Interviews with Leaders in Fintech & Web3

Today's guest is Xen Baynham-Herd, Director of Growth at Base and Global Builder Ecosystem lead at Coinbase, working at the centre of where crypto, AI agents, and the future of finance collide.Before Coinbase, Xen spent eight years as a fixed income trader at UBS, where he championed an internal stablecoin project that eventually spun out into Finality, backed by UBS, Deutsche Bank, Barclays, and Santander. He then made the leap into crypto, rising to COO at blockchain.com, before stepping off the corporate ladder to work with Balaji Srinivasan on the Network State. He went on to found his own startup, Roam XYZ, which was later acquired by Coinbase.In the full episode, we cover:- Why the UK's financial system is broken and how blockchain actually fixes it- How crypto networks like Base are becoming the closest thing we have to network states today- Why every major bank — JPMorgan, BlackRock, Morgan Stanley, UBS — is now quietly moving on-chain- What x402 is and why AI agents are already paying each other on-chain- Why agentic activity will be the primary use of crypto networks within a few years- The highest-leverage opportunities for builders in the next 3 years- The mindset and traits Xen looks for when hiring builders and backing foundersIf you're a fintech founder, a builder thinking about where to place your bets next, or anyone trying to understand how crypto and AI agents are about to reshape the financial system, this one is essential listening.Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Today's guest is Matt Weaver, Head of Solutions Engineering for EMEA at OpenAI, working directly with some of the biggest names in financial services including Revolut, Alicabank, and BBVA.Before OpenAI, Matt spent four years at a pre-ChatGPT AI company helping banks extract data from documents using traditional machine learning.When ChatGPT burst onto the scene and disrupted everything he was working on, he knew there was only one place he needed to be, and he was fortunate enough to get the call from OpenAI, where he's spent the last two years building out the Solutions Engineering team across EMEA from the ground up.In the full episode, we cover:How AI has moved from pilots to production inside major financial institutionsWhat GPT-5.5 can do that the models couldn't six months agoThe highest ROI use cases in financial services right nowHow OpenAI helps banks navigate regulation, compliance, and data residencyWhat AI agents actually are, and how long they can now run without human inputWhy entry-level employees are outperforming tenured colleagues with AI toolsHow to go use ChatGPT to it best of powerIf you're in fintech, working inside a financial institution, or trying to understand how AI is actually being deployed at scale, this one is essential listening.Connect with Matt Weaver:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmattweaver/Matthew Cheung (Host & Founder Work in Fintech):https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcheung50/Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Today's guest is Dileep Thazhmon, Founder & CEO of Jeeves, one of the fastest-scaling fintechs to come out of Y Combinator (YC S20)Before Jeeves, Dileep built PowerInbox (later Jeeng) to $40M in revenue and a ~$100M exit. While running PowerInbox, Dileep ran headfirst into the chaos of cross-border payments, multiple cards, multiple bank accounts, different payment rails in every country, making his CFO's life a daily reconciliation nightmare.After his exit, he set out to solve that exact problem and founded Jeeves. Today it's valued at over $2B, operates in 25 countries, and powers global spend for thousands of companies.In the full episode, we cover:- His early years and the unlikely path that led him into fintech- How the idea for Jeeves came directly out of his own pain as a founder- Why B2B fintech is a completely different game from B2C - His experience going through Y Combinator - What it's like having Ben Horowitz and a16z as investor- The fintech opportunities he's most excited about right now- His hiring philosophy- The one piece of advice he'd give young graduatesIf you're in fintech, building a company, or curious how global fintech actually gets built, this one's worth your time.Connect with Dileep Thazhmon:X: https://x.com/thazhmonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thazhmon/Matthew Cheung (Host & Founder Work in Fintech):https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcheung50/ Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Today's guest is Paroma Chatterjee, CEO of Revolut India, leading one of the world's most valuable fintechs into one of the world's most complex markets.Paroma has built her career at the intersection of ambition and execution, and there's no better proof of that than what Revolut India has become: a 3,600-person operation in a country where Revolut was virtually unknown just a few years ago.In this episode, we dive into:- Paroma's early career and what shaped her leadership style- Revolut's big ambitions in India, and what the product actually looks like on   the ground- Why it took so long to launch in India, and what finally changed- The real moats that make Revolut different- How the Indian fintech industry has evolved, and where it's headed- What the culture inside Revolut is actually like- Her hiring philosophy and what she looks for in people- Opportunities in the age of AI for young professionals If you're working in fintech, thinking about joining a high-growth global company, or just want to understand what it takes to scale a business in India, this one is worth your time.Follow Paroma Chatterjee on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/paroma-chatterjee-503193/Matthew Cheung (Host & Founder Work in Fintech): https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcheung50 Work in Fintech Socials: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global/ - X: https://x.com/WorkinFintech- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/work_in_fintech/Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Today's guest is Richard Davies, CEO of Allica Bank, the fastest growing company in the UK from 2020 to 2024, built specifically to serve the small and medium sized businesses that traditional banks consistently overlook.Richard has spent his career across some of the most influential names in banking and fintech — from Barclays and HSBC to being employee number one at Oak North, and Group COO at Revolut when it scaled from 5 to 15 million customers.In this episode, we get into:- What makes Allica Bank special and why he left Revolut to build it  - The real reasons behind Allica Bank’s rapid growth  - How Allica Bank serves one-third of the economy ignored by big banks  - The future of traditional banks — branches, consolidation, and what comes next  - The biggest trends and opportunities in fintech over the next 5 to 10 years  - How leading digital banks are using AI right now  - Richard’s hiring philosophy and what he looks for in people  - The future of Allica Bank If you're building in fintech, banking, or thinking about your next career move, this one is worth your time.Richard's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-davies-1323b2 Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

