Will open banking kickstart financial disruption? episode artwork

EPISODE · Nov 21, 2025 · 25 MIN

Will open banking kickstart financial disruption?

from The SME Stream · host iHeartRadio NZ

Could open banking finally create real competition for money services—beyond the banks? We’re talking to Ben Lynch, who left Xero to found Akahu, the open finance intermediary pushing to change the balance of power between banks, their customers, and their competitors.  This episode explores how open banking aims to democratize your financial data, letting fintech businesses innovate and become a “bank without being a bank”. Hear about Ben’s battle to bring the new Consumer Data Right into law, giving individuals more meaningful ownership of their personal information—the foundation of open banking. We discuss how this legislation forces banks to use APIs (application programming interfaces) to share data, and creates more space for disruptors like Sharesies to offer consumers choice.  Plus, hear the story of how Ben used a tweet to get his foot in the door at Xero. For more or to watch on YouTube—check out http://linktr.ee/sharedlunchShared Lunch is brought to you by Sharesies Australia Limited (ABN 94 648 811 830; AFSL 529893) in Australia and Sharesies Limited (NZ) in New Zealand. It is not financial advice. Information provided is general only and current at the time it’s provided, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs. We do not provide recommendations and you should always read the disclosure documents available from the product issuer before making a financial decision. Our disclosure documents and terms and conditions—including a Target Market Determination and IDPS Guide for Sharesies Australian customers—can be found on our relevant Australian or NZ website. Investing involves risk. You might lose the money you start with. If you require financial advice, you should consider speaking with a qualified financial advisor. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance. Appearance on Shared Lunch is not an endorsement by Sharesies of the views of the presenters, guests, or the entities they represent. Their views are their own. The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its related entities. BNZ is not liable for any losses resulting from the content of the podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Will open banking kickstart financial disruption?

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This episode is 25 minutes long.

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This episode was published on November 21, 2025.

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Could open banking finally create real competition for money services—beyond the banks? We’re talking to Ben Lynch, who left Xero to found Akahu, the open finance intermediary pushing to change the balance of power between banks, their customers,...

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