Curiosity Code Podcast

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Digital banking transformation in Armenia and Central Asia: ACBA Bank's Head of Digital Banking reveals how banks are navigating blockchain adoption, payment infrastructure gaps, and compliance challenges in emerging markets.Artur Kartshikyan, Head of Digital Banking at ACBA Bank, discusses the future of banking in Armenia, blockchain's role in financial institutions, and why Central Asia's payment corridor lacks modern infrastructure. This episode explores digital banking strategy, regulatory compliance, and innovation opportunities in emerging fintech markets.⏱️ KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS0:00 Introduction5:21 Central Asia Corridor Payment Infrastructure Challenges7:32 Blockchain as Banking Threat or Collaboration Opportunity12:44 ACBA Bank Balances Innovation and Compliance in Digital Infrastructure16:06 The Future of Banking: Digital Transformation Ahead19:16 Armenian Banking Outlook and Digital Payment Evolution👤 ABOUT THE GUESTArtur Kartshikyan is the Head of Digital Banking Department at ACBA Bank OJSC, where he leads digital transformation initiatives and modern banking infrastructure development in Armenia.Connect with Artur on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arturkartshikyan/#DigitalBanking #Blockchain #FintechPodcast #BankingInnovation #Armenia🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Investment banking expert Mayerlin Garcia reveals when fintech founders should pursue M&A, why scaling companies need external advisors, and the critical mistakes that cause fintech deals to fail post-acquisition.Learn fintech M&A strategy, exit timing, and how to navigate investment banking for high-growth fintech companies.⏱️ KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS0:00 Introduction2:31 Why External Advisors Are Crucial for Fintech Success8:05 Funding Challenges Companies Face When Scaling13:26 When Founders Should Start Thinking About M&A or Exit17:06 Why Many Fintech Deals Fail to Deliver Promised Outcomes👤 ABOUT MAYERLIN GARCIAMayerlin Garcia is Managing Director at Senahill Advisors, specializing in fintech mergers, acquisitions, and strategic exits for high-growth technology companies.Connect with Mayerlin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayerlingarcia/#FintechMA #InvestmentBanking #FintechFounders #MergersAndAcquisitions #FintechStrategy🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Discover the major differences between investment banking and consumer fintech UX design, and why legacy financial systems make digital transformation so challenging. Learn strategies for aligning UX across distributed financial organizations.Patrik Borgatai discusses the unique challenges of designing user experiences for traditional financial institutions versus modern fintech companies, exploring how legacy systems create barriers to innovation and what it takes to measure good UX in complex financial environments.⏱️ KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS0:00 Introduction2:23 Designers discuss major differences between investment banking and consumer fintech5:31 How do you define and measure good UX in financial environments?8:41 Biggest challenges in aligning UX strategy across distributed financial organizations11:55 Legacy financial systems make redesigning difficult16:58 Main barriers for digital transformation in traditional financial institutions👤 ABOUT PATRIK BORGATAIPatrik is a Product & UX Strategy Consultant at Lab49, designing tools for traders and investment bankers at some of the world's largest financial institutions. He's spent years in the trenches of enterprise fintech.Connect with Patrik on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrikborgatai/🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Learn digital banking best practices from someone who's launched 7 banks across 25 years. Al Southall shares the real playbook for building customer-centric digital banks that balance speed, compliance, and innovation — without repeating legacy mistakes.From early internet banks to cloud-native platforms, discover why "bank in a box" rarely works, how to navigate regulatory requirements while innovating, and the critical importance of customer-first product design before technology decisions.📌 KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS0:00 Introduction4:24 Pre-built solutions and core banking platforms as enablers for digital banking7:19 Why bank in a box fails: only few players succeed with turnkey solutions9:49 How to start building a digital bank: customer-centric design first13:28 Banking license requirements and regulatory expectations for new entrants16:46 Managing vendor lock-in risk while maintaining product flexibility18:54 Cloud resilience strategies and operational risk in digital banking22:25 Customer-centric design and personalization in modern banking27:16 Critical advice for fintechs moving into banking🎙️ GUESTAl Southall is a digital transformation and bank launch specialist with 25+ years of experience leading technology and operations for seven digital banks across multiple markets. His expertise spans the full evolution of digital banking — from early internet banking platforms to today's cloud-native architectures.🔗 Connect with Al: https://www.linkedin.com/in/al-southall-cio/#DigitalBanking #Fintech #BankingInnovation #CoreBanking #FintechPodcast🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! ATM technology expert Paul Gardiner reveals why cash payments continue rising globally despite digital transformation, the hidden innovations in ATM infrastructure, and critical insights every fintech founder needs about payment systems economics.Discover the surprising data behind cash vs digital payments, the future of ATM networks, banking infrastructure evolution, and untapped fintech opportunities in cash management technology.⏱️ KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Cash in circulation continues to arise in every major economy over the past decade0:29 Today we're talking about ATMs and infrastructure of money from cash to AI3:21 What people misunderstand most about how money actually moves behind the scenes with ATMs13:57 Number of ATMs deployed globally have gone down over the last few years17:15 How to approach security of ATM networks from physical and cyber aspects25:17 Paul Gardiner recently led two billion dollar fintech carve outs30:52 What problems in fintech and payments today are the most fixable36:04 If you could design the future state from scratch: payments, ATMs, and AI40:54 Why big payments networks still go down far too often👤 ABOUT PAUL GARDINER:Paul Gardiner is the Founder of Marin FinTech, a leading consultancy specializing in payment systems innovation and banking technology. With deep expertise in ATM networks, cash infrastructure, and having led two billion-dollar fintech carve-outs, Paul advises fintech companies and financial institutions on navigating the evolving payments landscape.#FintechPodcast #ATMTechnology #PaymentSystems #CashPayments #BankingInnovation🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Gen Z is transforming workplace culture, leadership, and inclusion in financial services. Akita Somani, SVP of Inclusive Growth Strategy at U.S. Bank and 2024 Women in FinTech honoree, shares how digital-first communication, authenticity, and purpose-driven values are reshaping modern leadership.Discover how Gen Z's workplace expectations differ from previous generations, why values alignment matters more than compensation, and practical strategies for building inclusive cultures in multi-generational teams. Learn what fintech and banking leaders need to know as Gen Z becomes the workforce majority.