From a small village to the heart of global financial markets.On our Women’s Day special, we host Charlotte Crosswell, Board Member at the London Stock Exchange.Charlotte’s journey is an inspiration for many girls and women who want to build a career in fintech and financial services.From humble beginnings in a small village to the global financial stage, she has held leadership roles at the London Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, Innovate Finance, and CFIT.She was also among the few women on the trading floor in the 1990s, building her career in an industry that was still largely male-dominated.In this episode, Matthew Cheung, founder of Work in Fintech, sits down with Charlotte to unpack:✅ Her journey from a small village to senior roles at Goldman Sachs, Nasdaq, and the London Stock Exchange✅ How fintech and technology are transforming financial services✅ Why data ownership will define the future of financial markets✅ The importance of innovation and continuous learning in a rapidly changing industry✅ Practical advice for young professionals entering the industryComing just after International Women’s Day, Charlotte also shares her thoughts on the progress women have made in fintech and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.Whether you’re interested in fintech, financial markets, or building a career in the industry, this episode offers valuable insights into leadership, innovation, and navigating one of the fastest-evolving sectors in the world.Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Today’s guest on the show is Sheel Mohnot, Co-founder and General Partner at Better Tomorrow Ventures, a San Francisco based seed-stage fund focused on fintech, with investments in companies like Ramp, Mercury, and Unit.In this episode, host Matthew Chung, founder of Work in Fintech, sits down with Sheel to unpack:✅ His journey from founder to venture capitalist✅ What truly separates exceptional founders from the rest✅ The role of luck and timing in startup success✅ How AI is reshaping fintech and venture capital✅ The next big opportunities emerging in fintech✅ Practical advice for young entrepreneurs navigating risk, learning, and growthWhether you’re an aspiring founder, investor, or operator, this episode offers an honest look at building in fintech, spotting opportunity early, and what it really takes to win in today’s startup ecosystem.Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Today’s guest on the show is Carlos Espinal, Managing Partner at Seedcamp, one of Europe’s leading seed-stage venture capital funds, with early investments in companies like Wise, Revolut, and UiPath.In this episode, host Matthew Chung, founder of Work in Fintech, sits down with Carlos Espinal to unpack:✅ Carlos early career & how he got into venture capital✅ How Seedcamp spots billion-dollar founders before anyone else✅ The key traits that separate exceptional founders from everyone else✅ How the venture capital landscape has evolved✅ The biggest opportunities in tech right now✅ Practical advice for young entrepreneursWhether you’re an aspiring founder, investor, or someone looking to break into venture capital, this episode offers a candid look at how careers evolve, how great companies are built, and what it really takes to succeed in the startup ecosystem.Important Linkshttps://cee.medium.com/how-venture-adapts-when-trust-erodes-41568a2deb33Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Today’s guest on the show is Francesco Filia, founder and CEO of Fasanara Capital, a global asset manager and technology-driven investment platform.In this episode, host Matthew Cheung, founder of Work in Fintech, sits down with Francesco Filia to unpack:✅ Francesco's early career and the key lessons that shaped him✅ How the idea for Fasanara came about and the problem it set out to solve✅ The biggest opportunities and trends in fintech today✅ The main risk in the banking sector✅ Why private credit is experiencing a moment of growth✅ What he looks for when investing a company✅ Advice for young people entering the workforce in the age of AIIf you’ve just graduated or are looking to enter fintech, this episode is packed with amazing insights and nuggets and is a must-watch.Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Today’s guest on the show is Gregory Van, Co-Founder & CEO of Endowus, Asia’s leading independent digital wealth platform.In this episode, host Matthew Cheung sits down with Gregory to unpack:✅ How the idea behind Endowus came about✅ What makes Endowus unique✅ How AI is used in wealth management✅ Investment vs. speculation✅ The reality of funds and management feesAnd much more…If you’re a founder, CEO, fund manager, or even an investor in the stock market, this episode of the WIF Podcast is highly insightful.From understanding the wealth management business to how AI is used in wealth management ,this episode is packed with valuable insights.Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

In this episode, host Matthew Cheung dives deep into Tom’s fascinating journey, from DJing during his university days to leading one of the most forward-thinking fintech companies in the world.Here’s what you’ll learn:✅ The sales playbook behind multi-million–dollar fintech enterprise deals✅ How 10x Banking is powering the next generation of global banks✅ The evolution of core banking and banking-as-a-service, and why it matters today✅ How AI is transforming the way banks operate (and what’s next)If you’re in fintech, sales, or tech leadership, this episode is packed with insights on how to sell and scale in one of the fastest-changing industries on earth.Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Today’s guest on the show is Charlie Youakim, Co-founder & CEO of Sezzle, the fast-growing Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) platform.In this episode, host Matthew Cheung sits down with Charlie to unpack:✅ Sezzle’s business model✅ How Sezzle makes money✅ The shift that led to their rapid profitability & explosive growth✅ How a billion-dollar company thinks about hiring✅ Why BNPL is shaping the future of commerce, and what’s coming nextIf you’re a founder, CEO, operator, or anyone building in fintech, this conversation is a masterclass. From understanding how business model innovation can change a company’s trajectory to learning how top fintech leaders hire and scale, this episode is packed with insights.Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

In this session of the Work in Fintech AI Summit, Anthony Cheung (Chief Content & Culture Officer, AmplifyME) and Neil Massa (CRO, The Connection Lab) reveal how to stand out in today’s crowded market.Blending humor, real-world insights, and practical strategies, this engaging talk shows you how to move beyond survival mode and position yourself to truly thrive in a competitive world.Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

From running a humble market stall to building a career in the financial markets, this is the inspiring 45-year journey of Paul.In this candid and never-before-told story, Paul shares:His working-class roots and early struggles with no university educationHow a natural talent in maths set him apart despite limited opportunitiesThe mindset shift that helped him move from “just making money” to building a lasting careerThe importance of resilience, self-belief, and remembering: “It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish.”This talk is proof that no matter your background, you can rewrite your story and create success in finance and beyond.Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

In this episode, we are joined by Christian Nentwich, founder of Duco, a B2B data automation company valued at over $100 million.Christian shares how he started his first business, how he entered the world of fintech, the challenges he faced while scaling a company, and the mistakes he made that, if avoided, could have accelerated Duco’s growth.He also explains why B2B fintech is one of the best, yet most difficult businesses to be in, and why being exceptionally good at sales, along with having resilience and a never-give-up attitude, is crucial when dealing with $100K+ ticket-size deals.What makes his story even more compelling is that both startups he founded were ahead of their time, offering cloud and automation solutions when banks and financial institutions weren’t ready. Duco nearly failed before a major market shift in 2015 turned the tide.If you’re building in fintech, SaaS, or enterprise tech, this episode is full of deep insights and actionable lessons from someone who's been through it all.Connect with Christian:https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiannentwichCheck out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

