessly integrated into non-financial platforms. Azizi sees Mesh as a connection aggregator, not a data aggregator. This sets it apart from competitors like Plaid. “Plaid is the right solution for traditional assets,” Azizi explains. “We are the right solution for the crypto industry.” Traditional platforms focus on aggregating banking data -- Mesh enables transactional capabilities. This includes transferring assets between exchanges and using crypto for payments. Crypto Payments and Practical Use Cases Mesh’s offerings have evolved from enabling cryptocurrency deposits to powering crypto payments. Azizi describes the creation of MeshPay, which is a comprehensive solution that addresses the unique challenges of crypto payments within a commercial setting. “Imagine paying at a coffee shop with crypto through Apple Pay,” says Azizi. This vision stems from a real-world use case where a small business embedded Mesh to accept crypto as a payment method. For regions grappling with hyperinflation, functionality like this offers real practical advantages. Tokenized Assets: The Future of Finance Azizi strongly advocates adopting tokenized assets. He predicts that “everything will be tokenized” in the coming decade. Tokenization can simplify asset transfers, improving accessibility and mirroring the digitization wave of the past two decades. Azizi believes traditional processes are inefficient. He points to asset transfers between brokerage accounts as an example. These processes are often cumbersome. Tokenized systems promise to end these inefficiencies. They pave the way for streamlined financial operations. Challenges and Opportunities with Regulation Discussing regulatory frameworks, Azizi underscores the importance of clarity. “Healthy regulation benefits everyone,” he notes. Azizi emphasizes how clear guidelines could boost cryptocurrency adoption and innovation. Mesh’s non-custodial model aligns with the crypto community’s ethos of decentralization. It resonates with users who prioritize privacy and control over their assets.

In this discussion, Paul Brody, EY’s Global Blockchain Leader and Chairman of the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance, dives into the evolving world of blockchain and its transformative potential in finance. He emphasizes how tokenization is reshaping B2B transactions by automating contracts and redefining asset ownership. Brody also clarifies the misconceptions around public versus private blockchains, highlighting the critical need for privacy even in decentralized environments. His insights offer a forward-thinking perspective on the adoption hurdles enterprises face in integrating blockchain technology.

APIs have evolved from simple data connectors to the fundamental architecture driving financial innovation. In this episode of the Tearsheet Podcast, I speak with John Pitts. Plaid’s John Pitts reveals how they’re driving open banking and empowering consumer control. He is the Global Head of Policy at Plaid. With a career spanning regulatory and policy roles, Pitts brings a unique perspective to the table. He discusses the evolving role of APIs in financial services. From his role at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to leading policy at Plaid, Pitts shares key insights on open banking. He explores how APIs are shaping the future of consumer financial data rights and fintech innovation. The Big Ideas 1. APIs Are the Backbone of Modern Financial Services. They serve as the foundation for modern financial services. This enables secure, efficient, and scalable data sharing. “It’s like moving from dirt roads to highways,” Pitts explains. 2. Consumer Control Powers the Future of Open Banking. APIs empower consumers to access and share their financial data across platforms. This fosters innovation. “The U.S. has more connected accounts than anywhere else,” Pitts notes. 3. Embedded Finance Is Becoming a Key Use Case for APIs. Companies outside the financial sector, such as Tesla and John Deere, are adopting APIs for integrated financial services. 4. APIs Enable Stronger Collaboration to Prevent Digital Fraud. They facilitate data sharing among financial institutions, creating stronger defenses against digital fraud. “Greater data sharing protects consumers,” says Pitts. 5. API Adoption Is Both a Compliance Need and a Strategic Opportunity. Financial institutions can use APIs to increase consumer engagement and maintain account primacy.

