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Fintech & Web3 Founders Series Podcast by CFTE Cover
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Fintech & Web3 Founders Series Podcast by CFTE

English, Finance, 3 seasons, 104 episodes, 3 days, 1 hour, 20 minutes
About
Fintech Founders Series by CFTE-Centre for Finance, Technology and Entrepreneurship is a podcast dedicated to entrepreneurship stories that are not told in the Fintech industry. Hosted by experts including Ronit Ghose, the Global Head of Banking at Citi Global Insights and Gaurav Dhar, the CEO of Marshal Equipment & Trading Co. LLC by outstanding guests, they discuss how to be an entrepreneur, the latest trends, challenges and opportunities in the Fintech industry.
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103. The Future of Banking: Banking-as-a-Service | With Kelvin Tan, CEO of Audax SC Ventures

This episode is joined by Kelvin Tan, CEO of Audax, a digital banking venture by SC Ventures, providing BaaS to financial institutions accelerating digital transformation. Under Kelvin’s leadership, before Audax, SC Nexus doubled its banking retail and SME customer base quickly and at minimal cost through strategic partnerships. Our guest speaker will demystify how BasS promotes financial inclusion by enabling non-bank companies to integrate with licensed banks enhancing better customer experiences and scalable banking solutions 🔍 Listen to this Episode and learn: 🔷 The booming BaaS markets in Asia, driven by progressive regulations and the innovative technology 🔷 The unique challenges and benefits of Intrapreneurship vs. Entrepreneurship 🔷 The future growth of BaaS in different global markets and comparative approaches taken by Western and Asian countries 🎧 Tune in now and stay ahead of industry latest trends! Don’t forget to like, share, and comment below of what you think about BaaS and which industry expert you’d like hear in our next episode!
7/16/202444 minutes, 44 seconds
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Emerging Technologies & Blockchain.

In this episode of the Future of Money Podcast, brought to you by CFTE and supported by XVC Tech and the MENA FinTech Association, hosts Ronit Ghose and Gaurav Dhar are joined by Hugo, founder of Flare Networks.  In this episode, Hugo delves into the foundational principles and vision behind Flare Networks, explaining how it aims to revolutionise the tech landscape with its innovative protocols. He also highlights the challenges and opportunities of starting a tech venture in different regions, particularly the UK, and provides insights into the future of AI in blockchain technology. Tune in to learn about the significance of decentralised data in the blockchain ecosystem, the interplay between machine learning and blockchain, and the exciting future that lies ahead for these technologies. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a professional in the field, this episode offers valuable insights and thought-provoking discussions. "AI has been through a couple of hype cycles. And looks like this last one is ending up with a consumer product." Key Highlights: Insights into global coordination and the evolution of cryptocurrencies The potential of stable coins and their impact on the financial system The future of machine learning and AI in blockchain  The impact of geographical location on tech startups.  👥 If you enjoy our podcast and are curious about the future of money and tech, share your thoughts and comment on who you would like to listen to for the upcoming guest speakers.
6/27/202436 minutes, 38 seconds
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Innovative Banking Solutions with Paul Taylor, CEO and Founder of Thought Machine

In this episode of the Future of Money Podcast, hosted by Ronit Ghose and Gaurav Dhar, and supported by XVC Tech and the MENA FinTech Association we sit down with Paul Taylor, founder of Thought Machine, to explore the revolutionary impact of cloud-native core banking engines on the banking industry. In this episode, Paul shares his journey from Google to Thought Machine, highlighting the challenges of modernising banking technology providing insights into the future of banking, the importance of scalability, and the necessity of adapting to new technological landscapes to stay competitive.  Join us as Paul Taylor reveals the key to building resilient and efficient banking systems in a digital age and sheds light on how Thought Machine's innovative solutions enable real-time, always-on banking, transforming the way financial institutions operate and serve their customers. "The future of banking is real-time, always-on, and cloud-native," says Paul. Key Highlights: The crucial role of core banking engines in modern banking. How legacy systems hinder banking innovation. The transformation brought by Thought Machine’s cloud-native technology. Understand the importance of scalability and adaptability in the future of banking. Tune in to hear how Thought Machine is revolutionising banking technology. Share your thoughts and comment on who you would like to hear from next.
6/20/202436 minutes, 29 seconds
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The Power of AI in Tech with Stefan Klestil

Join us for an insightful episode of FUMO Podcast, brought to you by CFTE, hosted by Ronit Ghose and Gaurav Dhar supported by XVC tech , featuring Stefan Klestil, General Partner at Speedinvest, and a pioneering figure in the creative technology landscape.  Discover how Stefan's innovative approach is shaping the future of tech and creativity as he discusses various initiatives, including the Creative Tech Lab, which blends art and technology for innovation, and AI and Creativity Workshops that merge artificial intelligence with creative practices. He highlights Sustainable Tech Programs for eco-friendly innovations and the Global Innovation Exchange for international collaboration.  "Creativity is the driving force that turns technology into an art form," says Stefan Key Highlights: Stefan's vision on the future of artificial intelligence and its potential to reshape industries. Comparing  innovation strategies of startups VS large corporations. Insight into what it takes to lead effectively in today's fast-paced tech environment. Integrating sustainability in tech. Tune in to hear Stefan's thoughts on the fusion of art and technology, and the future potential of creative tech. 👥 If you enjoy our podcast and are curious about the future of money and tech, share your thoughts and comment on who you would like to listen to for the upcoming guest speakers.
6/13/202458 minutes, 24 seconds
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99. Exploring the Future of Decentralised AI with Erik Voorhees and Teana Baner-Taylor from Venice.ai