In this episode, we’re joined by Leif Abraham, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Public.com, the social investing platform that raised nearly $400 million last year and doubled its revenue.Leif has a bold hiring philosophy: he intentionally avoids candidates from elite schools like Harvard or Stanford. Why? Because he believes street smarts are better than book smarts.In this conversation, we unpack:How Leif started and sold his first startupKey Moments & Challenges While Scaling Public.comStreet Smarts vs. Book Smarts & Hiring PhilosophyThe next big opportunity in the tech worldABOUT US:At Work in Fintech, our mission is to inspire and guide the next generation of Fintech talent.Founded by Matt Cheung, we bring you exclusive interviews with Fintech founders, CEOs, and industry leaders.Together, we explore how to break into Fintech, what it takes to succeed, and how you can gain an edge.Packed with real-world insights and practical advice, our content helps students, grads, and young pros stand out in Fintech and Finance.Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Jinesh Vora, Founder and CEO of Sprive, shares his journey from a corporate career at Goldman Sachs to launching his own fintech startup aimed at helping homeowners pay off their mortgages faster. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in the mortgage market, the importance of financial education, and the strategies for growth and networking in the fintech space. Jinesh emphasises the need for innovation in personal finance and the potential for fintech to disrupt traditional banking practices.TakeawaysJanesh's entrepreneurial spirit was influenced by his familyThe idea for Sprive was born from personal experiences with mortgagesFinancial literacy is crucial for making informed financial decisionsNetworking is essential for startup success and finding the right talentUnderstanding mortgage terms can empower users to make better choicesEntrepreneurship offers unlimited potential compared to corporate jobsChapters00:00 From Corporate to Startup: The Journey Begins02:47 Identifying Pain Points: The Birth of Sprive06:04 Innovating the Mortgage Market: Sprive's Unique Approach09:13 Financial Education: Empowering Users for Better Decisions11:59 Growth Strategies: Navigating the Fintech Landscape14:56 Building a Network: The Key to Entrepreneurial Success18:14 Hiring for Success: Skills and Experience in Fintech20:59 Reflections on Career Choices: Corporate vs. Startup Life24:12 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Taking the Leap26:58 Conclusion: The Future of Sprive and Personal FinanceCheck out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Mike Hudak shares his journey from dropping out of high school to becoming a prominent figure in the fintech industry. He discusses his experiences at various startups, including Facebook, Monzo, Deliveroo, Blip TV and Sling Money, his latest venture. Mike reflects on the differences between the UK and US startup ecosystems, the challenges of raising capital, and the importance of product management in building successful companies. He emphasises the need for dynamism in the UK to foster growth and innovation. Mike discusses the evolution of team autonomy as a technology, the inception of Sling as a global payment solution, and the challenges of navigating regulation in the financial landscape. He emphasises the importance of user experience in blockchain technology, outlines potential revenue models for Sling, and offers valuable advice for the next generation entering the workforce during a time of rapid technological change.TakeawaysMike dropped out of high school due to a lack of interest in traditional education and learned coding at home before taking a job at a startup.Transitioning to Facebook was like moving from the minor leagues to playing for Yankees.Persistence and learning from failures are key to success.Product management is crucial for aligning teams and ensuring project success. The product way of working is a form of technology.Timing is critical in the tech industry.Embracing novelty and risk is essential for career growth.The current era is a golden age of technological advancement.Learning from mistakes is vital for personal and professional development.Future careers will be shaped by emerging technologies.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mike Hudak and His Journey01:00 Dropping Out of High School: A Personal Choice04:15 The Birth of Blip TV: A Startup Adventure07:12 Transitioning to Facebook: Learning in a Big League09:54 Moving Back to the UK: A Personal Perspective13:17 Starting a New Company: Insights on the UK Startup Scene17:28 Navigating the Startup Ecosystem: Challenges and Opportunities22:05 The Role of Product Management: A Key to Success24:53 The Technology of Team Autonomy27:07 The Birth of Sling: A Global Payment Solution34:38 Navigating Regulation in the Financial Landscape37:55 Building a User-Friendly Blockchain Experience41:13 Revenue Models and Future Growth46:23 Embracing Change: Advice for the Next Generationhttps://twitter.com/mhudackCheck out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

In this episode of Interviews with Leaders in Fintech & Web3, we sit down with serial entrepreneur Christian Faes, Co-Founder and Chairman of LendInvest and Founder of Faes & Co, to explore his remarkable journey from lawyer to fintech leader.Christian recounts his transition from practicing law in Australia to becoming a major player in the fintech industry. He shares how he built LendInvest into a market leader, tackled the challenges of scaling the business, and the hard-earned lessons from taking the company public. Now launching a new venture in the US, Christian provides invaluable insights on entrepreneurship, the importance of resilience, and the ongoing disruption of financial services through technology.In this conversation, he debunks misconceptions about entrepreneurship, reflects on the realities of IPOs, compares the UK and US fintech markets, and highlights the supportive ecosystem in London. He also stresses the importance of building a profitable business while enjoying the journey along the way.Whether you're a fintech enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is filled with practical advice for building a sustainable business in a rapidly evolving industry.https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianfaes/https://x.com/ChristianFaeshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcheung50/Chapters00:00 From Law to FinTech: Christian's Journey03:45 Building LendInvest: Challenges and Successes08:08 The Reality of Entrepreneurship: Misconceptions and Hard Work12:37 IPO Insights: The Holy Grail of Entrepreneurship17:27 Navigating Market Perceptions: UK vs US FinTech20:29 Supporting FinTech: The Founders Group Initiative24:15 Political Climate and Its Impact on FinTech27:55 Why the US? Christian's Move and New Ventures30:42 Building a New Lending Business: Strategies and Focus34:02 The Ideal Founding Team: Traits and Dynamics36:08 Breaking into FinTech: No Prerequisites Needed37:54 Reflections on Career Choices: Learning from MistakesCheck out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Eager to unravel the intricacies of retail trading and fintech innovations? Join us as Elina Pedersen, the dynamic co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Your Bourse, shares her fascinating journey from the fast-paced world of Admiral Markets to spearheading her own venture. Through Elina's insights, gain a unique perspective on the rise of retail trading and how it sets itself apart from the institutional giants. She offers an inside look at the motivations behind launching Your Bourse, emphasising the critical role of technology in bridging gaps for retail brokerages and enhancing trading safety and conditions. In an enlightening conversation, we cover the transformative trends shaking up retail trading, from the essential role of data centres and low latency to the emergence of brokers crafting their own trading interfaces. Elina provides an honest account of navigating the competitive fintech landscape, particularly as a female leader in a predominately male field. She discusses the hurdles faced by startup brokers and the pivotal importance of education and advanced tools for success. As we reflect on the historical evolution of the trading industry, Elina's candid insights leave us pondering what, if anything, she would change about her remarkable career.TakeawaysRetail trading is speculative trading for personal gain.Elina's journey from marketing to CEO showcases rapid growth.Identifying gaps in the market led to the creation of Your Bourse.Your Bourse connects brokerages to execution venues and risk management.Low latency is crucial for trading efficiency and scalability.AI is simplifying developer tasks but won't replace them.Prop trading is a new trend in the retail trading space.Gold remains a popular trading instrument due to its predictability.The broker technology space is competitive and knowledge-intensive.Leadership requires transparency, feedback, and addressing blockers.Elina Pederson https://www.linkedin.com/in/elina-pedersen-59676014/Matt Cheung https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcheung50/Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