Could cryptocurrency be the key to bridging financial gaps? Can it create a more inclusive global economy? Digital assets like stablecoins and blockchain technology are reshaping how we think about money. Their potential to level the financial playing field is becoming clearer. In today’s episode of the Tearsheet podcast, I sit down with Lisa Nestor, Research Director at the Stanford Future of Digital Currency Initiative to discuss how fintech innovation is paving the way for broader financial inclusion. Lisa’s expertise spans blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, and fintech innovation. This makes her a leading voice in understanding the intersection of these fields. Lisa’s career reflects a deep commitment to financial inclusion. “When I started researching Stellar,” Lisa shares. “It brought together what I had seen [and demonstrated] the power of providing open-source financial infrastructure.” This passion for creating accessible financial systems has guided her work. It also included her current research on stablecoins and digital dollar adoption. Lisa explains how cryptocurrency, stablecoins, and blockchain can make finance fairer. Her insights show how these innovations affect cross-border payments and financial inclusion. She also discusses their role in the evolving fintech landscape. The Big Ideas 1. Open financial infrastructure creates a global ledger accessible to all. “The idea is to create a ledger that every financial institution in the world can operate on but can’t buy. It is open and available to everyone.” 2. Stablecoins provide financial security in unstable economies. “In emerging markets like Argentina, stablecoins offer a way to hedge inflation. They secure savings amidst economic instability.” 3. Tokenizing real-world assets improves liquidity and global accessibility. “Tokenizing existing assets brings improved liquidity and global accessibility to traditionally illiquid markets.” 4. Governments explore CBDCs to complement existing banking systems. “Central banks are focused on introducing CBDCs that complement. Rather than compete with, existing banking systems.” 5. Digital dollars empower individuals in the gig economy. “More individuals are earning in digital dollars through online work. This is creating new economic opportunities without physical migration.”

What if the financial hurdles of running an e-commerce business — like cash flow struggles, banking complexities, and sales tax headaches — could be simplified into one seamless platform? In today’s episode of the Tearsheet podcast, our guest Vikram Anreddy, head of product for financial services at Shopify, addresses just that. He discusses how the platform is addressing the financial needs of e-commerce entrepreneurs. His experience stems from roles at companies like Instagram and McKinsey. Anreddy is passionate about creating tools, especially the ones that ease the financial struggles of small business owners.   “Entrepreneurship is such a tough game,” Anreddy says. “The odds of success are very low, and there’s so much friction.” He explains that Shopify is focused on reducing friction for e-commerce merchants. The company builds tailored solutions to help them succeed. Shopify Finance helps manage cash flow and simplify sales tax. It provides tools designed for small business owners. This lets them focus on their craft, not administrative tasks. Anreddy details how Shopify Finance integrates deeply into the platform's ecosystem. This allows merchants to manage their finances where they already operate their businesses. He also sheds light on innovative offerings like Shopify Capital Loans and Shopify Balance. These cater to the unique needs of small businesses. “Our goal is to stretch cash flows and end unnecessary complexities for our merchants,” Anreddy notes. Shopify Finance: A suite of tools for e-commerce merchants Shopify Finance addresses a critical pain point for merchants: managing their money. Traditional banking solutions often fail to cater to the unique needs of e-commerce entrepreneurs. This offers limited access to credit and complex processes. “Even opening a business bank account is hard for individual entrepreneurs,” Anreddy shares. The tech firm fills this gap with offerings like Shopify Balance, an alternative to traditional business banking. Merchants enjoy faster payouts, APY rewards, and seamless integrations. Tackling cash flow management with Shopify Capital loans Cash flow is a common challenge for small businesses, especially those managing inventory. Shopify Capital provides merchants with quick access to funds, enabling them to restock inventory or invest in growth opportunities. Since its launch in 2016, Shopify Capital has disbursed over $5 billion in funding. “It has become the rocket fuel for many of our merchants,” Anreddy highlights. He emphasizes the product’s impact on reducing cash flow constraints. Building merchant-centric financial tools Shopify Finance products are designed with a deep understanding of merchants' needs. They are derived from constant feedback and data insights. The platform integrates financial tools directly into its admin panel for ease. Features like APY rewards are designed to help merchants thrive. “Our merchants are incredibly driven and curious,” Anreddy says. “They adopt new tools quickly, which makes it easier to build for them.” Future of Shopify Financial Services Looking ahead, the platform plans to expand its financial services globally. It aims to integrate AI-driven insights to help merchants optimize their finances. “We are guided by two principles: stretch merchants’ cash flows and save them time,” Anreddy shares. The company also aims to enhance cross-product integrations. It wants to ensure seamless work management of features like Shopify Balance, credit cards, and sales tax management. This will help to reduce friction for merchants.

