Fintech Files: Insights on TECH by BCG Platinion

We’re bringing back one of our favourite episodes from Season 3! We dive into the complexities and opportunities within Africa's financial services sector with Alfred Mukudu, Financial Services Go-To-Market Lead at Amazon Web Services (AWS) South Africa. With over 50 countries and about 42 different currencies, Africa presents a unique landscape for financial innovation. Alfred shares insights into the critical role of interoperability, cloud-based solutions, and emerging technologies in driving digital transformation and financial inclusion across the continent. Discussion Highlights: Africa's Financial Landscape: Alfred provides an overview of the complexities and challenges posed by Africa's diverse market landscape, highlighting the varying regulatory environments and the need for tailored technology solutions across different countries.Interoperability in Financial Services: Alfred explains the concept of interoperability “to his grandma” and discusses its importance in fostering collaboration and driving digital innovation in Africa's financial services sector. Examples like M-Pesa in Kenya and emerging open finance regulations across several African countries are highlighted.Role of Technology in Financial Inclusion: The conversation delves into how cloud-based solutions, such as those offered by AWS, are making financial services more accessible and scalable in Africa. Alfred shares examples of innovative solutions leveraging machine learning and mobile channels to address challenges like identity verification and cross-border payments. The conversation touches on open banking. Be sure to check out our episode “Revolutionizing the Future of Finance in the Middle East through Open Banking” with Emir Isik from Tarabut Gateway. Investment in Infrastructure and Skills Development: Alfred discusses the significance of infrastructure investments, including AWS's cloud region in Cape Town, in advancing fintech development. He also emphasizes the importance of skill development programs in empowering local talent and driving economic growth.Internet Connectivity and Access: Around 30% of South Africans lack internet access according to a 2023 study from datareportal.com. The concentration of innovation often lies in urban centers and relies on alternative channels like USSD and SMS due to connectivity issues. By concentrating connectivity points and reducing data costs, broader adoption of fintech products could be achieved.Impact of Managed Services and Emerging Technologies: Alfred highlights the role of managed services and AI-driven solutions in simplifying technology adoption for businesses, with examples ranging from data analytics to machine learning. He also touches upon the potential of quantum computing and blockchain in addressing complex challenges like supply chain integrity.Future Outlook: Looking ahead, Alfred shares his optimism about the future of technology in Africa, from the short-term potential of machine learning to the long-term possibilities of spatial computing and the metaverse. He emphasizes the importance of regulatory clarity and technological innovation in driving Africa's digital transformation journey. About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the...

How can allowing customers to “own” their data reshape finance for everyone’s benefit? Mr. Open Banking himself, Eyal Sivan, joins Fintech Files to discuss how open banking rose from the 2008 financial crisis to become a worldwide movement centered on competition, innovation, and transparency. With over 25 years in IT and banking technology, Eyal breaks down the core principles behind open banking, clarifies myths around security, and explores how different regions—from Europe to Brazil—are innovating with standards and regulation. Discussion HighlightsFrom IT Wiz to Mr. Open Banking: Eyal shares his journey from early web-development days to becoming Head of Strategic Platforms at CIBC. A pivotal encounter in Oslo introduces him to the concept of open banking, sparking a deep fascination that leads to his own podcast and advocacy.Defining Open Banking: Why “open” doesn’t mean your data is up for grabs—Eyal clarifies that it’s about standardized APIs, not insecure data sharing. The three key goals of open banking: competition, innovation, and transparency.Global Momentum & Security Myths: How PSD2 in Europe and subsequent adoption in the UK, Australia, Brazil, and beyond drove standardization. Eyal dispels security concerns, showing how “screen scraping” is actually less secure than standardized APIs.Financial Inclusion Potential: Brazil as a case study: rapid adoption of open banking and digital wallets, enabling millions to join the formal financial ecosystem. Eyal underscores that open banking can reduce barriers for underserved populations—but only when paired with the right regulatory guidance.Risks & Roadblocks: Eyal addresses how, without careful regulation, large incumbents could still dominate. Achieving a global open banking system is unlikely; instead, interoperability among diverse regional standards is the main ambition.Looking Ahead: Open Finance & Beyond: Eyal’s vision of open banking has it expanding more into sectors like healthcare and social media. Ultimately, Eyal believes broader “data ownership” across industries is inevitable once consumers realize their rights.About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and Annika Melchert, a principal currently based in the Middle East, our hosts specialize in IT strategy, modern tech architecture, and state-of-the-art banking. In their work, they've collaborated with some of today's most innovative Fintechs to transform their organizations; including supporting generative Al use cases. With their unique blend of tech expertise and passion, they bring you stories that capture the essence of the evolving Fintech landscape. This season, we're thrilled to introduce

What does it take to drive sustainable change across regions and bridge global disparities? To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting the incredible contributions of women in sustainability and fintech with two accomplished leaders: Cynthia Salicrup and Sandra Carrillo, partners at Environmental Resources Management (ERM). Drawing from their extensive experience, they share their pathways into the world of sustainability and ESG, exploring the challenges and opportunities in sustainable finance, the critical role banks and fintechs play in advancing sustainability, and how global disparities shape sustainability agendas. Discussion Highlights: Cynthia and Sandra’s Pathways into Sustainability: Cynthia and Sandra, partners at ERM, share how their professional paths led them to ERM, and how their personal passion fuels their drive for a more sustainable future.Data and Traceability in ESG: Businesses are increasingly integrating ESG data into IT systems to improve traceability and enable informed decision-making, showcasing the power of data-driven strategies. Big North vs. Big South Sustainability Agendas: Regional disparities in accessing technology and resources are significant, but collaboration holds the key to bridging these caps and fostering global progress. Banks Can Ensure an Equitable Climate Transition: A 2023 BCG report shows that banks will play a central role in not only unlocking the 3. 8 trillion in annual investment needed to power the push to net zero, but ensuring that climate transitions are equitable.Hurdles in Adopting Sustainable Practices for Smaller Companies: Smaller businesses face unique challenges in adopting sustainable practices and accessing tools often tailored for larger enterprises, underscoring the need for inclusive solutions. Long-Term Investments in Biodiversity and Nature: Sustained efforts in biodiversity and nature conservation are essential for global supply chains and community resilience, with impacts felt across both the Big North and the Big South. The Human Cost of Climate Change According to the UN, over the past 10 years, weather-related disasters have caused 220 million internal displacements — equivalent to approximately 60,000 displacements per day. About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and Annika Melchert, a principal currently based in the Middle East, our hosts specialize in IT strategy, modern tech architecture, and state-of-the-art banking. In their...

How can entrepreneurs in emerging markets break the mold and foster economic growth amid unpredictability? In this episode, Nader Abdelrazik—founder of MoneyHash—shares how he navigated life during the Arab Spring, was motivated to become an economist, and ultimately built a fintech startup. Nader discusses the unique challenges of the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, from buyer and investor skepticism (aka the “foreigner complex”) to regulatory uncertainty. He outlines how payment orchestration can pave the way for better financial inclusion and economic advancement. Discussion HighlightsArab Spring & Economic Lessons: Nader talks about living through the Arab Spring in Egypt and how witnessing the gap between theoretical economic models and local realities propelled him to study economics. He reflects on how global economic frameworks often overlook regional nuances and historical-political contexts.Foreign Perceptions & the “Foreigner Complex”: The conversation delves into how local startups in MEA are often assumed to be “copycat” versions of successful foreign companies. Nader explains why this assumption undermines the region’s homegrown talent and how founders need to counteract these stereotypes to secure funding and market trust.Building MoneyHash: Nader describes how MoneyHash acts as a “plumber” for payment systems, unifying and optimizing various payment solutions to improve performance and user experience—especially critical in markets where digital ecosystems are fragmented and investors often remain wary.Challenges & Opportunities in Emerging Markets: From regulatory red tape to a shortage of local senior tech talent, Nader outlines common hurdles. Yet, these same uncertainties offer fast growth potential and the opportunity to innovate more nimbly than in saturated, mature markets.Capital Constraints & Investment Gaps: Whether due to perceived risk or lack of promotion, emerging-market startups struggle to attract global investors. Nader advocates for reshaping the narrative around MEA’s vast talent and market size, emphasizing de-risked success stories that can inspire future funding.Fintech & Financial Inclusion: Nader underscores the importance of diverse fintech solutions for everyday financial transactions. He highlights how fragmented payment methods, mobile money, and alternative services in Africa and the Middle East can drive genuine financial inclusion outside traditional banking models.About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and Annika Melchert, a principal currently based in the Middle East, our hosts specialize in IT strategy, modern tech architecture, and state-of-the-art banking. In

