Voice of FinTech

Kamal Hassan, Managing Partner at Loyal VC, spoke with Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about backing INSEAD and Founder Institute alums (mainly) worldwide with a unique approach.Here is what they covered: Kamal, can you briefly introduce yourself?Can you describe Loyal VC - what does it do? Where are you based?Are you global? How much money have you facilitated since inception, and for how many growth companies? How many investors?What kind of growth companies have you invested in? What's your onboarding approach? E.g., minimum size of the stakeWhat are your best tips for aspiring founders to grow their companies?How do you find investment opportunities and investors? What are your selection criteria?Can you share success stories of the growth companies you invested in?What's your favorite business book (or another learning source)?Wrap up: What's the best way to reach out? Check out www.loyal.vc

Nathaniel (Nathan) Powell, founder at Deep Market Making spoke with Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about leveraging AI to make pricing models for bond markets better than ever. Here is what they discussed in more detail: Nathan, tell us how you got to where you are today.Many people recently opened up to AI with the advent of GenAI. But AI has been with us for much longer, right? Why has GenAI, in particular, gained such traction vs. traditional AI?What problem are you solving at Deep Market Making, and why is it worth solving?What is your solution and your unique selling point?Who are your key clients? Can you tell us some case studies of the successful implementation of your solution?What's your technology angle? What kind of AI are we talking about?How do we navigate the unique risks and challenges posed by AI, especially in financial markets?What are the milestones you want to achieve next?What's your favorite business book? Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future by Peter ThielWhat's the best way to reach out: Nathaniel (Nathan) Powell (LinkedIn) or e-mail: nathan@deepmm.com

Tobias Wohlfarth, Chief Business Officer (CBO) at Obligate, an on-chain regulated bonds platform based in Switzerland, spoke with Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about bringing private debt opportunities to more investors by leveraging blockchain.Here is what they discussed in more detail: Tobias' journey to the entrepreneurship worldWhy Tobias joined ObligateWhat is Obligate? What problem is Obligate trying to solveTheir unique advantage - how is Obligate different from digital assets exchangesBusiness model - how does Obligate make moneyTarget customersLocations of staff and customersHow did Obligate scale?Where is Obligate on their journey nowWhat are Obligate's next steps for this year and beyond? Where can interested parties contact you? Website: https://www.obligate.com/ or Tobias on LinkedIn here.

In this episode, Dorra Mahbouli speaks with Rinse Jacobs, former Solaris executive and now CEO of Zazu, the rising B2B fintech reshaping SME banking in Africa. Zazu is building Africa's first finance super-app, offering a unified platform that addresses the fragmented, outdated financial tools SMEs currently rely on.With over 44 million underbanked SMEs across the continent and a $5.1 trillion credit gap in emerging markets, Zazu positions itself as the go-to digital banking solution for SMEs—combining payments, finance management, and credit access in one place. Backed by VCs and built by FinTech veterans, Zazu is now expanding beyond South Africa into other African and MENA markets to support SME growth at scale.Find it here or reach out to Rinse on LinkedIn.

Chris Ball, CEO and founder of Hoxton Wealth, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about building an internationally focused wealth manager from the ground up.Here is what they discussed in more detail:Chris, tell us how you got to do what you do today.Future of wealth management - how technology meets personalized adviceThe problem Hoxton Wealth is helping clients with and whyNuances of the wealth management industry in the Middle East vs. the UK or the USWhat is the key advice for advisors working with international clients to achieve their goals The first steps with Hoxton - How did Chris get his first 100 clientsLater on, how did Chris scale Hoxton from a start-up to managing $2.1 billion in assetsWhat is Hoxton's unique advantage - How is it different from large, global international wealth managersCan you recommend a favorite business book or another resource for continuous learning? Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win and 80/20 Daily: Your Day-by-Day Guide to Happier, Healthier, Wealthier, and More Successful Living The best way to reach out: find Chris Ball on LinkedIn 

Maude Baudier, CEO and founder of Smatchy, a sports community app, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about a community for doing sports together and partnering with businesses to build engagement with their consumers through sports.Here is what they talked about:Maude's backgroundWhy did Maude decide to start your own company? What is Smatchy? What is the problem that Smatchy is trying to solveWhat is its unique advantage? How is it different from other sports partner apps?How does Smatchy make money?Who Smatchy's target customersKey locationsThe very first steps to get going as a businessWhere is Smatchy now on its journey regarding product development, geographic reach, funding, and hiring?What are the Smatchy's steps for you this year and beyond? Customers, incumbents as partners, investors?The best way to reach out: LinkedIn: Maude Baudier, or website Smatchy (apps links there)

Hagen Lihl, co-founder of Upgrid and recent graduate of the Tenity Acceleration Program, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about a platform for harnessing solar energy in your neighborhood.Here is what they talked about in more detail:Hagen, can you introduce yourself?Why have you decided to start your own company?What is the problem that you are trying to solve? What is Upgrid?  What are the issues you're addressing to change that?How are you different from traditional energy providers?How do you make money?Who are your target customers? How big is the Swiss market, and what about regulation?Where are you based?How have you started with your venture? What were your very first steps?Where are you on your journey regarding product development, geographic reach, funding, and hiring? Can you share any numbers?What are the next steps for you this year and beyond? Customers, incumbents as partners, investors?Where can interested parties reach you? Check out the website or reach out to Hagen Lihl on LinkedIn. 