🚀 Exploring the Future of Decentralised AI 🌐 Join us for a very special episode of Future of Money Podcast, brought to you by CFTE, hosted by Ronit Ghose and Gaurav Dhar, supported by XVC tech where we are joined by Erik Voorhees Founder and CEO and Teana Baker-Taylor, Chief Operating Officer of Venice.ai, and discover how they're revolutionising AI with privacy and open-source technology. Venice.ai enables private, permissionless generative AI. Venice does not collect or store user data on centralised servers, or censor outputs. This approach ensures privacy and avoids the biases often introduced by centralised entities. "AI agents will become economic actors, and a natively digital economic actor needs a natively digital asset." says Erik on future AI agents. Key Highlights: Decentralised AI networks ensure enhanced privacy and unbiased outputs. Building AI systems that are permissionless and beyond any single entity's control. Open-source technology is crucial for equitable financial access. Predicting AI agents will act as independent economic actors using digital assets. Tune in to hear Erik and Teana as they highlight the importance of making AI technology easy to use to drive adoption.  👥 If you enjoy our podcast and are curious about the future of money and tech, share your thoughts and comment on who you would like to listen to for the upcoming guest speakers.
5/31/202447 minutes, 29 seconds
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98. Tech revolution: Insights from UAE with Nader AlBastaki

Tech revolution: Insights from UAE Straight from the Museum of the Future, Join us for a very special episode of Future of Money Podcast, brought to you by CFTE, hosted by Ronit Ghose and Gaurav Dhar, supported by XVC tech where we are joined by Nader AlBastaki Managing Director of District Fund, and discover how Dubai is becoming a global tech hub through strategic investments and innovative initiatives. In this interview, Nader Malcolm shares key insights into the strategic efforts driving Dubai's tech and business landscape. "The future belongs to those who have not yet designed and executed." says Nader  One of the cornerstone initiatives is the Dubai Future Accelerators program. "This program has engaged over 200 startups, driving substantial innovation," Nader notes. The success of these engagements underscores the importance of fostering a collaborative ecosystem Key Highlights: Insights into portfolio management and strategic support. The importance of Dubai Future Accelerators in fostering tech innovation. Portfolio companies have expanded internationally, achieving a combined valuation of over $2 billion. Tune in to hear Nader Malcolm as he highlights the growth and future potential of Dubai's tech landscape, emphasising the collaborative efforts between the government, corporates, and startups. 👥 If you enjoy our podcast and are curious about the future of money and tech, share your thoughts and comment on who you would like to listen to for the upcoming guest speakers. Connect, share, and discuss how from strategic investments to government-led initiatives, Dubai is positioning itself as a global leader in technology.
5/24/202442 minutes, 8 seconds
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97. LLM's and AI reshaping finance with Naré Vardanyan, CEO of Ntropy Network. 

LLM’s & AI reshaping finance: Join us on the Future of Money Podcast, brought to you by CFTE, hosted by Ronit Ghose and Gaurav Dhar, supported by XVC tech, where we are joined by Naré Vardanyan, CEO of Ntropy Network.  Broadcasting from the bustling streets of New York, Nare highlights the overlooked significance of AI's future impact, emphasising the pivotal role of affordable energy. It's not just about building effective models but also ensuring scalability and affordability across diverse data volumes and applications. If you’re curious, tune in to discover how AI is used to interpret and optimise vast amounts of financial data, reducing operational costs by up to 40% and providing unprecedented analytical capabilities. "If I want to classify a billion transactions, which is 1/10 of a volume of a medium-size US issuer, it's nothing with a duty-for-size model, and will cost me $50 million today. This is a basic task that the models are very good at." Key Highlights: Impact of LLMs on financial data optimization and decision-making. Real-world applications and benefits of AI in handling billions of data points. An accuracy rate of 98.9% in predictive responses from Ntropy’s AI models, indicating high reliability in their automated systems.  Discussing the economic implications, and how using a traditional model to classify one billion transactions could cost as much as $50 million. Join us as Nare talks about the real magic of AI in finance, which isn't just about crunching numbers; it's about transforming how we see and interact with data.  👥 If you enjoy our podcast and are curious about the future of money and tech, share your thoughts and comment on who you would like to listen to for the upcoming guest speakers.
5/9/202458 minutes, 40 seconds
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96. The dollar, gold & bitcoin with Ebrahim Rahbari

