Podcasts about Financial inclusion

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.

In this exclusive Financial Inclusion Week 2025 feature episode of the IBS Podcast, we sit down with Liza Maru-Chelimo, an actuary and Head of Innovation at Britam Connect, to explore how one of East Africa's leading insurers is rewriting the rules of inclusion. From her journey as a young actuary with a love for problem-solving to leading Britam's innovation arm, Liza shares how Britam Connect evolved into a stand-alone InsurTech entity driving “profit with purpose.”We unpack how Britam Connect is reaching 4.5 million lives, their groundbreaking parametric flood insurance, and a maternal health program redefining value-based healthcare. Liza also opens up about the lessons of innovation — failing fast, building sustainable models, and the power of partnerships in expanding access to insurance.Key Topics:Inclusive Insurance and Financial Inclusion in AfricaBritam Connect's transformation into a stand-alone InsurTechParametric Insurance for climate resiliencePublic-private collaboration for scaleThe future of InsurTech in AfricaThis conversation reveals why Britam Connect is at the forefront of Africa's inclusive insurance revolution—and why their story matters for the future of financial protection on the continent.Hello Damola & Folumy here! Send us a quick text, comment or feedback. We would love to hear from you Check out our free resources on InsurTech ecosystem and innovation in the African Insurance space here https://linktr.ee/insurtechbusinessseriesJoin our IBS community on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram

Puja Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Manipal FintechIn this episode, Vriti Gothi sits down with Puja Abhishek Singh, CEO of Manipal Fintech, to discuss how the company is bridging India's credit divide. They explore the role of gold loans in providing quick, reliable access to funds, how AI and technology are transforming onboarding, underwriting, and collections, and the importance of designing customer-centric solutions that reach rural and semi-urban populations. Puja also shares insights from her career across Paytm, Mastercard, SBI Cards, and GE, discussing inclusive leadership, fintech-bank partnerships, and the future of lending in India.

Tristan Thoma discusses the role of blockchain and national digital currencies in driving financial inclusion, economic resilience, and innovation. Drawing on real-world insights from El Salvador and Bolivia, he explains how tokenization and smart regulation can empower countries and their people.

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

Sameer Mathur, MD and Founder of Roinet SolutionsIndia's financial inclusion landscape is rapidly expanding beyond cities, with technology-driven models bridging access gaps in rural and semi-urban areas. Puja Sharma speaks with Sameer Mathur about how the company is empowering women entrepreneurs, using AI to drive inclusion, and shaping the next phase of digital financial growth across underserved communities. 

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

This was a Keynote Speech by Bente Krogmann CEO of mTek Services, an InsurTech in Kenya driving insurance technology Platform as a Service.This speech was given as part of the 2022 InsurTech Business Series Conference #IBSConference held on the 10th of December, 2025.Hello Damola & Folumy here! Send us a quick text, comment or feedback. We would love to hear from you Check out our free resources on InsurTech ecosystem and innovation in the African Insurance space here https://linktr.ee/insurtechbusinessseriesJoin our IBS community on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram

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

Episode 78 with Oonagh van den Berg, Prof. Peter Reuter, and Dr. Mirko Nazzari

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

This is the second in a two-part podcast series published in partnership withCGAP.In June 2025, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), issued guidance on Financial Inclusion and Anti-Money Launderin

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.

Manish Shara, Co-founder & CEO, ZetFrom being “credit invisible” to becoming financially empowered, millions of Indians are on a journey to build their credit story. But how do technology, AI, and trust come together to bridge this massive gap? In this episode, Vriti Gothi sits down with Manish Shara, Co-Founder & CEO of ZET, to explore how FinTech is unlocking credit access for the 400 million underserved Indians with little or no credit history. They discuss the challenges borrowers face, the role of technology in making credit more transparent, and what it takes to create a credit-ready India. 

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/

The following article of the Finance & Fintech industry is: “Technological Innovation: Pillar of Financial Inclusion” by Jorge Iglesias, CEO, Grupo Topaz.

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.