In this special throwback episode, we revisit our Season 3 interview with Vera Futorjanski, Founder and CEO of Beyond Global and Veritas Ventures. How many globally lack access to banking? Astonishingly, one in three. In this insightful conversation, Vera Futorjanski, former Head of Communications at Rocket Internet and founding member of Dubai Future Accelerators, shares her journey. Emphasizing the transformative role of technology, she explores challenges and strategies to enhance accessibility and diversity in finance through education and innovation. Discussion Highlights: Dubai as a Hub for Innovation: Vera discusses the unique ecosystem in Dubai, where the government actively supports and accelerates innovation. Vera elaborates on her involvement with the Dubai Future Accelerators program, highlighting the collaboration between government entities and startups. Female Representation in the Startup Ecosystem: The discussion delves into the challenges faced by female founders, investors, and leaders in the startup ecosystem. Vera shares a shocking statistic; only 2% of globally available funding for startups goes to female founders.Beyond Community and Empowering Women: Vera introduces Beyond, a curated community of female leaders launched by her that provides a safe and trusted space for women leaders to connect, collaborate, and grow.Web3 and Diversity in the Tech Space: Vera expresses her early optimism in the Web3 space and her disappointment in the progress made regarding diversity. She highlights her experiences in the Metaverse, NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), and the need for greater representation of women in key roles in Web3 technologies.AI and the Importance of Female Representation: Vera highlights the lack of representation of female voices in AI discussions, referencing that Sam Altman's quotes in AI news coverage last year surpassed those of all female AI experts listed in Times Magazine's top AI influencers combined. Read more in Where are all the ‘godmothers’ of AI? Women’s voices are not being heard from Luba Kassova for The Guardian. Importance of Funding for Women in Tech: Vera acknowledges the importance of funding in driving change in the tech industry. She emphasizes the need for more female Limited Partners who can influence investment decisions and stresses that change will come through a combination of education, funding opportunities, and increased visibility for women in the tech space.About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/norahocke/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

How do we achieve inclusive growth and break the glass ceiling? Subhashini Chandran, Mastercard’s SVP of Social Impact, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Africa, shares insights from her journey—from leading India’s largest tea business to driving global initiatives that empower women and foster equitable growth. With a deep understanding of systemic challenges and opportunities in global supply chains, Subhashini highlights how technology, collaboration, and thoughtful regulation can create a more inclusive and sustainable future. Discussion Highlights: Subhashini Chandran’s journey: From the help of India’s largest tea business to leading SVP of Social Impact at Mastercard, Subhashini reflects on her unique path and the lessons learned along the way. The Transformative Power of Financial Inclusion for Women: Subhashini shares how empowering women financially creates ripple effects, improving education, family well-being, and local economies while advancing equitable opportunities.Women in Leadership Roles: BCG’s global study finds that, despite gender parity in these functions, women hold only about one-third of the senior finance positions. The discrepancy is even greater for the function’s top job: only 13% of the companies studied have a woman CFO.Technology as a Catalyst for Inclusive Growth: Digital tools and data-driven strategies are reshaping financial inclusion and development. Through her work, Subhashini highlights how technology bridges gaps in access and opportunity.Challenges in Global Supply Chains: Subhashini highlights the systemic barriers she sees in global supply chains, and addresses the need for fair practices, diverse representation, and sustainability in sourcing and production.Coordinated Efforts and Regulations: Emphasizing the necessity of alignment between governments, private companies, and multilateral organizations, the guest discusses how thoughtful regulations can drive systemic change and inclusive growth.Actionable Steps for Inclusive Growth: Subhashini offers practical suggestions encouraging individuals to contribute to equity, sustainability, and progress through small, meaningful actions in their daily lives. About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/annika-melchert/" rel="noopener...

Suzy Ferreira, co-founder of Dinie, is on a mission to transform credit access for small businesses in Brazil. In this episode, Suzy shares her journey and the inspiration behind Dinie, an embedded lending fintech breaking barriers for SMEs. Discover how Dinie’s innovative, data-driven approach—embedding lending into platforms like iFood and leveraging real-time insights—is empowering small businesses to access the credit they need to grow and succeed. Discussion Highlights: Suzy Ferreira’s journey: Suzy, co-founder of Dinie, opens up about her father's struggles with credit access, and how that inspired her mission to transform lending for small businesses, ultimately laying the foundation for Dinie. Dinie's Approach: Dinie, a Brazilian embedded lending fintech, is redefining SME lending by embedding credit solutions directly into platforms like iFood, offering seamless access to financial resources where businesses already operate. Challenges of Credit Access for SMEs in Brazil: Suzy highlights the systemic barriers Brazilian SMEs face, such as high-interest loans, cultural reliance on cash, and limited financial products tailored to their needs. How Dinie Works: Dinie’s innovative approach leverages real-time data like sales revenue and transaction patterns, enabling accurate credit assessments and proactive lending to SMEs. Hot Money: Suzy explains Dinie’s product, Hot Money, designed to provide working capital tailored to an SME’s revenue flow, minimizing debt risk while fostering growth. The Concept of the Invisible Bank: Suzy introduces the idea of an "invisible bank," where lending becomes seamless, integrated, and unobtrusive, revolutionizing how businesses access financial services.About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and Annika Melchert, a principal currently based in the Middle East, our hosts specialize in IT strategy, modern tech architecture, and state-of-the-art banking. In their work, they've collaborated with some of today's most innovative Fintechs to transform their organizations; including supporting generative Al use cases. With their unique blend of tech expertise and passion, they bring you stories that capture the essence of the evolving Fintech landscape. This season, we're thrilled to introduce Bianca Lopes. Originally from Brazil and currently based in Denmark, Bianca is an entrepreneur and economist with a remarkable background in digital identity and biometrics. Throughout her career, she has...

Happy Holidays Fintech Files listeners! As a special holiday treat, we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes from Season 3 with Radicant’s Eve Morelli. Eve Morelli, Head of Sustainable Transparency unveils Radicant's unique approach to sustainable finance. Discover how this Swiss digital banking startup integrates the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its framework, ensuring users can see where their money is going and why. This is a special sustainable fintech episode to coincide with the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP28. Discussion Highlights: Eve Morelli's Journey: Eve, Head of Sustainable Transparency at Radicant, shares her 20-year journey in sustainable finance, emphasizing the importance of transparency.Radicant's Methodology: Radicant, a Swiss digital banking startup, integrates sustainability into banking and investments. The app offers transparency, aligning investments with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Sustainable Finance Explained: Eve breaks down sustainable finance into banking and investment aspects, highlighting the impact on society and the environment. The SDGs serve as Radicant's investment framework.Challenges and Surprises: Eve discusses challenges in evaluating companies for sustainability and shares surprises, such as finding luxury brands in the gender equality portfolio.Radicant's Approach: Radicant's digital banking offers quick account setup with a focus on avoiding fossil fuel financing. Investments start with a low threshold, and clients have a say in their preferences, providing a unique level of transparency.Carbon Footprint Tracker: Radicant includes a carbon footprint tracker in its app, raising awareness about individual carbon footprints with every transaction.Women in Finance: Eve touches on the underbanking of women, stressing the need for inclusivity and technology-driven solutions in the financial sector.About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and Annika Melchert, a principal currently based in the Middle East, our hosts specialize in IT strategy, modern tech architecture, and state-of-the-art banking. In their work, they've collaborated with some of today's most innovative Fintechs to transform their organizations; including supporting generative Al use cases. With their unique blend of tech expertise and passion, they bring you stories that capture the essence of the evolving Fintech landscape. This...

How can the financial sector lead the way in global decarbonization efforts? In this episode, we sit down with Mustafa Bosca, Co-Founder and Chief Decarbonization Officer at CarbonSifr, to explore the pivotal role financial services play in combating climate change. We delve into how Mustafa helps banks and organizations measure, reduce, and remove their carbon footprints, leveraging data to drive impactful change. Mustafa also shares his journey from being a BCG consultant to becoming a climate tech entrepreneur. Discussion Highlights: The Financial Sector's Role in Decarbonization: Mustafa explains how financial services are embedded in every aspect of our lives and how banks can enable decarbonization by financing sustainable projects. Mustafa highlights that decarbonization is not a zero-sum game. By investing in sustainable practices, businesses can increase efficiency, reach new customer segments, and engage customers in innovative ways. Real-World Applications and Partnerships: Mustafa shares examples of how CarbonSifr works with clients to decarbonize their operations. One case involves a "dark kitchen" where they identified that beef sourced from Brazil contributed significantly to the company's carbon footprint. By reorganizing the supply chain and working with climate tech partners, they helped reduce emissions.Partnership with Careem: Mustafa elaborates on their collaboration with Careem, a ride-sharing app. They created an eco-friendly ride option where customers can choose a ride that offsets its carbon emissions. This involves calculating the carbon footprint of each ride and investing in nature-based carbon removal projects, engaging consumers directly in sustainability efforts.Challenges of Building a Climate Tech Startup: Mustafa shares his experiences transitioning from consulting to entrepreneurship. He talks about the challenges of getting into the technical details, working with programmers, and balancing immediate tasks with long-term goals while managing scarce resources. He also acknowledges that consulting skills learned during his time at BCG that help him in this entrepreneurial journey. The Path to Net Zero by 2050: Looking ahead, Mustafa discusses the critical steps the financial services industry must take to reach net zero. He stresses the importance of awareness in the sector's role, balancing risks and returns, and the necessity for banks and asset managers to actively participate in climate action to mitigate future risks and capitalize on opportunities.About Fintech Files: Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion as we explore the cutting-edge trends disrupting Fintech today. From NeoBanks to Digital Banking, we delve into the dynamic landscape of financial technology through insightful conversations with global disruptors. We’ll uncover the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech and examine their impact on the financial world. Our episodes break down complex topics, with guests explaining everything in a way even their grandmas could understand. We focus on real-world examples, making financial technology relatable and accessible to both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals alike. Meet the Hosts: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and Annika Melchert, a principal currently based in the Middle East, our hosts bring expertise in tech transformations, platform architecture, and digital innovation. With a wealth of experience working with leading Fintechs, they offer unique insights into the evolving financial landscape. Joining...

