Podcasts about Financial inclusion

The following article of the Tech industry is: 'Cash, Trust, and the Real Infrastructure of Financial Inclusion' by Tomás Mindlin, CEO & Co-Founder, tapi. 

In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Sean Tyrer, CEO and Founder of the Money Carer Group of Companies, to explore what financial inclusion really means in practice.From building Money Carer to supporting vulnerable individuals, Sean shares how simple, people-first thinking can transform financial services. The conversation covers inclusion beyond compliance, the importance of partnerships, and why life experience matters just as much as technical skills in today's FinTech landscape.A thought-provoking episode on making finance work for everyone, and what the industry must do next.FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.com

What happens when a country moves from cash-only transactions to instant digital payments that work for everyone? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Steve Haley, Director of Market Development at The Mojaloop Foundation, to discuss how open and interoperable payment systems are helping reshape financial inclusion across Africa and other emerging markets. For many listeners in Europe or North America, instant payments and digital banking are often taken for granted. But Steve explains how millions of people around the world still live in economies where cash dominates daily life, and where even those with mobile money accounts remain disconnected from the wider financial system. In some countries, people have even been forced to carry two phones because competing mobile payment providers could not communicate with each other. Our conversation focuses heavily on Liberia, where the Liberian Inclusive Instant Payments System was deployed in just 73 business days. Built using Mojaloop technology in partnership with the Central Bank of Liberia, ThitsaWorks, and AfricaNenda, the system now allows interoperable mobile money transfers between major operators, including MTN and Orange Liberia. Steve shares why this matters far beyond convenience. Removing barriers between providers means people no longer need money trapped across separate accounts, merchants can accept digital payments more easily, and governments can distribute payroll and public payments through faster and more transparent systems. We also discuss how mobile wallets are helping expand account ownership across Liberia, which now exceeds 50 percent according to World Bank data, and why interoperability may become the missing piece that transforms access into meaningful financial participation. Another fascinating part of our discussion centers on the future of cross-border payments in Africa. Steve explains how many transactions between neighboring African countries still route through systems in the United States, increasing both cost and complexity. He believes interoperable instant payment systems across the continent could dramatically lower those barriers and unlock new levels of regional trade. This episode offers a thoughtful reminder that digital transformation is not always about the latest AI model or enterprise software platform. Sometimes it is about giving people the ability to send money, pay merchants, receive salaries, and participate in the economy with the same ease many of us already expect every day.  So how different would life feel if digital payments finally became accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live or who they bank with? Please check the partners of the Tech Tech Talks Network Learn more about the NordLayer Browser Visit Denodo.com

In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia Edwards-Dashti speaks with Denise Johansson, CEO & Co-Founder of Enfuce, about the hidden impact of fraud in financial services.Drawing on new research, Denise explains why fraud isn't just a financial issue, but a financial inclusion issue. While men and women experience fraud at similar rates, the emotional and long-term impact is often far greater for women, affecting confidence and engagement with financial systems.They also explore the rise of human-led scams, the importance of better education, and why more diverse perspectives are critical to building safer, more inclusive fintech.FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.com

The following article of the Entrepreneurs industry is: 'Female Financial Inclusion: Mexico's Underestimated Business Case' by Marlene Garayzar, CGO & Co founder, Stori. 

At Pay360 in London, Nadia Edwards-Dashti hosts a panel that challenges a big assumption in financial services: if innovation is moving forward, why are so many still being left behind?Featuring Faith Reynolds, Nick Quin, and Malintha Fernando, this conversation cuts through the noise around financial inclusion and gets to the reality.From the millions quietly supporting others through everyday banking, to the risks of a fully digital ecosystem, the panel explores where the industry is falling short—and where real progress is happening. There's a clear message: inclusion isn't a side initiative, it's fundamental to how financial systems should be built.FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.com

In this episode of Disruption/Interruption, host KJ sits down with Suvankar Mishra and Stefan Jacob, co-founders of FLO FUND, a fintech platform on a mission to close the $170 billion financing gap facing smallholder farmers in the Global South. The conversation unpacks why traditional banks have failed these farmers, how value chain financing is changing the game, and why the food on your table in Europe or North America is directly tied to whether a farmer in Kenya or India can access a simple loan. With deep field experience across Asia, Africa, and India, Suvankar and Stefan explain how FLO FUND uses real-time agricultural data and digital infrastructure to provide crop-linked, insured lending and why this is not a charity case, but a sound investment in the global food system. Four Key Takeaways: The Financing Gap Is Massive, and Personal (3:40) There are over 500 million smallholder farmers feeding one-third to one-half of the world's population, yet they can't access basic credit. FLO FUND is targeting a $170 billion annual financing shortfall that banks won't touch. Value Chain Financing Is the Real Solution (18:27) Increasingly, farmers aren't getting loans from banks — they're getting them from processors, co-ops, and agribusiness actors in their own value chains. FLO FUND plugs into these existing relationships to inject liquidity at multiple points in the chain, not just at the farm gate. Technology Has Evolved Enough to Make This Work (30:12) Earlier fintech attempts in this space failed because they used alternative data (like mobile recharge behavior) to justify predatory interest rates. FLO FUND leverages mature digital agricultural infrastructure — soil sensors, real-time crop data, and established digital ecosystems — to structure fair, insured, asset-backed lending. Your Food Security Depends on These Farmers (35:31) 90% of macadamia nuts consumed in Europe come from Kenya. 60–70% of global cocoa comes from West Africa. Climate change is accelerating risk in these supply chains. If the Global North doesn't invest in smallholder farmer access to finance, it will pay the price in food scarcity, rising prices, and healthcare costs. Quote of the Show (47:59):"We're not here to provide financing on the basis of default behavior. We're here to provide financing based on integrity."— Suvankar Mishra, co-founder of FLO FUND Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome. Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval Ways to connect with Suvankar Mishra and Stefan Jacob: Suvankar’s LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/suvankarmishraStefan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanjacob/Company Website: https://www.theflo.uk/ How to get more Disruption/Interruption: Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode, Dave and Dharm are joined by James Tweed from Coracle for a fascinating conversation that sits at the intersection of education, technology, and financial services, and challenges how we think about inclusion in a digital world. Coracle is an EdTech company delivering secure, offline digital education to prisons across the UK, giving learners access to a wide range of content from basic literacy to vocational training. But what makes their work particularly compelling is how they are using AI and behavioural insights to personalise learning experiences for individuals who have often been excluded from traditional education systems. A key theme throughout the episode is neurodiversity, and the reality that many individuals, particularly within prison populations, have had negative or disrupted experiences with education. James explains how Coracle is rethinking learning by moving away from rigid, one-size-fits-all approaches and instead adapting content in real time based on how individuals engage, respond, and learn. This includes adjusting reading levels, formats, and delivery methods to suit each user better. The conversation also explores the power of digital environments to remove stigma and enable private, self-paced learning. In contrast to traditional classroom settings, learners can make mistakes, build confidence, and develop skills without fear of judgment, with profound implications not just for education but for any sector delivering complex information. This leads into a broader discussion on what the financial services industry can learn from these approaches. From inaccessible terms and conditions to a lack of personalised communication, the episode highlights how many financial products are still designed for a “default” user that doesn't reflect the diversity of real customers. The potential for AI-driven personalisation, not just in products, but in how information is presented, is a major opportunity for banks and fintechs alike. Another important theme is financial inclusion and digital poverty. The discussion highlights how access to digital services is increasingly essential, yet still out of reach for some individuals. The episode explores how organisations, including banks, could play a more active role in supporting not just access, but understanding and engagement. Finally, the conversation touches on a broader strategic shift, moving away from designing for mass markets and instead solving problems for highly specific, underserved groups first, before scaling those solutions more widely. As James explains, solving for the most complex environments, such as prisons, can create models that are far more adaptable and impactful in mainstream contexts. For anyone interested in AI, education, financial inclusion, and the future of personalised digital experiences, this episode offers a fresh, thought-provoking perspective on how technology can be used to better serve individuals, not just systems.