SummaryTamsin Hobley, Country Head for UK and Ireland at SIX, shares her journey in the finance industry and the importance of sales leadership and strategic sales. She emphasises the value of curiosity, listening, and building relationships in sales. Tamsin also discusses the role of SIX in the financial industry, including its various business units and its focus on technology. She highlights the significance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in the industry and the need for companies to comply with ESG standards. Tamsin talks about the importance of culture in the workplace, supporting working parents, and promoting diversity and inclusion. She offers advice for aspiring leaders, emphasising the importance of being brave, trying new things, and being open to diverse perspectives. Tamsin also discusses the future of SIX and her interest in non-executive roles and giving back.TakeawaysCuriosity and building relationships are key in sales.ESG compliance is important for companies in the finance industry.Culture, support for working parents, and diversity and inclusion are crucial in the workplace.Leaders should be open to diverse perspectives and communicate effectively.The future of SIX involves innovation, growth, and potential non-executive roles.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Tamsin Hobley's Background03:27 Transition from Retail Banking to Sales Leadership08:54 The Importance of Learning from Experience in Sales16:46 The Significance of ESG and Diversity in the Financial Sector21:55 Building a Supportive Culture and Fostering Leadership29:41 The Role of Diversity of Thought in Leadership33:55 Effective Communication and Listening as a Leader38:23 Future Plans and Giving BackTamsin Hobley https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamsinhobley/Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

In his second appearance on the Work in Fintech podcast William Quigley and Matt Cheung discuss career options, education, big companies vs startups and it what it takes to succeed when you start your own company.William Quigley, a long-time VC - he was Paypal's first institutional investor - and entrepreneur, from gaming to blockchain  (he cofounded Tether and WAX) shares his insights on:Foundational skills, such as critical thinking, are valuable in career development.A university education can provide a broad set of skills and opportunities.Working in a large, established company can offer exposure to exceptional business practices and experienced professionals.Assessing the financial health of a company and understanding market perceptions is important for career stability.Identifying opportunities and launching new products or services requires assessing market demand and managing resources effectively. Finding a co-founder or small team is important when starting a startup to share the workload and bring complementary skills.Assessing who would work well as a co-founder is a skill that needs to be developed.Consider the amount of capital needed and the potential for growth when deciding whether to raise funding.Surround yourself with exceptional people who challenge and push you to grow.Curiosity is a key trait for entrepreneurs and can lead to insights and new business ideas.Assess the size and potential growth of an industry to guide career decisions and identify opportunities.https://x.com/williamequigleyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcheung50/Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Rodney Williams, co-founder of SoLo Funds, shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur and fintech innovator. He discusses his first startup, LISNR, which used ultrasonic technology for seamless checkout experiences. Williams, an inspiring black entrepreneur, explains the motivation behind later starting SoLo Funds, a peer-to-peer lending marketplace that provides access to capital and helps individuals create bigger yield on their savings. He highlights the challenges of regulatory actions and the importance of being a B Corp. Williams emphasises the need for financial literacy and the role of fintech in empowering underserved communities. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their passions and take risks.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:57 From Listener to Solo Funds08:32 The Problem of Limited Access to Capital14:25 Challenges of Regulatory Actions20:35 Go-to-Market Strategy and Product Differentiation27:34 The Significance of Being a B Corp31:33 Financial Literacy and Empowering Underserved Communities36:58 The Future of Solo Funds and Advice for EntrepreneursFollow Rodney Williams here and Matt Cheung here.Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

SummaryIn this episode, Matt interviews Philippa Poole and Daniel Geller from Revolut, Europe's largest fintech company. They discuss their backgrounds and how they ended up working in the legal department at Revolut. They also talk about the differences between working in a law firm versus a fintech company, the challenges of scaling a legal team in a rapidly growing company, and the importance of automation and AI in their work. They emphasise the need for curiosity, embracing technology, and taking risks in one's career.TakeawaysThere are many job roles in fintech beyond coding and development, including legal roles.Working in-house at a fintech company allows for a closer relationship with the business and a more strategic approach to legal advice.As a fintech company grows, the legal team must focus on scalability and automation to keep up with the demands of the business.Embracing technology, such as AI, can save time and improve efficiency in legal processes.Being curious, staying up to date with new developments, and taking risks are important for career growth in the fintech industry.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Revolut and the Legal Department07:45 Comparison of Working in a Law Firm vs. Fintech12:37 Scaling Challenges and the Importance of Automation16:41 The Role of the Legal Department in Keeping Revolut Running21:56 The Culture at Revolut and Working in a Fast-Growing Company25:56 Hiring and Skills in the Legal Department30:50 The Impact of Automation and AI in the Legal Department36:13 Advice for Young Professionals and Embracing TechnologyPhilippa Poole - Head of Legal, Commercial Daniel Geller - Deputy General Counsel Matt Cheung - Founder Work in Fintech, CEO ipushpull Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

SummaryWilliam Quigley, a long-time VC and entrepreneur, shares his journey from auditing failing financial institutions to becoming a venture capitalist and co-founding Tether and WAX. He discusses the challenges of investing in the early days of the internet and blockchain, and the creation of Tether as a stablecoin. Quigley also explains the roadmap for NFTs and the evolution of WAX as a platform for trading NFTs. The conversation covers various topics related to NFTs, blockchain, AI, and career advice. William Quigley discusses the limitations of Ethereum for consumer mass market transactions and the potential of NFTs beyond collectibles. He emphasizes the ability of NFTs to transfer something to someone at no cost and with certainty of authenticity. Quigley also explores the intersection of blockchain and AI, particularly in auditing smart contracts and enhancing trading strategies. He advises young people to gain foundational skills in an exceptional company before venturing into entrepreneurship and to observe untapped market opportunities.TakeawaysWilliam Quigley has a background in auditing financial institutions and working at the Walt Disney Company before becoming a venture capitalist.He co-founded Tether, the world's first fiat-backed stablecoin, and WAX, a blockchain platform for trading NFTs.The early days of investing in the internet and blockchain were challenging, as there was limited interest and understanding in these technologies.Tether was created to provide stability in the volatile crypto market and enable easier trading between cryptocurrencies.WAX was developed to tokenize and trade non-fungible assets, such as video game virtual items and collectibles.The roadmap for NFTs includes expanding the use cases beyond profile pictures and collectibles, with potential applications in various industries. Ethereum is not designed for consumer mass market transactions, and NFTs have the potential to go beyond collectibles.NFTs enable the transfer of assets at no cost and with certainty of authenticity, revolutionizing the verification process.AI can be used to audit smart contracts and enhance trading strategies in the blockchain space.Young people should gain foundational skills in an exceptional company before pursuing entrepreneurship and should observe untapped market opportunities.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:44 Challenges of Investing in the Early Days of the Internet and Blockchain14:12 The Creation of Tether27:35 WAX: Tokenizing and Trading Non-Fungible Assets32:18 The Roadmap for NFTs39:14 The Intersection of Blockchain and AI: Auditing Smart Contracts42:34 Enhancing Trading Strategies with AI in the Blockchain Space46:42 Career Advice: Gaining Foundational Skills and Observing Market Opportunitieshttps://x.com/williamequigleyCheck out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