Discuss the future of finance , with the man who coined the term “Grexit” , that led to Brexit, - Ebrahim Rahbari . In this exciting episode of  Future of Money Podcast, brought to you by CFTE, hosted by Ronit Ghose and Gaurav Dhar, supported by XVC tech, we are joined by Ebrahim Rahbari, Ebrahim delves into the complex interplay between sovereign debt, currency dynamics, and the future of global economies. "The dollar's dominion is less about economics and more about a complex web of trust, governance, and historical momentum." says Ebrahim Key Highlights: Will the dollar remain the no 1 currency What level of debt is too much Are gold and bitcoin alternatives to fiat currency? How he came to coin the term Grexit, the precursor to Brexit What does the demographic changes mean for currency and economies Join us in this episode as we venture into the  understanding of the global economy's future,the intriguing concept of Grexit, and the evolving dynamics of monetary policy in emerging markets. If you enjoy our podcast and are curious about the future of money and tech, share your thoughts and comment on who you would like to listen to for the upcoming guest speakers.
4/11/202442 minutes, 6 seconds
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95. Meme coins to Money with Simon Taylor

Meme Coins to Money: Join us on Future of Money Podcast, brought to you by CFTE, hosted by Ronit Ghose and Gaurav Dhar, supported by XVC tech.  In this episode, Simon Taylor takes us into the intriguing world of meme coins. This conversation isn't just about digital assets; it's a journey through the evolving narrative of value, community, and the very fabric of digital trust. "Money's story is rewritten by communities; meme coins are the latest chapter.” states Simon. Key Highlights: What meme coins are and how they're changing the game for digital money, creating a new paradigm for investment and community engagement. Discover underlying technologies like Solana and Ethereum, fostering a new era for digital assets. Compare and contrast meme coins with traditional investments and what that means for investors and the market. Join us as we navigate through this exploration which isn't just about understanding the nuts and bolts of digital currencies; it's a deep dive into how meme coins are reshaping our perceptions of investment, technology and the community.  If you enjoy our podcast and are curious about the future of money and tech, share your thoughts and comment on who you would like to listen to for the upcoming guest speakers.
3/28/202431 minutes, 19 seconds
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94. Web3 & The New Era of Gaming, with Emil Ahmed from DeGaming Group

In this episode of FUMO: Future Of Money Podcast, produced by CFTE and hosted by Ronit Ghose and Gaurav Dhar,  we delve into the future of online gaming with Emil,CEO of DeGaming who's at the forefront of integrating blockchain technology into the gaming industry. Emil discusses the transformative journey from Web1, where information was primarily static and read-only, to Web2, characterised by interactive experiences and user-generated content. "Imagine a world where the community not only plays the game but owns the game. Where every loss and every win feeds back into the community that supports it. This isn't just gaming; it's a revolution in ownership and participation." - Emil Listen now to uncover: How blockchain serves as the backbone of Web3, enabling secure, transparent transactions and interactions without the need for intermediaries. How Web3 is revolutionising transparency and ownership in gaming. Challenges in the mainstream adoption of Web3. To know more, watch the full episode here: 💻 Watch on YouTube 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPWtLkQZq7Q 🔊 Listen on Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/episode/21Xhj0uGEJ35KpL3NnDVXM 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/94-web3-the-new-era-of-gaming-with-emil-ahmed/id1596881094 If you enjoy our podcast and are curious about the future of money and tech, share your thoughts and comment on who you would like to listen to for the upcoming guest speakers.
3/21/202445 minutes, 26 seconds
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93. Gold goes Digital, with Navin Dsouza from Comtec Gold

Gold goes Digital : In this episode of FUMO: Future Of Money Podcast, produced by CFTE and hosted by Ronit Ghose and Gaurav Dhar, we delve into the fascinating intersection of gold and blockchain technology with Navin Dsouza, CEO of Comtec Gold. Discover the journey of gold from a traditional asset to a digital powerhouse, transforming the way we invest, secure, and perceive value in the digital age. "Gold has always been a beacon of security and trust. By marrying it with blockchain, we're not just preserving its value; we're enhancing its accessibility and utility for the modern investor," states Navin. Key Highlights: Explore the transformative potential of tokenized gold in enhancing investment security and liquidity. Understand the role of blockchain in democratising access to gold investments. A glimpse into the future where digital gold becomes a staple in investment portfolios. Join us as we navigate through the evolution of gold in the digital era, offering a glimpse into the future where technology and tradition converge to redefine wealth and investment. If you enjoy our podcast and are curious about the future of money and tech, share your thoughts and comment on who you would like to listen to for the upcoming guest speakers.
3/14/202438 minutes, 43 seconds
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92. Past, present and future of AI with Dr Shonali Krishnaswamy

Dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence with Shonali, as she unravels the complexities and transformative potential of AI in our latest episode. Uncover groundbreaking advancements in AI technology that are shaping industries, enhancing human capabilities, and redefining what's possible in the digital age. From neural networks to machine learning breakthroughs, Shonali provides an unparalleled overview of AI's current state and its exciting future trajectory. "AI's potential is boundless, yet harnessing it responsibly is our greatest challenge and opportunity." says Shonali Key Highlights: Explore how AI is being integrated into various sectors for improved efficiency and innovation. Delve into the importance of ethical considerations in AI development and deployment. Future AI trends and how they will impact society and industry. Join us as we journey through the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence with Shonali, offering unique perspectives that will enlighten both AI enthusiasts and novices alike. Don't miss this compelling exploration of AI's capabilities, challenges, and future. If you enjoy our podcast and are curious about the future of money and tech, share your thoughts and comment on who you would like to listen to for the upcoming guest speakers.
3/7/202446 minutes, 1 second
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91. Tokens and Tunes with Williams Bailey from Bolero