How can technology make homeownership more accessible while supporting Europe's climate goals? In this episode, we sit down with Geert Van Kerckhoven, co-founder of Oper, to explore the challenges of housing affordability in Europe and the impact of the EU Green Deal on mortgages. Geert discusses how technology can empower banks and loan advisors to better serve clients, helping more people navigate the complex process of buying a home while promoting energy-efficient renovations. Discussion Highlights: The Emotional Journey of Buying a Home: Geert discusses the anxiety and complexity involved in the mortgage process, even for industry experts. He shares personal stories about how daunting it can be to understand all the terms and ensure affordability when purchasing a property.Housing Affordability Challenges: With rising interest rates and stricter regulations following the financial crisis, first-time homebuyers are finding it increasingly difficult to afford homes. Geert highlights how affordability issues are impacting lower and middle-class families across Europe, emphasizing the need for both public and private sector solutions.Impact of the EU Green Deal on Housing: The EU's ambitious climate targets under the Green Deal require significant reductions in carbon emissions, which means renovating millions of homes to be more energy-efficient. Geert explains how this adds additional costs for homebuyers, as some banks won't approve mortgages unless buyers commit to costly renovations, further complicating affordability.Combining Mortgages with Energy Efficiency Improvements: Geert discusses how financing energy-efficient renovations alongside mortgages can help reduce long-term costs for homeowners. By investing in improvements like heat pumps or solar panels, borrowers can lower their energy expenses and increase property values, aligning financial and environmental goals.The Role of Financial Education: Emphasizing the importance of financial literacy, Geert talks about how understanding concepts like compound interest and long-term planning can empower individuals to make better decisions regarding homeownership and wealth building. He highlights the need for better financial education to help people navigate the complexities of mortgages and investments.About Fintech Files: Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion as we explore the cutting-edge trends disrupting Fintech today. From NeoBanks to Digital Banking, we delve into the dynamic landscape of financial technology through insightful conversations with global disruptors. We’ll uncover the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech and examine their impact on the financial world. Our episodes break down complex topics, with guests explaining everything in a way even their grandmas could understand. We focus on real-world examples, making financial technology relatable and accessible to both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals alike. Meet the Hosts: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and Annika Melchert, a principal currently based in the Middle East, our hosts bring expertise in tech transformations, platform architecture, and digital innovation. With a wealth of experience working with leading Fintechs, they offer unique insights into the evolving financial landscape. Joining them is Bianca Lopes, an entrepreneur and economist from Brazil, now based in Denmark, with a background in digital identity and...

How can we create credit histories for unbanked people? In this episode, we sit down with Rajat Dayal, CEO and Founder of YabX, to explore how his company is revolutionizing credit access in emerging markets. About 1.5 billion individuals and businesses have no access to credit or any other financial product. Rajat shares insights on leveraging alternative data, like mobile wallet activity, to create credit histories for those overlooked by traditional banking systems. We delve into the challenges of non-traditional credit scoring, the impact on local economies, and how purpose-driven loans can foster financial inclusion. Discussion Highlights: Financial Inclusion and the Credit Gap: Rajat discusses the massive challenge of providing financial services to the 1.5 billion individuals and businesses without access to credit. Traditional banks often overlook this segment due to the lack of credit histories, creating a chicken-and-egg problem where people can't get credit because they have no credit history, and vice versa.Leveraging Mobile Wallets and Alternative Data: In regions like Africa, mobile wallets such as M-Pesa have transformed how people transact. Rajat explains how YabX utilizes mobile wallet data and other alternative data sources—like utility payments and telecom data—to assess creditworthiness. This approach helps create credit scores for individuals who previously had no formal financial footprints.Challenges with Non-Traditional Credit Scoring: Traditional banks often hesitate to trust alternative credit scoring methods. Rajat shares how YabX builds trust with banking partners by demonstrating the efficacy of their models through back-testing and pilot programs. He emphasizes the importance of proving that these non-traditional methods can predict repayment behavior accurately.Purpose-Driven Loans: YabX focuses on offering loans for specific purposes, such as purchasing handsets or paying school fees. Rajat explains how purpose-driven loans increase the likelihood of repayment because the funds are used for essential needs, aligning the interests of both the lender and the borrower.Impact on Local Economies: By providing access to credit, YabX empowers small businesses and individuals in rural and underserved areas. This not only helps these businesses grow but also contributes to job creation and economic development in local communities. Rajat highlights how digital lending platforms can reach areas traditional banks can't, fostering broader economic digitization.About Fintech Files: Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion as we explore the cutting-edge trends disrupting Fintech today. From NeoBanks to Digital Banking, we delve into the dynamic landscape of financial technology through insightful conversations with global disruptors. We’ll uncover the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech and examine their impact on the financial world. Our episodes break down complex topics, with guests explaining everything in a way even their grandmas could understand. We focus on real-world examples, making financial technology relatable and accessible to both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals alike. Meet the Hosts: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and Annika Melchert, a principal currently based in the Middle East, our hosts bring expertise in tech transformations, platform architecture, and digital innovation. With a wealth of experience working with leading Fintechs, they offer unique insights into the evolving financial landscape. Joining them is...

How can financial institutions drive sustainability and responsible AI practices? In this episode, we sit down with Anne Kleppe, a leading expert in sustainability and responsible AI at BCG. Anne shares her insights on how banks and financial institutions can leverage their influence to promote sustainable practices, reduce their carbon footprints, and use AI responsibly. We explore the challenges of measuring financed emissions, how AI can contribute to a more sustainable world, and explore real world examples of banking more sustainably in action. Discussion Highlights: Finance as a Force for Good: Anne discusses the unique position of financial institutions to drive positive change. By directing capital flows into sustainable activities, banks can significantly impact the economy and promote environmentally and socially responsible practices.Measuring Financed Emissions: Banks have a complex task—measuring the emissions of the businesses they finance. Anne explains how financial institutions can navigate the challenge of measuring financed emissions using advanced modeling tools and data sources, offering transparency and enabling banks to make more informed lending decisions. For example, tools like CO2 FI help streamline this process. AI and Sustainability: AI has the potential to help banks and industries reduce their environmental impact by analyzing vast amounts of data, predicting outcomes, and providing actionable insights that contribute to greener business practices. However, Anne also highlights the need to balance this with the fact that AI is energy-intensive and can significantly increase carbon emissions. To truly drive sustainability, institutions must ensure that the environmental benefits of AI outweigh its energy demands, finding ways to optimize both technology and resource use.The Role of Responsible AI: Anne discusses the importance of responsible AI in financial services, emphasizing the need for it to be secure, equitable, and fit for purpose. While AI can offer valuable support in decision-making and drive efficiency, Anne also underscores the need to carefully manage the associated risks, such as bias and data security. Balancing the benefits of AI with ethical considerations is key to its responsible deployment in the industry.Real-World Examples of Navigating Sustainability: Anne provides examples of how financial institutions are grappling with sustainability in their lending practices. In one instance, a bank identified that a significant portion of its financed emissions came from a coal power plant, prompting them to reconsider their involvement. Another example highlights efforts in the agricultural sector, where banks are supporting farmers in adopting greener practices, like improving soil health, which can enhance productivity. About Fintech Files: Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion as we explore the cutting-edge trends disrupting Fintech today. From NeoBanks to Digital Banking, we delve into the dynamic landscape of financial technology through insightful conversations with global disruptors. We’ll uncover the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech and examine their impact on the financial world. Our episodes break down complex topics, with guests explaining everything in a way even their grandmas could understand. We focus on real-world examples, making financial technology relatable and accessible to both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals alike. Meet the Hosts: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG...