📌 KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS0:00 Introduction4:16 Gen Z values alignment with values and purposes over compensation8:27 What inclusion looks like in a multi-generational workplace today14:15 The struggle for companies to build a culture of inclusion17:36 Gen Z taking leadership roles as they mature in their careers👤 ABOUT THE GUESTAkita Somani is Senior Vice President of Inclusive Growth Strategy at U.S. Bank and a 2024 Women in FinTech honoree. She leads global, multi-generational teams and specializes in creating inclusive workplace cultures that drive business performance and innovation in financial services.#GenZWorkplace #InclusiveLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #FintechLeadership #FutureOfWork🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Hanif Nezhad, Co-Founder of Neco Solutions, reveals why EU fintech regulation kills innovation, how US markets differ, and what it really takes to sell banking software to enterprises. From building robo-advisors acquired by ING to launching automated trading platforms, this is fintech product development unfiltered.In this episode, Alex Khomyakov and Hanif discuss the hidden challenges of building fintech software under regulatory pressure, navigating compliance across EU and US markets, and designing wealth management technology that financial institutions trust.📍 KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS0:00 Introduction4:21 Working with financial services clients: exchanges, banks, and early fintech platforms7:23 How fintech regulations reshape product development and shipping timelines14:15 The role of co-founders in navigating business challenges and regulatory complexity16:36 Designing a white-label robo advisor acquired by ING: technical scope vs enterprise integration22:49 Enterprise sales strategy: plan for the worst, hope for the best with bank timelines25:11 European vs US fintech regulations: why the EU lags in innovation and adoption33:51 AI's impact on wealth management: reshaping human advisors and client relationships36:56 Building cross-disciplinary teams for fintech success: compliance, product, and engineering🎙️ ABOUT THE GUESTHanif Nezhad is Co-Founder and Product Lead at Neco Solutions, a fintech software company specializing in neobanking platforms, wealth management systems, and algorithmic trading technology. His background spans high-frequency trading infrastructure, white-label robo-advisor platforms (including one acquired by ING), and Options Robot, an automated options-management product for U.S. retail traders.🔗 Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanif-nezhad-b9450285/#FintechRegulation #BankingSoftware #RoboAdvisor #FintechCompliance #WealthTech🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! How brokers are using stablecoin payments and blockchain infrastructure to solve liquidity management, instant settlement, and margin call challenges in 2025.Jonathan Cumberlidge, Co-Founder & CEO of Sintvia, reveals how blockchain technology is transforming broker payments, treasury management, and institutional asset movement. Discover how CFD brokers and financial institutions are implementing stablecoin settlement, tokenization, and hybrid fiat-crypto systems to bridge traditional finance with digital asset infrastructure.📌 KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS0:00 Introduction6:52 How Sintvia helps brokers move assets from customers to counterparties using blockchain8:56 How regulations and compliance are impacting asset digitalization12:05 Trust is the most important factor when dealing in financial services16:31 How blockchain will reshape the institutional payments landscape over the next five years🎤 GUESTJonathan Cumberlidge — Co-Founder & CEO at Sintvia, bringing nearly 20 years of traditional finance experience to blockchain-powered broker infrastructure. He's pioneering the integration of stablecoins, fiat rails, and digital asset settlement for CFD brokers and financial institutions worldwide.🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cumberlidge-b927731a#StablecoinPayments #BlockchainFinance #BrokerTech #TreasuryManagement #FintechInnovation🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! João Andrade, Head of Cybersecurity at Hacken, reveals the costly smart contract vulnerabilities and blockchain security mistakes that have drained millions from Web3 projects. Learn how MiCA and DORA regulations are reshaping crypto compliance and why prevention-first security frameworks matter more than ever.João shares his 12-year blockchain journey from accidentally mining Bitcoin in 2012 (and losing 5 BTC) to building enterprise-grade security and compliance frameworks for decentralized systems. This deep dive covers smart contract attack surfaces, the difference between startup and enterprise security approaches, real-world asset tokenization reality checks, and how aviation safety principles apply to blockchain cybersecurity.⏱️ KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS0:00 Introduction4:08 At what point did you realize that crypto is becoming more than a hobby7:18 What are the biggest milestones or growing pains in the cryptocurrency industry today14:05 Security is the biggest concern for Hacken. It's our biggest concern18:15 Joao has worked in startups and large scale organizations on security issues23:32 I'd like to get your take on what's happening with regulations regarding cryptocurrencies27:07 Another topic I'd like to get your opinion on is real world asset tokenization33:06 Being a pilot impacts your perspective on security and cybersecurity and blockchain35:27 Alex says he has some advice for people in 2012 about bitcoin mining👤 ABOUT THE GUESTJoão Andrade is Head of Cybersecurity & Compliance at Hacken, a blockchain security veteran since 2012, and a licensed pilot. He brings over a decade of experience helping shape blockchain compliance frameworks and securing decentralized systems across Europe and the U.S.Connect with João on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joaoblockandrade/#BlockchainSecurity #SmartContractSecurity #CryptoRegulation #Web3Cybersecurity #FintechPodcast🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! DeFi is reshaping how money moves across borders — without banks. Elena Shiltseva, Web3 & Fintech CPO who raised $9M+ in token sales, explains how decentralized finance, stablecoins, and blockchain will transform banking in the next decade.Discover why DeFi is more than crypto speculation, how stablecoins drive real-world adoption for freelancers and businesses, and what happens when code replaces traditional financial intermediaries. Elena shares ground-level insights on self-custody, CBDCs, algorithmic stablecoins, and the invisible infrastructure making borderless payments possible today.🕐 KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS0:00 Introduction2:26 DeFi is the short for decentralized finance — What it really means12:58 Stablecoins: The bridge between crypto and everyday finance20:00 How blockchain will change finance for the average person in 10 years25:43 Making DeFi clear: Practical takeaways for founders and builders👤 GUESTElena Shiltseva is a Web3 & Fintech CPO and advisor with product leadership experience at Rarible and Tinkoff. She has helped raise over $9M in token sales and advises startups on decentralized finance, tokenomics, and Web3 product strategy.🔗 linkedin.com/in/elenashiltseva#DeFi #Stablecoins #DecentralizedFinance #FintechInnovation #Web3🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! AI is transforming fintech hiring—but not in the way you think. Owen Dearn, founder of Find and fintech talent strategist, reveals why compliance and risk roles are the biggest bottleneck for startups, how AI is eliminating junior positions, and why human trust still matters more than automation.Discover the hidden talent crisis facing fintech companies, the rise of "AI gatekeepers" in every role, and which jobs will survive the automation wave. If you're building a fintech company, scaling a team, or navigating AI transformation, this conversation reveals what really matters when regulation, compliance, and artificial intelligence collide.📌 KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS0:00 Introduction2:15 The biggest issue facing fintech startups right now is compliance and risk talent5:47 Traditional first line defense roles are increasingly becoming automated15:05 Let's talk about the hiring process. I've seen many founders eager to use AI20:28 Mind says AI may create new jobs but humans will remain central to business👤 GUESTOwen Dearn is the founder of Find, a specialized talent firm focused on fintech, payments, and Web3. He works with some of the world's fastest-growing financial technology companies to solve critical hiring challenges in compliance, risk, and technical roles. Connect with Owen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owendearn/🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092#FintechHiring #AIinFintech #ComplianceTalent #FintechRecruitment #FutureOfWork🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! AI adoption fails when companies focus only on technology. Manuj Aggarwal shares his 5-pillar framework for aligning AI with human potential, enterprise adoption strategies, and the skills that will matter most in an AI-first world.From earning $2 a day in India to advising Fortune 500 companies, Manuj Aggarwal (AI Pioneer & Founder of TetraNoodle Technologies) reveals why most enterprises miss AI's real value, how startups can compete without massive budgets, and which human skills will become irreplaceable as AI handles coding and driving.📍 KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS0:00 Introduction11:35 Relationships: Why most people fail to cultivate meaningful connections17:16 Enterprise AI adoption: Where big companies go wrong26:18 AI bias, governance & regulation: Optimism vs concern31:00 Doing less, achieving more: The productivity paradox with AI35:24 Essential skills to thrive in an AI-driven future💡 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN— The Digital Twin Framework: 5 pillars for personal and professional growth with AI— Enterprise AI mistakes that waste millions and how to avoid them— Startup strategies for competing against big tech in narrow AI niches— Why emotional intelligence and creativity will outlast technical skills— The next 10 years of human-AI collaboration and what disappears first— Daily practices for mindset and productivity in an AI-accelerated world— How AI bias and regulation will shape innovation vs. safety balance👤 ABOUT OUR GUESTManuj Aggarwal is an AI Pioneer, Entrepreneur, and Founder of TetraNoodle Technologies. He advises Fortune 500 companies on AI strategy and has built a career bridging deep technology with human development, mindset, and innovation.Connect with Manuj on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manujaggarwal/#AIAdoption #EnterpriseAI #FutureOfWork #AIStrategy #DigitalTransformation🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! AI is transforming expert networks—but the human element still defines success. Daniel Entrup, expert network veteran and strategist, reveals what technology can't replace and how to build trust-driven marketplaces that blend automation with relationship management.From fraud prevention to AI coaching for analysts, this episode explores the invisible infrastructure behind professional knowledge sharing. Learn why early automation failed, how data gaps hold back AI adoption, and which use cases will reshape the industry in the next 5 years.📍 KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS0:00 Introduction3:26 Data management service purpose-built for knowledge networks6:40 Why experts aren't always "expert experts" in traditional networks10:11 How expert networks identify the right candidates for project requests14:51 Why recruiting and executive search markets are ripe for AI disruption20:18 AI applications beyond recruitment in expert networks22:28 Voice AI conducting expert research at unprecedented scale30:31 LinkedIn prediction: 40% of entry-level professional services jobs disappearing36:22 Using AI to help analysts improve interviewing skills44:04 Building a brand new expert network from scratch today👤 GUESTDaniel Entrup is an expert network leader and strategist with extensive experience building technology-driven knowledge marketplaces. He specializes in balancing automation with human-centered client service in two-sided professional networks.Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielentrup/#ExpertNetworks #AIinBusiness #FutureOfWork #ProfessionalServices #KnowledgeWork🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! AI in financial services isn't failing because of the technology—it's failing because of integration, data challenges, and legacy infrastructure that nobody wants to replace. Matt Gosden reveals what truly blocks AI adoption in pensions and wealth management.Matt Gosden—strategist, enterprise architect, and advisor on AI in highly regulated financial services—joins Alex Khomyakov to explore why meaningful innovation in pensions and wealth requires more than just new technology. Discover how AI-driven customer guidance (not advice) can prevent costly mistakes, why agent-ready infrastructure matters now, and what the industry would look like if redesigned from scratch today.📍 What You'll Learn:0:00 Introduction3:04 Why AI companies carry heavy technical debt from legacy systems that still work6:11 Hypothetical providers that could overtake the traditional pension industry9:58 Responsible rollout of AI in financial services and regulatory challenges14:46 When AI responds to users: managing accuracy and trust issues17:48 The critical difference between AI guidance vs. financial advice26:06 Overlooked innovation opportunities in pensions and wealth space28:39 Redesigning pensions and long-term investments from the ground up34:40 Closing thoughts and key takeaways👤 About Matt Gosden:Matt Gosden is a strategist and enterprise architect specializing in AI, data, and innovation within financial services. He advises regulated institutions on responsible AI implementation, modernizing legacy infrastructure, and building agent-ready systems for the future of wealth and pensions.Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-gosden-ins/#AIinFinance #WealthManagement #PensionInnovation #FinTech #GenAI🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Digital identity will matter more than money itself. David Birch, author and fintech futurist, explains why reputation economies, AI-to-AI payments, and smart wallets controlled by bots are reshaping the financial infrastructure—and why most people are looking at the wrong signals.In this episode of Curiosity Code, host Alex Khomyakov sits down with David G.W. Birch to explore the unseen forces driving the future of finance. We go beyond payments and blockchain hype to examine the foundational shifts: identity as commerce infrastructure, the twilight of traditional money, and what happens when AIs start transacting with each other.