Stephen Grootes speaks to Steven Boykey Sidley, Partner at Bridge Capital and Professor of Practice at the Johannesburg Business School at University of Johannesburg, about how stablecoins are driving financial inclusion across Africa. As these digital currencies gain global momentum for transforming cross-border payments, venture-backed fintech Lipaworld is rolling out practical applications of stablecoin technology on the continent. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape.    Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa     Follow us on social media   702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702   CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702 CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Social Impact Pioneers, where we spotlight change makers redefining the future of business and society. In this episode, we're joined by Mark Horoszowski, Co-founder and CEO of MovingWorlds, and Alam Bains, Head of Corporate Programs & Partnerships at MovingWorlds. Together they are empowering social innovation, unlocking the reasons why people might take action, enhancing social entrepreneurs and taking volunteering to another level. Mark and Alam are at the forefront of transforming corporate volunteering into a powerful engine for global impact. MovingWorlds is a global platform helping social enterprises access critical skills and knowledge—while enabling professionals to grow through purpose-driven projects. Through careful matching, two way support is helping to drive personal and social impact. With over $52 million in pro bono support across 110+ countries already given, they're proving that purpose and profit can go hand in hand. What's particularly interesting about this conversation is Mark and Alam's work looking at why people might want to take action or get involved. They share their latest research that looks at designing behaviour-centred interventions – unlocking the understanding from social sciences to scale social innovation. Take a look at the resource links to find out more. Together we explore: • How social enterprises and corporate professionals are co-creating change • Why purpose-driven partnerships outperform transactional giving • What future-ready leadership looks like • How to better understand people to enable behaviour change. Whether you're a business leader seeking to align impact with innovation, a social entrepreneur scaling solutions, or a professional eager to find purpose in your career—this conversation is full of real stories, practical insights, and transformative ideas. Links: Moving Worlds: https://movingworlds.org Moving Worlds and SAP: https://movingworlds.org/partner/sap/ Moving Worlds and their work on the reasons why people volunteer or take action: https://blog.movingworlds.org/5-volunteering-personas-csr/ Moving Worlds' training programme on behaviour change for impact: https://movingworlds.org/social-sciences-to-scale-social-innovation-dan-ariely-general If you enjoyed this episode, please do take a listen to Financial Inclusion & Women Entrepreneurs with Nguyet and Tanvi: https://businessfightspoverty.org/driving-financial-inclusion-womens-entrepreneurship-with-nguyet-and-tanvi/

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

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Karl Westvig, CEO of TymeBank, as the banking industry reacts to a controversial new ID verification fee imposed by the Department of Home Affairs. The cost of confirming a South African’s identity has jumped from just 15 cents to R10, a staggering 6,500% increase. Westvig says this is nothing short of a “tax on the poor,” warning that it threatens access to low-cost banking for millions. While some institutions like Capitec have committed to absorbing the fee, others say it could make onboarding new clients more expensive especially in the fintech space where margins are thin. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa broadcast on 702: https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/36edSLV or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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TymeBank CEO Coenraad Jonker spoke to Mike Wills about the sharp rise in ID verification fees, how it impacts digital banking in South Africa, and why he believes the Home Affairs decision undermines financial access for millions. Afternoon Drive with John Maytham is the late afternoon show on CapeTalk. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.”

My guest today is Sugandhi Matta, Chief Impact Officer at ABC Impact – the largest Pan-Asian impact-dedicated private equity fund, with nearly $900 million in AUM.Sugandhi began her career focused on growth and returns — first at Temasek, and later at Actis. But after a breast cancer diagnosis in her early thirties, she returned to work with a new question: What if she could apply her investing skills to businesses solving real problems?That question led her to LeapFrog Investments — and eventually to ABC Impact, where she became one of the founding partners. From the ground up, she helped build a fund that integrates impact into every step of the investment process, from deal screening to reporting.Today, ABC Impact invests across four themes:Climate and water solutionsFinancial and digital inclusionBetter health and educationSustainable food and agricultureSugandhi leads the firm's impact team. They developed a proprietary system rooted in the five dimensions of the Impact Management Project and tailored to ABC's sectors.The internal language centers on three Cs: consistency, comparability, and communicability. It's a disciplined approach – built to align intention, data, and outcomes across the portfolio.Sugandhi's goal is to hold impact to the same standard as IRR.However, she points out that the burden of proof is often uneven. Expected returns are taken at face value. Impact is asked to justify itself at every turn. Because investors don't yet trust its metrics the way they trust financial ones.The double standard isn't just about data. It's about gender, too.As one of the few female investment leads in Asia's private equity ecosystem, Sugandhi has had to thread her way through what she calls the “quiet skepticism” – the unspoken assumptions around risk appetite, ambition, or expertise.Even now, she's often the only woman in the room with GPs or LPs. She doesn't lead with gender, but she's aware of how it plays out. The skepticism is often unspoken, but present.Over time, she's learned not to internalize it. Instead, she focuses on the work, knowing that – fairly or not – being a woman in this space can mean having to prove yourself just a little more.—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:ABC Impact websiteABC Impact LinkedInSugandhi Matta LinkedInABC's 2020 Impact ReportABC's 2024 Impact ReportInsights from Dalberg and ABC Impact's User-Centered Study—SRI360 interviews mentioned:

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 the Risk Management Show, we rethink credit risk with alternative data alongside Michele Tucci, co-founder and Chief Strategic Officer at Credolab. Michele shares his extensive global career journey, from working with Capital One Bank and Banca Intesa to driving innovation at CredoLab, a leader in leveraging behavioral biometrics and device metadata to revolutionize credit scoring. We discussed how Credolab's privacy-consented approach transforms smartphone data into actionable insights, enabling mainstream financial inclusion and enhancing risk assessment accuracy. Michele also tackled misconceptions about credit scoring, the challenges of financial inclusion, and the critical role of alternative data in addressing data asymmetry. Discover how behavioral patterns, from keystroke cadence to app usage, can predict creditworthiness while preserving privacy. If you want to be our guest or suggest someone, send your email to info@globalriskconsult.com with the subject line "Guest Proposal."

With this episode, we are launching a series to explore the current state of global financial inclusion efforts from a payments perspective. Joanna Wisniecka joins Yvette Bohanan to chat with Michael Wiegand, Director of Inclusive Financial Systems at the Gates Foundation, about the work the Foundation is doing globally and the transformative impact of digital financial inclusion on economies and societies.

What are the real-world impacts of inclusive economic development, gender equity, and the transformative power of entrepreneurship? Social Impact Pioneers Nguyet Tran Thi Minh in Vietnam and Tanvi Jaluka in California. Nguyet is CARE Vietnam's Women's Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion Manager. She leads the Strive Women program—a collaborative initiative with the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth that supports women-led micro and small enterprises in Vietnam. With years of private sector experience and a deep understanding of local financial systems, she shares insights into the barriers Vietnamese women entrepreneurs face, including access to finance, caregiving responsibilities, and limited digital literacy. Whilst Tanvi is CARE USA's Research Lead. Her work spans over a decade in global gender and development. Tanvi is passionate about the importance of impact evaluations, holistic measurement tools, and research that centres women's voices. Together, they highlight the need to move beyond traditional business metrics and understand indicators like confidence, control, and quality of life for women in emerging markets. Expect to hear insights financial health, business resilience, digital tools, caregiving responsibilities, and the real needs of women entrepreneurs. We'll hear why measuring confidence and control matters, how ecosystem collaboration can close inclusion gaps, and what businesses and donors can do to meaningfully support women's economic empowerment. Whether you work in social impact, financial services, or care about unlocking the potential of entrepreneurs this episode is packed with insight, real-world research, and action-driven solutions to support women entrepreneurs globally.

In a world where financial inclusion remains one of our generation's greatest challenges, emerging markets are becoming the true laboratories of fintech innovation. While developed economies iterate on convenience, companies operating in regions with limited banking infrastructure are fundamentally reimagining what financial services can look like from the ground up. Today, we're diving into this fascinating intersection of opportunity and impact with David Lask from Tala. Tala has built a reputation as a pioneer in financial inclusion, providing access to credit and financial services to underbanked populations across multiple continents. David joins us fresh from the Fintech Americas Miami conference to share his insights on the rapidly evolving Latin American fintech landscape. We'll explore how the unique challenges and opportunities in this region are fostering innovative approaches to financial services, with a special focus on Mexico as a compelling case study of fintech evolution.