Tokens and Tunes! Discover how Bolero is revolutionizing the music industry by bringing over $40+ billion worth of assets onto the blockchain. Dive into this episode of FUMO: future of money podcast, with Ronit & Gaurav, brought to you by CFTE and sponsored by XVC tech, where we uncover how tokenizing music rights on chain is creating a new asset class that's reshaping how we value music. Welcome to the new beat of blockchain investments with Bolero. “When you own IP, you actually receive royalties. It's like owning shares in a company... Blockchain is the perfect tool to handle hundreds of thousands of payments, offering a solution to efficiently manage and distribute royalties"​ says Williams Bailey. Unlock the power of music with Bolero, where over $40 billion in music assets are now accessible through blockchain technology. This innovative platform allows you to: Invest in Music Rights: Discover why music rights on the blockchain are the new asset class you don’t want to miss. Blockchain Integration: Experience the future of music investment through blockchain, making music royalties more accessible. Portfolio Transformation: Learn how to transform your playlists into a valuable music assets portfolio on the chain. Tokenization of Royalties: Dive into the world of tokenizing music rights royalties on the chain, opening up new investment avenues. Join us on a journey of discovery with the FUMO: future of money podcast where each episode is an adventure into the world where technology transforms possibilities into realities.  If you enjoy our podcast and are curious about the future of money and tech, share your thoughts and comment on who you would like to listen to for the upcoming guest speakers.
2/29/202449 minutes, 53 seconds
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90. Tokenisation, AI and the future of finance with Alex Manson

Where AI meets finance: Building the next-gen of financial solutions with Alex Manson who heads  SC Ventures globally, the corporate venture capital and venture incubation of Standard Chartered Bank globally, the corporate venture capital and venture incubation arm of Standard Chartered Bank. Dive into this episode of FUMO: future of money podcast, with Ronit & Gaurav, brought to you by CFTE and sponsored by XVC tech, where we uncover Tokenization, AI & the future of finance.  “AI is foundational, not just a use case; it's about how it's applied.” says Alex  Alex Manson leads SC Ventures, a unit that was established in March 2018 that aims to drive innovation and foster intrapreneurship across the Standard Chartered Group. Launched in March 2018, SC Ventures pioneers innovation and entrepreneurship across Standard Chartered, guiding fintech investments and spearheading disruptive business models. Key Insights:   AI is like fire—discovered yet requiring control for good. Regulation of AI use cases, not AI itself, is crucial. Winners move fast on the rapid S-curve of innovation, leaving regulators and banks trailing behind in technology. Power of being a learning machine, as skills expire in 5 years; read, network, & reflect.  🌟 Share Your Thoughts & Join the Conversation! 🌟 What were your takeaways from today's discussion? Who do you want to hear from in future episodes? Comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to let us know your views, suggestions, and any questions you have! Hit the subscribe button to not miss out on a deep dive into how technology is reshaping the financial landscape.
2/22/202443 minutes, 30 seconds
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89. Fixing the credit gap with Omair Ansari

“What do people want? They need money!” Fixing the credit gap in emerging markets. Our latest episode of FUMO: future of money podcast is with Omair Ansari, CEO and Co-founder of ABHI, an innovative embedded finance platform rapidly expanding its presence from Pakistan to Bangladesh, UAE and beyond. Fintech 1.0 was about building payments infrastructure. The next phase, especially in emerging and frontier markets, is credit fintech. In Omair’s words: all roads lead to lending. Credit in emerging and frontier markets, or lack of it, is a big problem that needs fixing. Earned wage access (EWA) and invoice factoring for SMEs is part of ABHI’s solution. Credit is really what is going to allow for digitalization to happen across emerging markets, says Omair Emerging market investing and operating is like time travel. What one country is ready for, another may not. You need to wait for the right time. Brazil in 2010 wasn’t ready for credit fintechs. By 2014 it was. Similarly, in 2018, Omair wasn't sure Pakistan was ready - but the digital catalyst of COVID-19 convinced Omair to swap NYC for Karachi. Key Insights:   Credit Matters. The big unmet demand in emerging and frontier markets is credit. Fintech innovation can bridge this gap. Localisation Matters. Your market needs to be ready for your product. You can't copy paste solutions from other countries. Default Alive. In frontier markets, you can't run a business on the ‘burn rate’ model as in the Valley. Profitability matters. Your investors may disappear. Smart Agents. Omair’s vision of Fintech 3.0 is one of mass personalisation based on intelligent agents, serving our needs from savings to credit. Join us on a journey of discovery with the FUMO: future of money podcast where each episode is an adventure into the world where technology transforms possibilities into realities.  If you enjoy our podcast and are curious about the future of money and tech, share your thoughts and comment on who you would like to listen to for the upcoming guest speakers.
2/15/202457 minutes, 52 seconds
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88. Blockchain for real world assets | Atul Khekade and Ritesh Kakkad from XDC Network | FUMO Episode 1