SummaryIn this conversation, Matt Cheung interviews Sean Forward, the UK CEO of payabl, a fintech company specialising in payments. They discuss the role of payabl in helping merchants accept payments, the concept of omni-channel payments, and Sean's journey in the fintech industry. They also explore the future of payments, including stablecoins and central bank digital currencies. Sean emphasises the importance of staying informed about industry trends and being discerning about the sources of information. He also highlights the diverse range of roles within a payments company and the value of teamwork and diverse skill sets. Finally, they briefly touch on the potential impact of a change in government on the fintech industry.Takeaways-payabl is a payment processor that helps merchants accept payments, with a focus on credit cards.-The concept of omni-channel payments refers to the ability to accept payments through various channels, such as credit cards, bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies.-Staying informed about industry trends and being discerning about sources of information are crucial in the rapidly evolving fintech industry.-There is a diverse range of roles within a payments company, and teamwork and diverse skill sets are essential for success.-The future of payments may involve the widespread adoption of stablecoins and central bank digital currencies.Chapters00:00 Introduction to payabl03:03 Understanding Omni-Channel Payments12:17 Sean's Journey in the Fintech Industry25:08 The Future of Payments: Stablecoins and CBDCs33:02 Skills and Attributes for Success in Fintech43:17 The Potential Impact of a Change in Government45:03 Conclusion and Contact Informationhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-forward/https://payabl.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcheung50/Keywordspayments, fintech, payabl, omni-channel, stablecoins, central bank digital currencies, industry trends, teamworkCheck out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