My guest today is Hadewych Kuiper, Managing Director at Triodos Investment Management — a pure-play impact investing firm since day one, with a 30-year track record of turning capital into systemic change.However, Hadewych didn't arrive in finance with a grand plan to change the system. Her journey began in a small town in the north of the Netherlands, where she was raised in a Protestant household that blended structure with a quiet rebellion against rigidity. Her childhood was grounded, shaped by time in nature, and marked by her parents' early divorce — a rupture that taught her independence before most children even understand the concept. From an early age, she absorbed values that now form the spine of her leadership: directness, responsibility, and a refusal to look away when something doesn't make sense.Hadewych studied business administration at Erasmus University, and she didn't set out to change the finance world. But after a decade in corporate consulting, a simple question kept surfacing: what's the point? That question — and her drive for clarity, integrity, and purpose — eventually led her to Triodos just as the 2008 financial crisis hit.While big banks crumbled under complex products, Triodos stood firm, having never invested in what they didn't understand. That same principle guides them today: if it's not clear, it's not worth the risk.Today, Hadewych leads Triodos Investment Management, a €6 billion AUM firm built on that same philosophical foundation — but with a far broader mandate. The firm invests across five key transitions: energy, food, resources, societal systems, and well-being.These aren't just ESG and Impact categories — they're deeply connected areas that drive real, systemic change. Triodos made its first wind energy loan in 1986, right after Chernobyl. It began investing in financial inclusion in 1994, before microfinance was a formal asset class. Today, it's working with UNICEF to pioneer child-lens investing — developing a framework to assess companies based on their impact on future generations. Its portfolio includes solar-powered irrigation in Africa, seaweed protein startups in Europe, and financial institutions in Latin America that have grown from NGOs into regulated banks.At Triodos, every investment must show not just expected returns, but why it matters. Whether it's private equity, debt, or listed markets, the approach stays consistent: clear minimum standards, concentrated portfolios, and strong alignment between values and outcomes.And yes, it walks away when deals don't align, even if the financial return looks good. Especially then. Because “all money has impact — every euro, dollar, or pound. The question is whether it's positive or negative, and whether you're conscious of it.”Few firms can claim a 30-year track record of pure-play impact investing. Even fewer have helped define the field and publish their standards for others to use. Triodos has done all of that — and more. They're on a mission to make impact investing the new normal. It's an ambitious goal — and this episode shows what it takes to get there.Tune in to find out!—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:Triodos WebsiteTriodos LinkedInHadewych Kuiper LinkedIn

Jo Ann sits down with her friend Brett King and M-Pesa founder Nick Hughes on this special crossover episode of Barefoot Innovation & Breaking Banks, recorded live at Virgin Unite's “Change: Fintech Leaders Gathering” on Necker Island.

Joe Heck, CEO of Zip, joins me on the Tearsheet Podcast to discuss the evolution of alternative payment solutions in the US. Zip is a leading Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) company. Joe shares lessons from his 20 years of experience in consumer lending and fintech payment solutions. Heck brings insights from his previous leadership roles at Happy Money and TrueStage. Heck's background plays a role in his approach to financial services. Growing up in Flint, Michigan, he understands the challenges of paycheck-to-paycheck living. “There's a consumer base largely ignored by traditional financial systems,” Heck explains. “FICO doesn't serve them well, but they have a great ability to pay.” Zip focuses on providing financial flexibility to these consumers. It offers structured repayment plans that don't push them into revolving debt. According to Heck, “We win when the consumer wins. If they can't pay us back, our model doesn't work either.” The Big Ideas BNPL's Growth Potential in the US – With only 2% of payments currently in BNPL, there is significant room for expansion compared to markets like Europe and Australia. Financial Inclusion for Underserved Consumers – Zip is focusing on consumers who don't fit traditional credit models but have strong repayment potential. “We provide access when and where they need it,” says Heck. Strategic Partnerships Drive Accessibility – Integrations with Stripe and retailers like GameStop are making BNPL more available to consumers. A More Transparent Alternative to Credit Cards – Unlike credit cards that encourage revolving debt, BNPL provides structured, predictable payments. “We're not built in a way that traps consumers in debt,” Heck emphasizes. The Role of Cash Flow Management in BNPL's Future – Zip is investing in tools that help consumers manage unpredictable income streams, ensuring more repayment flexibility.