Ever wondered how blockchain technology can revolutionize the way we handle real-world assets?  Dive into our first episode of FUMO: future of money podcast, with Ronit & Gaurav, brought to you by CFTE and sponsored by XVC tech, where we uncover how XDC Network, spearheaded by founders Atul Khekade and Ritesh Kakkad, merges the digital precision of blockchain with tangible, real-world applications, offering a new horizon of possibilities for asset management and beyond.  This episode offers a comprehensive insight into how blockchain technology is not just a digital ledger but a tool for tangible, real-world impact, making it an essential listen for those interested in the practical applications of blockchain beyond the realm of cryptocurrencies. Ritesh Kakkad and Atul Khekade are accomplished business leaders in the tech industry, with Ritesh bringing over 20 years of expertise in cloud hosting and web infrastructure, and Atul offering 14 years of experience in blockchain technology and leveraging XDC Network's Blockchain applications to address global infrastructure challenges. Key Insights:   Learn about the backbone of Layer 1 blockchain.  Know how DAO’s (decentralized autonomous organization) operate differently from traditional business structures. What lies ahead in the world of blockchain technology.  Comment below of what you think and suggest any guest speakers for future episodes.  Highlights with timestamps Highlights with timestamps 0:00 Intro 1:43-5:36 What are real world assets ? 7:22-10:19 What does a layer 1 blockchain mean? 12:55- 16:59 Foundation and journey of XDC 17:54-20:56 How is building a Layer 1 Blockchain different? 24:05-28:11 Exchange trader funds and the hype around them 30:17 33:00 - USP of XDC 33:34- 35:04 Geographical expansion of XDC 37:35-40:19 Why should people approach XDC?
2/1/202443 minutes, 32 seconds
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87. Fintech Innovation in Southeast Asia with Nawaz Imam

Welcome to our final episode of season 3 of What$Next featuring Nawaz Imam, Group Head of Corporate Development at MoneyHero Group (NASDAQ: MNY). From super apps and creator economies to emerging trends like wealthtech insurance, tune in to this episode of What$Next to discover how AI and digital advances are reshaping user engagement in Asian fintech with our guest Nawaz Imam.  Nawaz dives into the diverse consumer finance landscapes of Singapore, Hong Kong, and other Asian markets, exploring how MoneyHero Group’s innovative approaches in these regions. Nawaz shares his insights on emerging trends in digital wealth management and insurance, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities in Asian fintech markets. What you will learn 🔍 🔷 The versatility of fintech strategies in diverse Southeast Asian markets. 🔷 The growing significance of the creator economy in digital finance. 🔷 The most popular financial products and emerging trends in insurance. 🔷 How AI is shaping future fintech interactions and customer experiences.   Comment below of what you think and suggest any guest speakers for future episodes.   Highlights with timestamps 0:00 Intro with Ronit and Nawaz 1:43 Diverse digital landscape in Southeast Asia 4:17 Singapore fintech ecosystem 7:26 Portability of fintech innovations in Southeast Asia 12:13 How is fintech changing consumer finance? 14:07 China’s tech evolution 17:21 Acceleration of China’s digital landscape 19:39 What is MoneyHero Group? 23:17 Growth of content creation & digital monetization in Southeast Asia 27:19 How does MoneyHero streamline customer acquisition? 28:24 Asia’s creator economy 30:48 Most popular financial products in consumer marketplace 33:35 The road ahead in Asian fintech 36:44 Emerging trends in fintech: Digital wealth & insurance 40:44 End  If you enjoy listening to this episode of What$Next, don’t miss out on other podcast series to our featuring #Crypto #Blockchain #Web3 #Digital Banking -        The Mega Debate: Are #stablecoins the future of money? | Episode 84, with Dante Disparte Navigating AI innovations in finance| Episode 85, with Jonathan Larsen      Building Digital Banks 101 | Episode 81 with Olivier Crespin Deep Fakes, Gen AI, and the Evolution of Fintech: What lies ahead! | Ep, 80 Simon Taylor      Building a Regulated Crypto Business from MENAl | Ep,78 Talal Tabbaa Africa’s Blueprint for a thriving fintech ecosystem | Ep. 77 with Margaret O'Connor
1/7/202440 minutes, 44 seconds
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86. Digital dollars reforming global finance with Bradley Allgood