SummaryJavier Rodriguez Alarcon, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Asset Management at XBTO, discusses the role of XBTO as a full service digital assets provider, focusing on institutional investors. He explains the three main business verticals of XBTO: capital markets, investment management, and a platform business. Before moving to crypto, Javier was in TradFi at Goldman Sachs as the  Global Head of Client Portfolio Management and EMEA Head of Quantitative Investment Strategies. Prior to that he was at Barclays Global Investors, now part of Blackrock.Key takeaways-Javier breaks down step-by-step how quant investors use technology and numerical processes to apply statistical modelling to investment decisions and portfolio construction.-The convergence of traditional finance and crypto is happening, but legacy technology is a challenge. Javier thinks the full adoption of crypto and digital assets in financial transactions is likely in the future and discussing how institutions utilise crypto derivatives (for the major coins) and the role of decentralised exchanges vs centralised exchanges.-If you are in a technical role, soft skills such as communication and the ability to explain complex concepts, are crucial for you to stand out in the financial industry and cryptoChapters00:00 Introduction to Javier Rodriguez Alarcon and XBTO02:50 Javier's Background as a Quant Investor04:16 The Impact of Cloud Computing and AI09:25 Javier's Transition from TradFi to Crypto14:19 The Challenges of Convergence in the Financial Industry23:48 Decentralized Exchanges vs. Centralized Exchanges27:21 Quantitative Analysis in Portfolio Construction35:12 Skills and Advice for Young Professionals in Crypto45:24 The Future of Crypto and Digital Assets49:14 Advice for Javier's 18-Year-Old SelfCheck out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Alvin Wang Graylin, Global VP of Corporate Development for HTC, discusses the intersection of AI and the metaverse. Alvin shares his background and journey in the tech industry, highlighting the importance of hard work and the value of understanding programming. Alvin explains how AI and XR technologies are coming together to create a transformative metaverse experience, discusses the challenges of centralization versus decentralization in the metaverse and the implications of privacy and anonymity in this new digital world. The conversation explores various themes related to the AI-powered metaverse and its impact on society. It delves into topics such as privacy and data control, the possibilities of the metaverse, tips for adapting to change, the importance of soft skills, the value of reading and curiosity, being kind and ethical, setting purpose-driven goals, embracing art and culture, taking care of physical health, prioritizing meaningful relationships, understanding and valuing the elderly, finding fulfillment and purpose, learning from mistakes and traveling, building understanding and empathy, anthropogenic risks and unity, the future of money and universal basic income, and advice for students.Check out his latest book https://ournextreality.com/Takeaways:•The AI-powered metaverse has the potential to reshape society in various ways, and it is important to consider the ethical implications and privacy concerns associated with it.•Soft skills such as communication, leadership, and ethical decision-making will become increasingly valuable in a world driven by AI and automation.•Reading voraciously and seeking knowledge from diverse sources can help individuals make connections and gain a deeper understanding of the world.•Kindness, empathy, and meaningful relationships are essential for personal well-being and societal harmony.•As technology advances, it is crucial to prioritize physical health, embrace art and culture, and find purpose and fulfillment beyond materialistic pursuits.•The transition to a post-scarcity society may lead to a shift away from traditional monetary systems, with a focus on providing for basic needs and fostering human connection.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background06:10 The Intersection of AI and XR11:10 The AI-Powered Metaverse14:01 The Evolution of the Metaverse22:14 Centralization vs Decentralization in the Metaverse27:07 Privacy and Anonymity in the Metaverse32:46 Privacy and Data Control34:19 The Art of the Possible35:43 Tips for Adapting to Change36:58 The Importance of Soft Skills38:20 The Value of Reading and Curiosity39:42 Being Kind and Ethical41:08 Setting Purpose-Driven Goals42:00 Embracing Art and Culture42:53 Taking Care of Physical Health44:18 Prioritizing Meaningful Relationships45:44 Understanding and Valuing the Elderly46:08 Finding Fulfillment and Purpose47:31 Learning from Mistakes and Traveling48:55 Building Understanding and Empathy50:22 Anthropogenic Risks and Unity54:27 The Future of Money and Universal Basic Income56:06 Moving Towards a Post-Monetary Society01:01:25 Advice to 18-Year-Old SelfCheck out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Matt Ober, General Partner at Social Leverage, delves into the world of data, automation, networking, and early-stage investing.Matt shares his journey from specializing in equity derivatives at Bloomberg to hedge funds and then leveraging his expertise to navigate the complex waters of venture capital.00:00:52 Matt Ober shares his background from Bloomberg, WorldQuant, Third Point and the journey into fintech and venture capital00:02:14 Scaling WorldQuant 100x with data00:07:02 Moving to venture capital from hedge funds00:08:42 Why is data so important in fintech - access to information... and financial markets?00:09:56 AI is the next frontier00:14:52 What are the opportunities in fintech and web300:16:34 Opportunities in wealthtech00:18:09 Exciting areas for people in their studies or early careers to focus on in fintech and web300:19:14 No such thing as the perfect job00:20:09 Networking as a superpower - social leverage00:21:18 Follow the laws of karma as you go through your career00:22:28 Generalist versus specialist00:25:46 Always be learning00:26:55 Investing in people at seed stage startups00:28:29 Summary Read Matt's insight's here https://mirror.xyz/workinfintech.ethCheck out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Jonathan Holis is Managing Partner at Mountside Ventures. He joins Work in Fintech's Matthew Cheung to share insights about:-The steps from idea to funding-Breaking down the fundraising process-Tips to close funding quickly and efficiently1:01 How Jonathan went from PWC to founding a venture company4:48 What does Mountside Ventures do5:53 What is a fundraising process 8:00 Looking for the right investor 9:14 Different types of investors 11:04 Raising money is like sales 12:09 Valuation is more of an art than a science 14:48 Startup and funding terminology - what is a series A, B etc 16:55 How did you go about starting your own fund 23:12 Knowing your investor and how they raise money will help you close faster 24:48 Tips to speed up the investment process (decks, biz plans) 27:36 Lifecycle of an investment fund - VCs have to do the same fundraising process that startups do 30:56 Why is the UK a leader in fintech Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Stanfield Gray is the CEO of Dig South: The South's Tech Hub and DIG SOUTH Tech Summit, the first and foremost event dedicated to growing the South’s tech economy, held April 26-27 in Charleston, SC. Visit digsummit.com for details.Stanfield joins Work in Fintech co-founder Ying Cao to talk about: What is the metaverse, exactly? The future of storytelling in the MetaverseThe importance of community building Embracing the beginners mindsetHighlights: 2:58 What is the metaverse? 7:40 How are you approaching storytelling in the metaverse?10:10 What are some projects you are embarking on? 14:00 Biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs 18:50 How does mindset come into play as innovators embark on their journey?20:00 What’s next for you?Check out our website: https://workinfintech.com/ and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3Follow our socials:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global/Twitter: https://twitter.com/WorkinFintech Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDwCheck out our new NFT newsletter: https://futureloop.com/thefutureofnftsCheck out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Vassilis Tziokas, the Global Lead for Web3 Business Development and Strategy at Microsoft joins Work in Fintech co-founder Matthew Cheung to talk about:-Opportunities in web3 for sales and marketing-GTM and sales enablement-Generative AI and how ChatGPT can enhance work-Insights for people looking to get into the industryHighlights:7:23 Getting ahead in web3 as a non-coder11:15 What is the web3 on-ramp for enterprise companies (tokenisation, NFTs, data and analytics)16:26 Web 2.5, the bridge18:33 Vassilis talks about sales and marketing and what is GTM and sales enablement20:52 How to build a solid foundation in your career before moving into GTM25:34 How can generative AI, like ChatGPT and DALL-E 2, help sales and marketing31:32 Insights and advice for people who want to get into web3Vassilis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vasileiostziokas/Vassilis Twitter: https://twitter.com/TziokasVCheck out our website: https://workinfintech.com/ and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3Follow our socials:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WorkinFintechYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDwCheck out our new NFT newsletter: https://futureloop.com/thefutureofnftsCheck out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Does financial regulation always play catch up to the fast moving world of fintech and web3? Does regulation hinder or help cultivate innovation?Dr Iwa Salami, Reader in Financial Law and Regulation, co-director at the Centre of Fintech at the Royal Docks School of Business and Law at University of East London joins Work in Fintech to discuss these topics as well as talk about her career and the state of financial regulation in fintech and web3. Iwa's research areas include:Mobile payments, crowd-funding;Crypto-assets, stablecoins, decentralised finance (DeFi), Non-fungible tokens (NFTs), the metaverse, Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)Dr Salami is keen to supervise potential PhD students interested in researching any of the areas listed above or other related aspects of fintech regulation.Learn more about the Centre of Fintech and their BSc, MSc and MBA courses on fintech, blockchain and AI here https://www.uel.ac.uk/our-research/research-royal-docks-school-business-law-rdsbl/centre-fintechCheck out our website: https://workinfintech.com/ and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3Follow our socials:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WorkinFintechYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDwCheck out our new NFT newsletter: https://futureloop.com/thefutureofnftsCheck out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Robby Young is CEO of Animoca Brands, a $6bln blockchain gaming company and one of the most prolific investors in web3 on the planet.Robby talks about:0:46 - His journey to being CEO of Animoca7:23 - Why luck played a part in Animoca's pivot into blockchain games from mobile games14:08 - Why gaming is an on-ramp into blockchain and the metaverse15:42 - What is the metaverse and how does web3 and NFTs intersect with the metaverse18:23 - What drives Animoca Brands web3 investment strategy23:16 - What are the biggest opportunities in web3 and the metaverse26:09 - What skillsets and mindsets should people wanting to get into web3 strive towards32:43 - Advice for anyone starting their careerRobby is interviewed by Matt Cheung (@matthew_cheung_) co-founder of Work in Fintech and Benyamin Ahmed (@obiwanbenoni), chief evangelist of Work in Fintech, creator of Weird Whales and 13 year old NFT prodigy.Watch the interview on Youtube here https://youtu.be/QoZd-pu-IocCheck out our website: https://workinfintech.com/ and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3Follow our socials:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WorkinFintechYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw Check out our new NFT newsletter: https://futureloop.com/thefutureofnftsCheck out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