This episode of Voice of FinTech, the MENA Series hosted by Dorra Mahbouli, features Martin Della Chiesa, co-CEO of Skaleet, a FinTech innovator providing scalable and configurable core banking solutions. The podcast explores Skaleet's vision of empowering banks to modernize their digital offerings while maintaining adaptability for local market needs. Key sections include discussions on Skaleet's MENA expansion strategy, navigating regional regulatory challenges, and their role in advancing financial inclusion. Highlighted use cases, such as BMCI Mauritania's digital bank launch and Trust Merchant Bank's digital transformation in the DRC, demonstrate Skaleet's ability to create tailored, agile solutions. Skaleet's platform is a robust enabler for financial ecosystems and banks aiming to build the next generation of digital products and services.

Amos Kimani, CEO and co-founder of the Tausi app, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about how he built a platform for beauticians in Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania.Here is what they covered: Amos's journey from a musician to a start-up founderWhat is Tausi and the problem that it solvesWhat is Tausi's unique advantage? How is it different from other freelancers, including beauty or lifestyle-oriented platforms?How does Tausi make money?Who are Tausi's target customersTausi's key marketsHow did Amos start with this venture - what were his first steps?Where is Tausi on its journey regarding product development, geographic reach, funding, and hiring? What are the next steps for you this year and beyond? Customers, incumbents as partners, investors?Where can interested parties reach you? LinkedIn or email and phone. 

Liz Steblay, solopreneur success author, advocate, speaker, & mentor, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about becoming a successful solopreneur. Here is what they talked about:Liz, tell us how you got to do what you do today.So, say you are thinking about going solo. How do you find out if it's the right path for you?How to figure out the steps to get started?In a competitive market, standing out is everything. How do you master the art of branding, marketing, and business development to build the solo career you've always dreamed of?Let's also talk about building wealth. Want to keep more of what you earn? What are your recommended strategies to optimize taxes and maximize income while growing your solo business?You have written a book, Succeeding as a Solopreneur. In addition to what we just discussed, can you hint at the six keys to successful self-employment you describe in the book?The best way to reach out and find out more: Liz Steblay on LinkedIn or the website and the book: https://www.sixkeys.info/

Dr. Karen (PHD) Wendt, President of the Swiss FinTech Ladies, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about angel investing training to close the gender gap in investing and wealth.Here is what they covered:Karen explained what led her to start the SFTL associationWhat does SFTL do?SFTL key activities, training, and educationHow do business angels, VCs, and CVCs differ?Why is business angel investing training needed?What are key takeaways from your training, including the main dos and don'ts of presenting to investorsKey advice for aspiring business angelsFurther recommended sources: Onvista, Handelsblatt, NZZ, BloombergEvents: check out Swiss FinTech LadiesContact

In the latest episode of Voice FinTech: Africa Series, Patrick Awori, CEO of Imaginarium, sits down with Tawanda Wenyika, Business Development Executive at EFT Corporation and Caroline Kitema, Growth Manager at Absa Bank, to explore the technological advancements reshaping the future of banking. The episode was recorded at the KOFISI Podcast Studio.

Dr. Karen (PHD) Wendt, President of the Swiss FinTech Ladies, and Mahnoosh Mirghaemi, CEO and founder of Colivar, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about modern wealth management approaches, leveraging technology such as AI, catering specifically to underserved groups like women, and the role that SFTL plays in closing the gender wealth and investment gap.Here is what they covered in more detail: Mahnoosh, how are you today? Can you tell us about your entrepreneurial journey?What is Colivar? What is the problem you are trying to solve? What is the SFTL, and how is it connected to Colivar?What is Colivar's unique advantage?Tell us about the SFTL activities and eventsWhat's your view on leveraging AI in Wealth Management, and what kind of AI?Wealth Management and Private Banking require increasingly high minimum scales to be viable. How do start-ups fit into this?Robo advisers had a lot of promise, but not many survived as standalone businesses. What is your view on this?What works for HNWI and UHNWI as opposed to retail and affluent clients?Where are you on your journey regarding product development, geographic reach, funding, and hiring? What are the next steps for you this year and beyond? Customers, incumbents as partners, investors?Where can interested parties reach Karen and Mahnoosh: SFTL and Colivar, respectively.

Ennio Limbach – Brun del Re, founder and CEO of Zurichberg, an alternative investment and co-ownership platform focused on watches, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about why it is needed and how it works.Here is what they discussed in more detail:Ennio's journey towards building new products and businessesWhy has he decided to start his own companyWhat is Zurichberg? What is the problem that it is aiming to solve?What is their unique advantage? How is it different from other alternative investment platforms or watch co-ownership platforms?How they make moneyTarget customersHQ in Zurich, Switzerland, and teamKey milestones aheadBest way to get in toch: Ennio Limbach – Brun del Re (LinkedIn) or  Zurichberg (website)

In this episode of the Voice of FinTech, the MENA Series hosted by Dorra Mahbouli spoke to Hazim Sebbata, Cash Plus's Director General (DG), a prominent financial services company in Morocco. He plays a significant role in the company's operations, focusing on enhancing and diversifying the financial services available to Moroccans. Under his leadership, Cash Plus has introduced various innovative solutions, including a partnership with Mastercard to facilitate international online shopping for Moroccan users.In addition to his role at Cash Plus, Sebbata is actively involved in the financial sector as the President of the Association Professionelle des Etablissements de Paiement (APEP), representing payment institutions in Morocco. His contributions to the industry emphasize the importance of innovation and digital transformation in financial services.Before his tenure at Cash Plus, Sebbata's career included various roles within the financial industry, contributing to his extensive financial management and strategic planning expertise.   