Franklin bridges the gap between Web3 and traditional finance, rethinking how businesses manage payroll and payments. Today’s podcast features Megan Knab, Franklin’s CEO. She shares insights into the transformative role of blockchain in financial operations. She has a vision: leveraging blockchain to modernize payroll and financial tools. Megan has a rich fintech background comprised of roles at Serotonin, DriveWealth, and Veriledger. As an accountant by trade, Megan is no stranger to navigating financial systems. She became passionate about blockchain in business school after discovering an accounting fraud at work. “Public blockchains,” she recalls, “have the power to create an open financial system.” Megan founded Franklin two years ago to simplify financial operations for Web3 businesses. She focuses on making finance easier and more efficient. She notes, “Anyone who’s used payroll software in the last 10 years knows it can be an antiquated experience.” Franklin integrates both fiat and on-chain payment capabilities. This strategy allows it to operate in both Web3 and traditional finance. As a result, Franklin is carving out a unique niche in both areas. Crypto and financial tools Megan highlights blockchain’s potential to enhance back-office operations for B2B organizations. She notes, “Stablecoins can leapfrog current payroll technologies by facilitating faster payments.” She also explains that blockchain’s immutability ensures greater accuracy in financial reporting. This also builds trust in the data. “By using public ledgers, businesses can reduce errors and streamline audits. This creates efficiencies that traditional systems struggle to match,” Megan adds. Blockchain’s ability to integrate with existing payment systems is driving innovation. This is creating new financial tools for modern business needs. Tax compliance and crypto One of Franklin’s standout features is its focus on tax compliance. Megan explains, “We build tools that ensure every transaction adheres to federal and state regulations.” She emphasizes that Franklin’s proactive approach simplifies navigating the regulatory maze. “With over 675 tax jurisdictions in the U.S., automation is critical for ensuring accurate reporting. And avoiding costly errors,” Megan notes. This commitment makes Franklin a trusted partner for businesses handling complex payroll systems. Decentralized finance for B2B Megan believes decentralized finance (DeFi) has practical use cases for businesses. ” We’re helping companies operate seamlessly in fiat and crypto. Whether it is multi-currency payroll or international remittances,” she says. She also highlights the cost advantages of DeFi. “Businesses can reduce transaction fees and enhance payment speed. It does so by eliminating intermediaries. These are critical factors for today’s global operations,” Megan explains. Early Wage Access without loans Franklin’s approach to early wage access differs from traditional models. Megan critiques typical earned wage access programs as “modern payday lending”. She advocates for faster money movement using stablecoins instead. She adds, “Why burden employees with hidden loan agreements when we can facilitate instant payouts?” This method empowers workers and also minimizes administrative overhead for businesses. Franklin uses stablecoins to provide an alternative to outdated payroll systems. This creates more flexibility for both employers and employees. The Path Forward: Privacy and adoption of crypto For broader blockchain adoption, Megan identifies a need for privacy technologies. “Financial institutions will continue experimenting rather than integrating. This will happen until we address privacy concerns.” she asserts.

