IBS Intelligence Podcasts

Booshan Rengachari, founder and CEO of FinzlyAs banks look beyond traditional core modernisation, the industry is increasingly focused on building a modern bank operating system that combines real-time payments, AI-driven intelligence, and connected financial ecosystems. Puja Sharma speaks with Booshan Rengachari, Founder and CEO of Finzly, about overcoming legacy constraints, enabling low-risk transformation, and preparing banks for a future shaped by agentic AI, tokenised assets, and next-generation payment infrastructure. 

In this interview, Mambu CEO Fernando Zandona discusses the critical importance of securing younger customers, specifically Gen Z and Alpha, because bank loyalty often lasts a lifetime. These demographics demand fast, digitally native experiences that traditional institutions struggle to provide using outdated legacy systems. To remain competitive against agile neobanks, Zandona suggests that established firms adopt cloud-based, composable banking platforms to launch modern services quickly without disrupting their main infrastructure. This strategy, exemplified by ABN Amro, allows banks to maintain compliance and trust while innovating through a "sidecar" core approach. Ultimately, the source highlights how technology partnerships enable financial institutions to meet the evolving expectations of a savvy new generation.

This interview highlights the significant transformation of transaction banking as it moves from a traditional product-based model to an intelligence-led service. By utilizing API-driven architectures and real-time data, banks are now embedding financial capabilities directly into their clients' daily business workflows and internal systems. The text emphasizes how artificial intelligence and advanced analytics are turning treasury operations into autonomous, value-generating functions that provide continuous visibility and predictive insights. This shift allows financial institutions to act as strategic partners rather than simple transaction processors, focusing on improving client outcomes and liquidity management. Ultimately, the future of the industry lies in "banking-as-a-capability," where automated decision-making and seamless ecosystem integration become the primary drivers of competitive differentiation.

This interview outlines Murex's strategic expansion into India's rapidly evolving capital markets through the year 2026. This growth plan centers on providing sophisticated trading and risk management infrastructure to help local banks handle rising derivatives volumes and complex regulatory standards. By establishing a dedicated Mumbai office, Murex aims to leverage local technical talent and offer closer support for its cloud-native platforms, such as MX.3 and MXGO. These solutions facilitate a seamless transition from fragmented legacy systems to integrated, front-to-back workflows that prioritize real-time analytics and capital efficiency. Ultimately, the company is positioning itself as a key partner for Indian financial institutions by combining global expertise with flexible deployment models like SaaS and managed services.

This interview features Jean-Charles Duyck from SBS discussing a successful core banking modernization project for Fransabank France. Rather than a risky total system replacement, the approach utilized modular, cloud-native components to update digital services and instant payment capabilities. This incremental strategy allowed the bank to maintain operational stability and regulatory compliance while integrating modern API-driven architectures. By decoupling new features from the existing core, the bank achieved greater agility and resilience against technical disruptions. Looking forward, the source emphasizes that data analytics and artificial intelligence will drive future innovation within these scalable frameworks. Overall, the text highlights a low-risk transformation model tailored for the complex regulatory environment of the French banking sector.

This interview talks about the financial sector is undergoing a massive shift from physical trading floors to cloud-based ecosystems that prioritise speed and global accessibility. This evolution is democratising market infrastructure, allowing smaller banks to utilise the same high-powered tools as major global institutions. However, many firms struggle with costly system fragmentation and siloed data, which act as a hidden tax on their ability to scale and innovate. To overcome these hurdles, institutions are increasingly seeking regulated technology partners like Nasdaq to provide secure, managed services and reliable governance frameworks. The future of the industry lies in the integration of AI and real-time data, which will enable more intelligent risk management and automated decision-making. Ultimately, the most successful organisations will be those that simplify their digital architecture through proactive collaboration and transparent regulatory engagement.