Former pro athlete and founder of the Male Mogul Initiative Walter Mendenhall on the recent acquisition of Help With My Loan, and the importance of fair access to credit. Detailed Summary: In this episode of the Finovate Podcast, host Greg Palmer talks with Walter Mendenhall, founder of the Male Mogul Initiative, a Chicago-based nonprofit aimed at empowering young men through leadership, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. Walter shares his unique path from the NFL to teaching, and eventually to founding his organization in response to systemic issues he witnessed in his community. What began with a handful of students in 2018 has grown into a large-scale movement impacting over 3,000 young people, producing 200+ jobs, and launching Chicago's first youth business incubator, CoLab. Walter highlights the critical issues his organization tackles—such as lack of access to capital and high rates of unemployment and gun violence among young black men in Chicago. Walter then explains how his personal experience being denied a loan, despite strong financials, sparked a deeper dive into the challenges under-resourced communities face in accessing capital. This led to his obsession with financial education and systemic barriers, eventually informing his academic work and business ventures. He emphasizes how a lack of basic financial knowledge—like understanding loan underwriting criteria—keeps many people from succeeding. His goal is to demystify these processes and educate individuals who are often left behind by traditional financial systems. The conversation turns to the recent acquisition of Help With My Loan, a Finovate alum that uses AI to speed up and streamline the commercial loan process. Walter, along with his partners, brought the company from California to Chicago to expand its reach and use it as a tool to train youth as business loan brokers. With a 95% match rate and 80% faster processing times, the platform aligns perfectly with Male Mogul's mission to increase access to capital. Looking ahead, Walter envisions expanding their lender network, integrating blockchain for community investment, and ultimately creating scalable solutions to close the capital gap nationwide. His closing advice to fintech innovators: focus on solving real problems with passion—opportunities and support will follow. More info: Male Mogul Initiative: https://malemogulinitiative.org/ Help With My Loan: https://helpwithmyloan.com/ Walter Mendenhall IV: https://waltermendenhall.com/ , https://www.linkedin.com/in/walter-mendenhall-iv-55200787/ Greg Palmer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregbpalmer/ Finovate: https://www.finovate.com ; https://www.linkedin.com/company/finovate-conference-series/ #fintech #lending #credit #FinancialInclusion #finovate

In this episode of Paisa Vaisa, Anupam Gupta sits down with Harshvardhan Lunia, Founder & MD, Lendingkart understanding the world of MSME lending and how small businesses across India are being funded like never before. They cover the rise of digital lending, regulatory challenges, and what makes MSME finance both promising and risky. Harshvardhan shares real insights from disbursing 3 lakh loans across 4,100 towns, and explains why some fintechs failed while others survived. How do you lend to someone without a credit score? What’s the tech behind modern loan approvals? If you're a business owner, fintech enthusiast, or just curious about how lending works in India—this one's for you.

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.

What drives a successful start-up employee to leave the security of a lucrative role after a major acquisition to become a founder? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, Marcia Dawood explores the fascinating journey of Caitlyn Driehorst, an exited entrepreneur and financial service expert. Caitlyn shares her unique path—from majoring in Russian and English literature to becoming a strategic consultant for financial services giants, before returning to her roots to build a company that focuses on high-impact finance management.Caitlyn's journey is as varied as it is impressive. Raised in a military family, she moved frequently across the United States before discovering her passion for financial services. A seasoned strategist and advisor, she has worked with companies like Boston Consulting Group and Capital Group, as well as navigating her own transformative exit through OpenInvest's acquisition by JP Morgan. Despite the allure of financial security with JP Morgan, Caitlin chose to strike out on her own—a decision driven by both personal values and a desire for broader impact.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, career development, or financial advisory. Caitlyn talks about the challenges of being a female entrepreneur in the financial space, discusses her ambitious goals for RightWise, and elaborates on the transformative power of strong financial planning. With insights into both the industry and personal growth, this conversation sheds light on balancing ambition with values and navigating the sometimes complex relationships between risk and opportunity. To get the latest from Caitlyn Driehorst, you can follow her below!https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlyndriehorst/RightWise WealthRightWise Ambassador Program Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.comLearn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.comAnd don't forget to follow us wherever you are!Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotifyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