Key Topics Covered: Leapfrogging Development: Why the Middle East and Africa are moving directly to open finance rather than following the incremental UK/Europe model. Inclusion over Competition: How regional frameworks are designed to foster collaboration between banks and fintechs to reach underserved segments. Infrastructure Foundations: The role of standardisation and quality APIs in building the "pipe work" necessary for market-wide connectivity. Modernising Legacy Payments: Utilising open finance to solve regional-specific challenges, such as transitioning away from physical rent checks. AI and Data Synergy: The potential for agentic AI to transform consented financial data into automated, high-value recommendations for users. Measuring Future Success: Why the industry focus will shift from technical connectivity to tangible social and economic impact by next year. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to News and Views 00:27 - Guest Introduction: Nihal Abughattas 01:32 - The State of Open Finance in the Middle East 03:05 - Use Cases: Inclusion, APIs, and the SME Gap 06:14 - Beyond Banking: Insurance and Rent Payment Innovation 08:45 - The Marriage of Open Finance and Agentic AI 10:43 - Predictions for the Coming Year The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.

With a record number of companies vying for US bank charters, it's crucial to understand the driving forces behind this surge. The regulatory environment is more welcoming than ever, allowing fintechs to innovate and meet the needs of consumers who feel underserved by traditional banks.  But it's not just about quantity; it's about quality. In a saturated market, how can these new entrants provide real value that stands out? It's all about solving real problems and creating unique offerings that resonate with consumers. Keep an eye on companies that understand the nuances of the market and can adapt their strategies. What's your take? Tune in and hear the take from Tiffani Montez and David Penn, in the latest episode of One Vision Podcast, hosted by Theodora Lau.00:00 Underserved Banking Opportunity14:44 Life Stage Subscriptions15:54 Niche Neobanks Strategy16:28 Who Will Win18:21 Incumbents Reaction20:09 Pressure To Modernize21:25 Rethinking Bank Models22:33 Trust And Charters24:36 Next 12 Months OutlookHot take: “We don't need more banks. We need better banks.” Tiffani MontezHot take: “The sky is getting darker.” David PennKeywords: Fintech, Financial Inclusion, Neobank, Open Banking #Fintech #neobank #AI #Financialinclusion More about our guests 

The following article of the Finance & Fintech industry is: “Digital Trust: The True Key to Financial Inclusion in Latam” by Mary Carmen Arteaga Palou, COO & Co Founder, Equality Company. (AA2016)

With a record number of companies vying for US bank charters, it's crucial to understand the driving forces behind this surge. The regulatory environment is more welcoming than ever, allowing fintechs to innovate and meet the needs of consumers who feel underserved by traditional banks. But it's not just about quantity; it's about quality. In a saturated market, how can these new entrants provide real value that stands out? It's all about solving real problems and creating unique offerings that resonate with consumers. Keep an eye on companies that understand the nuances of the market and can adapt their strategies. What's your take? Tune in and hear the take from Tiffani Montez and David Penn, in the latest episode of One Vision Podcast, hosted by Theodora Lau.00:00 Underserved Banking Opportunity14:44 Life Stage Subscriptions15:54 Niche Neobanks Strategy16:28 Who Will Win18:21 Incumbents Reaction20:09 Pressure To Modernize21:25 Rethinking Bank Models22:33 Trust And Charters24:36 Next 12 Months OutlookHot take: “We don't need more banks. We need better banks.” Tiffani MontezHot take: “The sky is getting darker.” David PennKeywords: Fintech, Financial Inclusion, Neobank, Open Banking #Fintech #neobank #AI #Financialinclusion More about our guests

In this episode of The Friendly Troll Podcast, host Josephine Kaaniru is joined by Mr. Kevin Mutiso, Chair of the Digital Financial Services Association of Kenya (DFSAK), to explore how the digital lending industry has evolved with regard to privacy practices, due to the enforcement of the Data Protection Act.With just a smartphone and an ID number, Kenyans can access loans in minutes, no collateral, no bank branch, no guarantor needed. This convenience has made digital lending apps central to Kenya's financial inclusion story. By some estimates, about 14% of Kenyan adults had taken a digital loan by 2019. But that convenience has always come with a less visible cost to borrowers: their right to privacy.To decide whether to lend money, these apps don't just assess income data. They analyse contacts, SMS messages, location history, browsing behaviour, and sometimes even call log data. They make decisions about creditworthiness using algorithms that remain opaque to users, and they often share data with third parties users may not even be aware of. As such, the conversation with Mr Kevin Mutiso reflects on how far the industry has come, and what still needs to change before Kenyan borrowers can access credit without compromising their privacy.ResourcesReport – Privacy and Data Protection Practices of Digital Lending Apps in Kenya- https://cipit.strathmore.edu/privacy-and-data-protection-practices-of-digital-lending-apps-in-kenya-report/ Guidance Note for Digital Credit Providers - https://www.odpc.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ODPC-Guidance-Note-for-Digital-Credit-Providers.pdfODPC Press Release, “ODPC to Audit 40 Digital Lenders And Issues Enforcement Notice Against A Health Service Provider” -  https://www.odpc.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Approved-Press-Release-on-DCP039s-and-Health-Provider-1-1.pdfDigital Financial Services Association of Kenya - https://www.dfsak.co.ke/ Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes!Music: Intro/Outro  – https://pixabay.com/music/id-102694/

The following article of the E-Commerce & Retai lindustry is: “Financial Inclusion: From Talk to Action” by Juan Ignacio Rial Hawila, Commercial Head Mexico, Evertec. (AA1904)

Between 2019 and 2023, the number of electronic transactions tripled in six Latin American economies. The share of adults using digital wallets, mobile money, and mobile bank accounts went from 3% in 2011 to 40% by 2021. A region that not long ago was defined by financial disasters, hyperinflation, and deep mistrust of banks has become one of the world's leading examples of how digital payments can transform an economy.Diego Vera-Cossio edited Beyond Cash, The Digital Payments Revolution in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Inter-American Development Bank's new regional microeconomic report on digital payments. He tells Tim Phillips how the effects of this revolution are more profound that freeing people from the need to carry cash. In Santiago, bus robberies fell when drivers stopped handling cash. In Brazil, firms in the most cash-intensive sectors grew substantially after the instant payment system Pix launched. In Colombia, people without any credit history started borrowing formally after being nudged to receive their social program payments digitally. And in Bolivia, where 80% of the workforce is informal, people are scanning QR codes at street market stalls. The question Diego, his colleagues, and policymakers int he region and beyond, are now trying to answer is how to build on all of that, and how to make it stick.The research behind this episode:Vera-Cossio, Diego A., ed. 2025. Beyond Cash: The Digital Payments Revolution in Latin America and the Caribbean. Latin American and Caribbean Microeconomic Report. Washington, D.C.: Inter-American Development Bank.To cite this episode:Phillips, Tim and Vera-Cossio, Diego A. 2026. "Beyond Cash: The Digital Payments Revolution in Latin America and the Caribbean." VoxDev Talk (podcast). Assign this as extra listening: the citation above is formatted and ready for a reading list or VLE.About Diego Vera-CossioDiego A. Vera-Cossio is a senior economist in the Research Department of the Inter-American Development Bank, where he works on social protection, financial inclusion, digital payments, and the design of public programmes in Latin America. He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of California, San Diego. Research cited in this episodeDominguez, Patricio. 2022. "Victim Incentives and Criminal Activity: Evidence from Bus Driver Robberies in Chile." Review of Economics and Statistics 104 (5). Exploits the reform that removed cash from Santiago buses to show that eliminating the cash target reduces robbery rates. The bus driver no longer carries anything worth taking.Vera-Cossio, Diego A., Bridget Hoffman, Camilo Pecha, and Carla Hernandez. 2024. "Does Adopting Digital Payment for Cash Transfers Improve the Financial Inclusion and Financial Well-Being of Low-Income Households?" IDB Research Insights. A randomised experiment in Colombia: unbanked beneficiaries of a social transfer programme were randomly encouraged to receive payments into digital wallets. Those who switched had fewer failed payment attempts, could check their balance without internet access via SIM, and were more likely to take out a formal loan for the first time.Inter-American Development Bank. 2024. Fintech Ecosystem in Latin America and the Caribbean Exceeds 3,000 Startups. Survey counts of fintech companies in Latin America and the Caribbean. Found roughly 700 fintechs in the region in 2017 and more than 3,000 by 2023, with 20% of them offering payment-related products.More VoxDev Talks on this topicMobile money in Ghana: Lessons for boosting financial inclusion: Tim Phillips speaks with Francis Annan about what the Ghanaian mobile money experience reveals about reducing fraud and misconduct in rural financial systems, and what that means for how mobile money can serve the very poor.Mobile money markets and financial inclusion in Africa: Nicola Limodio discusses what happened when mobile money operators in Africa were required to make their platforms interoperable, lowering fees but also reducing rural coverage. A direct parallel to the interoperability debate in Latin America.Related reading on VoxDevDigital financial services go a long way: Evidence from Mexico: evidence on how expanding digital payments and digital financial services affects spending, savings, and economic outcomes in a large middle-income country.The wide-ranging benefits of fostering financial inclusion in Mexico: on how policies that bring people into the formal financial system in Mexico produce benefits that extend well beyond the financial sector itself.VoxDevLit: Mobile Money: a curated literature review covering what research has established about mobile money, financial inclusion, and economic outcomes, useful for anyone who wants a broader picture of the evidence base behind the episode.