This interview explores the global shift toward unified real-time payment ecosystems, highlighting how interoperability and 24/7 settlement are becoming the new international standards. It details how traditional banks are adopting cloud-native stacks and API-driven architectures to modernise legacy systems and remain competitive against agile FinTech rivals. Key innovations such as ISO 20022 data standards and Credit on UPI are identified as essential tools for improving fraud detection and expanding financial inclusion. Furthermore, the source outlines how corporate treasuries are transitioning toward instant liquidity management and automated reconciliation. Finally, it showcases Mindgate's strategic role in exporting India's digital payment expertise to global markets through resilient, scalable infrastructure.

Pat Bermingham, CEO, AdflexWe review the top trends that will transform how businesses make and take payments in the modern world. Robin Amlôt of IBS Intelligence speaks to Pat Bermingham, CEO of UK-based B2B digital payment processor Adflex. The company is Europe's leading processor of commercial card payments, processing over 7 million transactions a year for more than 4,000 businesses. Among the topics discussed: the consumerisation of B2B payments, digital identity, ISO 20022, straight-through processing and the role of agentic AI.

This interview explores the strategic development of the B2B Buy Now, Pay Later industry through insights from the co-founder of PastPay, a major financial provider in Eastern Europe. The discussion highlights how deferred payment solutions help businesses optimize cash flow management during periods of economic uncertainty and inflation. The source emphasizes that the sector must adopt proactive self-regulation to avoid the reputational challenges and stricter regulations faced by the consumer BNPL market. A key theme is the importance of prioritizing sustainable long-term value instead of focusing solely on transaction volume, ensuring stability for both providers and clients. Additionally, the interview explains that business-to-business transactions are generally more reliable because of clearer financial data and stronger credit evaluation processes. Overall, the article promotes a responsible growth strategy that builds trust between financial innovators and the businesses they support.

This interview features Krishna Subramanyan discussing the major FinTech trends expected to shape the financial industry in 2025. The conversation highlights the growing importance of embedded compliance, where regulatory processes are integrated directly into digital workflows to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. Subramanyan also explains that digital assets and central bank digital currencies are likely to gain wider mainstream acceptance due to more supportive political and regulatory environments. The interview identifies artificial intelligence as a key driver for improving operational decision-making, strengthening security systems, and enhancing risk management. Additionally, these technological developments are expected to make cross-border payments faster, more accessible, and more efficient for businesses, especially SMEs. Overall, the discussion demonstrates how innovation is helping financial institutions manage an increasingly complex global regulatory landscape while improving customer experiences and operational agility.

This interview features an interview with Lina Mestari from Skaleet, a technology provider that recently won an award for its cloud-native core banking platform. The text highlights a successful partnership with FDJ Services, illustrating how the Nirio payment solution achieved significant growth in transactions and customer retention within months of launching. Beyond this specific case study, the source examines broader European banking trends, such as the transition from legacy systems to modular architectures that allow for incremental modernisation. It further explores the transformative roles of artificial intelligence and instant payments, which are pushing financial institutions toward more agile, real-time operations. Ultimately, the document advocates for a hybrid SaaS model, allowing banks to maintain reliable infrastructure while focusing their internal innovation on unique customer experiences.

This interview features Raji Challita discussing the changing financial technology landscape across the Middle East and North Africa. The conversation highlights how traditional banks and agile BML Istisharat are increasingly working alongside FinTech firms to combine financial stability with rapid innovation. Challita explains that major regional trends include the adoption of cloud-based technologies, open banking frameworks, and the growing use of artificial intelligence to improve credit scoring, customer experiences, and fraud prevention. The interview also explores the rise of digital lending and the need to maintain ethical and regulatory standards within Islamic banking systems. Overall, the discussion shows how digitization is helping financial institutions streamline operations, improve accessibility, and expand financial inclusion for underserved communities in the region and globally.