A significant portion of the global adult population, particularly in developing markets, lacks access to formal credit due to the absence of traditional credit histories. This presents a major challenge for financial institutions, FinTech companies, and policymakers aiming to promote financial inclusion. While conventional credit scoring models are built on established financial data, the growing penetration of mobile phones offers an alternative means to assess credit risk. Unlike prior research focused on Call Detail Records (CDRs)—data generated by telecommunication providers capturing users' call and message activities, such as duration, frequency, and timing—this study investigates the predictive power of a broader spectrum of mobile usage data, including non-CDR attributes like social media engagement and web browsing habits, in assessing credit risk. Using a broad range of machine learning algorithms on actual mobile usage data from over 1,500 demographically diverse individuals over a two-week period, we find that while these mobile usage attributes alone cannot fully replace FICO scores in regression models (R²=0.30), they significantly enhance the accuracy of classification models, especially when combined with CDR data (Accuracy=0.89). These findings have important implications for credit markets in emerging economies, pathways for financial institutions and FinTech companies to engage with unbanked populations and support the growth of alternative credit assessment tools. Authors: Razavi, Rouzbeh, and Nasr G. Elbahnasawy.

Jo Ann briefly discusses the changes underway at the U.S. financial regulatory agencies, including thoughts on the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and potential impacts on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

How is AI revolutionizing financial crime detection? In this informative episode, host Nicole Jansen engages in a deep conversation with Peter Reynolds, the visionary CEO of ThetaRay. As an industry leader in AI-powered anti-money laundering, Peter and his team are on a mission to reshape financial crime detection. Dive into this episode to understand how AI is transforming the banking sector by accurately detecting illicit activities while ensuring financial inclusion in developing nations. Peter provides a captivating exploration of Theta Ray's cutting-edge solutions as he demystifies the complexities of AI technology for listeners who may not be tech-savvy. Discover how AI is utilized to streamline processes, reduce false positives in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance, and enhance the way institutions handle financial transactions on a global scale. This episode will equip business leaders and entrepreneurs with the knowledge they need to embrace technology ethically and effectively. Learn about real-world implications from TD Bank's case and the inefficiencies of legacy systems and gain insights from Peter's journey at the helm of an innovative tech company. Key Takeaways Theta Ray's mission in AI-powered anti-money laundering. How legacy systems are failing in detecting financial crimes. The benefits and future potential of AI in money laundering detection. Impacts and lessons learned from TD Bank's recent financial sector fines. Simple explanations of how AI differentiates between normal and abnormal transactions. How small-to-medium businesses can benefit from AI technologies. Peter's transition from law to fintech and leadership strategies. Regulatory considerations and AI's integration in various markets. The evolution of AI blending cognitive understanding with machine learning. Country-specific challenges in implementing AI-driven solutions. Podcast Highlights 0:00 - AI Revolution in Financial Crime Detection 6:17 - AI Enhances Financial Crime Detection 9:55 - Legacy Systems in Banking 12:36 - Bank Inaction Despite Resources 15:06 - Streamlining Remittances with AI Technology 20:38 - Navigating Regulatory Compliance in AI 23:08 - AI Reduces AML False Positives 24:30 - Human-AI Collaboration for Decision-Making 30:53 - African Business Expansion & Compliance 33:40 - Understanding Fraud Prevention Insights 36:00 - Expand Your Perspective Favorite Quotes Mission and Vision: "Our mission is to reshape the future of financial crime detection and AML." - Peter Reynolds Legacy System Issues: "Banks have to assume something's bad all the time because they don't know it's good." - Peter Reynolds AI's Potential: "AI is really good now at being able, in a very cost-effective way with great cloud computing software, to actually identify things like financial crimes." - Peter Reynolds Episode Show Notes: https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/business/528-reshaping-financial-crime-detection-with-ai-with-peter-reynolds/   Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com ________