Launching a startup is challenging. It becomes even more difficult when tackling personal and business finances that confound entrepreneurs. Enter Uprise, the brainchild of Jessica Chen Riolfi and her co-founders. Uprise offers human-driven financial advisory services embedded into small business (SMB) platforms, like banks or personal finance sites. Uprise addresses the unique financial needs of entrepreneurs which include dealing with personal and professional cashflow. Jessica has extensive experience from companies like Robinhood, Earnin, Wise, and eBay. This background drives her approach to financial services. Jessica shares, “Financial advisory, in this context, combines personal and business finances. It helps entrepreneurs make holistic financial decisions.” Lack of personalized financial advisory services at Robinhood inspired the genesis of Uprise, especially for SMBs. Jessica shares a passion for simplifying financial products with her co-founders Chris and Nantha. Together, they work to make financial solutions more accessible, bridging the gap between business and personal finance for small business owners. Uprise initially targeted Gen Z and millennials but quickly pivoted to focus on older SMB owners. This shift met the growing demand for comprehensive financial advice. It specifically targeted consultants, freelancers, and creators. “The small business world is one where personal and financial lives are intermingled,” Jessica notes. She underscores the intricate needs of her firm’s clientele. The genesis of Uprise Uprise emerges from a vision shared by Jessica and her co-founders, Chris and Nantha. They noticed the gap in financial advisory services for SMBs, where personal and business finances often overlap. As Jessica puts it, “We help them make financial decisions. And we kind of ignore the line between business and personal.” This approach recognizes the unique needs of entrepreneurs. Role of embedded finance in Small Business growth Embedded finance is at the core of Uprise’s model. It is integrated into SMB platforms and Jessica explains, “Every small business owner interacting with our platform is assigned a human advisor.” This strategy not only builds trust but also addresses the specific financial advisory needs of SMBs. It offers a personalized experience. Jessica highlights the importance of understanding the distinct needs of different SMB sectors. For example, therapists using the vertical SaaS platform, Heard, prioritize personal relationships. This prompted Uprise to offer more direct communication channels like Zoom calls. “Calls matter a lot to therapists,” Jessica observes. She illustrates Uprise’s adaptability to various client preferences. Financial planning for entrepreneurs Uprise has tailored its services to the intricate financial landscapes faced by entrepreneurs. Jessica emphasizes the importance of understanding personal and business finances. She highlights how they are interconnected. She offers advice on entity setup, retirement account options, and mortgage applications. “These are business-related questions, but they very much impact their finances,” Jessica emphasizes. She highlights Uprise’s holistic approach. Building successful partnerships with SMB platforms Uprise’s success is intertwined with its partnerships, where Jessica sees a collaborative effort. She notes, “It’s very much a revenue driver for our partners, who are SMB platforms.” Uprise customizes its offerings to meet the unique needs of each platform. This ensures that both partners and end users enjoy their financial advisory services.

Coast stands out in fintech with its interactive API demos. Kara Parkey, head of strategic accounts at Coast, shares insights on the Tearsheet podcast as to why her firm is working with many of the best fintech brands. It’s that Coast visually simplifies the complexity of API products, making their service essential in today’s fast-changing financial world. Coast lets users view APIs in action, making vendor and partner presentations interactive. It turns static PowerPoints into dynamic, live experiences. According to Kara, “It’s like seeing APIs come to life.” This is especially valuable for fintech companies focused on the API economy and open banking. It resonates with those driving innovation in these areas. How Coast pioneers API demos in fintech Kara explains that Coast’s demos are not just about showcasing APIs. They are about transforming how potential clients experience them. Traditionally, fintech companies relied on static prototypes or lengthy technical documentation. Coast provides a live demo environment. Kara describes it as “a unique URL branded for the client.” This allows users to interact with the APIs in a realistic setting. This approach is especially appealing in fintech, where embedded finance is becoming more common, aligning with the growing trend in the industry. Impact on sales cycle and Time to Value One of the significant advantages Coast offers is the reduction of time of the sales cycle. Kara highlights a case study with Sardine, where Coast helped cut the sales cycle by 20% to 25%. This efficiency comes from cutting down