This interview features Myles Bertrand discussing how Tuum is helping modernize core banking systems through flexible and cloud-based solutions. The discussion highlights Tuum's successful collaboration with LHV, which shifted the bank's IT focus from costly maintenance toward innovation-driven growth. Bertrand explains the importance of the company's cloud-agnostic strategy and its partnership with Google Cloud in supporting scalable and future-ready banking operations. The interview also explores Tuum's expansion into Islamic banking and SME financial services, emphasizing the need for adaptable digital infrastructure. Additionally, Bertrand advocates for progressive modernization, where banks upgrade systems gradually instead of replacing them entirely. Overall, the interview shows how API-first architectures and AI-ready platforms help banks remain competitive in an evolving financial landscape.

This interview highlights a successful partnership between Bluering and Housing Bank in Jordan, which resulted in a prestigious award for the rapid deployment of a corporate lending platform. CEO Fares Kobeissi explains that modern financial institutions require comprehensive digital solutions that automate the entire credit lifecycle while remaining flexible enough to integrate with existing systems. A key focus of the discussion is the importance of no-code technology, which allows banks to customize workflows and adapt to market changes without extensive technical overhead. The source also emphasizes the role of artificial intelligence and high-quality data in improving credit decisioning, reducing risks, and enhancing the user experience. Looking ahead, the company aims to innovate through open banking and specialized software designed for the microfinance sector. Ultimately, the text argues that banks must replace outdated legacy systems with agile, automated platforms to stay competitive in an evolving financial landscape.

This interview features Ben Goldin discussing how Plumery aims to democratize financial technology for smaller and mid-sized banks. Goldin explains that the company's composable banking platform enables institutions to rapidly launch advanced mobile and web banking services without the extensive resources of major global banks. The discussion highlights Plumery's move beyond traditional banking functions toward creating lifestyle-focused digital experiences that improve customer engagement. The interview also introduces the company's digital lending solution, which uses advanced data scoring to expand financial inclusion while reducing operational risk. Looking ahead, Goldin emphasizes the growing role of artificial intelligence and hyper-personalization in seamlessly integrating banking into consumers' everyday lives. Overall, the source demonstrates how modular technology and strategic partnerships help smaller banks stay innovative, competitive, and customer-focused in a rapidly evolving financial industry.

Deepak Dastrala, CEO, Purple Fabric, Intellect Design arenaAs the Middle East prepares for a massive intergenerational wealth transfer and rising demand for personalised financial advice, wealth management firms are rethinking how they engage clients, empower relationship managers, and scale operations. Puja Sharma speaks with Deepak Dastrala, CEO, Purple Fabric, IDA, about the growing role of AI-driven intelligence in wealth management, the shift from technology-led to insight-led advisory models, and how firms can balance growth, productivity, trust, and compliance in an increasingly competitive landscape.

This interview explores how Visa's acquisition of Pismo is shaping the future of digital banking. CEO Vishal Dalai explains that the partnership strengthens innovation, improves global resource access, and helps financial institutions modernize faster through cloud-native core banking solutions. The discussion highlights the shift from outdated legacy systems to flexible API-first architectures, which allow banks to scale operations more efficiently and deliver better customer experiences. The interview also emphasizes that artificial intelligence should be viewed as a tool for optimization and data-driven insights rather than a replacement for banking infrastructure. Additionally, the use of microservices and cloud scalability is presented as essential for building resilient, future-ready financial systems that can adapt quickly to changing market demands and digital transformation trends.

This interview explores how Skaleet is helping modernize the banking industry through modular, cloud-native technology and flexible digital infrastructure. The company's Chief Product Officer explains that Skaleet's API-first architecture and SaaS-based solutions enable financial institutions to move beyond the limitations of outdated legacy systems and traditional banking models. The discussion highlights successful collaborations with partners such as NiuPay and Helios, demonstrating how operational agility and scalable technology can improve efficiency while reducing costs. The interview also examines the growing influence of artificial intelligence in enhancing data accessibility, improving customer experiences, and strengthening fraud prevention across European banking. Overall, the source presents Skaleet as a key innovator delivering customizable and compliant financial infrastructure that supports rapid digital transformation and long-term growth.