Derrick Kinney, founder of Success For Advisors, Top Leadership Voice for financial advisors on LinkedIn, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about how financial advisors can grow their business.Here is what they covered:Derrick's journey from financial advisor to leadership speaker and consultantWhat problem is Derrick helping financial advisors with, and whySome highlights of advice to financial advisors given by Derrick how to: Crush their revenue goals and build the business they've always wantedDiscover their generosity purpose, so they experience purpose and meaning in their livesBecome the sought-after specialist in their community by "owning a relatable problem."Attract ideal prospects and high-quality referrals that are excited to work with themInsulate client relationships from the competitionThey also discussed what's the best way to find HNWI client prospects todayHow to manage the conversion from a prospect to a clientDerrick's thoughts on the retention of clients and managing churnHow to reconcile financial advisors' goals and the suitability of financial products for their clientsHow to manage advisors' lives and careers and prevent burnout Can you recommend a favorite business book or another resource for continuous learning? The Richest Man in BabylonThe best way to reach out and find out more is to find Derrick Kinney on LinkedIn

Jim Tousignant, founder and CEO of FinTech Studios, an intelligent search company, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about making business information search more intelligent and efficient.Here is what they discussed in more detail:Jim's entrepreneurial journeyMany people recently opened up to AI with the advent of GenAI. But AI has been with us for much longer, right? Why has GenAI, in particular, gained such traction?Jim founded several businesses; his latest venture is FinTech Studios. What problem is FinTech Studios solving, and why is it worth solving? What is their solution and unique selling point? Who are FinTech Studios' key clients? What are the case studies for the successful implementation of your solution?What's the technology angle? What kind of AI are we talking about?How do FinTech Studios navigate the unique risks that GenAI poses, e.g., misinformation or disinformation?What's Jim's estimate of GenAI's impact on the job market: what types of work will be replaced or significantly altered by this groundbreaking technology?What are the milestones Fintech Studios wants to achieve next?Favorite business book: Fall in Love with the Problem, Not the Solution: A Handbook for EntrepreneursWhat's the best way to reach out? https://www.fintechstudios.com 

In this episode of the Voice of FinTech, the MENA Series hosted by Dorra Mahbouli spoke to Grace Ge from Publicis Sapient, a consulting firm.Grace is a Senior Principal of Publicis Sapient's Strategy and Management Consulting practice, active worldwide, including in MENA. She specializes in advising Financial Services firms and, in particular, incumbent and mid-market banks on Digital Transformation topics, including core modernization and adoption of AI/GenAI. Grace leads the ‘Women's Initiative' within the global Strategy and Management Consulting practice at Publicis Sapient. Before this, she was with McKinsey. She lives with her husband and three children outside of London in Kent, United Kingdom.

Join for a reality check: FinTech promise vs. reality over the last five years for a 5th Anniversary Special, live from Money2020 Europe, where Voice of FinTech founder Rudolf Falat spoke to Micky Tesfaye, Content Lead at Money2020.Here is what they discussed in more detail:A customer universe of one: customer centricity, hyper-personalization, AI, and automation. Customer centricity is no longer only a North Star aspirational goal but an absolute must for everyoneNo longer chasing growth at any cost - marketplaces and profitabilitySustainable growth and sustainable financeAre ESG ratings useful? Need to integrate climate and social responsibility into their everyday actions, beyond using buzzwords to impress. ClimateTech funding is still strong, and sustainability to stay, but need to be backed up with tangible resultsCrypto and blockchain - where is more traction?

Patrick Gauthier, Group CEO, Director & Chair Convera USA, Director and Chair Convera Europe Financial S.A., spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about helping SMEs manage cross-border payments and more.Here is what they covered in more detail:Patrick, as a key figure in the payments sector, could you share your professional journey and how it led you to your current role at Convera?What problem are you solving at Convera, and why is it worth solving? Why are B2B payments special, and why they have been slower to innovateHow do B2B cross-border payment needs for SMEs differ from individuals or large corporations? How can you help? Who are your key clients?Which supporting technologies do you see as most promising for the payments sector? What's your technology angle, or do you have more brilliant engineers than other players?Do you see real-time payments on the rise in the coming years? How are they relevant for B2B transactions? Will there be no more trade credit? Looking ahead, what are the key milestones that Convera aims to achieve in the near future, and how do you plan to reach them?Favorite business book: Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap & Others Don't by Jim CollinsWhat's the best way to reach out: Patrick Gauthier on LinkedIn 

Hana Rolles, CEO of Paynetics UK, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about B2B payments, embedded finance, and more.Here is what they covered in more detail: Hana's journey from an incumbent (VISA) to a start-up (Paynetics)Why are B2B payments special, and how do they fit into Embedded Finance worldWhat is Paynetics' solution, and what is unique about it? Where do they sit compared to the classic four-party card payment ecosystem?Key clientsTechnology angleWill we see digital payments and e-commerce on the rise in the coming years?Which supporting technologies do you see as most promising for the payments sector? Digital identity, blockchain, crypto, instant payments and moreKey milestones ahead of PayneticsWhat's your favorite business book? What Got You Here Won't GetWon'tThere: How Successful People Become Even More SuccessfulHow to reach out: check out Hana Rolles on LinkedIn.