Brajesh Khandelwal, EVP and Head – Lending Intellect Consumer Banking, Intellect Design Arena LimitedAs artificial intelligence reshapes the future of lending, financial institutions are rethinking how credit is assessed and delivered across underserved sectors. Against this backdrop, Puja Sharma speaks with Brajesh Khandelwal, EVP and Head – Lending at Intellect Design Arena, about embedding AI at the core of SME and agri lending, unlocking deeper financial inclusion, driving measurable impact through large-scale implementations, and how banks can build intelligent, future-ready lending ecosystems by 2030.

The following article of the Entrepreneurs industry is: “Sustainable Financial Inclusion: From Access to Permanence” by Marlene Garayzar, CGO & Co founder, Stori (AA2511)

Episode 209 with Dara Adekunle, Managing Partner and CEO of FARMTIES Capital, an investment firm financing export oriented African agribusinesses and strengthening Africa's role in global trade.Dara brings deep experience in impact investing, innovative finance, and international trade to this conversation on one of the most critical and under examined constraints to Africa's economic growth the trade finance gap facing agricultural SMEs.In this episode, we explore why Africa's challenge is not agricultural production, but the lack of working capital, trade infrastructure, and risk appropriate financing needed to move goods from farms to global markets. Dara explains how FARMTIES Fund I, a 50 million dollar profit sharing trade finance fund, is unlocking capital for export ready agribusinesses across West and East Africa, with strong market linkages to North America and Europe.From blended finance and technical assistance to compliance, traceability, and ESG standards, this conversation breaks down how African SMEs can become bankable, competitive, and scalable in global food markets. Dara also unpacks why gender inclusive and climate resilient value chains are not only good for impact, but essential for long term commercial success.What We Discuss With DaraWhy Africa's biggest constraint to agribusiness growth is the trade finance gap rather than production capacityHow profit sharing trade finance and blended capital structures can de risk African agricultureTurning compliance, traceability, and ESG requirements into competitive advantages for African exportersThe commercial case for gender inclusive and climate resilient agricultural value chainsWhat founders, investors, and policymakers must change to unlock Africa's export led growthDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Financial Inclusion, Entrepreneurship, and How to Build Markets That Work in Africa? Make sure to check it out!Connect with Terser:LinkedIn - Terser AdamuInstagram - unlockingafricaTwitter (X) - @TerserAdamuConnect with Dara:LinkedIn - Oluwadara (Dara) Adekunle and Farmties Capital LimitedMany of the businesses unlocking opportunities in Africa don't do it alone. If you'd like strategic support on entering or expanding across African markets, reach out to our partners ETK Group: www.etkgroup.co.ukinfo@etkgroup.co.uk

Episode 208 with Carl Manlan, a development practitioner and global thought leader working at the intersection of financial inclusion, policy, entrepreneurship, and social impact across Africa and emerging markets. Carl brings deep experience from senior leadership roles at Visa, where he served as Vice President of Social Impact and Sustainability for the CEMEA region, and at Ecobank Foundation, where he was Chief Operating Officer leading programmes across 33 African markets, earning a Euromoney Award for Excellence. His career also spans influential roles across the United Nations system and AUDA NEPAD, bridging global economic policy with real world impact.In this episode, Carl explains why financial inclusion and digital payments are not social initiatives, but core economic infrastructure essential for Africa's long term growth, productivity, and resilience. Drawing on his concept of Polytunity, he reframes Africa's current economic disruptions as opportunities to redesign markets, institutions, and business models that work for entrepreneurs and small businesses at scale.The conversation challenges outdated narratives around informality, positioning Africa's popular economy and MSMEs as the continent's most adaptive and underestimated growth engine. Carl shares practical insights on how lowering transaction costs through smarter regulation, adaptive governance, and purpose driven business models can unlock inclusive economic growth.What We Discuss With CarlWhy financial inclusion and digital payments are foundational economic infrastructure for African marketsReframing crisis as opportunity through Polytunity and adaptive economic thinkingChallenging the myth of informality and unlocking growth in Africa's popular economy and MSMEsDesigning markets that work for entrepreneurs by lowering transaction costs through smart policy and regulationIntergenerational leadership, succession planning, and building lasting economic legacies in AfricaDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Africa's $2 Trillion Instant Payment Boom and What It Means for Trade and Economic Growth? Make sure to check it out!Connect with Terser:LinkedIn - Terser AdamuInstagram - unlockingafricaTwitter (X) - @TerserAdamuConnect with Carl:LinkedIn - Carl Manlan and Inside The Blueprint PodcastMany of the businesses unlocking opportunities in Africa don't do it alone. If you'd like strategic support on entering or expanding across African markets, reach out to our partners ETK Group: www.etkgroup.co.ukinfo@etkgroup.co.uk

Is Bitcoin actually helping anyone, or is it just another Wall Street game with better branding? In this conversation, Mike Peterson sits down with Jeremy Almond (@jeremyalmond) to argue that the answer shows up in Bitcoin circular economies, where people earn, spend, and save in Bitcoin as a medium of exchange, and where financial inclusion can look like a kid getting access to school, tools, and a first job.Jeremy shares the personal story that brought him here, shaped by the 2008 financial crisis, Occupy Wall Street, and a family tragedy that turned “money problems” into a life-changing emergency. It is the kind of Main Street vs Wall Street moment that forces a choice, either accept the system as it is or build toward something that gives people more economic agency.Then Jeremy breaks down what Paystand is doing, and why the company keeps Bitcoin in the background. He explains how Bitcoin adoption can happen through business-friendly rails, payment solutions, corporate cards, and payroll, so companies get speed and lower costs without needing a boardroom debate about Bitcoin first.The conversation also goes deep on Paystand.org and corporate philanthropy that tries to avoid the usual traps. The focus is economic empowerment, not dependency, and the goal is to fund and support grassroots leaders who are building circular Bitcoin economies that can stand on their own.Finally, Mike and Jeremy zoom in on what actually scales, Hope House, Bitcoin education, fellowships, and the tough balance between moving fast and protecting communities from bad actors. If you want the clearest case for how Bitcoin can change outcomes in the economy people live in every day, this episode makes the argument without pretending it is easy.-Bitcoin Beach TeamConnect and Learn more about Jeremy Almond:X: https://x.com/jeremyalmond YT: https://www.youtube.com/@redefinedpodcast YT: https://www.youtube.com/@PayStand Support and follow Bitcoin Beach:X: https://www.twitter.com/BitcoinBeach IG: https://www.instagram.com/bitcoinbeach_sv TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livefrombitcoinbeach Web: https://www.bitcoinbeach.com Browse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:00:00  Intro03:42 - How did the 2008 financial crisis spark Jeremy's Bitcoin journey?07:48 - What is Paystand's "Trojan Horse" strategy for Bitcoin adoption?12:42 - How do corporate cards introduce companies to Bitcoin? What role does Bitwage play?16:29 - How a payments company became a top 20 Bitcoin miner20:16 - Why are circular economies the "purest" form of Bitcoin?23:51 - How does Hope House use Bitcoin mining for education?26:33 - Why send tech employees to indigenous communities? How do fellowships change corporate culture?30:34 - How do you scale grassroots Bitcoin movements without breaking them?34:29 - Why does traditional foreign aid fail? How does Bitcoin fix the incentive structure?39:16 - What is Paystand.org? How can you volunteer for circular economy projects?Live From Bitcoin Beach