Welcome to our latest episode of What$Next featuring Bradley Allgood, CEO of Fluent Finance. Fluent’s unique selling proposition lies in its deep integration into the core banking system, which sets them apart from simpler token-issuing solutions. Bradley delves into Fluent's role in developing and implementing innovative technologies like stablecoins and deposit tokens to streamline financial transactions, particularly in areas such as cross-border trade and global aid delivery.  Join us in this enlightening conversation as Bradley discusses the challenges of fintech adoption in traditional banking systems and shares his insights on navigating this competitive industry. What you will learn 🔍 🔷 The evolution of blockchain from Bitcoin to more advanced uses like smart contracts, enabling programmatic settlements and the creation of stablecoins. 🔷Deposit tokens, a concept aimed at reducing counterparty risk in large transactions. 🔷Insights into the challenges of fintech integration in traditional banking systems. 🔷Advice to fintech entrepreneurs to prioritise steady progress & deep integration in fintech adoption, balancing innovation with market alignment. Comment below of what you think and suggest any guest speakers for future episodes.  Highlights with timestamps 0:00 Intro with Ronit and Gaurav 1:57 Bradley’s financial journey  5:10 Evolution of digital currency  6:36 What makes a stablecoin reliable? 8:59 UAE as a crypto hub  13:51 Fluent: simplifying banking with smart contracts 15:58 Can digital tokens replace traditional aid methods? 19:46 Banks and their adoption of blockchain  22:32 Fluent’s revenue model  24:46 How does Fluent compete with the big banks? 26:57 Advice to tech entrepreneurs  29:20 What lies ahead for Fluent  31:02 End If you enjoy listening to this episode of What$Next, don’t miss out on other podcast series to our featuring #Crypto #Blockchain #Web3 #Digital Banking Navigating AI innovations in finance| Episode 85, with Jonathan Larsen  The Mega Debate: Are #stablecoins the future of money? | Episode 84, with Dante Disparte  Building Digital Banks 101 | Episode 81 with Olivier Crespin  Deep Fakes, Gen AI, and the Evolution of Fintech: What lies ahead! | Ep, 80 Simon Taylor  Building a Regulated Crypto Business from MENAl | Ep,78 Talal Tabbaa  Africa’s Blueprint for a thriving fintech ecosystem | Ep. 77 with Margaret O'Connor 
12/9/202331 minutes, 1 second
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85. Navigating AI innovations in finance, with Jonathan Larsen

Welcome to our latest episode of What$Next featuring Jonathan Larsen, CIO of Ping An.  From leveraging technologies like GPT for intelligent customer interactions to Ping An's AI breakthroughs in facial recognition for identity authentication to visual AI in insurance claims, hear it from our special guest as he emphasizes the importance of a continuous "test and learn" mindset in this exciting process. What you will learn 🔍 🔷Pivotal role of payments in FinTech, spotlighting transformative companies like PayPal. 🔷Crucial role of deep-thinking generalists who are key players in bridging traditional financial services with evolving technologies, ultimately impacting customer experiences. 🔷Practical applications of AI in the financial services industry and its tangible impact on processes such as identity verification and insurance claims assessment. Comment below of what you think and suggest any guest speakers for future episodes.  Don’t forget to drop us a comment or any recommendations you have for our future guest speakers! Highlights with timestamps 0:00: Intro with Ronit and Gaurav 1:46 Jonathan Larsen’s venture in Ping An 5:49 Ping An’s founder led vision  8:53 What sets Ping An apart? 11:29 PayPal and beyond: the true fintech revolution  20:14 Ping An’s strategy for innovation and investment  23:29 What does Ping An seek in startups? 26:13 Ping An’s global footprint  27:46 Impact of AI on efficiency and customer experience 31:00 The future of customer experiences 35:25 Impact of generalists in finance  37:32 End If you enjoy listening to this episode of What$Next, don’t miss out on other podcast series to our featuring #Crypto #Blockchain #Web3 #Digital Banking  Building Digital Banks 101 | Episode 81 with Olivier Crespin  Deep Fakes, Gen AI, and the Evolution of Fintech: What lies ahead! | Ep, 80 Simon Taylor  Building a Regulated Crypto Business from MENAl | Ep,78 Talal Tabbaa  Africa’s Blueprint for a thriving fintech ecosystem | Ep. 77 with Margaret O'Connor
12/3/202337 minutes, 31 seconds
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84. The mega debate: Are stablecoins the future of money?

Welcome to our latest episode of What$Next featuring Dante Disparte, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global Policy of Circle.  Committed to transparency and regulatory compliance, Circle is a global fintech firm empowering businesses to utilise digital currencies and public blockchains for seamless worldwide payments and financial applications, ensuring stability in the dynamic cryptocurrency landscape. What you will learn 🔍 🔷How stability in stablecoins is secured through the key idea of an "open network." 🔷Leveraging tech for global financial inclusion, transitioning from traditional banking to digital wallets.  🔷How Circle fosters fintech entrepreneurialism and lowers the cost of access to money and payments. Comment below of what you think and suggest any guest speakers for future episodes.  Don’t forget to drop us a comment or any recommendations you have for our future guest speakers! Time Stamps 0:00 Intro with Ronit and Gaurav 1:37 Career journey of Dante Disparte  2:33 What is Circle? 3:59 Rise of stablecoins and blockchain 7:21 Debate: Stablecoins vs tokenized deposits  9:09 USDC: redefining stability in crypto 11:37 Circle’s mission of global fintech equality  15:00 Circle’s crypto frontier  18:25 Circle’s blueprint for fostering financial trust  22:43 UDSC’s role in aid for Ukraine  25:00 End  If you enjoy listening to this episode of What$Next, don’t miss out on other podcast series to our featuring #Crypto #Blockchain #Web3 #Digital Banking  Building Digital Banks 101 | Episode 81 with Olivier Crespin  Deep Fakes, Gen AI, and the Evolution of Fintech: What lies ahead! | Ep, 80 Simon Taylor  Building a Regulated Crypto Business from MENAl | Ep,78 Talal Tabbaa  Africa’s Blueprint for a thriving fintech ecosystem | Ep. 77 with Margaret O'Connor
11/27/202324 minutes, 26 seconds
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84. The mega debate: Are stablecoins the future of money? With Dante Disparte