Sarah Biller, co-founder of Fintech Sandbox, VC investor and board member and American Banker Top 20 Most Influential Women in Fintech, I spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about data accessibility and how her initiative, Fintech Sandbox, helps.Sarah talked about her journey and how she got involved in the start-up ecosystem. During the podcast, she provided an overview of  Vantage Ventures and Fintech Sandbox, including what sets them apart and their unique focuses. She also covered her key themes for investing and helping to build businesses: financial inclusion, diversity, and digital identity. Sarah also shared her best tips for entrepreneurs to grow their companies. Further, Sarah also explained why data accessibility is crucial for scaling up FinTechs and how Fintech Sandbox helps.Favorite book: The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick RubinThe best way to reach out: check out Sarah Biller on LinkedIn

Greg Palmer, VP and Director of FinTech Strategy at Finovate, a series of FinTech conferences in Europe and the US, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about key themes emerging at the recent FinovateEurope in London. Here is what they covered in more detail:Intro - Greg's background, Finovate and Finovate London in particular - unique aspects: live demos, enterprise partners and start-ups in one place. There were more attendees and many new ones in London.Highlights from the Hot or Not session - Open Banking, Hot or not?:-)Meta FinTech –  FinTech aimed at helping banks engage with other FinTechs, which is really interesting. This frequently takes the shape of core service providers, or an add on to it, but it's helping to enable adoption of other innovations. However, are meta FinTechs another gatekeeper that stands in the way?AI: Enterprise-grade solutions for anti-fraud, customer experience and compliance/regulationTemperature check of incumbents and their take on GenAI as of nowThe funding environment taking a toll, but there are some bright spots on the horizonWhat to expect in 2024 with respect to the aboveUpcoming Finovate editions - Spring in SanFrancisco, Fall in New York and Finovate Awards online

In an engaging episode of the MENA Series hosted by Dorra Mahbouli, Andrew Riabchuk from Akurateco shared insights into the company's foundation and its strategic approach to offering specialized payment solutions in the Saudi Arabian market. He highlighted how Akurateco's services are uniquely tailored to meet the nuanced demands of local businesses, effectively addressing their specific challenges. Andrew also shed light on the strategic considerations behind Akurateco's market entry, their vision for future growth in the region, and their commitment to navigating the regulatory landscape with innovative compliance solutions. Furthermore, he discussed the importance of partnerships with financial institutions in enhancing the payment ecosystem. He provided valuable advice for fintech startups aiming to succeed in emerging markets like Saudi Arabia.

Bernard Marr, an internationally best-selling author, popular keynote speaker, futurist, and strategic business & technology advisor, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about what generative AI can mean for all of us!Here is what they talked about in more detail:Bernard's story: how he got to do what he does todayMany people recently opened up to AI with the advent of GenAI. But AI has been with us for much longer, right? An overview of AI developments since the Dartmouth Conference in the 1950s till nowWhy has GenAI, in particular, gained such traction?Why does Bernard think GenAI is the most powerful technology humans have ever had access to?How is GenAI changing the game for various industries, including retail, healthcare, finance, education, manufacturing, marketing, entertainment, sports, coding, and more?How will GenAI interact with other transformative technologies (gene editing, immersive internet, conventional AI, blockchain, quantum computing, etc.) to create a world of hyper-innovatiWhat'saGenAI'sAI's impact on everyday activities such as searching for information, cooking, and traveling?How to navigate the unique risks and challenges GenAI poses (including ethical concerns of GenAI such as misinformation, disinformation, and deep fakes, particularly in an election yeaWhat'saBernard'srd's estimateGenAI'sAI's impact on the job market: what types of work will be replaced or significantly altered by this groundbreaking technologyCheck out his upcoming book, Generative AI in PracticeThe best way to reach out and find out more on Bernard Marr website

In this episode of the Voice of Fintech podcast, Wani Baumgartner sits down with Stevan Bajic, the innovative Founder-CEO behind Manigo, to delve into the intricacies of FinTech orchestration. Discover how Manigo streamlines financial services by seamlessly connecting users to their preferred fintech infrastructure providers via a single API.Join the conversation as Stevan shares invaluable insights into Manigo's journey navigating the dynamic FinTech landscape. Explore key milestones in their growth, the pivotal role of customer feedback in shaping platform features, and get a glimpse into their ambitious long-term vision.Through Stevan's entrepreneurial narrative, listeners gain firsthand knowledge of the challenges he's conquered and the relentless drive propelling him towards future success. Tune in for an episode packed with inspiration, innovation, and the future of FinTech.

Nelson Chu, founder and CEO at Percent, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about the booming Private Credit market and how he built a three-sided platform in this space.Here is what they discussed in more detail:Introduction - Nelson's entrepreneurial journeyWhy did Nelson decide to start his own companyWhat is Percent? What is the problem that they are trying to solveWhat is their unique advantage? How are they different from other investment platforms?Business modelTarget customersLocationsHow to get going with the platformPercent's journey until now, and next steps this year and beyondCheck out Nelson's website here.

In this engaging episode of the Voice of FinTech, MENA Series hosted by Dorra Mahbouli, we delve into the heart of Tunisia's burgeoning startup scene with Amin Ben Abderrahman, a pioneering force in the FinTech industry in Tunisia and beyond. With a rich history of innovation across global financial capitals and a deep passion for the transformative power of technology in finance, Amin has established himself as a visionary entrepreneur. Through the lens of his latest venture, Konnect Networks, which aims to revolutionize payment solutions in North Africa, we explore Amin's entrepreneurial journey, the challenges and triumphs of launching a startup in the dynamic MENA region, and his strategic vision for the future. The conversation also covers the types of investors and talents Konnect Networks seeks to attract, its target clientele, and a practical use case, providing a comprehensive look at the company's efforts to navigate and shape the FinTech landscape. This episode offers invaluable insights into financial technology innovation, underscored by Amin's personal experiences and aspirations for making a lasting impact in the region.

Tess Bloch, co-founder of Spade, a provider of merchant intelligence solutions, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about enriching payment transaction data to facilitate better anti-fraud solutions and more. Here is what they talked about in more detail:Tess's backstoryWhat problem are you solving at Spade, and why is it worth solving?Why is merchant intelligence critical for optimal fraud detection?What are new use cases for merchant intelligence?What is your solution and your unique selling point?What has the feedback from customers been like?What's your technology angle, or do you have more brilliant engineers than other players?Who are your key clients?Recent series A and Spade's plansFavorite business book: Scaling People: Tactics for Management and Company Building by Claire HughesWhat is the best way to reach out: tess@spade.com

Today,  in another episode of the MENA series hosted by Dorra Mahbouli, we have the privilege of hosting Faraz Amjad, an industry leader in FinTech with an impressive trajectory in payments, technology consulting, and venture building. Over 25 years of experience, he has architected 12+ ventures, served in 7+ corporate leadership roles, and delivered 6+ successful M&A deals.Today's discussion promises to be enlightening as we dive deep into the FinTech scene of the MENA region, with a spotlight on the rapidly evolving Saudi Arabian market.The podcast delved into the FinTech landscape in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region, particularly within Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. The discussion encompassed the current state and potential of the market, addressing regulatory challenges faced by startups and offering navigation strategies. We drew comparisons between the FinTech ecosystems of the UK and the MENA region, extracting valuable lessons from both. The conversation also focused on the challenges of entering the MENA market, highlighting key players in the Saudi FinTech scene and their unique attributes. Corporate innovation was a notable topic in response to FinTech advancements, including collaborations and initiatives. The podcast explored opportunities and challenges in the Kingdom's rapidly digitalizing landscape, investors' perspectives on the Saudi FinTech market, and the trends attracting investment. Looking forward, we discussed predictions for the market's future trajectory over the next 5-10 years, influencing corporate innovation. Finally, considering its unique market dynamics, we explored strategies for supporting FinTech startups in Saudi Arabia. We concluded by thanking your guest, Faraz, for his deep insights into these sectors and acknowledging his contributions to the field.

Deniz A. Johnson, COO at Stratyfy, an ethical artificial intelligence (AI) company that offers predictive analytics software for credit and risk teams spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about transparency solutions for AI, biases, diversity and more.Here is what they talked about in more detail: Deniz's background What is Stratyfy – what's the problem you are solving and the outline of its solutions How do you define successful digital transformation?  What's the role of AI in digital transformation?  What about Finance and AI? How would you advise corporates leveraging AI to tackle the biases issue? One of the ways to deal with biases is to promote diversity – how do you go about it? Can AI and sustainability co-exist? What are the milestones you want to achieve next? Favorite business books: Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy and Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn't What's the best way to reach out: deniz@stratyfy.com or Stratyfy website 

Daniel Yubi, CEO of Payable, headquartered in London, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about improving Treasury operations through their software. Here is what they talked about:  Daniel's backstory - how he got to do what he does today What problem is Payable solving, and why is it worth solving? What is their solution and their unique selling point What's their technology angle Who are Payable's key clients What is the role of the finance team in scaling FinTechs? What is the CFO stack, and what is the FinTech market opportunity? What's Daniel's advice on how to build and develop FinTech propositions the market wants and needs? What are the milestones Daniel wants to achieve next What's your favorite business book? The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers and Marcus Aurelius works What's the best way to reach out: Daniel Yubi on LinkedIn

Tonya Evans, professor, expert in crypto policy and law, and Board Member at Digital Currency Group, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about her new book, Digital Money Demystified, and hot issues still surrounding the crypto world.Here is what they talked about in more detail: Tonya's journey into the crypto world You have written the book 'Digital Money Demystified.' Isn't most of the money digital already? Let's talk fact vs. fiction: What are the most common cryptocurrency myths? What are the hot legal and regulatory issues around this emerging asset class?  Do you see a future for crypto as a means of payment, or do you find other use cases more likely to succeed? How can the crypto-curious onboard & safely – and why should they do it? How can we empower women and diverse entrepreneurs for the future of Web3, blockchain, and cryptocurrency? What is your view on continued issues with crypto exchanges? Recommended reading: Choke Point 2.0, We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman's Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power, and It's About D*mn Time: How to Turn Being Underestimated into Your Greatest Advantage Best way to reach out: digitalmoneydemystified.com