What trends do we see in wealth management as the GenAI Era Unfolds? Akin Soysal is a global expert on digital investing and part of our BCG X leadership team in Europe, the Middle East and South America. Akin dives into the biggest topics disrupting financial management across the globe. How does Gen Z leverage retail investing for saving for retirement? Can AI be an effective financial advisor? How are millionaires migrating around the globe? We’ll explore these topics and more in our conversation with Akin. Discussion Highlights: The GenAI Era Unfolds: Global Wealth Report 2024: The BCG annual wealth management report calculates how much wealth there is in the world. It gets broken down into regions and essentially allows you to draw conclusions about who got richer and who got poorer. This year's report touches on the impact of AI, how wealth is distributed, and trends disrupting the financial services industry. Income Generation vs. Wealth Management: Akin discusses how income is tangible and immediate, whereas wealth management and investing are not. This often causes people to overlook the importance and impact of investing on their overall wealth. Financial literacy can play a big role in shifting this mindset, helping people to better understand and plan for their future. Retail Investing with Gen Z: We explore the growing popularity of retail investing, especially with Gen Z. Retail investing is where people take advantage of investing on their own rather than relying on financial institutions to manage their portfolios. AI is helping to support this trend, with easy to access financial advice being so readily available. Cross-Border Wealth Flows: Akin delves into the dynamics of what he calls cross-border wealth flows. High net worth individuals are increasingly mobile, moving their assets to financially favorable regions like Dubai and Singapore. As wealth is moving globally certain regions are looking to attract millionaires. Regulatory Pressures and Financial Literacy: Akin shares how regulatory frameworks shape the accessibility of financial knowledge and tools. This can sometimes make it challenging for people to gain financial literacy. He discusses the balance between protecting investors and maintaining open access to financial advice.The Say-Do Gap in Finance: Akin discusses the emotional aspect of finance, highlighting how people often behave differently than the way they say they will. Financial management is so emotional, and balancing that side of it is key to overall financial health. Impact of AI on Financial Advice: Generative AI is disrupting the wealth management industry by providing sophisticated, scalable investment advice to the masses. This is transforming how people engage with financial markets and has the potential to democratize financial advice for people who otherwise would not have access to it. About Fintech Files: Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion as we explore the cutting-edge trends disrupting Fintech today. From NeoBanks to Digital Banking, we delve into the dynamic landscape of financial technology through insightful conversations with global disruptors. We’ll uncover the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech and examine their impact on the financial world. Our episodes break down complex topics, with guests explaining everything in a way even their grandmas could understand. We focus on real-world examples, making financial technology relatable and accessible to both Fintech enthusiasts and...

We know that you’ve just been dying for more episodes of Fintech Files since we wrapped up season three, so we’ve decided to throw one final one in for you. This week we’re bringing you one of BCG’s other shows that covers Fintech as it relates to compliance and risk. BCG on Compliance is hosted by Hanjo Seibert, a leading expert in compliance, anti-financial crime and fraud. Each episode dives into today’s most pressing criminal trends, and how compliance experts are innovating to stay ahead of the curve, and shape the future of the industry. If you like what you hear, follow BCG on Compliance on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Enjoy! About this Episode: This episode covers the fascinating story behind HSBC’s massive transformation process following the bank’s 2012 anti-money-laundering controls violations. Hanjo speaks to Andy Maguire, who held the role of Group Chief Operating Officer and had a key role in engineering an extensive remediation process for the bank, which took years and millions of dollars. It is one of the most prominent banking compliance stories in recent history, and Andy shares his critical insights and valuable learnings that have had ripple effects across the industry. About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and Annika Melchert, a principal currently based in the Middle East, our hosts specialize in IT strategy, modern tech architecture, and state-of-the-art banking. In their work, they've collaborated with some of today's most innovative Fintechs to transform their organizations; including supporting generative AI use cases. With their unique blend of tech expertise and passion, they bring you stories that capture the essence of the evolving Fintech landscape. This season, we're thrilled to introduce Bianca Lopes. Originally from Brazil and currently based in Denmark, Bianca is an entrepreneur and economist with a remarkable background in digital identity and biometrics. Throughout her career, she has supported over 40 financial institutions and 8 governments, reshaping their approach to technology, reimagining identity, and driving innovation agendas. We Want to Hear from You! Reach out to us at fintech-podcast@bcgplatinion.com with your questions, guest suggestions, or topics you'd like us to explore. Or just drop in to say hi! Visit our website at <a...

Join hosts Nora, Annika, and Bianca as they wrap up the season with a special compilation episode of FinTech Files from BCG Platinion. This episode revisits the season's standout moments, featuring a diverse lineup of guests from around the globe. From the transformative power of generative AI to the challenges and opportunities of cloud transformation, this episode covers key themes that have shaped the fintech landscape. Listen in as our hosts highlight insights on financial inclusion, women in fintech, regulatory landscapes, and predictions for the future of financial technology. Discussion Highlights: Representation Across the Season: Our hosts celebrate the impressive 60% female representation among the guests this season, showcasing voices from North America, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Generative AI: Given all of the amazing perspectives that were shared this season around how AI is disrupting the industry, particularly in our conversations with Kirsten Rulf, Camilla Vincenci Witt and Jacqueline O Flanagan, the hosts discuss how to balance the AI risk and opportunities in financial services. Cloud Transformation:Reflecting on discussions with guests like Maxim Afanasyev from Google Cloud and Alfred Mukudu from Amazon Web Services, the hosts explore how cloud transformation is reshaping the fintech industry. They discuss the importance of focusing on cloud for value and the unique challenges faced in regions like Africa, including the need for reliable internet connectivity and the diverse regulatory landscape.Regulation: With insights from Alfred Mukudu and Meenah Tariq, they discuss the complexities of cross-border transactions and the hurdles faced by neobanks in gaining global acceptance. The conversation underscores the balance between regulation and innovation necessary for fintech growth.Financial Inclusion and Women in Fintech: This season featured compelling discussions on financial inclusion, such as those with Vera Futorjanski from Beyond Global, Eve Morelli, from Radicant and Reem Ikram from Thriftplan. The hosts talk about how financial inclusion is crucial for reducing poverty and boosting prosperity. They also highlight the underrepresentation of women in fintech, emphasizing the need for transparency, financial literacy, and support for female founders.Future of Fintech/Predictions: The hosts share their predictions for the future of fintech, drawing from discussions throughout the season. Nora, Annika, and Bianca talk about the potential of generative AI, and technological leapfrogging in developing countries. They explore how future technologies like spatial computing, and blockchain could revolutionize the industry, and discuss the concept of the metaverse as a future banking environment.About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/norahocke/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

How financially prepared are you for retirement? It’s a question that too many people don’t think about until it’s too late. Reem Ikram, CEO and Co-Founder of Thriftplan is on a mission to change that. In this episode we’ll explore how Thriftplan is revolutionizing savings for both employees and employers, promoting long-term financial stability. We dive into the importance of financial literacy, approaches to financial inclusion and regulation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the vital role of women in fintech. Discussion Highlights: The Importance of Savings: Reem Ikram opens the conversation with insights into the growing focus on savings by financial institutions and its implications for consumer behavior. With banks intensifying efforts to encourage savings, there's a notable shift in how people manage their finances, aiming for greater financial security.Introducing Thriftplan: Reem describes Thriftplan as a flexible savings plan that mirrors the structure of 401k plans in the U.S., providing a dual benefit structure for employees and employers. This system not only helps in accumulating savings efficiently but also aids companies in retaining talent by offering compelling financial benefits.Financial Literacy and Planning: The episode explores the critical role of financial literacy in effective financial planning and saving. Reem shares her personal experiences and stresses the need for a structured approach to managing finances both in the short term and for future needs like retirement.Regulatory Evolution in Saudi Arabia: Delving into the fintech regulatory environment in Saudi Arabia, Reem discusses how sandbox regulatory frameworks foster innovation by allowing experimentation in a controlled environment, making the Kingdom a burgeoning hub for fintech startups.The Role of Women in Fintech: The discussion also covers the evolving landscape for women in the fintech sector, particularly in Saudi Arabia. With the country undergoing rapid socio-economic reforms, opportunities for women are expanding, yet challenges remain in achieving gender parity in the fintech workforce.About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and Annika Melchert, a principal currently based in the Middle East, our hosts specialize in IT strategy, modern tech architecture, and state-of-the-art banking. In their work, they've collaborated with some of today's most innovative Fintechs to transform their organizations; including supporting generative AI use cases. With their unique blend of tech expertise and passion, they bring you stories that capture the...