Welcome to our latest episode of What$Next featuring Dante Disparte, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global Policy of Circle.  Committed to transparency and regulatory compliance, Circle is a global fintech firm empowering businesses to utilize digital currencies and public blockchains for seamless worldwide payments and financial applications, ensuring stability in the dynamic cryptocurrency landscape. What you will learn 🔍 🔷How stability in stablecoins is secured through the key idea of an "open network." 🔷Leveraging tech for global financial inclusion, transitioning from traditional banking to digital wallets.  🔷How Circle fosters fintech entrepreneurialism and lowers the cost of access to money and payments. Comment below of what you think and suggest any guest speakers for future episodes.  Don’t forget to drop us a comment or any recommendations you have for our future guest speakers! Time Stamps 0:00 Intro with Ronit and Gaurav 1:37 Career journey of Dante Disparte  2:33 What is Circle? 3:59 Rise of stablecoins and blockchain 7:21 Debate: Stablecoins vs tokenized deposits  9:09 USDC: redefining stability in crypto 11:37 Circle’s mission of global fintech equality  15:00 Circle’s crypto frontier  18:25 Circle’s blueprint for fostering financial trust  22:43 UDSC’s role in aid for Ukraine  25:00 End  If you enjoy listening to this episode of What$Next, don’t miss out on other podcast series to our featuring #Crypto #Blockchain #Web3 #Digital Banking  Building Digital Banks 101 | Episode 81 with Olivier Crespin  Deep Fakes, Gen AI, and the Evolution of Fintech: What lies ahead! | Ep, 80 Simon Taylor  Building a Regulated Crypto Business from MENAl | Ep,78 Talal Tabbaa  Africa’s Blueprint for a thriving fintech ecosystem | Ep. 77 with Margaret O'Connor
11/22/202324 minutes, 46 seconds
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83. Female HealthTech, from MENA to the world, with Marina Sol

Welcome to another episode of What$Next podcast on Episode 83, featuring Marina Sol, founder of Diagnio, UAE-based innovative HealthTech startup on a mission to provide an easy, accurate, and convenient at-home test system for reproductive health. Join us as she shares valuable insights on building a leading #healthtech startup and her role in shaping the future of #women's health. What you will learn 🔍 🔷The past, present and future of health tech. 🔷How entrepreneurship and tech are advancing healthcare.  🔷Challenges and tactics for success in hardware businesses.  Don’t forget to drop us a comment or any recommendations you have for our future guest speakers! Time Stamps 0:00 Intro with Gaurav and Marina  1:46: What is Diagnio? 3:44 Marina’s early career in health tech 5:00 Enhancing healthcare through technology  8:36 Marina’s entrepreneurial vision  11:31 From PCR to biomarkers: Marina’s healthcare breakthrough 12:54 Diagnio: Shaping the future of women’s health 16:43 Navigating healthcare regulations  19:27 Challenges in hardware investment  23:15 What is the key to success in hardware startups? 26:57 Team of Diagnio 28:38 Strategic expansion in the gulf region 32:36 The ultimate vision for Diagnio : Alexa for health 35:40 The future of health tech: Diagnio’s vision 37:53 Marina’s inspiration for female founders in health tech  39:07 Accessing Diagnio  40:24 End If you enjoy listening to this episode of What$Next, don’t miss out on other podcast series to our featuring #Crypto #Blockchain #Web3 #Digital Banking  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFpj22LwHXM&t=712s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SstT4Dy367A&t=1643s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaerhIRRaIE&t=1232s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQhXSxLVZ_g&t=1331s
11/8/202340 minutes, 30 seconds
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82. Building AI unicorn at 17, with Tejas Ravishankar

Welcome to What$Next: Fintech & Web3 Podcast by CFTE  Embarking on your first tech venture?  In this episode of What$Next, we are joined by Tejas Ravishankar, founder of Dimension, who is an inspiration for all the young founders out there. Tejas's exceptional  work ethic and ambition have been instrumental in Dimension's journey to overcome early-stage fundraising hurdles, maintaining a consistent outreach to VC's, keeping the company ahead of the competition. What you’ll learn 🔍 🔷How to leverage cold outreach while connecting with potential investors.   🔷The right mindset, ambition, and a clear vision for young founders.  🔷"Being present & prepared", is the key to best maximize and seize opportunities.  Watch the full episode here 👇💻 Watch on YouTube 👉 https://lnkd.in/e73emfaM🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 👉 https://lnkd.in/eKd66Ey8 Tune in to discover more about Tejas’s journey of how he balanced between education and his drive to create excellence in the realm of AI and tech.  If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! #Tech #AI Time Stamps 0:00 Intro with Ronit & Gaurav 1:05 What is Dimension? 2:11 Journey of Dimension  10:02 Software programming & coding  11:46 Founding Dimension at the age of 16 13:13 Work ethic & a strong ambition  14:11 Challenges in raising funds early on for Dimension  17:36 Why is cold outreach important while reaching out to potential investors? 22:37 Building the team of Dimension  32:22 Tackling legal challenges as a young founder  36:29 USP of Dimension  38:20 How to ensure product stability? 40:35 Balancing education & entrepreneurship 42:16 Seizing and maximising opportunities 46:47 End 
11/2/202347 minutes, 13 seconds
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81. Building Digital Banks 101 with Olivier Crespin, Digital Bank Builder