Elliot Chun, Partner at Architect Partners, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about crypto and FinTech-related M&A.Here is what they covered in more detail: Elliot's backstory: how he got to do what he does today Architect Partners' approach towards advising FinTechs - M&A or other matters? Does it mean AP advises only scale-ups or incumbents interested in this space? Specifics of the FinTech M&A and lessons learned The average time to go public has increased tremendously. As Fintechs grow larger and more mature, what are the liquidity and exit options for these companies?  Payments and lending were probably the first areas where FinTech grew. Are we bound to witness a significant consolidation wave in this FinTech vertical? SPACs used to be the favorite buzzword of the day not long ago. What's the status now? Why focus on crypto-related M&A Let's talk about the recent Bitcoin rise and fall – is it due to diversification because investors are worried about inflation due to Covid government support or anything else? A book tip: Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon by M. Lewis What's the best way to reach out? Website https://architectpartners.com

Colin Levy, Chief Lawyer @ Malbek, Legal Tech Author and Commentator, Fastcase 50 2022 Honoree, and Legal Tech Start-up Advisor and Investor, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about how technology drives the legal profession to be more efficient and benefit its clients, start-ups and incumbents and individuals.Here is what they covered: Backstory: How did you get to do what you do today? Law practice is changing—why are lawyers and technology quickly becoming inseparable? Unraveling the legal tech ecosystem: how people, processes, and tech work together What are the three biggest mistakes when evaluating legal technology tools? What is the impact of AI on the future of the legal sector? Why should every lawyer start thinking about legal technology? Debunking five common myths about legal technology What are the key steps to develop innovative legal tech products and services correctly, plus real-world lessons successful founders learned along the way? How do we prepare students for practice in the 21st century? What is the most impactful business book for you (apart from yours)? Tomorrow's Lawyers: An Introduction to Your Future by R. Susskind Check out Colin's book, The Legal Tech Ecosystem: Innovation, Advancement & the Future of Law Practice, on Amazon.

Geert Van Kerckhoven, CEO and co-founder at Oper, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about upgrading the mortgage process for the 21st century.Here are the questions Geert answered:  Geert – what is your backstory? How did you get to do what you do today?  What problem are you solving, and why is it worth solving?  What is your unique selling point?  What's your technology angle, or do you have more brilliant engineers than other players?  Are you a brokerage platform, or would you like to become a bank?  What's your business model? How do you make money?   How did you get going?  Who are your key clients?  Why do you focus on both Switzerland and Benelux?  What are the milestones you want to achieve next?  What's your favorite business book? The Prince | Niccolò Machiavelli  What's the best way to reach out: geert.vankerckhoven@opercredits.com or LinkedIn

Alysia Silberg, author, speaker, and AI Investor, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about her latest book, Unemployable – How I Hired Myself.Here is what they talked about:  Alysia's journey from venture capital to writing "Unemployable – How I Hired Myself" The core message of "Unemployable" and what inspired Alysia to write it How does Alysia's venture capital experience influence her perspectives in "Unemployable" "Train the Trainer" program and its significance in today's business landscape How does "Unemployable" offer actionable strategies to businesses and individuals, especially in the AI domain What feedback and success stories have you seen from individuals and businesses engaged with your programs and products? What's your view on the immediate and long-term outlook for AI in businesses and its impact on the workforce? How does your eBook workbook complement the "Unemployable" philosophy? Any lessons learned from your journey and the impact of "Unemployable" on your life? How can businesses and individuals get involved with your programs, and what can they expect in transformation? Wrap up: Encouraging businesses and individuals to explore the offerings stemming from "Unemployable" to harness the power of AI and entrepreneurship.

Marcus New, CEO at InvestX Capital, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about providing access to growth companies (later stage PE / pre-IPO) to a wider range of investors and investing in growth companies.Here is what they covered: Marcus' serial entrepreneurship journey InvestX Capital - what does it do?  Are you US-focused or global? How much money have you facilitated since inception, and for how many growth companies? How many investors? What kind of growth companies have you invested in - success stories of the growth companies that appeared on your platform What are your best tips for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses? How do you overcome a cold start problem and start a two-sided marketplace platform? Any lessons learned? What would you have done differently as an entrepreneur? Is the platform suitable for later-stage PE deals? How do you find investment opportunities and investors? What are your selection criteria? Favorite business book: The 6 Types of Working Genius: A Better Way to Understand Your Gifts, Your Frustrations, and Your Team What is the best way to reach out? Reach out through the website here.

Sherry Jiang, a co-founder of Bluejay Finance, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about bringing private asset investment opportunities to more investors, leveraging technology to transform investment management.Here is what they covered in more detail: Introduction: How did you get to do what you do today? What is the problem you are focusing on? You focus on Private Credit, Staking, and Tokenization  - why these products? Private assets are a much larger asset pool than public ones, yet, it is difficult for a retail investor to invest in them. Why should they?  How do you enable the democratization of investments? What is your technology angle? What are the minimum tickets and onboarding requirements? What is your business model  - how do you make money? What challenges did you need to overcome as a female founder? What advantages does it bring, if any? What non-fiction book would you take with you on vacation? Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success by Adam Grant What´s the best way to reach out and learn more about Bluejay? Sherry Jiang on LinkedIn.

Lisa Nestor, Chief Strategy Officer at Airtm, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about how her company leverages stablecoin  USDC (AirUSD)  - digital dollar in Airtm wallet to facilitate small cross-border payments faster and cheaper, supporting online workers everywhere.Here is what they covered in more detail: Lisa's journey to Airtm What is the problem you are focusing on? Why is it worth solving? What is your digital dollar, and how does it differ from the 'green' dollar? Or from Tether? What is your technology angle? Do you use existing rails or blockchain, and how do you exceed current payment networks? You support 400 different ways to pay with digital dollars – can you tell us some examples? How do you make money? Tell us about your growth journey. How did you expand to new countries? What were the successes and challenges? What next? What major goals do you want to achieve within, say next 12 months? What non-fiction book would you take with you on vacation?  What's the best way to reach out and learn more about AirTM? Lisa Nestor on LinkedIn or website: Airtm 

Darshita Mehta Gillies, founder and CEO of Maanch, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about helping asset managers to engage better with their clients and follow through on their ESG promises.Here is what they talked about: Darshita – what is your backstory? How did you get to do what you do today? What problem are you solving, and why is it worth solving? Can you provide insights into your platform's (data and analytics) capabilities that enable asset managers to make informed stewardship decisions? What is your unique selling point? What's your business model? How do you make money? Who are your key clients? What are the best stewardship practices/recommendations that you'd give to asset managers? What wakes you up every morning and motivates you for work? What would it be if you could have a superpower, and how would you use it to benefit the industry? What's your favorite business book? Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business and Principles What's the best way to reach out: Darshita Mehta Gillies on LinkedIn

Emmanuel Daniel, the founder of the Asian Banker and the Wealth and Society, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about how banks face disintermediation as decentralized Finance or personalization is taking hold. Here is what they covered: Emmanuel –  what is your backstory? How did you get to what you do today? Are we experiencing another banking crisis? Banks have been complaining about low-interest rates for a long time (they enjoy better margins when interest rates are higher,) and now some are struggling with rate hikes. How come? Why is it easier to have a run on the bank in the digital age? How can banks and regulators manage this risk better? Your books cover the transition from platforms to personalization. Tell us more about that. How can you personalize your services profitably and at scale? There has been a discussion about using cryptocurrencies more widely as payment. However, regulations (or the lack of), scalability, lack of speed, volatility, and more hampered more widespread adoption. CBDCs seemed to offer more promise, but the progress could be faster. Why? Nowadays, you hear a lot about embedded Finance and the financialization of everything. What's your take on it?  What's your favorite business book? The Sovereign Individual: Mastering the Transition to the Information Age The best way to reach out: https://www.emmanueldaniel.com

Paul Resch, co-founder, and CEO of Valutico,  spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about leveraging technology to make the valuation process more efficient.Here is what they discussed: Paul –  what is your backstory? How did you get to what you do today? What problem are you solving at Valutico, and why is it worth solving? What's your focus? Many bankers want to simplify valuation models – they start with templates, and in the end, they go back and start from scratch. How do you see the standardization of valuation models? How interactive is your solution? Is there an audit trail? How do you test your solution for bugs? How does your solution work? What is your unique selling point?  Who are your key clients?  What's your business model? How do you make money? What's your favorite business book? Thinking, Fast and Slow: Daniel Kahneman and Amp it Up The best way to reach out: Paul Resch on LinkedIn

Rosalia Gitau, co-founder and CEO of Bixie, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about why women don't invest enough and how her platform helps to change that.Here is what they discussed: Rosalia –  what is your own personal finance journey and family background? How has your background working in Fintech and blockchain inspired you to create Bixie?  What problem are you solving, and why is it worth solving?  What is your unique selling point? How does your platform help women, and how is it distinct from other platforms? Who are your key clients? What's your technology angle? What's your business model? How do you make money? A brief background on the Money Awareness and Inclusion Awards (MAIAs), its mission, and why winning this year's award is significant. What's your favorite business book? How to Win Friends and Influence People What's the best way to reach out:  Bixie website and all their social media channels

Elliot Kallen, the owner of Prosperity Financial Group, a wealth advisor to entrepreneurs, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about the importance of financial planning for entrepreneurs and his charity helping tackle depression and thoughts of suicide.Here is what they covered in more detail: Elliot's background Prosperity Financial Group's mission The importance of financial planning for entrepreneurs What common mistakes do entrepreneurs make when gaining wealth, and why staying the course to achieve financial goals can be the biggest challenge today? What are your tips on how to get your business in top shape and ready for a sale?  You have sold three companies, so you have a wealth of knowledge to share on how to do it successfully. What are the biggest financial lessons you have learned over his long financial advisor and entrepreneur career? Let's focus on resilience for entrepreneurs: Strategies to overcome adversity. Despite great hardship, you were still able to run your companies and launch a charity that is today a well-known national organization after the death of your son Recommended reading: Think and Grow Rich and The Greatest Salesman in the World  Wrap up: the best way to reach out: +1 (5 1 0) 2 0 6 1 1 0 3 or elliot@prosperityfinancialgroup.com or  Prosperity Financial Group website

Ralph Dangelmaier, CEO and Board member at BlueSnap spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about providing various businesses with efficient payment capabilities so they can focus on growing their businesses.Here are the questions they covered: Ralph's backstory What problem are you solving at BlueSnap, and why is it worth solving? What's your focus? Payment orchestration – are we discussing hardware, software solutions, or both?  What is your unique selling point? Accepting payments is just one piece of the puzzle in commerce – how far in the value chain do you extend? Who are your key clients? Which industries? What's your technology angle, or do you have more brilliant engineers than other players? Do you have any success stories of how you helped your clients grow their businesses thanks to your solutions? What's your business model? How do you make money? Favorite business book: Good to Great by Jim Collins Best way to reach out: through LinkedIn - Ralph Dangelmaier.

Gustaf Hult, Head of Banking as a Service at Intergiro, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about building banking platforms to support the rise of embedded finance.Here are the questions that Gustaf answered: Gustaf –  what is your backstory? How did you get to what you do today? What problem are you solving at Intergiro, and why is it worth solving? What's your focus?  How do you solve this problem? What is your unique selling point?  Who are your key clients?  Why does outsourcing the backend and going for banking as a service to you make sense? What's left for your clients to do? You are a big supporter of embedded finance – where are we in Europe (or Sweden) with this? Are we talking about embedding payments or more? What's your technology angle, or do you have more brilliant engineers than other players? What's your business model? How do you make money? What's your favorite business book? Good to Great by Jim Collins What's the best way to reach out: LinkedIn at Gustaf Hult

Xavier Bellekens, CEO of Lupovis, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about his company's unique way of managing cybersecurity threats by using decoys and alert noise detection online.Here is what they covered: Xavier's backstory What problem are you solving at Lupovis, and why is it worth solving? What's your focus?  A unique appoach to cybersecurity: using decoys and enhanced scanning for cyber threats online - can you explain? How did you come up with a decoy idea? How do you detect internet noise from genuine cyber-attacks? Who are your key clients? Which industries? What's your technology angle? What's your business model? How do you make money? Favorite business book: First, Break All The Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently What's the best way to reach out: through LinkedIn, find Xavier Bellekens and start a conversation!

In another episode of the MENA (the Middle East & North Africa) Series, Dorra Mahbouli, VP of Corporate Strategy at Zitouna Finance, spoke to Dhia Zitouni, co-founder of Petsigo, the first reimbursement-based digital insurance for pets in Tunisia. It is accessible via a user-friendly mobile application that offers services, including locating nearby vets, submitting a claim to receive reimbursement, blog articles, and posts related to pets.Part of the startup goal is Pet Health Monitoring. It can develop or partner with existing technologies to provide pet health monitoring solutions. This could include wearable devices or smart collars that track a pet's activity levels, vital signs, and location, ensuring their well-being and providing real-time data to pet owners.Dhia explained that the main challenge for the team was to focus on coping with the local legal framework while finding the right insurance partner that would believe in the project to be fully operational.The app is now live for the Tunisian market. However, an expansion is expected in other markets such as Morocco, Egypt, or the GCC region.

Yossi Sheffi, Elisha Grey II Professor of Engineering Systems at MIT and LinkedIn's Top Voice, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about the role of AI in supply chains, its impact on international trade and finance and his latest book: The Magic Conveyor Belt: Supply Chains, A.I., and the Future of Work.  Yossi's backstory Supply chains have become a mainstream topic of conversation in the last few years. So, as a recap, what has been happening with supply chains lately?  Did the supply chain fail us regarding chips, medicine, and prices? Supply chains have become increasingly complex to navigate. Will we see a step back to more local, straightforward supply chains? Will it also impact the impact of supply chains on the environment? How does digital technology impact supply chain management? Specifically, how can AI help? Supply chain comprises multiple actors with various budgets. Not everyone can afford SAP. What do you think about connectors developed by various IT consultants that should improve visibility through the supply chain and help AI do its magic? Technology is often insufficient–what are automated systems' drawbacks? What are key skills to retain employment in a world with growing levels of automation? Favorite business book:  The Innovator's Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail  The best way to reach out: sheffi@mit.edu

Uku Tomikas, CEO of Messente, spoke to Rudolf Falat, founder of the Voice of FinTech podcast, about expanding your business abroad and leveraging the power of business messaging.Here is what they covered: Uku's backstory Click-through rate on e-mails vs. SMS or messaging apps - which is better? How do you solve this problem? What is your unique selling point?  Why is a business messaging solution like Messente different from Whatsapp? What's the compliance angle that you need to bear in mind? Who are your key clients?  Fraudsters are improving each year. What are the latest attacks related to messaging, and how to protect against them? What's your technology angle, or do you have more brilliant engineers than other players? Can you tell us some of your new market launch success stories? How to go about it? Favorite business books: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahnemann and Measure What Matters by John Doerr The best way to reach out is signup@messente.com or the Messente website