This interview discusses how financial institutions must modernize outdated legacy systems to manage economic uncertainty and increasingly strict regulations. Finastra executive Herve Carrere explains that cloud-native platforms and modular architectures help banks improve flexibility, reduce operational risks, and respond faster to market changes. The interview also highlights the growing impact of Generative and Agentic AI, which can automate complex financial processes, deliver real-time insights, and improve decision-making in treasury and capital markets. Carrere emphasizes the importance of continuous software “evergreening” through automated testing and strategic partnerships to keep systems updated without interrupting operations. Additionally, the discussion points to increasing demand for Islamic finance solutions that combine innovation with cultural and regulatory requirements. Overall, the interview presents a future where customer-focused technology and autonomous systems drive efficiency, adaptability, and long-term competitiveness in banking.

This interview with IBSi FinTech Journal explores how artificial intelligence and cloud-native technologies are transforming the global banking industry. Oracle executive Venky Srinivasan explains that banks are evolving from traditional money custodians into data custodians, where embedded AI plays a major role in improving customer experiences, strengthening regulatory compliance, and detecting financial fraud more efficiently. The discussion highlights how many financial institutions are replacing large-scale transformation projects with progressive modernization, allowing faster and more flexible digital upgrades. Srinivasan also notes that both retail and corporate banking are prioritizing real-time and immersive banking experiences to meet growing customer expectations. Overall, the interview emphasizes that overcoming outdated legacy systems is critical for banks to remain competitive in the era of Open Banking, automation, and intelligent financial services.

This interview discusses how organizations can manage the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence by focusing on ethical governance and trust. The discussion explains that while AI can improve efficiency and customer experience, businesses must also address challenges such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and integration with legacy systems. The interview proposes a three-pronged framework based on strong ethics, high-quality data, and robust cybersecurity to support responsible AI adoption. It also highlights the importance of upskilling employees and using modular architectures to ensure long-term adaptability and innovation. Overall, the interview presents responsible AI implementation as an essential strategy for maintaining competitiveness and sustainable growth in the financial and technology sectors.

Ross Sinclair, Founder & CEO, EIPGlobal InsurTech funding remained strong in 2025, but what will it take to make sure the hype does not outpace deliverables? Ross Sinclair, Founder and CEO of EIP believes the pressure is now on for many firms to deliver on their ‘pitch deck' promises, including AI use cases, and justify them to investors with strong revenue streams.

Nick Fernando, Co-founder & Director, Aqua Global SolutionsThe Swift ISO 20022 deadline of 22 November 2025 is now past history. Isn't it? Well, it appears not, with many banks continuing to rely on translation tools to bridge legacy systems. Yet stopgap measures come at a cost. Nick Fernando, Co-founder and Director at Aqua Global Solutions, warns that translation tools won't cut it in the long run. Banks that are ISO 20022 native stand to gain far more than compliance – from faster straight-through processing to fewer manual errors and richer data insights.

Chris Newman, Head of Corporates, Clear.BankUK businesses across a variety of sectors are increasingly looking to offer financial services to their customers, including payments, lending, and savings accounts. Embedded finance is widely perceived as a growth driver and a new opportunity for revenue growth. Chris Newman, Head of Corporates at ClearBank, which offers embedded banking solutions to corporate clients, speaks to Robin Amlôt of IBS Intelligence about the prospects for explosive growth over the coming years in ‘white label' banking.

Dan Scholey, Chief Product Officer, MoneyhubFinancial services platforms have been guilty of differentiating more on technical specifications, or look and feel, than their ability to impact the real lives of consumers. Dan Scholey, Chief Product Officer at UK FinTech Moneyhub believes many consumers suffer with high levels of financial anxiety, low confidence in managing money, and a lack of basic financial literacy. As Open Banking evolves into Open Finance, real-time client data is becoming readily accessible, and it is incumbent on banks and advisers to take advantage of these developments to help customers make more from their money and bring greater long-term value for the customers they serve.

Carrie Osman, Founder & CEO, CruxyLondon-based Cruxy has delivered growth strategy to 40+ capital markets FinTechs and advised 20+ private equity firms (ranging from $1bn up to $100 billion AUM) on value creation through product, packaging and pricing. More than 80% of Cruxy's clients are based in the USA. The firm's Founder and CEO, Carrie Osman talks FinTech value creation with Robin Amlôt of IBS Intelligence. 

Ben Turner, Founder & CEO, VerituityInstant settlement has a downside – the potential for fraud and compliance exposure. Continuous verification is likely essential for stablecoin-based disbursements to function safely. Banks must look to design stablecoin systems that combine speed with enterprise grade integrity. Robin Amlôt of IBS Intelligence speaks to Ben Turner, Founder and CEO of Verituity. 

This interview with Ritesh Pai discusses the rapidly changing world of global digital payments. He explains how technologies such as artificial intelligence, biometric security, and blockchain are improving the personalization and security of financial services. The interview places strong emphasis on financial inclusion, highlighting the importance of mobile-first infrastructure and simplified identity verification to help unbanked populations access digital finance. PhonePe also sees major potential in expanding India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) globally to improve international remittances and cross-border transactions. Additionally, Pai explains how companies can manage complex regulations by using flexible compliance systems and working closely with local regulators.

This interview highlights how Perfios operates as a “TechFin” leader by providing AI-driven digital infrastructure for the banking and insurance sectors. The company offers tools that automate the customer lifecycle, including onboarding, identity verification, credit underwriting, and fraud detection. By using alternative data and machine learning, Perfios helps financial institutions improve financial inclusion while maintaining strong risk management and regulatory compliance. The interview also explains how the acquisition of Clari5 strengthened the company's ability to detect financial crimes such as money laundering and deepfake fraud in real time. Overall, it presents Perfios' strategy of global expansion and continuous innovation to build a secure and future-ready financial ecosystem.

This interview with leaders from X-Biz Techventures discusses the growing role of artificial intelligence in modern cybersecurity. The interview explains how AI is helping organizations move from reactive to proactive security by continuously monitoring attack surfaces and detecting hidden risks such as shadow IT and undocumented APIs. The leaders emphasize that traditional security audits are no longer enough to handle advanced AI-driven cyber threats, making automated risk assessments and behavioural analytics increasingly important. The discussion also highlights the challenges of supply chain security and the need for machine learning to manage third-party vendor risks. Overall, the interview presents SecureNexus as a solution that combines human expertise with advanced technology to strengthen long-term digital resilience.

This interview with Ashish Rai discusses Aurionpro Solutions Ltd and its strategy to become a global leader in transaction banking and enterprise AI. Rai explains that the company stands out through AI-native applications and its explainability lab, which provides advanced, domain-specific intelligence for financial institutions. The interview also highlights Aurionpro's international expansion, especially in the Middle East, through major partnerships and contract wins. In addition, the company is pursuing an aggressive acquisition strategy, including the integration of Arya.AI, to strengthen its technological capabilities. Overall, the source emphasizes Aurionpro's strong focus on research and development to replace outdated legacy systems with modern banking solutions.

This interview explains how artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure are transforming India's MSME lending sector. Financial institutions are moving away from traditional collateral-based lending and using alternative data, such as UPI transactions and digital activity, to assess creditworthiness more efficiently. PSL Association of India is helping drive this change by promoting ethical AI practices and supporting the adoption of the Open Credit Enablement Network (OCEN). The interview also highlights challenges like data fragmentation and limited digital literacy among small businesses. However, initiatives such as the India Stack are improving financial visibility and access to credit. Overall, it emphasizes collaboration between fintech companies, policymakers, and financial institutions to create a more inclusive and transparent lending ecosystem.

This interview with Sreepriya N.S. discusses the changing landscape of wealth management in India. She explains that Entrust Family Office focuses on balancing capital preservation with long-term wealth creation through India-centric investments, including unlisted opportunities and debt alternatives. The interview highlights the importance of tax efficiency, liquidity management, and disciplined investment strategies. It also explores how artificial intelligence is being used to improve data analysis, while emphasizing that human judgment remains essential in decision-making. Additionally, Sreepriya stresses the growing importance of governance and sustainability to meet the expectations of younger, globally-minded investors and ensure long-term financial stewardship and stability.

This interview with Sanjay Singh explains that the future of financial services and insurance depends on more than just artificial intelligence. He highlights the importance of composable architectures and embedded compliance, which help companies stay flexible, secure, and prepared for changing regulations. The interview also discusses the rise of “invisible banking,” where financial services are integrated into everyday digital platforms rather than existing as separate systems. Singh emphasizes the need for businesses to move away from outdated legacy systems and adopt agile, cloud-based technologies focused on user experience. He also warns that strategic complacency can slow innovation and encourages organizations to focus on smaller, high-impact projects that support continuous digital transformation.

This interview features MobiKwik CEO Bipin Preet Singh discussing how India's FinTech landscape is shifting from payments to sustainable, compliant credit ecosystems. He emphasises that innovation must align with the “spirit of regulation,” advocating proactive engagement with regulators and industry‑led SROs. With UPI now commoditised, Singh sees differentiation emerging through credit‑first products, embedded financial services, CBDC integration, and innovations like Pocket UPI and the F1rst RuPay credit card. MobiKwik's pivot from BNPL to longer‑tenure EMI and secured lending reflects a risk‑balanced, regulation‑aligned strategy supported by co‑lending partnerships under FLDG norms. As the company scales toward its post‑IPO vision, its full‑stack platform—spanning payments, credit, savings, and merchant services—aims to drive responsible, profitable growth

This interview explores how emerging FinTech infrastructure is reshaping financial inclusion in rural India, with Hitesh Kanariya of Kuberjee highlighting the rise of hyperlocal, women‑led delivery models. He explains that platforms like Aadhaar, UPI, eKYC, and Account Aggregators have made onboarding seamless, while alternative data and sachet‑sized financial products now serve farmers, SHGs, and daily‑wage earners. Structural barriers—poor connectivity, low digital literacy, limited smartphone access, and mistrust—still slow adoption, making hyperlocalisation essential. Women agents such as BC Sakhis build trust, deliver doorstep services, and bridge language and literacy gaps. Vernacular-first, mobile-native platforms further boost understanding through voice and intuitive interfaces. Kuberjee's “One Village, One Sakhi” model demonstrates a scalable, gender-inclusive blueprint for sustainable rural FinTech innovation.

PayU Finance CEO Deepak Mendiratta explains how the company is reimagining SMB credit through embedded, data‑driven lending models that overcome long‑standing barriers like irregular cash flows, limited documentation, and the high cost of small‑ticket loans. PayU uses alternative credit evaluation based on UPI transactions, GST records, and behavioural insights, enabling more accurate underwriting. Its EDI—equated daily instalment—model aligns repayments with daily cash flows, reducing interest burden and stress for small businesses. Through deep integrations with platforms like PhonePe, Swiggy, and Meesho, PayU delivers frictionless, real‑time credit access. Robust risk management combines machine learning, daily repayment visibility, and short‑tenure loans, while ethical lending, transparency, and data protection remain core principles driving sustainable, inclusive credit growth.

QualityKiosk CEO Maneesh Jhawar explains how AI is transforming digital assurance by shifting it from static, reactive checks to dynamic, intelligence‑driven validation. AI models analyse usage patterns and incidents to optimise what needs to be tested, while the biggest leap is in data assurance, where AI now shapes strategy and operating models for trusted data. In multi‑cloud environments, QualityKiosk uses AI‑led observability to eliminate blind spots, reduce MTTR, and enhance user experience. For digital banking—where “zero‑defect is the baseline”—the company embeds regulatory expertise into a RAG-powered knowledge store to ensure compliance. Partnerships with DevRev and Katalon enable autonomous agents, predictive failure analysis, and automated test creation, helping organisations deliver faster, more reliable digital experiences.