William Entriken is the lead author of ERC-721, the document that started NFTs as we know them, and changed the digital world. ERC-721 was made famous by CryptoKitties and it is the non-fungible token (“NFT”) standard that powers other blockchain platforms such as Decentraland and OpenSea. William is a blockchain developer who continually contributes to the Ethereum open source project. William’s main focuses are on language design and interoperability and his other interests include corporate development and security research.Check out our website: https://workinfintech.com/ and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3Follow our socials:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WorkinFintechYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDwCheck out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Felicia Meyerowitz Singh is a serial entrepreneur passionate about fintech, wealthtech, innovation and digital change. Her achievements include:- Founder and CEO of Akoni Hub, a UK wealthtech platform, where she recently exited- Co-founder of Hive Founders, a global network of female entrepreneurs, supporting founders at any stage - Managing Director of strategic relationships at leading wealthtech firm FNZ- Fintech mentor for the UK Department of International Trade- MBA from London Business SchoolShe talks about:- How entrepreneurs need grit, determination and perseverance- How to use talent, energy and experience to build high growth companies- Having a bias for action by spotting gaps in the market and solving for themFelicia is a true fintech warrior.Check out our website: https://workinfintech.com/ and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3Follow our socials:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WorkinFintechYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Doug Thompson has been working in and around the metaverse for the last 15 years.Doug is a serial entrepreneur running a metaverse strategy agency, co-founder of a NFT project called Echocore and is involved in DAOs such as the Open Meta DAO.He is a digital nomad and a true expert in all things related to the metaverse. His newsletter Out of Scope is a must read.Hear Doug's thoughts on:- How gaming is the onramp to the metaverse- What is the definition of The Metaverse- How big is the metaverse opportunity- What and where are the metaverse jobs- DAOs and NFTs- How to get started in the metaverse Join our exclusive waitlist:  https://workinfintech.com/wait-list  Check out our website: https://workinfintech.com/Follow our socials:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WorkinFintechYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw/playlistsCheck out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Elena Armijo joins Work in Fintech to discuss her career, DEI initiatives and sense of belonging within organisations.Elena has been in coaching for 8 years now. Previously, she was a professional opera singer and she has recently launched a new platform called C-Suite Collective which encourages DEI initiatives and helps companies create culture from the inside out.Hear Elena's thoughts on:- The value of diversity and inclusion- The C-Suite Collective platform- Are DEI initiatives worth it?- Challenges in implementing DEI initiatives - Best practices within DEI- What is your definition of belonging- Future of C-Suite CollectiveJoin our exclusive waitlist:  https://workinfintech.com/wait-list  Check out our website: https://workinfintech.com/Follow our socials:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WorkinFintechYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw/playlistsCheck out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Joy Macknight is first woman to lead The Banker, a Financial Times publication, in its 95-year history. She is uniquely positioned with a front-row seat of banking, technology and fintech by interviewing CEOs, CFOs and founders about the transformative change and disruption brought on by innovations in fintech and a fundamental generational shift in preferences for managing money.Hear her perspective on fintech based on 6 years of interviews from the hugely successful TechTalk series where she has met most of the world's fintech leaders. Joy also talks about diversity and inclusion in finance and fintech, how the fintech opportunity has evolved and what young people should do to start a career in fintech. She joined The Banker in August 2015 as transaction banking and technology editor, which still remain her passion. She was previously Features Editor at Profit & Loss, an FX and derivatives publication and events company. Before that Joy was editorial director of Treasury Today following a period as editor of gtnews.com.  She has also worked on Banking Technology, Computer Weekly, and IBM Computer Today. Joy holds a BSc from the University of Victoria, Canada.Joy is interviewed by Work in Fintech co-founder Matt Cheung and Work in Fintech member Yasmine Karimi.Join our exclusive waitlist:  https://workinfintech.com/wait-list  Check out our website: https://workinfintech.com/Follow our socials:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WorkinFintechYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw/playlists Chapters:0:34Joy Macknight and The Banker introduction3:40What is your definition of fintech7:42How fintech and the ecosystem has evolved over the last six years9:21How the fintech opportunity has grown from London and beyond11:5Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Simon Vans-Colina has been at the forefront of fintech for over 20 years. He started coding at 11, he found working at a bank boring , he was on the founding team of Monzo (the UK neobank unicorn), he is CTO and co-founder of Fronted, Founder of TreeDAO and is now moving to Singapore to join BigPay. He loves defi and web3.Hear Simons thoughts on:- Startups and why you need to be a generalist- How the lines of fintech are blurring- The massive opportunity in fintech, web3 and the metaverse- DAOs and NFTs- How to pick your 'elevator' - What skills you should acquire to stand out  Join our exclusive waitlist:  https://workinfintech.com/wait-list  Check out our website: https://workinfintech.com/Follow our socials:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WorkinFintechYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw/playlistsCheck out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Sebastian Widmann, Head of Strategy at Komainu, joins Work in Fintech to discuss how finding a good mentor and manager will help careers, how passion for a subject (blockchain ) gave him an edge and offers graduates some great advice from moving from intern to head of strategy in the space of a few years.With a multi-disciplinary background spanning many languages, banking and blockchain Sebastian was the first hire in the digital assets team at Nomura, the leading Japanese investment bank. He's knowledge and passion for blockchain helped him to rapidly rise to head of strategy at Komainu, a crypto custodian backed by Nomura, Ledger and CoinShares.Sebastian's insightful lessons are essential for all young people looking to make an impact in their career in fintech and web3.https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastianwidmann/Join our exclusive waitlist:  https://workinfintech.com/wait-list  Check out our website: https://workinfintech.com/Follow our socials:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WorkinFintechYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw/playlistsCheck out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

A new initiative between Goldman Sachs and Warwick University promotes equal access to opportunity and social mobility through a new Masters Degree Apprenticeship.Ayaz Haji, Global Head of Data Products for Core Engineering at Goldman Sachs, is active in championing D&I programmes for GS. In his role, he noticed a skills gap in under-represented students, leading him to initiate the idea of a GS sponsored degree apprenticeship with University of Warwick. Ayaz, Managing Director at GS, thinks that the "Master’s apprenticeship is the best of both worlds combining computer science and data with on-the-job learning, essentially creating a leadership acceleration programme". Ayaz is joined by Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President at Warwick University, who have worked together to create a tech focussed degree apprenticeship to promote social mobility. Sir Peter Estlin, Chair of the Association of Apprenticeships and previously City of London Lord Mayor in 2018/19 also joins the conversation as a champion of both digital skills and D&I, and promoting the apprenticeship journey.  Previously he was CFO at Citi, Barclays, Salomons and a partner at PWC. Work in Fintech co-founder Matt Cheung hosts the podcasts which touches upon a variety of topics, ranging from the impact of degree apprenticeships to the future of learning. The group talk about how partnership programs, such as the collaboration between University of Warwick and Goldman Sachs, can create an equity of opportunity, challenging the traditional route of attaining a degree and fostering inclusivity. Join our exclusive waitlist:  https://workinfintech.com/wait-list  Check out our website: https://workinfintech.com/Follow our socials:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WorkinFintechYoutube: Work in FintechCheck out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