📌 KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Introduction: Trust, Infrastructure & the Future of Money4:47 — Will We Ever Have Universally Trusted Digital Identity Infrastructure?7:25 — The Biggest Myths About Money in the Digital Age14:55 — Why AI-to-AI Payments Are Using Stablecoins Now19:51 — Can Regulation Be Both Innovation-Friendly and Resilient to Crime?22:41 — Societal Implications of Fintech: Privacy, Surveillance & AI Agency25:38 — The Future Isn't a Single Currency: What Comes Next?We cover:→ Identity as the foundation of future commerce and reputation economies→ Why smart wallets are designed for bots, not humans→ The critical difference between CBDCs and stablecoins (and why it matters)→ How central banks could design resilient, inclusive digital money systems→ Zero-knowledge infrastructure and why most regulation debates miss the point→ The ethical evolution from surveillance capitalism to AI-driven financial agency→ AI as a strategic event horizon for financial services👤 ABOUT THE GUESTDavid G.W. Birch is an internationally recognized keynote speaker, author, advisor, and commentator on digital financial services. He's co-author of "Money in the Metaverse" and has spent decades advising central banks, fintech startups, and financial institutions on the future of money, identity, and digital infrastructure.Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgwbirch#Fintech #DigitalIdentity #AIPayments #CBDCs #Stablecoins🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! AI in banking is reshaping everything from customer experience to compliance. Fintech leader Krista Griggs reveals why the future isn't about neobanks vs legacy banks—it's about convergence, distributed trust, and building innovation cultures that scale.Krista has guided top banks, fintechs, and global technology teams through complex digital transformations. As a Top 100 Woman in FinTech, she's led internet banking innovations, regulatory change programs, and built cultures of fearless experimentation at the intersection of payments, AI, and compliance.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 Introduction7:06 AI in banking: GenAI and agentic AI use cases reshaping the industry11:48 Payments landscape trends: stablecoins, DLT, and AI-powered purchasing14:23 Future of digital banking: what will drive the next wave of innovation19:58 Top 100 Woman in FinTech recognition and leading innovation culture23:03 Advice for budding fintech leaders entering the space26:12 Rebuilding banking on distributed trust: Krista's vision for the future🎯 KEY TOPICS COVERED— How legacy banks and fintechs are converging in the new financial landscape— GenAI reshaping consumer interaction and back-office automation— Compliance vs innovation: scaling both simultaneously in banking— Payments evolution: stablecoins, distributed ledger technology, platform economy— The flywheel of fintech innovation and navigating regulatory hurdles— Women in fintech: opportunities, responsibilities, and leadership— Distributed trust as the foundation for rebuilding modern banking— Building innovation cultures across financial services organizations👤 ABOUT THE GUESTKrista Griggs is Global Account Director at GFT Technologies and a recognized Top 100 Woman in FinTech. She specializes in guiding banks, fintechs, and technology teams through digital transformation, regulatory compliance, and innovation strategy.Connect with Krista on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-griggs/#Fintech #AIinBanking #DigitalBanking #PaymentsInnovation #BankingTransformation🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Tokenization isn't just digitizing assets—and most projects fail because they ignore the fundamentals. Karl Schlegel, strategic advisor in asset tokenization and digital infrastructure, reveals why dirty data, fragile trust models, and siloed blockchains are killing real-world asset projects before they scale.Learn the difference between tokenization and digitization, why proof-of-reserve isn't enough, and where real innovation will happen in the next 24 months—from gold and energy tokenization to AI-powered verification systems.⏱️ Key Topics & Timestamps:0:00 Introduction to Karl Schlegel and why tokenization projects are failing4:14 Tokenization of in-ground gold: real case study and commodity lessons12:09 Challenges preventing blockchain from scaling across applications16:46 How close are we to full digitization of real-world assets?24:11 Proof of Reserve vs Proof of Verification: what's the difference?30:29 Industry power shifts as blockchain deploys into conventional processes36:05 Common misconceptions about tokenization still ignored in pitch decks40:09 Where real innovation will show up in tech, regulation, and business models👤 About Our Guest:Karl G. Schlegel is a strategic advisor specializing in asset tokenization, emerging tech, and digital infrastructure. He has advised billion-dollar ventures, led cross-border M&A, and shaped policy conversations with the Federal Reserve on blockchain and real-world asset digitization.Connect with Karl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlschlegel/#Tokenization #RealWorldAssets #Blockchain #Fintech #AssetTokenization🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Most fintech startups fail from internal misalignment—not competition. Former fintech product leader Maribeth Martorana reveals the hidden patterns that kill good ideas: strategy drift, misaligned teams, bloated MVPs, and data ignored as an asset.Discover why fintechs burn capital solving the wrong problems, how AI hype masks alignment issues, and the real difference between agile rituals and agile culture. If your startup moves fast but feels misaligned, this is your diagnosis.👇 KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS0:00 Introduction: Bridging Vision and Execution in Fintech5:39 Coaching Teams Through Messy Growth Phases10:57 When Founders Over-Control Product Without Losing Strategy15:01 Building True Agile Teams in Large Organizations17:25 Learning as the Core of Agile Product Development21:11 Data Strategy: Monetizing Data as a Product Asset24:50 The Formula: Data + AI + UX = Value in Fintech26:50 Governance in AI: Where It Fits in the Value Formula30:09 The Most Underused Metric in Product Strategy🎤 ABOUT THE GUESTMaribeth Martorana is Founder & CEO of Sapient Advisors and Strategic Advisor at Spatial Risk Systems. She has led product strategy at early-stage and scaling fintechs, specializing in aligning vision with execution and building data-driven product cultures.🔗 Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maribeth-martorana/#FintechStartups #ProductStrategy #AgileTransformation #DataStrategy #StartupFailure🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! AI risks, artificial intelligence threats, and risks of AI in finance are evolving faster than regulation can catch up. In this episode of The Curiosity Code, we explore the hidden flaws in AI monitoring, the systemic cracks in artificial intelligence risk & governance, and the fast-rising use of AI in financial crime networks.Joining us are Dr. Edgar Lopez Rojas, founder of Revizor, and Valery Chua, an advocate of ethical AI, who expose the blind trust placed in AI systems and the invisible biases shaping critical decisions in fraud detection, KYC, and AML.