Rajesh Saxena, CEO, Consumer Banking, and Rami Roukoss, product expert, Intellect Design Arena LimitedAs Islamic banking gains global momentum amid rising demand for ethical, Shariah-compliant financial services, Puja Sharma speaks with Rajesh Saxena, CEO, Consumer Banking, and Rami Roukoss, Product Expert at Intellect Design Arena Limited, on the evolving role of digital transformation, AI-driven pool management, and how eMACH.ai is helping Islamic banks modernise products, operations, and customer experiences. 

This interview details the award-winning implementation of the Finastra Kondor treasury solution at LPBank, a prominent financial institution in Vietnam. Deputy CEO Nguyễn Ánh Vân explains how the bank successfully integrated this front-to-back office platform on an accelerated timeline alongside a major core banking transformation. By moving from manual tasks to automated end-to-end processing, the bank has significantly enhanced its operational efficiency and risk management capabilities. The discussion highlights the vital role of collaborative partnerships and expert resource allocation in overcoming technical and regulatory challenges. Furthermore, the text explores future prospects, including the potential for AI integration to further refine market analysis and business forecasting. Ultimately, the upgrade serves as a strategic benchmark for the bank's continued expansion into regional and global financial markets.

This interview with Yethi Consulting CEO Srirang Srikantha explores the critical role of quality assurance in the modern banking sector. Srikantha highlights how digital transformation has heightened customer expectations, making application speed and reliability more vital than traditional financial metrics for maintaining loyalty. He cautions financial institutions against over-relying on software vendors for system integrity, suggesting that independent testing is necessary to ensure flawless performance. The discussion further examines how full-stack observability and artificial intelligence can help manage the growing complexity of banking technology. Ultimately, the text presents a case for proactive performance validation to prevent costly technical failures and protect a bank's reputation.

This interview with George Toumbev of NatWest Boxed details the rise of Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS), highlighting partnerships with Saga and The AA. Toumbev predicts most retail banking revenue will shift away from traditional channels by 2030, necessitating "embedded banking" that utilizes a bank's license and balance sheet on brand platforms. Successful implementation requires strategic coherence between the brand and financial product, balancing technical excellence with strong banking credentials for safety. To ensure scalability, Boxed uses standardized "Lego block" modules rather than bespoke designs. Ultimately, this model allows brands to increase revenue and sales while outsourcing complex risk management and regulatory compliance to the bank

This interview features Udeet Bhagat from PureSoftware discussing the success of their flagship banking platform, Arttha. The source highlights how this cloud-native and modular technology enables financial institutions to automate digital onboarding and loan origination processes. A major focus is placed on the platform's ability to remain scalable while adapting to local regulatory requirements in diverse markets like Africa and Southeast Asia. The text also outlines future plans to integrate AI-driven credit scoring and alternative data, such as mobile money trails, to improve financial inclusion for underserved populations. Ultimately, the company emphasizes its commitment to innovation and agile design to keep pace with the rapidly evolving fintech landscape.

In this interview, Chris Walters of Finastra outlines a strategic pivot toward customer-led innovation following a year of extensive global engagement with clients. He explains that the company is doubling down on its core strengths—lending, payments, and core banking—while divesting its Treasury and Capital Markets business to reinvest capital into these high-impact leadership areas. To address the increasing pressure on financial institutions to modernize, Finastra is embedding AI to automate routine tasks and simplifying its own operating model to be easier to work with, prioritizing faster implementation and intuitive support. Walters also identifies significant growth opportunities in underserved mid-sized institutions and emerging segments like private credit. Ultimately, he envisions Finastra as a leaner, customer-obsessed strategic ally that delivers reliable, enterprise-grade technology designed to help institutions of all sizes succeed in a rapidly evolving market

Deepa Santhanam, Partner & SVP - Business Consulting, Intellect Design ArenaIn an era where growth is defined by ecosystem depth rather than customer count, Puja Sharma speaks with Deepa Santhanam, Partner & SVP - Business Consulting at Intellect Design Arena, on how banks can outperform by embedding themselves into industry value chains—leveraging APIs, AI, and platform models to drive stronger liquidity, resilience, and competitive advantage in wholesale banking.

In this interview, Tommaso Jacopo Ulissi of Nexi Group explores the ongoing convergence of digital payments with specialized business management software. He explains that modern merchants no longer seek isolated transaction tools, but rather integrated ecosystems that handle industry-specific tasks like table management or online booking. To remain relevant, payment service providers must shift from being simple utility companies to becoming embedded partners within the software platforms that merchants use to run their daily operations. This transformation requires a focus on seamless API integration and user experience to meet the rising demand for all-in-one digital solutions. Ultimately, the industry is moving toward a cooperative model where payment capabilities are hidden, yet essential, components of a broader merchant interface.

This interview features Siobhan Byron from Finastra explaining how their Essence core banking platform enables financial institutions to succeed in a digital-first economy. The text highlights successful partnerships with Tonik and Oro Bank, demonstrating how cloud-native architecture and modular design allow for rapid product launches and reduced operational costs. Byron emphasizes that modern banking is shifting toward open finance and embedded services, requiring systems that are both agile and highly interoperable. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the integration of artificial intelligence, including generative AI assistants and predictive analytics, to enhance employee productivity and customer personalization. To manage the risks of modernization, the source introduces the "Symbiosis" approach, which allows banks to upgrade specific components incrementally rather than replacing entire legacy systems at once. Ultimately, the source illustrates how technological flexibility helps banks navigate regulatory complexities and meet evolving consumer expectations.

In an interview with IBS Intelligence, William Moroney of Temenos discusses the urgent need for financial institutions to replace outdated legacy systems with flexible, modern technology. He explains that banks are increasingly adopting cloud-native platforms and artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency, combat financial crime, and provide tailored customer experiences. Temenos is supporting this transition by offering modular software solutions and AI-driven tools that allow for faster product launches and more secure data management. The discussion highlights a global shift toward strategic IT investment, where technology providers act as essential partners in navigating regulatory changes and digital transformation. Ultimately, the source emphasizes that successful modernization depends on ecosystem collaboration and the ability to scale innovation through a single, adaptable platform.

Raj Jathar, SVP Sales Engineering, Azentio In an era of geopolitical volatility, cyber risk, and regulatory pressure, Puja Sharma speaks with Raj Jathar, SVP Sales Engineering at Azentio, on redefining tech resilience through strategic partnerships, domain expertise, and modernisation that balances compliance, continuity, and customer trust.

Qualco, founded 25 years ago in collections technology, has evolved into a full-spectrum FinTech partner covering the entire credit value chain. Deputy CEO Spyros Retzekas credits this growth to client intimacy, local market understanding, and disciplined international expansion. The company differentiates itself by working closely alongside clients rather than operating as a distant vendor. AI has long been central to Qualco's platforms through machine learning and analytics, with generative AI now being embedded to further enhance workflows and decisioning. Looking ahead, Qualco plans to scale AI-native, cloud-based SaaS solutions globally. A recent milestone is their partnership with France Contentieux, consolidating fragmented systems into a unified, automated collections platform reinforcing Qualco's growing footprint across Europe.

Joaquin de Valenzuela, nCino's MD EMEA, reflects on his first year highlighting the platform's impact, bankers save 8–10 hours weekly through AI tools. nCino serves over 2,700 customers globally, with banks originating more than $3 trillion in loans on the platform. Cloud-native architecture enables continuous innovation and automatic compliance updates. Across EMEA, priorities differ: European banks focus on efficiency and compliance, Middle Eastern banks on growth, and African institutions on financial inclusion. nCino's competitive edge lies in its vast banking dataset, unified data model, and a three-phase AI roadmap from staff productivity tools to agentic AI and ultimately autonomous banking systems. The biggest industry challenge remains balancing rapid innovation with the security and stability that banking demands.