the time needed to build demos. It also gives account executives a tool to easily explain complex APIs. As a result, the process is faster and simpler. “It’s huge for embedded technology,” Kara emphasizes. She points out how it aids in reaching both technical and non-technical buyers. Facilitating API integration and onboarding Coast’s technology also simplifies the onboarding process, enabling clients to get up and running swiftly. Kara notes that while typical onboarding can take 30 days to 60 days, some clients go live within a week. Coast enables quick setup by using existing API documentation. Companies can import their APIs and build stories around them easily. No deep technical integration is required. How Coast meets the needs of Financial Institutions As Open Banking and Section 1033 expand, financial institutions are updating their APIs. The pressure to upgrade is increasing. Kara mentions that Coast is actively engaging with banks to help them “increase adoption of their APIs and make it more scalable.” The ability to visualize complex data flows in a secure environment is crucial for banks. It helps them navigate these new regulatory landscapes. Ensuring security and compliance within Coast Security is paramount in the fintech industry. Kara says that Coast takes this seriously. Coast reduces compliance risks by serving as a visual overlay instead of storing sensitive information. This approach minimizes data security concerns. Kara states, “We are your API documentation, just a visual representation.” She says that Coast’s solutions integrate without compromising data integrity.

In the ever-evolving world of fintech and open banking, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Few understand this better than Peter Renton. He is the CEO and founder of Renton Co., a fintech consulting firm specializing in media, thought leadership, and event support. Renton is the former chairman and co-founder of Fintech Nexus (formerly LendIt Fintech). He has led fintech innovation for over a decade. His work has shaped the industry during this time. In today's episode of the Tearsheet podcast, Renton shared his insights on the current state of fintech. He shares his insights on where he sees the industry heading. Renton has a keen understanding of the fintech sector. His insights provide valuable guidance for established companies and newcomers in the industry. "Without doubt, the most interesting space in fintech in 2024 is the banking as a service space," Renton states. "Because of the way the banking system in this country is structured, we need banking as a service. And it's not going away." The evolution of fintech events Renton's journey in the fintech world was punctuated with the creation of LendIt. It is a conference that grew from a small gathering of 350 people to a major industry event attracting 5,000 attendees. As the fintech landscape evolved, so did the event. It expanded its focus from peer-to-peer lending to encompass broader fintech topics. "We expanded beyond lending and started it in 2017 and got going in like 2018, 2019 where we became a real fintech event," Renton explains. This evolution mirrors the broader changes in the fintech industry. These include specialized lending platforms to comprehensive financial services providers. The changing face of fintech conferences Large-scale events like Money 2020 and Fintech Meetup still attract many attendees. Renton observes a rising trend of smaller, more specialized events organized by fintech companies. "What you're seeing in the event space is more and more companies doing their small events," he observes. These specialized gatherings allow companies to showcase thought leadership. They help to engage with their target audience. Opportunities in Banking-as-a-Service and Embedded Finance Renton sees significant potential in the banking-as-a-service (BaaS) sector, despite recent challenges. He believes that new regulations will provide clarity and stability. This will create opportunities for community banks. As a result, they will be able to expand their reach through BaaS offerings. "If you want to grow your community bank, it's hard to do that geographically now," Renton explains. "But if you open up a BaaS line of business, there are ways you can grow your bank." Embedded finance is closely related to BaaS. It is another area Renton highlights as ripe for innovation. He points to companies like Pipe. They are bringing fintech solutions to non-financial businesses. Particularly in the vertical SaaS space. The promise of Open Banking Looking ahead, Renton is particularly excited about the potential of open banking. With the anticipated release of new CFPB rules on open banking, he foresees a wave of innovation. "Open banking... is going to be a moment in time, but then that's going to be in place and people are going to understand the rules of the road," Renton predicts. "I think there's a massive opportunity once that gets going. And when all the data, when your data becomes yours and it becomes more portable. There's going to be a wave of new fintech companies that are going to kind of use that and take advantage of that."