#airisks #DangerOfAI #financialcrime  #fintechpodcast #AIMonitoring #FinCrime #AICompliance #RiskArtificialIntelligence #FinancialFraud #aiinfinance 👇 Chapters & Timestamps00:00 – Intro: The Real Risk of AI01:33 – Meet Edgar & Valery: Fighting Fin Crime with AI03:42 – The Invisible Bias Threat in Financial Data05:37 – Trusting AI Without Context: A Dangerous Game08:38 – Ethical Shortcuts in AI POCs11:06 – Compliance vs Innovation in Financial AI15:39 – What's Missing in Today’s AI Monitoring Tech17:46 – FCA, EU AI Act & The Compliance Wave20:41 – Proactive vs Reactive AI Governance24:30 – Cultural Resistance to Real-Time AI Monitoring27:21 – AI Misuse and Reputational Risk in Banking29:26 – Can Anyone Keep Up with AI Speed?34:56 – AI & Synthetic Identity Fraud: New Frontlines36:26 – Cracks in AI Model Validation40:00 – Data Entropy, Quality & Model Hallucinations43:18 – Solving Bias Requires a Community Effort47:13 – Join the Ethical AI Movement💥 If you're involved in fintech, GRC, or innovation teams, this episode is a must-watch. Understand how financial fraud, security fraud, and AI-powered deception are forcing firms to rethink their compliance strategies.Our guests:Edgar Lopez-Rojas, CEO & Founder at RevAIsorhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/edgar-lopez-rojas/Valerie Chua, Head of Business Development at RevAIsorhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriechuauk/🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Burning cash, poor risk management, and weak strategies around enterprise risk management - they're the real reasons why so many promising startups fail quietly. In the NEW season of The Curiosity Code from London, we speak with fintech board advisor Stephane Malrait (ex-JPMorgan, ING, SocGen) to expose overconfidence, cash burn, and poor risk handling.You'll hear hard-earned lessons from inside the boardrooms and trenches on how calculating cash burn wrong can destroy momentum, why risk mgmt is more than compliance, and how to scale fintech without losing your edge. Stephane shares thoughtful stories of costly product failures, misaligned teams, and how founders underestimate the complexity of risk and management in scaling environments.#BurningCash #riskmanagement #RiskMgmt #RiskAndRiskManagement #RiskAndManagement #RiskHandling #StartupRiskMgmt #fintechpodcast 00:00 – Intro02:11 – Meet Stephane: Fintech Insider & Risk Expert03:33 – Why Great Ideas Fail Without Execution05:56 – Risk Management Starts with Execution11:06 – Burning Cash Too Fast? Here’s What Happens Next13:28 – Scaling Chaos: Risk Handling Mistakes That Break Startups17:25 – The Lonely CEO: When Risk Becomes Personal23:22 – A $2M Mistake in Enterprise Risk Management29:52 – Failing Fast vs Failing Late: The Real Startup Choice34:00 – Why Digital Transformations Really Fail (and How to Fix Them)42:42 –Why Nimble Fintechs Beat Slow Giants51:08 – GenAI Blind Spots in Enterprise Risk Management54:40 – Data Overload = Risk? The Fintech Data Trap56:47 – Wrap-up: Key Lessons in Risk, Scale & StrategyWhat’s the biggest risk you’ve taken in your startup — and did it pay off or burn out?Drop your story in the comments!🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Is UK fintech in decline, or is this just the beginning of a new wave of innovation? In this episode of The Curiosity Code, we’re joined by Veronica Maria Glab, a fintech strategist and former Head of Partnerships at Innovate Finance, to uncover the real story behind the recent drop in VC investment in UK fintech and what’s next for the ecosystem.👉 If you're interested in UK fintech trends 2025, global fintech investment, or the impact of AI and crypto in finance, this episode is for you. Veronica shares exclusive insights from her time producing the UK’s most trusted fintech investment report—a report that’s even made it to 10 Downing Street.We talk about:• What caused the UK fintech funding drop in 2022 and 2023• How Fintech 3.0 is reshaping the financial services world• The role of regulation vs innovation in the UK, US, and Middle East• Why wealthtech and embedded finance are quietly booming• What VCs really look for in 2024-2025• How the UK compares globally in fintech performanceWhether you're a founder, investor, policymaker, or fintech fan, this deep dive into the UK fintech landscape will help you understand where the market is heading and how to stay ahead of the curve.00:00 - Intro: live from Lisbon02:00 - UK Fintech history: From 1800s to Fintech 3.006:30 - Fintech investment peak in 2021: $106B globally09:45 - Why VC funding in UK fintech dropped post-202213:30 - How UK regulation is impacting fintech startups17:15 - Malta, crypto, and the new fintech hubs19:30 - Global fintech: US, EU, and Middle East comparison21:20 - Crypto, AI, and quantum: Hype vs substance26:00 - The rise of wealth tech and new investment tools28:50 - Founders’ guide: Surviving the 2024 fintech climate31:10 - Breaking into fintech: events, VCs, and ecosystems34:15 - Top fintech conferences in Europe and MENA#UKFintech2025 #UKFintechInvestment  #FintechFundingUK #FintechInvestmentTrends #VCFundingUK #CryptoRegulationUK #WealthTechInnovation #FintechRegulation2025 #FintechVCInsights #QuantumFinance🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Ready to scale your fintech globally? Avoid costly mistakes! Discover the critical red flags fintechs overlook when expanding into new markets.Elif Kocaoglu Ulbrich, Founder of Contextual Solutions, Author,  reveals the hidden pitfalls and critical red flags that can derail international expansion. Discover why localization and understanding local culture are paramount, and learn about the regulatory hurdles in key markets like Germany and the EU. Gain insights on optimal timing for scaling, avoiding the trap of overestimating new regions, and the surprising differences between startup and corporate approaches. Plus, explore the evolving role of AI in global fintech compliance and uncover underrated factors essential for successful market entry.00:02 - Introduction to the conversation on global fintech expansion with Elif Kocaoglu Ulbrich.03:52 - Identifying the most overlooked factors when fintechs expand internationally.06:03 - The discussion on balancing product localization with a global strategy.07:57 - Insights into the most challenging and underestimated markets for fintechs.10:44 - Determining the optimal timing for international scaling and key red flags.13:05 - Comparing global expansion approaches of startups and established financial institutions.15:28 - Uncovering potentially overlooked markets for fintech growth.18:26 - Exploring underrated factors that can significantly impact market entry.21:49 - Examining the role of AI-driven compliance tools in international fintech expansion.Check out this comprehensive guide to navigating the complexities of global fintech expansion!Elif has kindly offered free resources on the European and German markets, including studies and checklists, to assist companies with their expansion plans. You can find the links below:https://www.contextualsolutions.de/german-market-checklisthttps://www.contextualsolutions.de/fintech-publications-legaltech/the-german-banking-and-fintech-market-2025#FintechGlobalExpansion #FintechExpansion #GermanyFintechEntry #LessonsonMarketEntry #GlobalScaling #FintechMistakes #MarketEntryStrategy  #HiddenMarketOpportunities 🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Can you believe insurance could be fast? Discover how AI in insurance, insurance automation, and digital transformation in insurance are changing the industry! Join us as we speak with Parul Kaul Green, a leading expert in the field, about the future of insurance, including AI underwriting and faster insurance claims. Learn how efficient insurance powered by AI is becoming a reality.Discover the advancements in AI underwriting, the potential for faster insurance claims, and the overall future of insurance with insights from a leading expert! #AIinInsurance #AIUnderwriting #InsuranceAutomation #ClaimsAutomation #InsureTech #FutureofInsurance #EfficientInsurance #InsuranceTrends #AIInsurance #FastInsurance #InsureTech🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! The Future of 401k, Retirement Saving Trends, Retirement Tech, Next Gen 401k, Secure Act, PEPs, AI in Retirement Planning are all converging to reshape how we save for our future, as explored in this insightful discussion with retirement innovation experts Will Prest and Lisa KottlerInterested in the future of your 401k? Tap to listen about the key retirement savings trends driving change in retirement tech, including the emergence of next-gen 401k solutions and the impact of fintech retirement innovations. Understand how the Secure Act has paved the way for developments like PEPs explained in detail by Lisa Kottler. Discover the crucial role of AI in retirement planning, offering personalized strategies and efficiencies for the future. Will Prest https://www.linkedin.com/in/willprest/Lisa Kottler https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-kottler/RetireTech Map  https://www.kwpworks.com/map#RetirementTech #FutureofRetirement #Futureof401k  #RetirementPlanning #RetirementStrategy #AIinRetirement #PEPs #SecureAct  #RetirementIncome #FinancialWellness 🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Curious about how to grow your FinTech business in other countries? Learn global expansion strategies and essential steps for successful international market entry for FinTechs in this episode with Alex Romanovich, CEO and global CMO at GlobalEdgeMarkets. Drawing from his background with IBM, American Express, and as managing advisor partner at WeFound Health, Alex offers insights into the most overlooked factors determining international expansion success. Discover how FinTech's digital transformation with AI is changing expansion, alongside the critical need to navigate FinTech's regulatory compliance and understand diverse markets. Find out actionable FinTech marketing for global audiences and trust-building techniques to scale internationally. • Regulatory complexity is often underestimated by expanding companies• Understanding local customer behavior crucial for both B2C and B2B fintech• Cultural adaptation and local talent acquisition essential for market entry• Infrastructure scalability achieved through strategic local partnerships• Case of N26 German neobank demonstrates importance of regulatory preparation• Trust-building through regulatory compliance and partnerships with established players• Content personalization and localized customer experiences drive expansion success• AI applications in fraud detection, emotion analysis, and personalized financial advice• Personalization strategies transferable between healthcare and fintech industries• Community-driven growth more effective than traditional brand building• Marketing requires constant experimentation and audience segmentationTo learn more about global expansion strategies and digital transformation in the fintech space, follow the Curiosity Code Podcast.🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Discover the power of the Flywheel Model specific to AI and FinTech, and secrets to peak brain performance for leaders with Mariela Hunter! The Flywheel Model is a circular business growth strategy placing the customer at the center. It focuses on customer acquisition, engagement, and delight to fuel continuous growth. In FinTech, where client loyalty is challenging, it offers a more sustainable approach than traditional funnels. This model emphasizes long-term customer value (LTV). AI and data analytics enhance the Flywheel's effectiveness by providing insights for optimizing each stage.Learn how to ditch outdated funnels, leverage AI for business growth, and optimize your cognitive abilities for maximum impact in the financial technology sector. #FlywheelModel #FlywheelBusinessModel #FlywheelModelFintech #CustomerLoalty #CustomerLoaltyFintech #FlywheelModelMarketing #Neurotech #NeurotechForLeaders #CustomerRetention #PeakPerformance #FlywheelModelExpertSUBSCRIBE to the podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@CuriosityCodePodcast🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Want to de-risk your FinTech and avoid costly AI mistakes? Explore AI failures in FinTech and learn how to implement robust AI risk assessment strategies with Deniz Çelikkaya. Using real-world examples, we'll cover key areas like transparency, human oversight, and preventing reputational damage.🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Ever wondered about the future of FinTech, cloud computing, and data security? Join us as we explore the Google Cloud ecosystem with Alison Rooney, a financial technology expert with over 15 years of experience at companies like Google and Accenture. Learn about cloud-based FinTech solutions, the power of AI and machine learning, and the crucial importance of data security. Discover the go-to-market strategies FinTech startups are using to disrupt the industry, and why private cloud environments are becoming the new normal. Get the inside scoop on digital transformation, integrating with legacy systems, and the groundbreaking innovations happening inside Google's startup. #CloudSecurity #CloudSecurityRisks #Google #FinTechDataPrivacy #PrivateCloudTrends #AIandDataSafety #SaaS #AIinFinance🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Are you struggling with outdated banking systems? Discover the power of modular banking! In this NYC podcast episode, Arcady Lapiro from Agora Financial Technologies explains how to launch a digital bank without the headaches of legacy systems. Learn about API banking, microservices architecture, and cloud-native solutions transforming the financial industry. Are you a community bank or credit union looking to modernize? Or a FinTech startup eager to innovate? Arcady talks about flexible, cost-efficient modular solutions that seamlessly create any use case. Tune in to explore the future of next-generation banking, where AI enhances fraud prevention and customer engagement #ModularBanking #fintechsolutions #legacytech #bankinginnovation #digitaltransformation 🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Are you a software agency looking to boost FinTech development?Discover how software agencies can elevate their offerings through innovative software development and leverage AI to meet business goals effectively. Learn about essential FinTech strategies that prioritize security and enhance scalability, setting your agency apart in a competitive market. We dive into the art of personal branding to create lasting impressions and build credibility in the fast-paced world of financial technology. Don't miss this opportunity to revolutionize your approach—tune in now and take your FinTech projects to the next level! 📈💻 #SoftwareDevelopment #AISolutions #DigitalTransformation #FinTech #CyberSecurity🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Curious about the Ethics of AI in Finance? Explore a Digital Identity & Bias with Daniel Flowe, London Stock Exchange Group.Learn how AI is transforming digital identity in finance, addressing bias in facial recognition, and shaping the future of ethical AI governance. Daniel shares expert insights on building trust and fairness in financial systems for 2025 and beyond.Key Topics Covered:• The role of AI in digital identity: Opportunities & challenges.• Tackling bias in facial recognition algorithms and ensuring fairness.• How regulation can shape the future of ethical AI in finance.• Building explainable and auditable AI systems for consumer trust.• Governance mechanisms to ensure accountability and inclusivity.🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Predicting Fintech Trends for 2025 with Khadija Khartit, FinTech expert and founder of Sohaara. With 27 years of experience across the US, Africa, and the Middle East, Khadija offers deep insights into:• Key FinTech sectors to watch in 2025.• Opportunities in regions like North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.• The impact of regulation and infrastructure on FinTech ecosystems.• The intersections of FinTech with industries like health, real estate, and education.• Skills entrepreneurs and professionals need to thrive in FinTech’s future.🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! AI in InsurTech is transforming the industry, and startups NEED to be ready. Join us at the Curiosity Code podcast as we chat with Sabine VanderLinden, CEO and co-founder of Alchemy Crew Ventures, a leader in InsurTech and corporate innovation. Sabine has helped over 150 ventures scale, connecting them with large corporations to solve emerging problems in the insurance industry.We discuss the DIVA (Discovery, Investigation, Validation, Adoption) framework, which helps corporations and startups collaborate to adopt new solutions. She shares key differences between the US, European, and Asian markets in terms of their approach to innovation, investment, and regulation.🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Open Banking is transforming finance — empowering innovation and reshaping the financial industry! Join us as we chat with Chris Michael, Co-founder and co-CEO of Ozone API, a global leader in Open Banking technology, Open APIs, and Open Finance solutions driving secure, seamless, and compliant financial services worldwide.🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! The future is AI agents - and they're already here. 🤯Join us as we chat with Jacky Koh, Co-founder of Relevance AI, a leading platform for building and scaling AI agents.In this episode, we:- Break down the difference between AI automation and AI agents.- Explore practical use cases for AI agents in FinTech and other industries.- Discuss the power of multi-agent systems and how they're transforming businesses.- Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Relevance AI's cutting-edge features, including their upcoming AI workforce and advanced knowledge base.- Hear Jacky's insights on the future of AI agents and their potential to revolutionize how we work.🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Debt management solutions are becoming innovative every day with the integration of AI in debt management, and in this episode of Curiosity Code, James Hill, CEO of Flexys, discusses how AI in debt collection and digital debt collection tools are solving problems in debt management and revolutionizing the debt collection process. Explore how debt management services are being transformed to enhance credit risk management and streamline operations with debt management apps and automated finance solutions.Scaling fintech companies requires effective growth strategies, and James also shares insights on the role of partnerships in driving innovation and scaling up. Understand how artificial intelligence in debt collection is shaping the future of debt management systems and credit risk while highlighting key differences between debt management vs debt settlement.🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! DSCR loan expert Liz Lopez, a seasoned mortgage and real estate professional with nearly 20 years of experience, joins us in this episode of the Curiosity Code podcast to explore the intricacies of DSCR loans. Liz Lopez, a team leader and loan organization specialist at Nexa Mortgage, shares her extensive knowledge of DSCR loans for rental property, how to get a DSCR loan, and the benefits of no-income investment loans. Learn about DSCR investor loans, DSCR mortgage loans, and the DSCR loan Michigan requirements. Discover the application process for DSCR loans, the role of non-QM DSCR loans, and strategies for cash flow mortgage loans in real estate.🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Learn how to set up a family office with expert insights from Angelo Robles on this episode of the Curiosity Code podcast! 🎙️ This week, host Alex is joined by Angelo Robles, a top expert in the family office industry. Angelo, the founder and CEO of CFO Continuity and Family Office Masterclass, brings a wealth of experience in setting up and running successful family offices for some of the world's most affluent families.In this episode, Angelo shares his insights on how to set up a family office and the best practices for creating a family office that lasts through generations. 🌐 Discover the key family office requirements, strategies for preserving wealth, and the essential steps for starting a family office. Angelo also touches on the impact of technology and AI on family offices and provides a glimpse into the future trends in the industry. Stay tuned until the end for motivational quotes and advice for those just starting in the family office field.🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Financial services pricing strategy – a topic we deeply explore with Tuomas Louhela, a seasoned fintech expert from Helsinki, Finland, in this episode of the Curiosity Code podcast. With over five years of CEO experience and extensive knowledge in payroll technology and strategy consulting, Tuomas shares his dynamic career journey. From launching startups and navigating regulatory changes to leading innovative pricing strategies, Tuomas provides a wealth of knowledge and practical insights.We delve into the intricacies of B2B pricing models and B2B pricing strategy, discussing the complexities of fintech pricing. Tuomas offers his perspectives on the future of digital payments and the shifting regulatory landscape in Europe. Whether examining the nuances of unit economics or the challenges of adapting to regulatory changes, Tuomas’s insights are invaluable for anyone in the fintech space.🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Join us with Arturo Gonzalez Mac Dowell, a key figure in European fintech, to learn about the evolution of financial technology. Arturo, who led Europe's first account information service at Eurobits Technologies and served as Chairman of the Spanish Fintech Association, talks about his journey from the early days of mobile banking to today's innovations.We've dived into the challenges of fintech innovation, the impact of social media on consumer behavior, and the complexities of navigating European regulations. Today, we learn why traditional banking models are becoming outdated and highlight the transformative potential of open banking. In addition, Arturo reflects on his personal philosophy of enjoying the process and his aspirations for the future.🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Whether you're a fintech enthusiast, a budding entrepreneur, or simply interested in how technology is changing our financial landscape, this episode features informative discussions on why banking as an outdated model no longer works. Brett's first-hand experiences and insights will give you a fresh perspective on the potential and challenges of modern banking. He also shares at the end of the speech his fascinating case research in a Saudi Arabian project that discovered a way to increase the number of days in a human's life. Don't miss it!🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! This episode of the Curiosity Code Podcast explores crucial aspects of corporate health, including the vital roles of ESG, workplace diversity, and women's empowerment. These topics are essential for a sustainable and ethical corporate environment. Laura Rofe, a partnership manager in the payments fintech industry, is exploring more than how ESG integration in finance works. As the director of the partnership department, she is the face of the business and genuinely cares about the ethical aspect. She is also a passionate supporter of women in her industry and strongly focuses on diversity and inclusion. Her insights are invaluable in understanding these aspects of ESG metrics and how that approach works in the international payments industry.🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Welcome to the Curiosity Code podcast, in which the host of the podcast, me, Alex, finds myself as an interview guest. I share the most personal details of my journey into entrepreneurship. You will find out how I build a business strategy, my path in fintech and product management.But what is the mindset of an entrepreneur without the other side of life? Business growth is indivisible from personal growth. So the conversation will touch on relocations, finding work-life balance, and what makes me feel good about myself. Connect to the episode to hear important business tips and learn how not to lose the joy of creation as you grow your career.🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! What is revenue-based financing? Discover the ins and outs of this innovative financial model with Zahra Alubudi, COO & Co-Founder of Levenue, on this episode of the Curiosity Code podcast! 🎙️ Zahra shares her extensive experience in launching fintech projects across Europe and offers deep insights into revenue-based financing for startups and firms. Levenue is at the forefront of providing growth capital to unbankable companies with recurring revenue streams, disrupting traditional financial models with sales-based financing and royalty financing solutions.We dive into the innovation behind the revenue-based financing model and explore how businesses can leverage it for success. Learn how revenue-based financing companies are reshaping the financial landscape and how royalty-based financing can be a game-changer for your business. Zahra also discusses the challenges of expanding across different European markets and the importance of effective financial modeling for growth.🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! We welcome Martin Kuvandzhiev, CEO of encorp.io, blockchain technology enthusiast, and co-founder of Bitcoin Gold. He shares his journey in tech, including being a co-founder of Bitcoin Gold and winning multiple NASA space app challenges. With a deep background in software development and programming, he has transformed visions into impactful realities. Our guest's experience lies in various fields: fintech, cryptocurrency, healthcare, and artificial intelligence.You'll also be able to get insights and entrepreneurial advice:- How to start a successful startup company and go from working with fellow startups to multi-billion dollar businesses.- How can blockchain technology be helpful in areas not related to cryptocurrencies? Technologies have long gone beyond the Bitcoin wallet!- How can you apply your entrepreneurial mindset to overcome difficulties, and why is networking so important?🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! How often do you consider the connection between your financial decisions and mental health? How to control your emotions while you spend money?After years of experience in family and traditional therapy, Nathan chose his specialty and now helps people find financial freedom. He is passionate about assisting individuals to navigate the complex relationship between money and mental health.Discover the profound connection between your emotions and your finances. We'll explore how mixed emotions can influence your financial choices, financial management and delve into the innovative financial solutions that address these emotional challenges. The emotional background of debtors and how to get out of this trap by working with psychology.🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Join entrepreneur Julian Torres Gomez on the fintech Podcast. He shares his journey from facing challenges to achieving success. The conversation takes us through his early startups to a restaurant period next to a university that taught him valuable lessons.Learn how Julian led a fintech innovation, simplifying payments for remote teams across the globe with technology that supports easy contracting and seamless international transactions. He openly discusses the diverse skills needed in entrepreneurship and how staying flexible and open-minded helped him thrive in the fintech sector.This episode is a straightforward look into entrepreneurship in Colombia, the impact of personal growth and venture capital, and how digital transformation is changing financial services. 🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! Welcome to a transformative episode of the Curiosity Code Podcast, your go-to fintech podcast for actionable business advice and tips.It's a pleasure to welcome Herman Lundquist, a B2B marketing advisor known for his dynamic approach to helping B2B companies and fintech startups grow their business. Our guest is the one behind the transformation of Canon's sales team, and he's ready to share his insights on business marketing, which he has gained from many years of experience in business consulting.Whether running a fledgling startup or looking to scale your established business, this episode is packed with business tips and insights into making complex marketing concepts accessible and actionable. If you apply all these tactics correctly, it can result in more referrals and business opportunities. You'll also learn why a business might need a third-party marketing consultant and how to get the most out of this partnership.---- 00:00 Introduction to Herman Lundquist- 01:10 Herman's transition from DJ to marketing specialist- 03:08 The shift from product-focused to customer-centric marketing- 05:36 Revolutionary sales increase at Canon through strategic marketing- 06:33 Herman's corporate journey and venture into consultancy- 10:38 Simplification in marketing and its impact- 19:40 Effective communication and content strategy tips- 27:50 Applying big corporation strategies to startups and SMEs- 31:09 Herman's approach to practical, impactful marketing advice- 37:47 Conclusion and takeaways🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! In this episode of the Curiosity Code Podcast, host Alex sits down with Eugene Kalinin, the innovative mind behind GrowthTracking.net, to explore the transformative world of growth tracking. Eugene shares his journey from his early days in the industry to becoming a growth-tracking guru, offering unparalleled insights into how entrepreneurs can leverage this powerful strategy to catapult their businesses to new heights. Whether you're a startup founder looking for traction, a seasoned entrepreneur aiming to scale, or simply intrigued by the potential of growth tracking, this episode is packed with actionable advice, frameworks, and real-world applications that can revolutionize your approach to business growth.__________________________________________________________00:00 - Introduction to Eugene Kalinin and the concept of growth tracking02:30 - Eugene's professional journey and the evolution of growth tracking07:33 - Defining growth tracking and its importance in the startup ecosystem12:54 - Identifying the ideal stage for implementing growth tracking in a venture20:33 - The unique methodology behind GrowthTracking.net26:18 - The IDF framework and its application in growth tracking33:19 - Introduction to Growth Tracking School and its mission41:17 - The versatility of growth tracking in various industries43:22 - Eugene's insights on Lisbon's startup scene and cultural comparisons48:22 - Wrapping up with the value of reality in entrepreneurship#GrowthTracking #Entrepreneurship #StartUpCulture #BusinessGrowth #FintechInnovation #CuriosityCodePodcast #BusinessStrategy #Innovation🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! This episode unveils the fintech scene of the Asia Pacific through the lens of Mark Francis, a seasoned entrepreneur and fintech executive. From executive search to revolutionizing SME lending, Mark shares his journey, offering insights into the industry's evolution. Discover the birth of embedded lending in Asia, how fintech firms are carving out niches against traditional banking giants, and the emerging challenges and opportunities in 2024.#CuriosityCode #FintechAPAC #SMEInnovation #EmbeddedLending #Entrepreneurship🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092