With 7.7 million Venezuelan refugees globally and 2.9 million in Colombia alone, the challenge of distributing humanitarian aid effectively is huge. Using cash is slow and risky, and lacks transparency, raising problems for NGOs and migrants alike. In this episode, we're joined by the team from AAvance, a fintech working with Visa to tackle this problem head-on. We'll explore how their digital wallet is replacing insecure cash with prepaid cards, giving dignity and financial freedom to migrants. We'll hear the human stories behind AAvance's work, and learn how it's creating a pathway to economic independence for migrants across Colombia. And we'll discover just why it matters so much to AAvance's founders themselves John Herreño and Magreth Gutierrez Vargas.Disclaimers:Visa Direct capability is enabled through a financial institution partner. Visa Direct product availability and functionality varies by market. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. Visa neither makes any warranty or representation as to the completeness or accuracy of the information within this podcast, nor assumes any liability or responsibility that may result from reliance on such information and any information from third parties. The information contained in this podcast is not intended as investment or legal advice, and listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a competent professional where such advice is required. All brand names, logos and/or trademarks are the property of their respective owners, and do not necessarily imply product endorsement or affiliation with Visa.

Opera EVP of Mobile Jørgen Arnesen and Celo Co-Founder Rene Reinsberg announce an extension of their MiniPay partnership. Opera and Celo are extending their MiniPay partnership, aiming to onboard one billion people into the Web3 economy by 2030. Celo Co-Founder Rene Reinsberg and Opera EVP of Mobile Jørgen Arnesen join CoinDesk Live from Binance Blockchain Week to discuss the announcement and share how this product abstracts crypto complexity, enabling easy payments and access to mini apps for hundreds of millions of existing Opera users. - This episode was hosted by Jennifer Sanasie and Sam Ewen.

Elli shares how Vanquis combines purpose with people strategy, supporting customers historically underserved by mainstream banking, while building a culture that empowers colleagues to thrive.   Elli reflects on the organisation's focus on financial inclusion, wellbeing and future skills, highlighting opportunities ahead for AI and technology to free colleagues for meaningful work, rather than replace them.  Looking ahead, Elli shares her vision for the future of work: workplaces where people feel supported and empowered to grow. She reflects on the ongoing journey of inclusion and the role of leaders in responding to societal challenges, offering practical insights and inspiration for HR leaders to create positive change inside and outside their organisations.  References: ·        Hey Girls – Social Enterprise tackling period poverty and providing sanitary products in workplaces  ·        Women in Finance Charter– promoting gender balance in financial services   Thank you to Peak PEO for sponsoring this episode     Thank you to Peak PEO, your global employment and remote culture partner, for sponsoring this episode.   Peak makes international hiring simple, helping organisations overcome the barriers of entity setup, compliance and admin so global growth becomes an opportunity, not an obstacle. With real human experts - not chatbots - they handle contracts, payroll, tax filings and more, giving you the freedom to focus on growing your business.   Beyond compliance, Peak helps companies build remote cultures where global teams genuinely thrive. Their award-winning approach means they don't just advise from theory - they share what truly works in practice, supporting you to create strong connections, effective systems and brilliant employee experiences across borders.   If you're ready to hire globally with confidence and build a thriving remote culture, visit www.peakpeo.com   

In this episode of AML Conversations, John Byrne speaks with Thalia Malmberg and Sangeeta Goswami from the Human Security Collective about the ripple effects of global AML/CFT frameworks on nonprofit organizations. The discussion explores FATF Recommendation 8, recent revisions aimed at reducing harm, and the challenges of striking a balance between security and financial inclusion. Learn why unintended consequences matter, how they affect humanitarian efforts worldwide, and what financial institutions can do to foster risk-based approaches without stifling legitimate charitable work.

HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins brings together an unprecedented trio — Joel Rickman (Equifax), Michele Bodda (Experian), and Satyan Merchant (TransUnion) — for a first-of-its-kind conversation on how data is redefining the mortgage process. The three leaders also unpack key topics dominating the MBA Annual 25 conference floor — from the tri-merge debate and the cost of credit reports to regulatory shifts, innovation in alternative data, and the rise of VantageScore.More from this episode:Why is data so important in today's mortgage ecosystem?Data drives nearly every step of the mortgage process — from pre-qualification to underwriting. As Joel Rickman explains, “more data is better for the consumer,” because richer data helps more people qualify for home loans while maintaining safety and soundness in the system.How are the credit bureaus competing and collaborating?While they compete fiercely for business, the three bureaus share a united goal of financial inclusion. Each is innovating through differentiated data sources like rental payments, utilities, telecom data, and cash-flow insights — all designed to represent consumers more fairly.What new data types are shaping credit files?The credit file has never been more diverse.Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) accountsRental and utility paymentsShort-term lending dataCash-flow management attributesThese data sets help lenders build more accurate profiles of consumers who were previously underserved or “credit invisible.”What role does regulation play in driving innovation?The panelists agree that regulation and innovation can coexist. The FHFA's adoption of modern scores like VantageScore 4.0 is one example of policy enabling progress — allowing new models that use broader data to enter the market.What is the bi-merge debate, and why does it matter?The bi-merge proposal — using two credit reports instead of three — is a hot topic at MBA Annual 2025.The bureaus argue that reducing data increases risk and could harm consumers by creating gaps in credit history, leading to higher pricing or denied loans.How are the bureaus improving consumer education?Each company invests in tools and partnerships that help consumers understand and improve their credit:Equifax: education through lender partnershipsExperian: initiatives like Boost and HomeFree USA to reach underrepresented communitiesTransUnion: free credit monitoring and app-based education to help consumers take control of their credit healthWhat innovations are leading the way in credit reporting?Equifax is leveraging The Work Number and NCTUE data to bring employment and telecom insights into credit decisions.Experian is pioneering cash-flow scoring and consumer-permissioned data.TransUnion is expanding rental trade lines and short-term lending insights to include more first-time buyers.How should lenders prepare for VantageScore adoption in 2026?All three bureaus encourage lenders to start testing VantageScore now. They're offering early access to evaluate how it performs in underwriting and portfolio management before GSE guidelines take effect. 

For episode 225 of the Crypto Altruists podcast, we're excited to welcome Lindsay Poss, former Hoops Sagrado player and current Campaign Architect behind their groundbreaking new initiative powered by the Stellar network.Through this campaign, Hoops Sagrado is paying basketball camp employees, vendors, and local partners in Guatemala using the Stellar Disbursement Platform and Beans App, enabling fast, transparent, and secure digital payments where traditional banking access is limited.In today's conversation, we'll explore how basketball is breaking barriers for blockchain, how Stellar's ecosystem is helping bridge financial divides, and the importance of local community engagement in driving meaningful change in Web3.You'll learn:

Recorded live at MBA Annual25 in Las Vegas, host Rebecca Kritzman, SVP of Experience and Partner Marketing at Equifax, sits down with Emmaline Aliff, Tom Ciulla, and Chris Mock to unpack the biggest themes from Day One — from innovation and data-driven lending to the industry's ongoing dialogue around tri-merge vs. single-bureau credit models.Who are the speakers?Rebecca Kritzman – SVP, Experience & Partner Marketing, EquifaxEmmaline Aliff – Leader, Equifax AdvisorsTom Ciulla – SVP, Enterprise Alliances, EquifaxChris Mock – VP Mortgage Verification Services, EquifaxTogether, they bring perspectives from marketing, data strategy, sales, and economic analysis. What are the major takeaways from MBA Annual25 Day One?Optimism and Energy: Attendees are feeling energized by collaboration and the potential for industry innovation.Tri-Merge vs. Single-Bureau Debate: Executives discussed the implications of recent announcements on credit models and what they mean for lenders and low-to-moderate-income borrowers.Data-Driven Decisions: The Equifax team emphasized how expanded data, tri-bureau perspectives, and new credit indicators help lenders make more responsible, inclusive lending decisions.Balancing Innovation and Safety: Many sessions focused on adopting new technologies without compromising trust or consumer protection.Industry Alignment: Across meetings, Equifax was recognized for leadership in data innovation and responsible lending. Why is innovation such a key theme this year?Rapid regulatory shifts, market uncertainty, and announcements about credit scoring models have pushed lenders to explore new data sources, smarter automation, and more personalized credit insights. The conversation centered on how innovation can serve both lenders and consumers — improving efficiency while promoting fair access to credit.  What challenges did the speakers highlight?The group noted miscommunication and uncertainty around policy changes and data use. They stressed the need for industry education, transparent communication, and data-backed decision-making to reduce fear and misinformation.  What gives them hope about the mortgage market?Every guest emphasized a shared sense of responsibility and care within the industry — a collective commitment to helping people live their financial best through responsible, data-driven lending.  

Recorded live at MBA Annual25 in Las Vegas, host Rebecca Kritzman and guests Ashley Sellers, Elaina McFarland, and Bobby Deery break down what lenders are asking for right now: AI-driven workflow efficiency, expanding use of soft-pull strategies, and dual processing to analyze Vantage Score alongside existing scores. Who are the speakers?Rebecca Kritzman – SVP, Experience & Partner Marketing, EquifaxAshley Sellers – VP, Mortgage Sales, EquifaxElaina McFarland – Leader, Solution Sales Experts (Credit & Verification), EquifaxBobby Deery – SVP, Product, Credit Division, EquifaxTogether, they explore the intersection of innovation, compliance, and customer trust.What were the major insights from Day Two?AI and Automation in Workflows: Lenders are adopting AI to streamline process flows and improve efficiency from application through close.Rising Interest in Dual Processing: Many lenders are testing Vantage Score alongside existing models to compare outcomes and assess portfolio risk.Soft Pull Momentum: Equifax's soft-pull tools are helping lenders pre-qualify borrowers and protect consumers' credit scores, especially under the new trigger law.Voice of the Customer: Product teams are incorporating direct lender feedback to guide new innovations such as income qualify and telco/pay-TV/utility data integrations.Education and Clarity: With rapid industry change — from FICO model updates to 1B vs. 3B credit reporting — customers are asking for clear, data-driven guidance. What challenges did attendees highlight?Widespread uncertainty dominated discussions — from pricing implications and trigger-law timing to confusion around single- vs. tri-bureau models. Customers expressed concern about misinformation and asked for help educating both lenders and consumers on what these changes truly mean.What recommendations did Equifax leaders share?Stand up dual-score processing to compare outcomes between Vantage and FICO models.Collaborate with Equifax product teams to provide feedback that shapes future solutions.Audit your process flows to align products (credit, verification, income qualify) with milestones that deliver the most value.Prioritize education and communication — both internally and with consumers — to navigate market shifts confidently. 

May Zabaneh, Head of Crypto at PayPal, shares how PYUSD, stablecoins, and AI are powering the next wave of global payments—and why the future of money is happening on-chain. In this episode of Gen C, May Zabaneh, Head of Crypto at PayPal, shares how PYUSD, stablecoins, and AI are powering the next wave of global payments—and why the future of money is happening on-chain. From scaling mobile payments to championing blockchain, May shares what it takes to drive change within a global payment leader.  Links mentioned from the podcast:  Paypal Twitter PayPal Website Follow us on Twitter: Sam Ewen CoinDesk From our sponsors: Break the cycle of exploitation. Break down the barriers to truth. Break into the next generation of privacy. Break Free. Free to scroll without being monetized. Free from censorship. Freedom without fear. We deserve more when it comes to privacy. Experience the next generation of blockchain that is private and inclusive by design. Break free with Midnight, visit midnight.network/break-free Bridge simplifies global money movement. As the leading stablecoin issuance and orchestration platform, Bridge abstracts away blockchain complexity so businesses can seamlessly move between fiat and stablecoins. From payroll providers and remittance companies to neobanks and treasury teams, Bridge powers payments, savings, and stablecoin issuance for thousands – like Shopify, Metamask, Remitly, and more. Visit https://hubs.ly/Q03KGbRK0. OwlTing (Nasdaq: OWLS) is building invisible rails for global payments. With OwlPay, businesses and users can bridge fiat and stablecoins, send money instantly across borders, and access stablecoin checkout at lower costs. Licensed worldwide, OwlTing delivers secure, compliant, and regulated infrastructure for the digital economy. Learn more at ⁠owlting.com⁠. - "Gen C" features host Sam Ewen. Executive produced by Uyen Truong.

May Zabaneh, Head of Crypto at PayPal, shares how PYUSD, stablecoins, and AI are powering the next wave of global payments—and why the future of money is happening on-chain. In this episode of Gen C, May Zabaneh, Head of Crypto at PayPal, shares how PYUSD, stablecoins, and AI are powering the next wave of global payments—and why the future of money is happening on-chain. From scaling mobile payments to championing blockchain, May shares what it takes to drive change within a global payment leader.  Links mentioned from the podcast:  Paypal Twitter PayPal Website Follow us on Twitter: Sam Ewen CoinDesk From our sponsors: Break the cycle of exploitation. Break down the barriers to truth. Break into the next generation of privacy. Break Free. Free to scroll without being monetized. Free from censorship. Freedom without fear. We deserve more when it comes to privacy. Experience the next generation of blockchain that is private and inclusive by design. Break free with Midnight, visit midnight.network/break-free Bridge simplifies global money movement. As the leading stablecoin issuance and orchestration platform, Bridge abstracts away blockchain complexity so businesses can seamlessly move between fiat and stablecoins. From payroll providers and remittance companies to neobanks and treasury teams, Bridge powers payments, savings, and stablecoin issuance for thousands – like Shopify, Metamask, Remitly, and more. Visit https://hubs.ly/Q03KGbRK0. OwlTing (Nasdaq: OWLS) is building invisible rails for global payments. With OwlPay, businesses and users can bridge fiat and stablecoins, send money instantly across borders, and access stablecoin checkout at lower costs. Licensed worldwide, OwlTing delivers secure, compliant, and regulated infrastructure for the digital economy. Learn more at ⁠owlting.com⁠. - "Gen C" features host Sam Ewen. Executive produced by Uyen Truong.

My guest today is Daniel Izzo, co-founder and CEO of Vox Capital – Brazil's first impact investing firm.When Vox launched in 2009, the term "impact investing" barely existed in Latin America. There was no roadmap, just a few people who believed business could do more than serve the top of the pyramid.Daniel teamed up with Kelly Michel, co-founder of Artemisia, an accelerator for social entrepreneurs. Kelly introduced him to Antonio Ermírio de Moraes Neto, a young investor from one of Brazil's most prominent business families. Together, the three launched Vox Capital.When Vox began in 2009, few understood what they were trying to do – and fewer believed in it. “People thought it was cute... crazy... or got angry at us.” The infrastructure wasn't there. Most investors ignored 85% of the population outside their own social class. Daniel understood why – but he also knew what they were missing.His team wasn't avoiding Brazil's social challenges, but solving them. They focused on early-stage companies that could scale – businesses built for scarcity, but still desirable for all.The breakthrough came from the results. Their second fund proved returns were possible – over 30% IRR – and suddenly, the skepticism began to fade. Today, Vox manages over $300 million across VC, credit, and real estate – all aiming to unlock opportunity for Brazil's low-income communities.They invested early in a medical education company that slashed the cost of specialist training from $10,000 to $1,000 and made it available online. They also backed Latin America's leading ventilator maker, years before COVID hit. When the pandemic overwhelmed Brazil's hospitals, that company supplied over 80% of the ventilators procured by the Brazilian government during the crisis.But Vox isn't just about writing checks. They take board seats, offer strategic advice, connect founders with new markets, and help navigate major crises.Today, they're leaning into catalytic capital, reforestation, regenerative agriculture, and environmental finance – the next frontier for impact.In Brazil, where deforestation and unsustainable land use drive climate damage, Daniel sees a huge long-term opportunity. Not just to earn returns, but to restore ecosystems.When I asked him what he'd fix with a magic wand, he went straight to mindset. “It'll only be good for everyone, when it's really good for everyone.” He believes ultra-wealthy families have a responsibility to mobilize their capital for collective survival.This is a conversation about what it takes to build in a place where the challenges are complex, the urgency is real, and the opportunity is bigger than most people realize. Daniel makes the case that the next era of capital won't just be about returns – it'll be about restoration, resilience, and responsibility.Tune in.—About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes.—Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on XFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOK—Additional Resources:- Vox Capital website- Daniel Izzo LinkedIn- The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid: Eradicating Poverty Through Profits