From the Step Conference in Dubai, February 2024, comes an insightful discussion on the transformative impact of neobanks on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Moderated by Annika Melchert, the episode features Meenah Tariq of Metric and Dyota Marsudi of Bank Aladin, who share their pioneering work in making financial management and banking more accessible for SMEs. Discover how these digital platforms are not just alternatives to traditional banking but are redefining the landscape for business growth and financial inclusion. Discussion Highlights: Defining Neobanking: Neobanks redefine banking with digital-first solutions that bypass traditional physical branches, making financial services more accessible and user-friendly. Neobanking simplifies financial processes for users, allowing them to manage their finances easily from their smartphones.Empowering SMEs with Neobanking: Neobanks like Bank Aladin revolutionize SME banking by offering fast, accessible financial services, adhering to Islamic banking principles. Digital banks eliminate common banking hurdles for SMEs, providing a seamless, efficient banking experience.Overcoming Regulatory and Operational Challenges: This discussion highlights the regulatory and operational obstacles facing neobanks and SMEs, from obtaining licenses to gaining legitimacy as financial institutions. There is a need for a balance between innovation and regulatory compliance to foster growth and stability.Neobanks as Enablers of Financial Inclusion: Neobanks play a crucial role in extending financial services to underbanked populations, supporting SME growth through innovative solutions. Digital banking platforms break down traditional barriers, offering easier access to financial services.Future Innovations in Neobanking: Speculation about the future of neobanking focuses on potential advancements such as cryptocurrency and asset digitization, which could further personalize and secure banking experiences, considering the transformative impact these innovations may have on the financial landscape.Collaboration for SME Success: The potential for neobanks, traditional banks, and fintech platforms to collaborate underscores a holistic approach to supporting SME development. Partnerships can combine the strengths of each to provide comprehensive financial solutions to SMEs.About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and Annika Melchert, a principal currently based in the Middle East, our hosts specialize in IT strategy, modern tech architecture, and state-of-the-art banking. In their work, they've collaborated with some of today's most innovative Fintechs to transform their organizations;

Join us as we delve into the vibrant intersection of technology, finance, and diversity with Jacqueline O'Flanagan, the guiding force of Microsoft's financial services strategy in Canada. In this enlightening conversation, Jacqueline discusses the efforts to enhance women's roles in finance, the transformative power of AI in the sector, and Microsoft's commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive culture. This episode moves beyond a discussion of the current state of women in FinTech, offering a visionary look at the technological innovations driving the future of financial services. Discussion Highlights: Trailblazing Women in FinTech: Jacqueline guides us through the evolving landscape for women in finance, highlighting both the strides made and the challenges that lie ahead. It's an honest assessment of the current situation and our collective goals for the future.Empowering Women at Microsoft and Beyond: Listen in as Jacqueline sheds light on the "Women at Microsoft" initiative, detailing its objectives, successes, and her personal journey in advocating for broader representation within tech and finance sectors. Additionally, we underscore the business impact of female leadership and diverse teams. [More info: "Learning from Women Who’ve Made It to the Top in Tech"].AI’s Transformative Impact on Finance: Discover how AI is revolutionizing the financial industry, from improving customer interactions to pioneering new approaches in risk management and sustainable practices.Diversity and AI Development: The critical importance of diversity in AI development is highlighted, focusing on efforts to mitigate gender biases in AI models. BCG research indicates that senior women in tech are leading the adoption of generative AI, demonstrating the value of inclusive perspectives in shaping future technologies. [More info: "Women ‘can lead the charge on GenAI’ in the workplace"].Technology for Environmental Good: Explore how Microsoft leverages technology for environmental sustainability, particularly through AI initiatives that enable financial institutions to support a net-zero economy.Career Advice for Women in FinTech: Jacqueline offers valuable advice for women aspiring to make their mark in financial technology, emphasizing the significance of a growth mindset, lifelong learning, and aligning personal values with professional paths.Envisioning the Future of Financial Services: Jacqueline shares her insights on potential future transformations within the financial services sector, including advancements in digital lending, payments, and the evolving regulatory environment.About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech

This week on Fintech Files, we're bringing you 'In Her Element' from BCG. A show featuring conversations with women at the vanguard of business, digital, and technology. We're delving into how these powerhouse leaders got to where they are—covering everything from the joy of projects gone right to the realities of family responsibilities. In this episode, AI and digital expert Suchi Srinivasan will be introducing fintech practice leader Kamila Rakhimova as her new co-host. If you like this episode, subscribe to 'In Her Ellement' from BCG wherever you get your podcasts to stay up to date with the show. Enjoy! About this Episode: Kamila takes us on a journey from her native Tajikistan to the USA and through a career that she has mapped out on her terms. Every few years, Kamila gets the itch to try something new. Back in her home country, her proficiency in English and her qualifications in international relations made her an asset in her field. She quickly discovered that microfinance could have a significant impact on underprivileged communities. This niche brought her to the US and eventually to Amazon. At Amazon, she spearheaded the Amazon Alexa Fund, which supported founders in creating innovative businesses. For her, the most meaningful part of the program was being able to launch the careers of underrepresented founders. When Kamila first moved to the US, she followed what she thought was the playbook for success. She quickly discovered that a one-size-fits-all approach didn't work for her. Now, she listens carefully to her inner voice and does things her own way. About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and Annika Melchert, a principal currently based in the Middle East, our hosts specialize in IT strategy, modern tech architecture, and state-of-the-art banking. In their work, they've collaborated with some of today's most innovative Fintechs to transform their organizations; including supporting generative AI use cases. With their unique blend of tech expertise and passion, they bring you stories that capture the essence of the evolving Fintech landscape. This season, we're thrilled to introduce Bianca Lopes. Originally from Brazil and currently based in Denmark, Bianca is an entrepreneur and economist with a remarkable background in digital identity and biometrics. Throughout her career, she has supported over 40 financial institutions and 8 governments, reshaping their approach to technology, reimagining identity, and driving innovation agendas. We Want to Hear from You! Reach out to us at fintech-podcast@bcgplatinion.com with your questions, guest suggestions, or topics you'd like us to explore. Or just drop in to say hi! Visit our website at <a...

How do we elevate our perspective of the cloud from merely a technological tool boosting efficiency, to a strategic ally that addresses key business challenges? Maxim Afanasyev, Financial Services Industry Lead at Google Cloud, shares his insights on the transformative approach of 'cloud for value' within the financial sector. This approach requires shifting focus from an infrastructure-centric view to embracing a strategy enriched with digital, data, and AI innovations. He articulates how this transition is not only reshaping the way financial services operate but also tackling the intricate regulatory landscapes that financial institutions navigate. Discussion Highlights: Cloud Transformation in Financial Services: Maxim explains the concept of cloud transformation, illustrating its impact on financial institutions and how it enables them to better serve stakeholders like clients and regulators.From Cloud for Infrastructure to Cloud for Value: The evolution from traditional cloud services to a more value-driven approach, focusing on innovation, real-time data processing, and solving complex business problems.The Ethical Implications and Strategic Uses of AI in Finance: The transformative role of AI in the financial sector, highlighting ethical considerations, the importance of transparent and responsible AI deployment, and how AI is being strategically used. Case Study: HSBC's Anti-Money Laundering Initiatives: AI and cloud technologies are revolutionizing approaches to anti-money laundering, significantly reducing false positives while improving detection rates.Addressing Regulatory Concerns and Risks: Maxim shares how Google Cloud navigates the complexities of regulatory compliance and security concerns, ensuring financial institutions can adopt cloud solutions without compromising on governance.Customizing Cloud Journeys: We discuss the necessity for financial services to develop bespoke cloud adoption strategies that cater to their distinctive needs. For more info on this, check out BCG’s article "Financial Institutions Need to Pursue Their Own Path to the Cloud.” Singapore's Regulatory Environment: Explore how Singapore is leading by example in fostering innovation through a 'Digital-first' regulatory approach and how this impacts the financial services industry and compares to the EU AI Act. The Future of Banking with Cloud Technology: Maxim forecasts the long-term effects of cloud-driven digital transformation on banking, including enhanced customer experiences, operational efficiencies, and regulatory compliance.About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/norahocke/"...

