EP 48: Georg Hauer - Scaling N26 & Building Fintechs in Regulated Markets

In this episode of The Executives, I sit down with Georg Hauer, a seasoned fintech operator, venture builder, and former General Manager at N26, where he helped scale the company from less than $500M to a $9B valuation. From consulting at BCG to launching his advisory firm, Georg shares hard-earned insights on fintech growth, compliance, and building infrastructure for scale.🎯 What You’ll Learn:How N26 scaled across Europe and achieved hypergrowthWhy compliance isn't the enemy of speedHow to build a globally-ready fintechKey lessons from launching digital banksStrategic leadership in fast-changing environmentsWhere fintech is headed next: from infrastructure to tokenization⏱️ Chapters:00:31 Georg’s Career Journey10:59 The Time Machine Question13:43 Georg’s Venture Building and FinTech Model15:50 Working for Equity17:12 Why Executives Must Talk to Customers19:04 Uber Frontline Experience20:56 Georg’s Story for getting into FinTech26:25 Lessons from N26’s hypergrowth31:12 How Decision-Making Must Change at Scale36:51 Evolving Leadership Styles38:29 Feedback culture in scaling organizations41:03 Partnering With Future FinTech Giants44:57 Compliance + product velocity47:44 4 Key Bank Infrastructure Tips50:57 Understanding Market Differences55:57 Ideal customer profile for Hauer Advisory57:40 Upcoming Fintech Trends01:01:19 Final advice for aspiring fintech buildersAbout GeorgGeorg Hauer is a seasoned fintech operator, venture builder, and former General Manager at N26, where he played a pivotal role in scaling the company from under $500M to a $9B valuation. With a background in management consulting at BCG and hands-on experience in launching, growing, and transforming digital businesses, Georg now leads his advisory firm, Hauer Fintech Advisory, supporting banks, fintechs, and investors in building future-ready financial products. With a career spanning startups, corporate innovation, and global expansion, Georg brings a strategic, practical, and deeply human approach to leadership in regulated industries.📢 Connect with Georg:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georghauer/ Hauer Advisory: https://www.georghauer.com/advisory X (Twitter): https://x.com/georg_hauer 📢 Connect with Majid Mahmood: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/majid-m/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majidmofficial/ Website: https://www.majidm.com X (Twitter): https://x.com/majidmofficial Majid M : https://www.majidm.com