In this episode, Efrat sits down with Mike Peterson to hear the story of Bitcoin Beach from his perspective. Mike explains how a small surf town in El Salvador, El Zonte, became the birthplace of the first Bitcoin circular economy. What started with simple incentives for kids to stay in school and help their community grew into a model of financial inclusion that changed how families and businesses interact with money.Mike shares how Bitcoin adoption reshaped daily life during the COVID-19 crisis, when families depended on it for food and essentials. He describes how the local financial system evolved as people began saving for the first time, moving from a “live for today” mindset to understanding Bitcoin as digital gold. This shift brought new confidence, a sense of community empowerment, and real economic opportunities.The conversation highlights how Bitcoin Beach influenced tourism, attracted global investors, and inspired dozens of similar projects worldwide. Mike also reflects on El Salvador's unique position, its challenges with the IMF, and what it means for a country to pursue monetary independence. His story shows how grassroots adoption can spark broader change and why circular economies may be key to financial resilience in the future.-Bitcoin Beach TeamConnect and Learn more about Efrat Fenigson:X: https://x.com/efenigson YT: https://www.youtube.com/@EfratFenigson Support and follow Bitcoin Beach:X: @BitcoinBeachIG: @bitcoinbeach_svTikTok: @livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: bitcoinbeach.comBrowse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode: 00:00 How Bitcoin Beach began in El Zonte01:50 Life in El Salvador before Bitcoin adoption03:45 Why Bitcoin incentives mattered for local youth06:40 How COVID-19 accelerated Bitcoin use in the community08:28 The role of Bitcoin in helping businesses recover09:33 Building a new culture of saving through Bitcoin12:07 Bitcoin adoption beyond El Zonte13:26 The rise of Bitcoin tourism in El Salvador16:15 New circular Bitcoin economies around the world20:39 How the IMF views El Salvador's Bitcoin strategy23:49 Can the IMF pressure El Salvador to back down26:23 What freedom money means for everyday lifeLive From Bitcoin Beach

In this episode, host Jeremy Almond sits down with Mike Peterson, the founder of Bitcoin Beach in El Salvador, and CK Snarks from the Human Rights Foundation to explore how Bitcoin is transforming lives at the community level and beyond.Mike shares the Bitcoin Beach perspective on how a small grassroot project in El Zonte grew into a movement that helped shape El Salvador's decision to make Bitcoin legal tender. What started with paying local youth in Bitcoin for community work turned into a living example of financial inclusion and a circular economy built on digital currency. For many who had no access to banking, Bitcoin became the first tool to save, plan, and participate in the global economy.CK adds the human rights lens, showing how activists around the world are using Bitcoin when traditional financial systems fail. From Venezuela to Ukraine, digital currency has provided a way to fund movements, access money across borders, and resist dictatorships. Together, the stories show that Bitcoin is not just an asset but a tool that empowers people where it is needed most.If you want to understand Bitcoin adoption from the ground up, this conversation gives you the Bitcoin Beach perspective: real people, real communities, and a clear look at how financial inclusion can begin with one small project. Subscribe, share with a friend, and let us know in the comments how you see Bitcoin shaping the future. And yes, surfing in El Zonte might just be part of the story.-Bitcoin Beach TeamConnect and Learn more about Jeremy Almond and CK SnarksJeremy Almond - https://x.com/jeremyalmondJeremy Almond - https://www.youtube.com/@redefinedpodcast CK Snarks – https://primal.net/ckCK Snarks - https://x.com/ck_SNARKs Support and follow Bitcoin Beach:X: @BitcoinBeachIG: @bitcoinbeach_svTikTok: @livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: bitcoinbeach.comBrowse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode: 00:00 Why Bitcoin matters for communities in El Salvador00:27 Is Bitcoin just for trading or a real paradigm shift?01:17 What does a circular Bitcoin economy look like?02:18 How Bitcoin Beach began in El Zonte03:02 Why the Human Rights Foundation turned to Bitcoin06:03 Why most of the world is excluded from banking10:59 How Bitcoin changes saving habits and education12:45 How Bitcoin helps activists survive under dictatorships19:33 Are banks starting to embrace Bitcoin adoption?21:39 Is Bitcoin the next major monetary paradigm shift?25:53 How can people get involved in Bitcoin adoption?Live From Bitcoin Beach

The next frontier of stablecoins: My interview with Zach Witkoff, CEO and Co-Founder of World Liberty Financial - Why World Liberty Financial believes it can rival Tether and Circle with USD1 - How a $2B transaction with Binance was settled in under two seconds, with zero fees - The Trump family's direct involvement in the project and its focus on institutional markets - Why real-world asset tokenisation could be their edge in the coming wave of adoption - How compliance and governance are being positioned as core strengths   Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: http://bit.ly/4pk5oy1

Topics CoveredSetting the global context: the $7 trillion daily FX market and its driversThe advantages of technical analysis in high-liquidity marketsRule-based systems and algos: strategies for 24/5 tradingKey FX trading approaches: trend, mean reversion, breakouts, session-based, and news-drivenDubai's financial rise: DIFC, regulation, and the time zone advantageThe role of the CMT Association and Women in Technical Analysis in shaping the future of financeUpcoming EventsSeptember 28 – CMT Riyadh Community Meeting: a premier forum for market professionals across Saudi Arabia and beyond.Register hereSeptember 30–October 2 – CMT Global Investment Summit in Dubai: an elite gathering of fund managers, strategists, and investors decoding cross-asset trends and innovations in global markets.Register hereWomen in TA dinnerVisit us at www.dantesoutlook.com 

AI is transforming industries worldwide, with banking at the forefront of this revolution. The fintech sector offers unprecedented opportunities to modernize financial services and make them more accessible to everyone.Join us for an insightful discussion with two industry leaders: Lutz Finger from Cornell University and Colin Walsh, Founder and Board Director of Varo Bank — the first fintech company to receive a U.S. national banking license.Our panel will explore how AI is revolutionizing banking, ways to expand financial access through technology, opportunities for disruption in fintech, and why successful implementation matters more than the technology itself.Don't miss this opportunity to learn how AI is shaping the future of financial services. Follow eCornell on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X.

Tae Oh, founder of Gluwa and Spacecoin, joins Sam to share his vision of bringing internet and banking access to the unconnected billions. Tae explains how Spacecoin combines blockchain, telecommunications, and satellites to build a decentralized global network that enables lifeline services like financial transactions and messaging, even in regions without internet.He discusses the challenges of launching satellites, the cost breakthroughs driven by SpaceX, and why decentralization matters in connectivity. Tae also talks about adoption strategies through telcos, the financial model behind Spacecoin, and the long-term goal of creating a trustless, open internet from space.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Tae Oh and Spacecoin's mission. [00:02:00] Early Crypto: Tae discovers Bitcoin in 2010 and founds Gluwa in 2012. [00:06:00] Spacecoin's Goal: Connecting the unbanked by launching low-cost satellites. [00:10:00] Challenges: Building vs. launching satellites, and supply chain hurdles. [00:14:00] Decentralization: Competing with Starlink through open, trustless networks. [00:17:00] Adoption: Governments, telcos, and the natural pull of internet demand. [00:19:00] Constellation: First 10 satellites could serve millions per region. [00:21:00] Financial Model: Local telcos as gateways, Spacecoin as payment rail. [00:25:00] Bold Predictions: AI agents will dominate crypto transactions by 2030. [00:29:00] Roadmap: Spacecoin minting, three new satellites, hiring 200 people.Connecthttps://spacecoin.org/https://x.com/_Spacecoinhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/spacecoin-official/https://x.com/taelimohhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tae-lim-oh/DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. Finally, it would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

DSS Podcast Episode 53: Empowering Change: Neha Mehta's Vision for FinTech, Sustainability & Financial Inclusion In this episode of the Data Science Salon Podcast, we sit down with Neha Mehta, a globally recognized FinTech leader, AI expert, and sustainability advocate. As the Founder and CEO of FemTech Partners, Neha has spent over 19 years transforming the financial landscape, focusing on financial inclusion, women's empowerment, and sustainable development. She is also the author of One Stop, a bestselling book that explores the potential of Super Apps in reshaping financial services for underserved populations. In this conversation, Neha shares her journey from pioneering FinTech solutions to advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), her work in ClimateTech, and how AI can drive financial inclusivity. She also discusses her vision for the future of sustainable finance, her work with blue economy initiatives, and the impact of technology on climate action. Key Highlights: -AI for Financial Inclusion: Neha discusses how Super Apps are bridging the financial divide, enabling better access to financial services in underserved markets, and empowering women entrepreneurs. -Building Sustainable Financial Ecosystems: Learn about Neha's approach to integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into financial ecosystems, especially focusing on climate finance and the blue economy. -Leadership in FinTech & Sustainability: Neha shares her leadership journey and how she's shaping a more inclusive, equitable future in FinTech and sustainable finance. -Global Impact & Mentorship: Insight into Neha's mentorship and advocacy for fostering diversity in the tech and finance industries, and how she's helping the next generation of leaders rise in these fields. Whether you're an entrepreneur, FinTech innovator, or passionate about sustainability, this episode offers valuable insights into how technology is driving inclusive growth, transforming financial services, and powering climate solutions.

In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Samuel Njuguna, CEO & Founder of Chumz App, about how his savings and investment platform uses gamification and behavioral psychology to promote financial inclusion across Sub-Saharan Africa. With over $50 million saved toward 1 million+ goals, Sam shares his mission to make saving seamless, social, and culturally relevant—starting with Kenya and expanding across the continent. This interview is part of the Milken Global Conference coverage by Mission Matters. Big thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Milken Institute⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for inviting us to cover the conference. Follow Adam on Instagram at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://missionmatters.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More FREE content from Mission Matters here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Mission Matters episode, ⁠Adam Torres⁠ interviews ⁠Samuel Njuguna⁠, CEO & Founder of Chumz App, about how his savings and investment platform uses gamification and behavioral psychology to promote financial inclusion across Sub-Saharan Africa. With over $50 million saved toward 1 million+ goals, Sam shares his mission to make saving seamless, social, and culturally relevant—starting with Kenya and expanding across the continent. This interview is part of the Milken Global Conference coverage by Mission Matters. Big thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Milken Institute⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for inviting us to cover the conference. Follow Adam on Instagram at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://missionmatters.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More FREE content from Mission Matters here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lex chats with Harish Natarajan - Practice Manager, Financial Inclusion and Infrastructure, Finance, Competitiveness & Innovation at the World Bank, and Carlos Brandt - The Senior Advisor for Pix at the Central Bank of Brazil. Together they discuss the remarkable success of Pix, Brazil's real-time payment system, which now sees over 6 billion transactions per month and is used by more than 90% of the adult population and 80% of companies. Lex explores how Pix was created by the Central Bank of Brazil with strong public-private collaboration, backed by regulatory authority and supported by a co-creation model with stakeholders. Key to its adoption were a low-cost centralized infrastructure, clear branding, mandatory participation by large banks, and a robust national communication strategy. Globally, Pix is seen as a leading example of fast payment system deployment, driven by the central bank acting as a neutral coordinator and scheme owner. Lex also examines the technical architecture, built in-house by a surprisingly small team of 55–65 people, and how scalable infrastructure and extensibility have enabled rapid growth and innovation. NOTABLE DISCUSSION POINTS: 1. Pix achieved mass adoption through public-private co-creation and legal mandate:Pix now processes over 6 billion transactions per month, with 90% of Brazil's adult population and 80% of businesses actively using it. Its success stems from a strategic legal mandate in 2013 granting the Central Bank regulatory and operational authority over retail payments. The Central Bank then led a co-creation process involving both public and private stakeholders through the Pix Forum, fostering alignment, inclusivity, and strong network effects.2. A lean but powerful team built a nation-scale real-time payments system:The Pix infrastructure was built entirely in-house by a relatively small team, 30-40 people for the technical infrastructure layer and around 25 for the payment scheme layer. It operates 24/7 with real-time settlement and uses centralized infrastructure separate from Brazil's traditional large-value payment rails. This centralized, purpose-built architecture dramatically lowered costs and enabled rapid rollout.3. Strategic communication and mandated participation drove adoption at scale:The Central Bank led a national communication campaign to build trust, establish a strong brand identity, and educate the public. Simultaneously, it mandated major banks (with over 500,000 active accounts) to join Pix, triggering widespread voluntary adoption from smaller PSPs. The rollout included a restricted pilot phase and emphasized user-friendly features like QR codes and aliases to boost convenience and usage from day one. TOPICS Pix, Central Bank of Brazil, World Bank, Visa, Citibank, M-Pesa, Alipay, SPI, fintech, payments, PSP, API, Fast Payments, Payments Infrastructure, PayTech ABOUT THE FINTECH BLUEPRINT 

In this second compilation focused on emerging markets, we revisit conversations featuring three investors who are channeling substantial capital into regions where others hesitate to go – and they're doing it with discipline, innovation, and deep local insight.Each of these guests brings a different strategy and perspective, but all are working toward the same goal: building sustainable, scalable businesses that meet the needs of underserved communities.And they're doing it in ways that challenge the old assumptions: that impact comes at the expense of return, that emerging markets are too volatile to be investable, or that scalable solutions must come from the West.Here are the featured voices:Sandeep Farias, Founder and Managing Partner of Elevar EquityElevar backs what they call entrepreneurial households – more than 50 million families across emerging markets who've moved beyond the bottom of the pyramid. While they're making economic progress, they still lack access to the products and services that support their ambitions and daily lives.Sandeep and his team take a bottom-up, equity-focused approach to identify the “core solutions” these families prioritize – like education, healthcare, and agriculture – and invest in entrepreneurs building businesses to serve them.With five funds deployed across India and Latin America, Elevar stays close to both customers and founders, spending time in the field to understand how people live, what they value, and where capital can make the greatest difference.Full episode  Rochus Mommartz, the CEO of responsAbilityRochus leads responsAbility – one of the world's largest dedicated impact asset managers, with $5 billion under management and more than $15 billion deployed across emerging markets since inception.His team doesn't start with products. They start with problems – like the 500 million people in Africa who still lack electricity, or the small businesses across Asia and Latin America that can't get financing. Then they find the companies solving those problems and shape capital to support their growth.Rochus draws a clear line between real and perceived risk. Emerging markets aren't short on opportunity – they're just often misunderstood by investors who rely too much on spreadsheets and not enough on what's actually happening on the ground.Check out the full interview: Part 1Part 2Sugandhi Matta, Chief Impact Officer at ABC ImpactSugandhi helped launch ABC Impact with backing from Temasek and Temasek Trust – and helped shape it into the largest Pan-Asian private equity fund dedicated to impact.From the start, her focus has been on building a strategy rooted in Asia's realities – not imported from somewhere else. That meant starting with evidence: mapping the region's most urgent needs, identifying where scalable solutions could take hold, and designing an impact framework from the ground up.ABC now manages close to $1 billion across sectors like healthcare, financial inclusion, sustainable food, and climate resilience. They back mission-driven founders solving problems they've lived – and who have the resilience and discipline to scale.Full episode—Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on XFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOK

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Financial technology, known as fintech, is everywhere. If you send money by phone or invest with the help of robo-advisors, you're using it. Its proponents say by lowering costs, it can expand the range of financial services providers can offer and the pool of people who can afford them.  But fintech presents risks, including to privacy. Fintech companies aren't subject to the same regulations as traditional financial institutions when it comes to handling personal data. And some worry regulatory safeguards aren't keeping up with fintech advances.  Amid the uncertainty, fintech's role in financial services keeps expanding. How will fintech change the landscape for consumers? Can banks adjust? And will it make a real difference for those long shut out of traditional financial services?  Download the paper Harvard Business School professor Emily Williams presented at the Economic Conference, “Fintech, Financial Inclusion, and the Future of Finance.” Watch the session she spoke at, titled “Innovative Financial Technologies and Financial inclusion.”

Join Anupam Gupta on Paisa Vaisa for a masterclass on the future of Indian finance! Dr. HP Singh, CMD of Satin Creditcare, offers rapid-fire insights into microfinance, rural banking, and FinTech innovation. Discover how Satin, a leading NBFC, drives financial inclusion via digital lending, leveraging Aadhaar Iris verification and AI in finance for robust risk management and last-mile delivery. Dr. Singh dissects the microcredit market, tackling NPA challenges and showcasing Satin's superior asset quality. Learn about structured finance in emerging markets, MSME growth, and the strategic pivot to rural housing finance. Essential for investors, FinTech startups, digital payments enthusiasts, and anyone interested in India's economic outlook, sustainable finance, and financial wellness. Key Topics Covered: ✅ Microfinance & FinTech: Digital lending, AI, financial inclusion. ✅ Microcredit Insights: NPA, asset quality, rural housing. ✅ India's Finance Growth: MSMEs, structured finance, wellness. Get in touch with our host Anupam Gupta on social media: Twitter: ( https://twitter.com/b50 ) Instagram: ( https://www.instagram.com/b_50/ ) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anupam9gupta/ ) You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts website at https://www.ivmpodcasts.com/ You can watch the full video episodes of PaisaVaisapodcast on the YouTube channel. Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media. We are @ivmpodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this inspiring episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I had the pleasure of interviewing Nicole Loftus, a powerhouse entrepreneur with a bold vision to democratize access to venture capital. As the founder and CEO of Pop Venture Enterprises, Nicole is doing more than imagining change—she's building it. Nicole's journey began, as many transformative ones do, with a disruption—not of an industry at first, but of her own life. Raised in a traditional, working-class Italian family near Chicago, Nicole was expected to follow a conventional path. But after a personal turning point, she realized she had more to offer. She turned her keen eye for observation into a career of innovation, disrupting a $26 billion industry with her first company, Zorch, and now setting her sights on venture capital itself. Disrupting an Antiquated System of Venture Capital Investments Nicole's new venture, Pop Venture, challenges a venture capital model that has long excluded the majority of Americans—especially women and people of color. With only a small number of venture dollars going to diverse founders, she saw a deeply flawed system that was gatekept by geography, identity, and elitism. Her solution: a publicly accessible, SEC-approved fund that allows anyone to invest in promising companies for as little as $25. What makes Pop Venture unique is its transparency and accessibility. The investment process is broadcasted publicly on platforms like Peacock, and viewers are invited to weigh in on the businesses that receive funding. “We make venture popular,” says Nicole. This is venture capital for the people—by the people. The Locker: Empowering Founders with Verified Diligence Pop Venture isn't just about funding—it's also about empowering founders. Nicole created The Locker, a platform where entrepreneurs can submit their companies to a rigorous but founder-friendly diligence process. The goal? To showcase viable businesses with clear value and real potential, all in a transparent format the public can trust. This creates a win-win: investors see vetted opportunities, and entrepreneurs gain access to capital without the often-demoralizing hoops of traditional fundraising. Perhaps you like to watch our podcast on YouTube. Click here: Key Takeaways from the Conversation with Nicole Loftus Innovation Begins with Observation Nicole's mantra echoes the podcast's tagline: “From observation to innovation.”She urges entrepreneurs to observe not only the market but themselves. Her breakthrough came from seeing what others overlooked—redundancies in the supply chain and outdated funding models—and being bold enough to reimagine them. Scale Requires Focus Nicole didn't scale Zorch by chasing every opportunity. She created strict criteria for prospective clients and turned down deals that didn't meet them. Her advice? Know your ideal customer, set your standards high, and stay focused. Disruptors Must Think Big Nicole's story is a testament to the power of visualization. She imagined herself as an entrepreneur when it seemed impossible. Then she imagined a billion-dollar business model—and she built it. She now urges others to dream big and write it down.Your brain needs a plan. Listen for the Pain Points Through training like the Sandler sales method, Nicole learned to ask one critical question: “What's your pain point?” This insight guided her innovations, whether for clients, suppliers, or herself. Anyone Can Be a Venture Capitalist Through Pop Venture, everyday Americans can now support the businesses they believe in—and share in their success. It's not just financial inclusion; it's financial empowerment. Why This Matters Now Nicole's work comes at a time when trust in traditional financial systems is eroding, and entrepreneurs are seeking alternatives to inequitable funding models. Pop Venture is more than a fund—it's a movement. With television access, founder-friendly tools, and crowd-powered capital, it's putting the future of business in everyone's hands. As we wrapped our conversation, I was reminded why I launched this podcast—to spotlight pioneers who see, feel, and think in new ways, and to help listeners find the courage to do the same. To Learn More: Visit www.popventure.com to invest, apply for funding, or explore their founder resources. Watch Pop Venture episodes on Peacock (free or with subscription). Explore The Locker for verified diligence tools. Final Thought: Disruption doesn't always start with technology. Sometimes it starts with a question: What if we did it differently? Nicole Loftus asked that question—and answered it with action. Want more stories like Nicole's? Visit www.andisimon.com, read our books, or contact us to explore how anthropology can help you discover your Blue Ocean. Connect with me: Website: www.simonassociates.net Email: info@simonassociates.net Books:  Learn more about these books here: Rethink: Smashing the Myths of Women in Business Women Mean Business On the Brink: A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New Heights Listen + Subscribe: Available wherever you get your podcasts—Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube, and more. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share with someone navigating their own leadership journey. Reach out and contact us if you want to see how a little anthropology can help your business grow.  Let's Talk! From Observation to Innovation, Andi Simon, PhD CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Award-Winning Author Simonassociates.net Info@simonassociates.net @simonandi LinkedIn

Ethan Austin is the Founding Partner of Outside VC, a pre-seed venture fund dedicated to backing “outsider” founders. He is a seasoned entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and advocate for financial inclusion. Before Outside VC, Ethan co-founded GiveForward, the world's first medical crowdfunding platform, which raised over $200 million to help families cover medical expenses and was later acquired by GoFundMe. Today, Ethan shares insights on spotting Founders who think differently, that have asymmetric insights and the grit to deliver scaled solutions. Learn how he is moving outside founders to the inside track.

In this episode of RISE Urban Nation, we're honored to welcome Leroy Roberts—a seasoned leader, leadership coach, speaker, and strategist—whose work spans continents and communities.Leroy opens up about his journey from the Caribbean to the boardrooms of London, and how his diverse background shaped his vision of purpose-driven leadership. We dive into themes like mentorship, resilience, representation in media, and how to build connected, engaged teams in today's shifting professional landscape.

In this episode of RISE Urban Nation, we're honored to welcome Leroy Roberts—a seasoned leader, leadership coach, speaker, and strategist—whose work spans continents and communities.Leroy opens up about his journey from the Caribbean to the boardrooms of London, and how his diverse background shaped his vision of purpose-driven leadership. We dive into themes like mentorship, resilience, representation in media, and how to build connected, engaged teams in today's shifting professional landscape.