We dive into the complexities and opportunities within Africa's financial services sector with Alfred Mukudu, Financial Services Go-To-Market Lead at Amazon Web Services (AWS) South Africa. With over 50 countries and about 42 different currencies, Africa presents a unique landscape for financial innovation. Alfred shares insights into the critical role of interoperability, cloud-based solutions, and emerging technologies in driving digital transformation and financial inclusion across the continent. Discussion Highlights: Africa's Financial Landscape: Alfred provides an overview of the complexities and challenges posed by Africa's diverse market landscape, highlighting the varying regulatory environments and the need for tailored technology solutions across different countries.Interoperability in Financial Services: Alfred explains the concept of interoperability “to his grandma” and discusses its importance in fostering collaboration and driving digital innovation in Africa's financial services sector. Examples like M-Pesa in Kenya and emerging open finance regulations across several African countries are highlighted.Role of Technology in Financial Inclusion: The conversation delves into how cloud-based solutions, such as those offered by AWS, are making financial services more accessible and scalable in Africa. Alfred shares examples of innovative solutions leveraging machine learning and mobile channels to address challenges like identity verification and cross-border payments. The conversation touches on open banking. Be sure to check out our episode “Revolutionizing the Future of Finance in the Middle East through Open Banking” with Emir Isik from Tarabut Gateway. Investment in Infrastructure and Skills Development: Alfred discusses the significance of infrastructure investments, including AWS's cloud region in Cape Town, in advancing fintech development. He also emphasizes the importance of skill development programs in empowering local talent and driving economic growth.Internet Connectivity and Access: Around 30% of South Africans lack internet access according to a 2023 study from datareportal.com. The concentration of innovation often lies in urban centers and relies on alternative channels like USSD and SMS due to connectivity issues. By concentrating connectivity points and reducing data costs, broader adoption of fintech products could be achieved.Impact of Managed Services and Emerging Technologies: Alfred highlights the role of managed services and AI-driven solutions in simplifying technology adoption for businesses, with examples ranging from data analytics to machine learning. He also touches upon the potential of quantum computing and blockchain in addressing complex challenges like supply chain integrity.Future Outlook: Looking ahead, Alfred shares his optimism about the future of technology in Africa, from the short-term potential of machine learning to the long-term possibilities of spatial computing and the metaverse. He emphasizes the importance of regulatory clarity and technological innovation in driving Africa's digital transformation journey.About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful...

How do companies combat financial crime and adhere to the strict regulations of our industry? Camila Vincenci Witt has unique insight as the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer at Inpay, a fintech specializing in facilitating cross-border payments. Camila shares the importance of data and data governance in compliance and risk, as well as highlighting the significance of leveraging diverse perspectives as a key strength of her team. Join us for this fascinating conversation with Camila! Discussion Highlights: MobilePay and Identity Verification: Camila delves into her experience working with MobilePay, a digital wallet leveraging the Danish Civil Registration System (CPR number) for identity verification, setting the stage for a discussion on the intersection of technology and compliance.InPay's Origins and Cross-Border Payments: We explore the genesis of InPay, born out of a mission to provide relief after the 2008 Myanmar natural disaster, unraveling the intricacies of cross-border payments and the challenges inherent in navigating diverse regulatory landscapes.Combating Fraud in Fintech: Camila sheds light on the perpetual battle against fraudsters and criminals in the fintech realm, underscoring the importance of proactive fraud prevention measures to safeguard customer assets and data.Data's Role in Risk Management: The conversation turns to the pivotal role of data in risk management, with Camila highlighting the significance of data quality, patterns, and behaviors in informing effective risk mitigation strategies.AI and Automation in Compliance: Camila discusses how InPay harnesses AI, automation, and machine learning to bolster compliance efforts, particularly in transaction screening, monitoring, and fraud detection, ushering in a new era of efficiency and effectiveness.The Significance of Data Governance: We delve into the importance of robust data governance frameworks for fintech companies, exploring how they ensure regulatory compliance, data integrity, and trustworthiness in the eyes of regulators and customers alike.Navigating Regulatory Compliance: Camila provides insights into InPay's regulatory obligations under the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority (FSA), highlighting the pivotal role of transparency and trust in fostering strong relationships with regulatory bodies and customers.Future Horizons: Gen AI and Cross-Border Payments: The conversation concludes with a glimpse into the future of fintech, as Camila shares her vision of Gen AI revolutionizing cross-border payments, driven by a commitment to innovation and collaboration in the industry.Digital identity: The hosts discuss how identity remains a complex challenge globally, with antiquated systems prevailing despite technological advancements. Various approaches, from biometric systems like Aadhaar in India to blockchain technology, offer potential solutions to the decentralized ownership and verification of personal data. For more discussion on identity check out our episode with Peter Grosskopf, former CTO of Solaris. About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they...

In this special throwback episode, we revisit one of our favorite moments from Season One with a fintech titan, Dr. Jörg Howein, formerly the Chief Product Officer at Solarisbank. Since we last spoke with Jörg, Solarisbank, now known simply as Solaris, has continued its meteoric rise in the fintech world. In this engaging conversation, Jörg shares valuable insights into how this German fintech unicorn seamlessly transitioned from a monolithic to a self-built modular core, all while ensuring their end customers remained blissfully unaware of the shift. Since our previous encounter with Solaris, the company has achieved remarkable milestones, including raising an impressive €38 million euros in funds earmarked for scaling up their banking-as-a-service business. If you're intrigued by fintech innovation, curious about the secrets behind Solaris' success, or simply eager to stay ahead in the ever-evolving financial landscape, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we dive into the world of fintech with Dr. Jörg Howein and uncover the strategies that keep Solaris at the forefront of the competition. About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and Annika Melchert, a principal currently based in the Middle East, our hosts specialize in IT strategy, modern tech architecture, and state-of-the-art banking. In their work, they've collaborated with some of today's most innovative Fintechs to transform their organizations; including supporting generative AI use cases. With their unique blend of tech expertise and passion, they bring you stories that capture the essence of the evolving Fintech landscape. This season, we're thrilled to introduce Bianca Lopes. Originally from Brazil and currently based in Denmark, Bianca is an entrepreneur and economist with a remarkable background in digital identity and biometrics. Throughout her career, she has supported over 40 financial institutions and 8 governments, reshaping their approach to technology, reimagining identity, and driving innovation agendas. We Want to Hear from You! Reach out to us at fintech-podcast@bcgplatinion.com with your questions, guest suggestions, or topics you'd like us to explore. Or just drop in to say hi! Visit our website at https://www.bcgplatinion.com/insights/fintech-files-insights-on-tech-by-bcg-platinion and follow us on social media for updates and additional content. The digital future is now.

How many globally lack access to banking? Astonishingly, one in three. In this insightful conversation, Vera Futorjanski, former Head of Communications at Rocket Internet and founding member of Dubai Future Accelerators, shares her journey. Emphasizing the transformative role of technology, she explores challenges and strategies to enhance accessibility and diversity in finance through education and innovation. Discussion Highlights: Dubai as a Hub for Innovation: Vera discusses the unique ecosystem in Dubai, where the government actively supports and accelerates innovation. Vera elaborates on her involvement with the Dubai Future Accelerators program, highlighting the collaboration between government entities and startups. Female Representation in the Startup Ecosystem: The discussion delves into the challenges faced by female founders, investors, and leaders in the startup ecosystem. Vera shares a shocking statistic; only 2% of globally available funding for startups goes to female founders.Beyond Community and Empowering Women: Vera introduces Beyond, a curated community of female leaders launched by her that provides a safe and trusted space for women leaders to connect, collaborate, and grow.Web3 and Diversity in the Tech Space: Vera expresses her early optimism in the Web3 space and her disappointment in the progress made regarding diversity. She highlights her experiences in the Metaverse, NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), and the need for greater representation of women in key roles in Web3 technologies.AI and the Importance of Female Representation: Vera highlights the lack of representation of female voices in AI discussions, referencing that Sam Altman's quotes in AI news coverage last year surpassed those of all female AI experts listed in Times Magazine's top AI influencers combined. Read more in Where are all the ‘godmothers’ of AI? Women’s voices are not being heard from Luba Kassova for The Guardian. Importance of Funding for Women in Tech: Vera acknowledges the importance of funding in driving change in the tech industry. She emphasizes the need for more female Limited Partners who can influence investment decisions and stresses that change will come through a combination of education, funding opportunities, and increased visibility for women in the tech space.About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/annika-melchert/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Happy New Year from your friends at Fintech Files! To kick off 2024 in style, we’re bringing you a throwback to our very first episode of 2023; “Revolutionizing the Future of Finance in the Middle East through Open Banking” with Emir Isik, Head of Business Development from Tarabut Gateway. We felt this was the perfect episode to kick off the new year as there have been so many exciting developments with Open Banking and Tarabut since we had them on the show, including raising $32m in Series A funding round to propel open banking in Saudi Arabia. This episode dives into the world of open banking! We dive deep into the buzzword that has taken the financial world by storm. What is open banking? Why is it relevant? And how is it transforming the finance landscape in the Middle East? Join Emir Isik, Head of Business Development at Tarabut Gateway, the largest open banking platform in the region, as he delves into the organization’s challenges, opportunities, the role it plays in Saudi Vision 2030 and its impact on the future of finance. About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and Annika Melchert, a principal currently based in the Middle East, our hosts specialize in IT strategy, modern tech architecture, and state-of-the-art banking. In their work, they've collaborated with some of today's most innovative Fintechs to transform their organizations; including supporting generative AI use cases. With their unique blend of tech expertise and passion, they bring you stories that capture the essence of the evolving Fintech landscape. This season, we're thrilled to introduce Bianca Lopes. Originally from Brazil and currently based in Denmark, Bianca is an entrepreneur and economist with a remarkable background in digital identity and biometrics. Throughout her career, she has supported over 40 financial institutions and 8 governments, reshaping their approach to technology, reimagining identity, and driving innovation agendas. We Want to Hear from You! Reach out to us at fintech-podcast@bcgplatinion.com with your questions, guest suggestions, or topics you'd like us to explore. Or just drop in to say hi! Visit our website at https://www.bcgplatinion.com/insights/fintech-files-insights-on-tech-by-bcg-platinion and follow us on social media for updates and additional content. The digital future is now.

As a special holiday treat for you, our listeners, we’re revisiting one of our favourite season 2 episodes. It’s “The Art of Navigating a Company Through Rapid Growth and Post-Merger Integration” – with Michael Stephan, COO and Co-founder of Raisin.” They are the first and only pan-European deposit marketplace. Since our 2022 episode, this Berlin-based fintech unicorn has secured over 60 million euros in funding in a series E round. The Berlin-based fintech unicorn Raisin has written quite a success story of organic and inorganic growth since it was founded in 2012. Starting with a “savings-as-a-service” offering, it has massively expanded over the years both in functionality and in markets. Most recently, it merged with its former competitor Deposit Solutions to grow even stronger. Listen in to this episode to learn about Raisin’s evolution and the challenges they’ve overcome—both technical and operational—and hear about what lies ahead on their journey to become one of the biggest European open banking fintechs. About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and Annika Melchert, a principal currently based in the Middle East, our hosts specialize in IT strategy, modern tech architecture, and state-of-the-art banking. In their work, they've collaborated with some of today's most innovative Fintechs to transform their organizations; including supporting generative AI use cases. With their unique blend of tech expertise and passion, they bring you stories that capture the essence of the evolving Fintech landscape. This season, we're thrilled to introduce Bianca Lopes. Originally from Brazil and currently based in Denmark, Bianca is an entrepreneur and economist with a remarkable background in digital identity and biometrics. Throughout her career, she has supported over 40 financial institutions and 8 governments, reshaping their approach to technology, reimagining identity, and driving innovation agendas. We Want to Hear from You! Reach out to us at fintech-podcast@bcgplatinion.com with your questions, guest suggestions, or topics you'd like us to explore. Or just drop in to say hi! Visit our website at https://www.bcgplatinion.com/insights/fintech-files-insights-on-tech-by-bcg-platinion and follow us on social media for updates and additional content. The digital future is now.

How should banks navigate Gen AI's regulatory challenges? Kirsten Rulf, BCG Partner and Associate Director, shares key strategies and opportunities. As the former Senior Digital Policy advisor aka “nerd-in-chief” to Chancellor Angela Merkel, Kirsten played a key role in negotiating the EU AI Act. Now, Kirsten guides global Fintech clients in adopting this transformative technology. Discussion Highlights: Regulatory Challenges: Kirsten explores negotiations behind the EU AI Act, detailing the hurdles in aligning Gen AI adoption with regulations and grasping its comprehensive impact on the financial sector.Gen AI Opportunities in Finance: Highlighting potential in personalized interactions such as chatbots and knowledge management, Kirsten underscores Gen AI's prospects in the financial sector. The discussion emphasizes the ongoing challenge of balancing opportunities with inherent regulatory and technological risks.Challenging Stereotypes: Kirsten advocates for a positive perspective on AI, steering away from doomsday narratives and promoting it as an opportunity for significant positive impact.Human in the Loop Challenges: Discussing the challenges of the "human in the loop" concept, particularly in large-scale AI systems with extensive data, Kirsten and Nora delve into the complexities of effective human oversight implementation.AI Risk & Panic Button: Kirsten introduces the concept of a "panic button" in AI systems, citing an example of an inappropriate encounter with an AI agent. The panic button enables human intervention to halt AI processes during critical situations.AI Impact on Creativity: BCG's study involving 750 consultants reveals a 40% boost in creativity for 'AI-friendly' tasks but a 23% decrease for tasks aligned with human intuition. This underscores the importance of nuanced AI deployment. Building Trust in Gen AI: Kirsten stresses the role of trusted institutions, like banks, in public AI education, emphasizing the need to showcase AI's positive potential while actively managing risks and ensuring regulatory compliance.Reputational & Financial Risk: Nora, Bianca, and Annika discuss the reputational risk of Gen AI, citing Google's stock plunge after an AI incident with Google Bard. The example underscores the necessity for financial institutions to navigate AI risks while seizing opportunities to avoid reputational and financial damage.About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich,...

What is the role of technology in aligning banking and investments with sustainability? Eve Morelli, Head of Sustainable Transparency unveils Radicant’s unique approach to sustainable finance. Discover how this Swiss digital banking startup integrates the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its framework, ensuring users can see where their money is going and why. This is a special sustainable fintech episode to coincide with the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP28. Discussion Highlights: Eve Morelli's Journey: Eve, Head of Sustainable Transparency at Radicant, shares her 20-year journey in sustainable finance, emphasizing the importance of transparency.Radicant's Methodology: Radicant, a Swiss digital banking startup, integrates sustainability into banking and investments. The app offers transparency, aligning investments with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Sustainable Finance Explained: Eve breaks down sustainable finance into banking and investment aspects, highlighting the impact on society and the environment. The SDGs serve as Radicant's investment framework.Challenges and Surprises: Eve discusses challenges in evaluating companies for sustainability and shares surprises, such as finding luxury brands in the gender equality portfolio.Radicant's Approach: Radicant's digital banking offers quick account setup with a focus on avoiding fossil fuel financing. Investments start with a low threshold, and clients have a say in their preferences, providing a unique level of transparency.Carbon Footprint Tracker: Radicant includes a carbon footprint tracker in its app, raising awareness about individual carbon footprints with every transaction.Women in Finance: Eve touches on the underbanking of women, stressing the need for inclusivity and technology-driven solutions in the financial sector.About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and Annika Melchert, a principal currently based in the Middle East, our hosts specialize in IT strategy, modern tech architecture, and state-of-the-art banking. In their work, they've collaborated with some of today's most innovative Fintechs to transform their organizations; including supporting generative AI use cases. With their unique blend of tech expertise and passion, they bring you stories that capture the essence of the evolving Fintech landscape. This season, we're thrilled to introduce <a...

Welcome back to Fintech Files from BCG Platinion! In this special episode, "Meet the Hosts," we'll bring you up to speed on our latest endeavors since the last episode and introduce the newest member of our hosting team. Join us for a sneak peek into the exciting topics we're eager to explore this upcoming season. Host Introductions: Nora Hocke: Manager at BCG Platinion, based in Munich, and a passionate diver. Nora specializes in IT strategy, data, AI, and navigating the fintech ecosystem.Annika Melchert: Principal at BCG Platinion, originally from Germany and currently based in the Middle East. Annika, also a passionate diver, is an expert in banking technology builds, integration strategies, and digital transformations for fintechs and incumbent banks.Bianca Lopes: Entrepreneur and economist, originally from Brazil and currently residing in Denmark. Bianca's extensive experience includes reshaping technology, identity, and innovation for financial institutions and governments.Discussion Highlights: Generative AI: Nora dives into recent projects involving generative AI and reflects on the industry impact, exploring technologies like ChatGPT.Project Experiences: The hosts share insights from recent projects, including driving IT strategy, core banking system replacements, and navigating identity, biometrics, and tokenization.Trends in FinTech: The hosts discuss exciting trends, from mobile payments and investments to neobanking, highlighting the growth of FinTech in the Middle East.Looking Ahead: The hosts express their excitement for the upcoming season, promising deep dives into topics like tokenization, neobanking, sustainable finance, and cloud transformation. Stay tuned for live episodes and engagements at financial industry conferences. This season, we'll take a more global approach, exploring fintechs around the world. We Want to Hear from You! Reach out to us at fintech-podcast@bcgplatinion.com with your questions, guest suggestions, or topics you'd like us to explore. Or just drop in to say hi! Visit our website at https://www.bcgplatinion.com/insights/fintech-files-insights-on-tech-by-bcg-platinion and follow us on social media for updates and additional content. Thank you for joining us for this Meet the Hosts episode of Fintech Files. Get ready for an insightful and engaging season as we explore the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of fintech, neobanks, and the digital banking world. The digital future is now.

In this episode, the hosts Annika and Nora dive deep into the world of data with Antonio Martinez, Industry Solution Architect at Snowflake, the world's leading cloud-based data platform. We explore how data has become the lifeblood of the finance industry enabled by Snowflake's cutting-edge technology and advanced data analytics possibilities. Antonio shares how their powerful platform is transforming the way banks and fintechs manage, process and utilize data. Whether you're a bank looking to streamline your data processing, or a fintech striving to gain a competitive edge, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we uncover the secrets of Snowflake's game-changing technology and learn how it's revolutionizing the world of finance.

In celebration of International Women's Day, Nora and Annika are joined by two BCG colleagues and renowned leaders in the financial institution's space, Claudia Rasper (Partner) and Jan Koserski (Partner & Managing Director). Together, they co-authored BCG’s "Gender Equality in the European Banking Industry" report, which explores the current state of gender equality in leadership within Europe’s top 50 banks and track their year-on-year development. Listen in to hear them discuss what needs to be done to break down barriers, advance gender parity in the banking sector, and create an equitable workplace.

Welcome to the world of open banking! In our first episode of 2023, we dive deep into the buzzword that’s taking the financial world by storm. What is open banking? Why is it relevant? And how is it transforming the finance landscape in the Middle East? Join Emir Isik, Head of Business Development at Tarabut Gateway, the largest open banking platform in the region, as he delves into the organization’s challenges, opportunities, the role it plays in Saudi Vision 2030 and its impact on the future of finance.

OakNorth has rethought credit decisioning with their data-centric credit intelligence platform. Even more interestingly, their first real-life reference was their own bank. Be it the bank or the software provider, both OakNorth companies share a common focus topic: climate change. Listen in to learn what banks can do to address this global matter now!

Hardly any other fintech is tied as strongly to the terms “next-gen core banking” and “cloud first” as the unicorn Mambu. Bringing in broad experience across the fintech and banking ecosystem, Mambu General Manager Anton Langbroek shares his views on modern versus traditional core banking systems. What are the implications of a modern core banking system on the customer experience but also operability? How can incumbent banks migrate from a traditional to a modern core banking system? And how can software as a service be realized if the regulator imposes restrictions in terms of hosting location? Listen in to find out!

While other “buy now, pay later” players are laying off employees to make up for increasingly pessimistic market expectations, the Berlin-based fintech Mondu just raised €40M in funding. We met with the two co-founders, Malte Huffman and Philipp Povel, and asked them about their secret recipe for building yet another successful start-up, the challenges of integrating into B2B ecosystems, and their approach to create a tech platform that caters to their ambitious growth plans. Listen in and find out what role our previous guest Raisin plays in the Mondu landscape and how Mondu differs from marketplace payments provider Payaut.

We invited Alexa Cotiaux, cofounder of UpLyvt to our first live recording session ever that took place during an internal women’s event! UpLyvt is an early-stage fintech from Berlin that focuses on female wealth management and financial well-being. We chatted with Alexa about UpLyvt’s purpose and product vision and what role a low-code platform plays in their product development approach. In addition, she shared with us her secrets of personal drive and some best practices for balancing parenthood and being a fintech founder.

What makes an Estonian fintech cooler than a Californian one? Probably not just the weather! It’s time to get to know Tuum and its mission to help banks stay in the current digital age. Listen in on this episode with Ove Kreison, CTO and Co-founder of Tuum—formerly known as Modularbank—about what characterizes a state-of-the-art core banking system and why modern APIs are even more important for incumbent banks.

The Berlin-based fintech unicorn Raisin has written quite a success story of organic and inorganic growth since it was founded in 2012. Starting with a “savings-as-a-service” offering, it has massively expanded over the years both in functionality and in markets. Most recently, it merged with its former competitor Deposit Solutions to grow even stronger. Listen in to this episode to learn about Raisin’s evolution and the challenges they’ve overcome—both technical and operational—and hear about what lies ahead on their journey to become one of the biggest European open banking fintechs.

A warm welcome to the Fintech and Digital Banking Podcast hosted by Annika, Manager, and Nora, Senior Consultant, from the BCG Platinion’s Financial Institutions Practice. Join us as we uncover the best-kept secrets of neobank and fintech experts and learn what’s hot and what’s next on the tech side of banking. Any questions? Reach out to us: fintech-podcast@bgcplatinion.com

While flawless customer experience seems to be more naturally aligned with new-grown Fintechs rather than incumbent banks, some solutions venture to bridge the gap between complex infrastructures and modern user-centric processes. Join Annika and Nora in this episode with Thomas Fuss and Elliott Haralambous from Backbase, the frontrunner in the digital banking engagement platform space, on how to introduce modern customer journeys on top of legacy technology to fuel the ambition in architecting banking around the customers.

Personalized IBANs, biweekly feature releases, a special banking license just for Fintechs, a custom-developed core banking system, 100% cloud-native—what sounds like the future for most incumbent banks is already a reality for Yapeal, the rising star in the Swiss fintech market. Join Annika and Nora on their talk with Thomas Hilgendorff, CEO and Co-Founder of Yapeal, about his story of how a group of 12 experienced bankers ventured to join the international competition of challenger banks. At Yapeal, they rethink what customer-centric banking can look like in the digital world of the future.

When talking about the crypto market, there are similarities to the traditional finance one. However, it is barely a “the winner takes it all” market, which provides opportunities for everyone to grow. Nevertheless, ten years in the future, crypto native players will have outperformed traditional banks. Therefore trust is required for Fintechs such as Finoa, a regulated Digital Asset Platform for institutional investors, to scale and capture incumbents’ market share by building a relationship with the customers to provide professional services as a regulated financial institution. But how to target such an ambivalent and ambitious goal? Listen to this episode with Henrik Gebbing, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Finoa, about how to combine being regulated, being trustworthy but still being at the forefront of innovation in the crypto space.

Hardly any other neobank is growing as fast as Nuri, formerly named Bitwala. Trying out some roads not taken yet by other mainstream providers. Nuri offers the world's first banking service that combines a full German bank account with access to cryptocurrencies, digital assets and blockchain-based financial services. But what is their secret recipe for success? Listen in to this episode with Nuri’s Chief Growth Officer Philipp Beer where he shares insights about Nuri's crypto saving plans, the pioneering role of Germany in the field of crypto regulation and how to combine technologies as a competitive advantage.

In this episode we introduce you to a niche fintech that successfully rides on the platform economy wave: The Amsterdam-based Payaut offers payment services to small and medium sized marketplaces. Listen in to learn from their CTO Simon Hall, former Chief IT Architect at BCG Platinion, what Payaut’s value proposition looks like, why they designed their technology platform the way they did, and how they balance automation and regulation.

Observing the latest funding rounds and market values, it appears that successful Fintechs are rapidly catching up with incumbent banks. While what we currently observe is just the tip of the iceberg, the rate of change and the rate of growth in the Fintech space is going to continue. How does it affect the banking sector? And what can incumbent banks learn from those Fintechs? Join the latest episode with Jürgen Eckel (Partner and Managing Director, BCG Digital Ventures), Ludger Küpper (Managing Director and Head of Financial Institutions Practice Area, BCG Platinion) and Boris Stoff (Managing Director, BCG Platinion) on the discussion on what enables banks to stay at the forefront of driving technology and change fast enough to fulfill both customer and regulatory requirements.

In our second episode with him, our guest Peter Grosskopf, one of the leading crypto and fintech experts, shares his perspective on how distributed ledger technologies will impact the future of financial services. If you’ve ever looked for a simple explanation for decentralized finance and the blockchain, listen in now and impress your grandma later.

Full-stack investment offerings with a scope similar to incumbent banks are still rare in the European banking landscape. The German-based fintech Upvest has just positioned themselves in that niche with their "Investment as a service" offering. In parallel, they are just in the process of applying for a full securities trading bank license. Keen to learn how they consider regulation as a chance, and how they've built their cloud-based investment platform? Join Annika and Nora on this episode with Tobias Auferoth, CFO of Upvest, to get to know the process of obtaining a banking license and what advantages this brings to a Fintech.

Migrating core banking systems is a topic that may give you a headache before you even start getting into it. But what if you already would have been part of it without knowing? Germany’s latest fintech unicorn Solarisbank just demonstrated how to smoothly transition from a monolithic to a self-built modular core without its end customers even noticing. Want to find out how? Listen in to this episode with Dr. Jörg Howein, CPO at Solarisbank, in which he shares about the details and gives you a sneak preview into how Solarisbank plans to stay at the forefront of its clients’ needs.

In the race to provide the best and simplest user experience ever, financial services still offer a promising playground for start-ups. Digital finance offerings are more popular than ever—forget.finance is well on the way to becoming one of them. With its ambition to offer a holistic, mobile-based financial coach, they are likely to be one of the most promising fintechs in the German market. Join us as we talk to Jurek Herwig, Co-Founder and CTO, about his vision, the characteristics of a modern banking IT architecture, and his ambitions for the future.

He is one of Germany’s leading crypto and fintech experts and is about to launch a promising decentralized finance (DeFi) start-up: Peter Grosskopf, former CTO of Börse Stuttgart Digital Exchange and Solarisbank. In this episode, we talk about his previous experiences and challenges as CTO of a fintech. Join us as Peter shares the lessons he learned on leading high-performing tech teams and find out how “compliance by design” plays a central role in this