In this episode of our interview series, Ying Cao is joined by Basil Moftah, general partner of Global Ventures and founder member of Reuters Venture Capital group. At Reuters Venture Capital group, he invested in leading global companies such as Yahoo!, Verisign, and Webex. His strategic acquisitions and management of emerging markets for Reuters allowed him to seamlessly grow the $600 million business. He then went on as the President of Intellectual Property and Science business at Thomson Reuters where he contributed to the overall direction of the company, developed the strategic proposition of the $1 billion revenue business, and prepared the division for sale to private equity for $3.55 billion in 2016.  Basil is now an advisor, investor, and board member at numerous global technology companies. In this conversation, we cover topics such as what opportunities Basil sees in the world of FinTech, qualities he looks for in founders and their startups, how he entered the field of venture capitalism, and what he values in terms of the work he does. Whether you plan on pursuing a career in venture capitalism, working toward obtaining funding for your startup, or even getting started on your career path in general, Basil has valuable insight to share.Join our exclusive waitlist:  https://workinfintech.com/wait-list  Check out our website: https://workinfintech.com/Follow our socials:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WorkinFintechYoutube: Work in FintechCheck out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Michelle Tran, cofounder of NYC Fintech Women, joins Ying Cao to discuss how she pivoted from her traditional finance background to establishing her brand in the fintech space. Michelle started her career at Blackrock in the ETF businesses before recognizing the bigger opportunity of fintech and joining startups. In the podcast, she talks about what fueled her desire to take an active role in innovative technologies for asset management or investment and ultimately, how this fueled her transition to startups. As the cofounder of a community, she is passionate about raising the visibility and empowering of women in the fintech industry. In this exclusive interview, we touch upon a variety of topics, ranging from navigating the transition from corporate to a startup, the importance of gender diversity, and emerging trends in wealthtech. Michelle also shares best practices and advice on how college graduates and aspiring fintech professionals can advocate for themselves in a rapidly changing field. Join our exclusive waitlist:  https://workinfintech.com/wait-list  Check out our website: https://workinfintech.com/Follow our socials:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WorkinFintechYoutube: Work in FintechCheck out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Anusha Dandapani, Chief Data & Analytics Officer of UNICC joins Ying Cao to discuss her exciting career journey and how she has navigated herself toward her passions.Anusha Dandapani has had a long career in data science inspired by her passion to use it to solve real-world problems. She was the Data Science lead at Barclays where she led several strategic initiatives related to electronic surveillance and financial crime compliance. She is currently the Chief Data & Analytics Officer at United Nations International Computing Centre where she advises and partners with other UN organizations, Industry, and Academia on solving business problems by leveraging Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Data Engineering, and Data Science offerings and capabilities. She's passionate about educating young students and recently led an ideation workshop for students to apply data science to tackle food waste in schools.In this exclusive interview, Anusha imparts upon us the wisdom she's gained throughout her career path, from starting off as a software programmer and working in the financial services industry, to immersing herself in a career of data science and scaling her skills and experiences to work on initiatives involving using data science to solve real-world problems. She shares with us what mindset we should embrace, whether we're starting out or in the middle of our careers, to successfully pursue our passions and challenge ourselves. Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Global Head of Institutional Account Management at Coinbase, Sashi Dias Valtz, joins Ying Cao to discuss her career journey from working at an investment bank to her current position at Coinbase and give advice on how others can pursue their passion in this field or any field in general. Sashi Dias Valtz has always had many passions starting from an early age, but an interest in entrepreneurship and financial services led her to seek experiences and eventually work at investment banks. Her desire to continue to pursue her passions and explore new challenges led her to get involved in the new FinTech emergence and take on new risks at FinTech companies including Symphony and Coinbase. In this interview, Sashi goes over the motivation behind her career moves, shares her perspective on the development of digital assets, provides insight on qualities she would want in her teammates at Coinbase, and inspires those who want to pivot their career or are in the process of starting their careers to pursue their curiosities and leverage their network. Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Anand Sambasivan, founder and CEO  of PrimaryBid, joins Matthew Cheung and Josh Lavorini to discuss his experiences in the world of Fintech and the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. PrimaryBid is a technology platform that allows everyday investors fair & equal access to investing in public companies raising capital. They have worked with the likes of Aston Martin, Ocado and William Hill and have raised more than $1bn via their platform. Anand started his career in Investment Banking before setting up his own hedge fund, which he ran for eight years. The seeds of what would become PrimaryBid gradually grew as his career progressed and he decided to take the leap and innovate in the Capital Markets space in 2012. Key topics include navigating the regulatory environment, the importance of having a workforce from diverse backgrounds, the challenges of maintaining a strong culture within a company that is experiencing exponential growth, and key skills for thriving in Fintech in the future.  To keep up to date with insights from other industry leaders, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Brad Levy,  Symphony CEO, former CEO of IHSMarkit and ex-MD at Goldman, shares his thoughts on  everything from the future of artificial intelligence to finding purpose and much, much more!Brad began his career working at Lehman Brothers and Goldman Sachs before venturing into Fintech through a Partner role at IHS Markit, multiple Chairman roles at the likes of FINOS and now CEO of Symphony.  Brad's role as a sector pioneer and thought leader within the space of finance and technology are testament to his drive, pursuit and openness for learning, a fantastic lesson for all ambitious individuals!In this episode, Brad is joined by Work in Fintech co-founders Matthew Cheung and Ying Cao to explain the evolution of technology, investing in the future and what makes a successful professional.Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Technology Futurist, Theo Priestley joins Matthew Cheung and Benjamin Ahmed to discuss the future of the world!Theo Priestley has worked within the technology industry for up to 20 years in both the client facing side and the vendor side. During his time in the industry, Theo study various trends that occurred, leading him to write "The Future Starts Now", which encapsulates all these trends.In this exclusive interview, Theo breaks down what the Metaverse is and how students can take advantage of future trends in technology.Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Sharon Thorne, Global Chair of Deloitte,  joins Matthew Cheung and Josh Lavorini to discuss her experiences breaking glass ceilings in the business world.Sharon is the first-ever female to hold the role as Deloitte's Global Chair and was also the first-ever female partner in the Manchester office, the first of two women on the UK board in 2004, the first female on the UK executive in 2006 and the first female leader of the regional executive. In 2019, she was appointed as Global Chair.  She is an inspiration to women and girls across the world and an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. In this exclusive interview, we touch on a range of topics, including how Deloitte and broader society is helping to reduce the challenges faced by marginalised groups in society, how they are adapting to the fourth industrial revolution with the new technologies and societal changes that come with it, and careers in ESG, audit and advisory.These issues affect all of us and are of paramount importance in today's world, so make sure to give the interview a listen and learn from the insights of one of the industry's most impressive leaders. Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3.Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtubehttps://workinfintech.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-globalhttps://www.twitter.com/workinfintechhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw