News and Views by the Fintech Times
News & Views is a weekly podcast centred around all things fintech and financial services. Representing the voice of the industry, The Fintech Times editorial team and their guests discuss the latest news and hottest new developments within the rapidly transforming financial and tech sectors from around the globe. Whether you’re a fintech aficionado, work in the industry or just eager to learn more, then News and Views has got you covered. What are you waiting for? Listen now! If you enjoyed News & Views, don't forget to subscribe and please leave a review. 🔗Help us improve our podcast content, take the 1...
Philip Rathle: Unlocking the Trillion-Dollar Potential of Context Graphs
Episode Notes:
The Graph Advantage: Shifting from rigid data tables to mathematical nodes and relationships to mirror real-world systems.
Financial Crime Prevention: How the ICIJ used graph databases to untangle the complex shell company webs of the Panama Papers.
AI’s "Left Brain": Using knowledge graphs to provide deterministic logic, explainability, and access control for Large Language Models.
Data Sovereignty: Managing the balance between on-premise security for regulated banks and managed cloud services like AWS, GCP, and Azure.
The Context Revolution: Why venture capital identifies context graphs as a tr...
Open Finance in the Middle East and Africa: Future Trends and Insights with Nihala Buhattas
Key Topics Covered:
Leapfrogging Development: Why the Middle East and Africa are moving directly to open finance rather than following the incremental UK/Europe model.
Inclusion over Competition: How regional frameworks are designed to foster collaboration between banks and fintechs to reach underserved segments.
Infrastructure Foundations: The role of standardisation and quality APIs in building the "pipe work" necessary for market-wide connectivity.
Modernising Legacy Payments: Utilising open finance to solve regional-specific challenges, such as transitioning away from physical rent checks.
AI and Data Synergy: The potential for agentic AI...
Navigating FinTech Growth and Family Office Expansion in the UAE with Oscar Orellana-Hyder
Key Topics Covered: The surge of new entrants in the Dubai and Abu Dhabi FinTech ecosystems, with a 20% increase in investment managers setting up shop annually. Trends in regional asset classes: Growth of private credit, hedge funds, and regulation of virtual assets and cryptocurrencies overseen by FATF and VARA. Challenges in attracting experienced talent for emerging asset classes, emphasizing the importance of local knowledge and the risks of international recruitment. The rise of family offices in the UAE, including generational shifts and increasing appetite for diversified and regulated investments like hedge funds, private credit, and virtual assets. The strategic role...
Navigating Market Risks and the Impact of AI in FinTech with Forex.com Analyst
Key topics discussed:
How family offices and portfolio managers approach risk management during high volatility, especially in gold and silver markets The importance of portfolio diversification amidst global political and economic upheavals The shifting investment landscape from passive to active assets in response to policy changes The rising integration of AI in portfolio management and market analysis The debate over AI's potential to replace human roles in finance and journalism Strategic insights for managing risks in the current global economic climateTimestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to the importance of market analysis and risk management 00:44 - The...
Future of Payments: Stablecoins, Blockchain, and Global Infrastructure
Key topics:
Evolution of payment infrastructure over the last 3-4 years, driven by fintech innovations and the pandemic The role of stablecoins and blockchain in enabling faster, cheaper cross-border transactions Challenges and opportunities in regulatory frameworks for stablecoins globally The potential of Ripple, Circle, and other networks to create interoperable payment rails The impact of consumer expectations and B2B needs on adoption of innovative payment solutions Predictions: 30-40% stablecoin adoption in payments within the next 2 years How traditional legacy systems like SWIFT compare with emerging blockchain-based rails The importance of global standards and proactive regulation to enable...The Future of Stablecoins: A New Era in Digital Payments
Join Mark Walker as he delves into the world of stablecoins with Vincent Chok, CEO of First Digital. Recorded at Abu Dhabi Finance Week, this episode explores the latest announcements from First Digital, including their public listing and the launch of a new platform for agentic payments. Vincent shares insights on the future of stablecoins, the role of digital currency in Web3, and the importance of a multi-network approach. Discover how stablecoins are set to revolutionize digital payments and what the future holds for this transformative technology.
Chapters:
Introduction to FinTech Times(0:00)
Vincent...
Crypto's Global Evolution: Insights from Abu Dhabi Finance Week
In this engaging episode, Mark Walker, Editorial Director at the FinTech Times, sits down with Matthew Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise Asset Management, at Abu Dhabi Finance Week. They explore the UAE's emerging role as a leader in the digital asset space, highlighting its regulatory clarity and technological advancements. Matthew shares Bitwise's journey from launching the world's first crypto index fund to becoming a major player in the ETF and ETP markets. The conversation delves into the challenges of gaining regulatory approval and educating institutional investors about crypto. They also discuss the transformative potential of AI in finance...
Exploring the Future of Crypto and Stablecoins
In this episode of the FinTech Times News and Views podcast, Mark Walker interviews Samantha Yap, founder of Yap Global, at Abu Dhabi Finance Week. They discuss the explosive growth of digital assets and Web3, the role of stablecoins in cross-border payments, and the regulatory environment in the UAE.
Takeaways
Bitcoin hit all-time highs, indicating explosive industry growth.Stablecoins are becoming essential for cross-border payments.FinTechs are bridging crypto and traditional finance worlds.UAE offers a favorable tax environment for crypto companies.Regulatory clarity in the UAE attracts global crypto players.Yap Global focuses on the...Unlocking the Future of Digital Asset Lending
In this episode of the FinTech Times News and Views podcast, Mark Walker interviews Rico van de Veen, co-founder and CEO of Semi Liquid, at Abu Dhabi Finance Week. They discuss the launch of the Programmable Credit Protocol, its impact on digital asset lending, and the advantages of operating in Abu Dhabi's regulatory environment.
Takeaways:
Programmable Credit Protocol allows bilateral credit without moving collateral.The protocol solves counterparty risk and scales bilateral lending.Tokenization makes assets more mobile and instantly settled.Abu Dhabi offers a collaborative regulatory environment.ADGM is risk-averse but pro-innovation.Assets remain within...Exploring the Future of Stablecoins and Digital Transformation
Join us as we delve into the dynamic world of stablecoins and digital transformation with Anthony Soohoo, CEO of MoneyGram. Recorded live at Abu Dhabi Finance Week, this episode explores the rapid evolution of digital currencies, the potential of stablecoins as a "killer app," and the convergence of AI and digital assets. Anthony shares insights on MoneyGram's strategic refounding, likening it to Microsoft's shift under Satya Nadella, and discusses the importance of scaling trust in financial services. Discover how MoneyGram is leveraging its vast global network to simplify complex transactions and support diverse use cases, from remittances to real...
Transforming Justice: The Digital Revolution in Abu Dhabi
Join us for an insightful conversation with Linda Fitz-Alan, CEO and Registrar of ADGM Courts, as we explore the digital transformation of Abu Dhabi's judicial system. Discover how the direct application of English common law and the digitization of court processes have positioned Abu Dhabi as a leading investor-centric jurisdiction. Linda shares her journey from Australia to New York and finally to Abu Dhabi, highlighting the strategic vision that has driven the modernization of the courts. Key topics include the role of FinTech and technology in enhancing accessibility and transparency, the importance of regulatory frameworks, and the UAE's leadership...
The Rise of Digital Assets: A Conversation with Yoni Assia
Takeaways:
eToro's evolution from TradFi to digital assets leader.The impact of DeFi and non-custodial wallets on finance.Tokenization of real-world assets is now possible.Regulatory environments are adapting to digital finance.The rise of Gen Y as a wealthy cohort.eToro's global expansion and local services.Trust in established brands like eToro is crucial.Digital assets are reshaping traditional finance.The importance of innovation in financial services.Abu Dhabi Finance Week's growth in fintech presence.Sound Bites:
eToro: The OG of digital financeCrypto is software for moneyDigital assets will eat financeTrust in established brandsThe rise...The Future of Banking: Embedded Finance and Data Evolution
Key Topics: Introduction to embedded finance and its growth - The role of banks as data mediators - Challenges and opportunities in data monetization - The future of stable coins in global finance - Insights into the digital transformation of banks
Quotes:
"Embedded finance is in its relative infancy.""Banks evolving from balance sheet providers to data mediators."Chapters:
Introduction to Embedded Finance (0:00)Data as a New Revenue Stream (3:00)The Role of Stable Coins (6:00)Digital Transformation Challenges (9:00)Future Outlook and Closing Thoughts (12:00)The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into...
The Future of Stablecoins: A Global Financial Shift
Introduction to Stablecoins (00:41):
Mark Walker introduces the topic of stablecoins and their role in economic stimuli, focusing on the Japanese yen and government strategies.Global Perspectives (01:04):
Aishwary discusses the varying approaches to stablecoin integration in countries like Japan and India, highlighting the challenges posed by capital controls.Regulatory Challenges (02:12):
The conversation shifts to the regulatory concerns surrounding stablecoins, particularly the nervousness of central banks about losing control over monetary policies.Future Predictions (04:40):
Aishwary predicts a significant increase in the number of stablecoins, potentially leading to a complex financial ecosystem with thousands of...Episode 209: Driving Sustainability: Insights from Emirates NBD's Vijay Bains
Takeaways
Sustainable finance is crucial for renewable energy projects. Emirates NBD is a leader in financing electric vehicles. Green buildings reduce emissions and energy costs. Digital transformation enhances ESG data accuracy. AI chatbots handle sustainable finance inquiries efficiently. Green bonds are integral to corporate sustainability strategies. Transition finance is key for hard-to-abate sectors. Carbon trading is essential for achieving net zero. Sustainable sukuks offer diverse funding opportunities. ESG investing aligns with long-term market trends.
Sound bites
"Sustainable finance is any finance allocated towards a sustainable project." "Green buildings are really important for us." "...
Episode 208: Concerning Lending Reality, Financial Education & wac on Wage Theft Crisis
On this week's episode of News & Views, The Fintech Times Podcast team speak about Loqbox publishing new findings highlighting concerns about Brits’ understanding of the lending sector, GoHenry research into including financial education within the national curriculum & wac urging the government to do more to ensure more employees are paid correctly. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.
Episode 207: HSBC Net Zero Alliance Exit & re:cap Expands to UK
On this week's episode of News & Views, The Fintech Times Podcast team speak about HSBC receiving a fair amount of criticism after it revealed that it was quitting the Net Zero Banking Alliance & re:cap launching in the UK, backed by HSBC Innovation Banking and Avellinia Capital. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.
Episode 206: dLocal Partnership with BVNK & PAPSSCARD
On this week's episode of News & Views, the Fintech Times Podcast team are joined by Mouloukou Sanoh, Cofounder and CEO at MANSA to discuss dLocals' new partnership with BVNK which will allow them to offer faster settlements to their global merchant base & PAPSSCARD, the first pan-African card scheme, which plans to reclaim the continent’s financial autonomy. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social pl...
Episode 205: dLocal and BVNK Collaboration, Open Banking & UK £40billion Crypto and Web3 Opportunity
On this week's episode of News & Views, the Fintech Times Podcast team speak about dLocal and BVNK joining forces to bridge stablecoins and fiat currency, Yapil's new findings uncovering what merchants and shoppers view as the most important factors when offering or choosing a new payment method & the £40billion in crypto and web3 opportunities the UK can unlock, per Startup Coalition The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times a...
Episode 204: Financial Exclusion in Banking, Gen Alpha's Digital Financial Experience & Gender Digital Skills Gap
On this week's episode of News & Views, The Fintech Times Podcast team speak about new Project Nemo data revealing that 61% of adults with learning disabilities say banks don’t meet their needs, Mastercards research into Gen Alpha's digital financial experience & Bitget's collaboration with UNICEF Luxembourg to advance digital skills and blockchain literacy among young people. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.
Episode 203: Crypto Scam Losses, Digital ID adoption & FCA’s Supercharged AI Sandbox
On this week's episode of News & Views, The Fintech Times Podcast team speak about crypto scam losses exceeding $4billion in 2024 with an increase in Deepfake and AI Tech use, merchants and financial institutions not offering digital ID being at risk of losing customer trust & the Financial Conduct Authority unveiling its ‘supercharged sandbox’. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.
Episode 202: Persistence of Physical Cards & Revoluts Branded ATM
On this week's episode of News & Views, The Fintech Times Podcast team speak about a recent report from Zilch stating that 66% of shoppers insist on carrying a physical card despite digital wallet popularity & Revoluts' official announcement that it will roll out its own branded ATM machines in Spain. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.
Episode 201: Tap To Pay European Expansion & Curve Pay on iOS
On this week's episode of News & Views, The Fintech Times Podcast team speak about Apple launching Tap to Pay on iPhone in eight new European countries & Curve announcing that it will be launching Curve Pay on iOS as an alternative digital wallet to Apple Pay for iPhone users. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.
Episode 200: Open Banking Obstacles & Binance and Pix Integration in Brazil
On this week's episode of News & Views, The Fintech Times Podcast team discuss Payit by NatWest uncovering obstacles facing open banking with solutions to overcome them & Binance announcing that Pix will now be integrated into its Binance Pay payments solution in Brazil. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.
Episode 199: Financial Educations Impact & In-app Wallets
On this week's episode of News & Views, The Fintech Times Podcast team speak about the extent to which financial education impacts financial well-being & why In-app wallets are proving to be a popular payment method in the UK. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.
Episode 198: UK Financial Education & Deaf Inclusion
On this week's episode of News & Views, The Fintech Times Podcast team speak about Boon Brokers research into why the majority of young adults in the UK are leaving school with a worrying lack of financial education & how the financial services sector has seen positive progress to better support deaf customers in the last two years, according to a new report by the Lending Standards Board (LSB). The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes...
Episode 197: Fraudulent Attacks, Revoluts Mobile Plans & AIs reputation
On this week's episode of News & Views, Sponsored by TrustVanta, the Fintech Times Podcast team speak about recent reports from Wise finding that two in three UK adults have experienced a fraudulent attack, Revolut expanding its services once more into the mobile world as it looks to launch mobile plans & KMPGs new research into peoples attitude towards AI. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major...
Episode 196: Quantum Technology & Stable Coins in Mexico
On this week's episode of News & Views, Sponsored by TrustVanta, the Fintech Times Podcast team speak about the UK Government pledging a £121Million investment into Quantum technology to combat fraud & Chipi Pays expansion into Mexico following a partnership with Starknet Foundation. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.
Episode 195: Pix Expansion & ClearBanks Embedded Banking Service
On this week's episode of News & Views, sponsored by TrustVanta, The Fintech Times Podcast team speak about ClearBanks partnership with Captial on Tap & Pix having its payment capabilities expanded upon, as the central bank has announced a myriad of new features. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.
Episode 194: Fraudsters Using Whatsapp, Real-Time Payments & Blockchain
On this week's episode of News & Views, sponsored by TrustVanta, The Fintech Times Podcast team speak about Revolut revealing that UK consumers are losing money due to Whastapp scams, why UK banks need to focus on building confidence in the security of real-time payments & how other technologies such as Blockchain can still be given the attention they deserve under the limelight of AI. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The...
Episode 193: Affordable Credit Options & New Era for Payments in Somalia
On this week's episode of News & Views, sponsored by TrustVanta, The Fintech Times Podcast team speak about the fact that two million UK adults have borrowed from illegal lenders in the last 12 months & how Somalia has successfully launched the country’s first instant payment system. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.
Episode 192: Scrapping Contactless Limit, Australia ‘Two-Speed’ Fintech Ecosystem & Ease of Payments
On this week's episode of News & Views, sponsored by Vanta, The Fintech Times Podcast team speak about the Financial Conduct Authority reviewing whether the £100 contactless limit should be removed or increased, why many Brits claim they would rather remove fraud prevention checks to complete a transaction faster & Fintech Australias call for government intervention to avoid a 'two-speed' fintech ecosystem. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all m...
Episode 191: Online Card-Present Payments, Impact of Late Payments & Krakens EMI approval
On this week's episode of News & Views, sponsored by Vanta, The Fintech Times Podcast team speak about Welsh software provider Burbank completing the first online card-present payment, how the impact of late payments are continuing to grow for small and medium businesses & Kraken securing the Electronic Money Institution authorisation. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.
Episode 190: UK Tap to Phone Adoption & Financial Apps
On this week's episode of News & Views, sponsored by Vanta, The Fintech Times Podcast team speak about Tap to Phone seeing a 200 per cent increase across the globe in the last year & why almost one in four Brits believe that these apps are ‘in need of improvement’ in some way. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.
Episode 189: AA Instant Savings Accounts & Future of AI in Fintech
On this week's episode of News & Views, sponsored by Vanta, The Fintech Times Podcast team are joined by Emmanuel Daniels, Founder of The Asian Banker, as well as author, advisor and futurist, to discuss the AA launching Instant Savings Accounts, leveraging NatWest Boxed & dive into what the future holds for AI in Fintech. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.
Episode 188: Digital Wallets & UK Pay By Bank Adoption
On this week's episode of News & Views, sponsored by Vanta, The Fintech Times Podcast team speak about the significant opportunity digital wallets represent for consumers, as per the FCA and PSR, as well as Token.io and Fabrick's partnership, which looks to expand on the benefits and adoption of account-to-account payments in the UK. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.
Episode 187: Growing Threat of GenAI & Sustainability Reporting
On this week's episode of News & Views, sponsored by Vanta, The Fintech Times Podcast team speak about the growing threat of GenAI & how 97% of executives believe sustainability reporting will be a business advantage. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.
Episode 186: Latin America Fraud Protection, UK Supply Chain Attacks & Project Nemo
On this week's episode of News & Views, sponsored by Vanta, the Fintech Times Podcast team speak about how almost 6 in 10 large UK financial services firms fell victim to at least one third-party supply chain attack in 2024, Project Nemo taking on Bankings accessibility challenge & Yuno launching the Mastercard payment passkey across Latin America to combat fraud. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.
Episode 185: Anti-Smartphone Theft, UK Tap To Pay & Australian Fintech Fueled Boom
On this week's episode of News & Views, sponsored by Vanta, the Fintech Times Podcast team speak about businesses of all sizes within the UK now able to benefit from Apple‘s Tap to Pay technology, Australian small businesses using fintech solutions to generate $9billion in economic benefits & Nuke From Orbit launching a nationwide campaign to combat this growing crisis. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all ma...
Episode 184: Blue Monday & The UK Gender Pay Gap
On this week's episode of News & Views, Sponsored by Vanta, The Fintech Times Podcast team speak about how we can overcome 'Blue Monday' Fintech challenges & discuss the UK's gender pay gap lack of progress. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.