Welcome to What$Next: Fintech & Web3 Podcast by CFTE  What are the key principles to building a bank from scratch? We couldn't have a better guest on our podcast to answer this question, Olivier Crespin, Digital Bank Builder & General Partner at True Global Ventures. Olivier has established multiple digital banks across MENA and Asia, including DBS Digital Bank in India, DC Bank in Indonesia, and Digi Bank in Vietnam. Let’s take a deep dive into the world of neo banks & the “how” behind digital transformation of banking! What you’ll learn 🔍 🔷Guiding Principles for digital transformation of banks.  🔷Challenges and Trade offs while building neo banks.  🔷Future of Neobanks and the opportunities ahead of us.  If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! #Neobank #Blockchain #DigitalBanking  0:00 Intro with Ronit & Gaurav 0:46 Olivier’s career in finance  3:54 From Traditional to Digital Banking  8:03 Successful strategies from banks  12:51 Trade offs and opportunities while building a neobank from scratch  18:10 Key Guiding principles for digital banking transformation  24:05 Challenges of building a bank  28:36 World of Neo bank: where is it going? 32:20 How cutting edging innovations are transforming finance and security  36: 30 Synergy between Blockchain, AI and Web3  39:04 Advice to Young entrepreneurs  40:07 End 
10/25/202340 minutes, 10 seconds
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80. Deep Fakes, Gen AI, and the Evolution of Fintech: What lies ahead! With Simon Taylor from Sardine, Co-founder @11:FS

Welcome to What$Next: Fintech & Web3 Podcast by CFTE  Join us as Simon discusses the evolution of FinTech, and the models shaping the fintech industry. Fintech now goes beyond  mobile apps and debit cards; it's now about reshaping the entire financial value chain, having moved ahead of  its initial disruption in the mid-2010s. Discover the various challenges that the VC and startup landscape presents, deep fakes as a source of disruption and the universality of fraud and compliance challenges across  industries.  🔍Listen to this episode and learn: 🔷Fintech's evolution driven by two models: "Crossing the Chasm" & "Complexity Curve" for for advancing financial services.  🔷How Gen AI has increased concerns about deep fakes, thus implicating a shift towards detecting human-like behaviour in AI-generated text interactions.  🔷The changing landscape of VC and the need to reassess strategies for fraud and anti money laundering.  Tune in to our latest episode of What$Next as Simon spills the beans on fintech’s mobile, social & cloud revolution and what’s more to Deep Fakes in the era of Gen AI.
10/18/202340 minutes, 57 seconds
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79. The Road to COP 28 & Eco - Conscious Business Practices in the UAE with Karl Feilder from Neutral Fuels

Welcome to What$Next: Fintech & Web3 Podcast by CFTE! Join us, as Karl unpacks the latest trends in carbon footprint reduction, and strategies for inspiring businesses to embrace eco-conscious practices including greener and net-zero alternatives. Explore how cloud-based solutions and KPIs tracked and motivated sustainable practices, and learn more about Karl's innovative proposal to introduce a business sustainability grading system through the UAE's trade license. 🔍Listen to this episode and learn: 🔷Cloud-based solutions and software streamlining carbon assessments. 🔷Encouraging sustainable choices with green, greener, and net-zero options. 🔷Mandating carbon footprint assessments for trade license renewals to promote sustainability. Tune in to our latest episode of What$Next as Karl, the role of entrepreneurial diversity in fueling innovation in the UAE, in the context of climate change and sustainability.
10/11/202340 minutes, 31 seconds
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74. India Seamless Payment: Decoding NPCI Success in Technology Integration

What’s behind India's robust digital payment system? Welcome to our latest episode, we are thrilled to host Dilip Asbe, Managing Director & CEO at National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), as he shares NPCI’s successful initiatives in implementing fintech innovations, transforming the global financial landscape. Tune in to our special episode in collaboration with GFF, the largest Fintech Festival in India.     Dilip Asbe with over twenty years of expertise in the world of digital payment, has held the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in NPCI. His significant contribution played a leading role in bringing radical changes to the Indian payment ecosystem.  Brief background of NPCI and UPI NPCI is a non-profit organisation, formed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Indian Bank’s Association (IBA), is backed by major banks and the central bank.  Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is an instant payment system developed by NPCI, enabling quick inter-bank transactions on mobile devices. It runs an open-source application programming interface (API) on top of the Immediate Payment Service (IMPS).  From the rise of the UPI payment system to the fintech innovations, opening up limitless business opportunities, explore the possibilities of financial landscape transformation.  🔍 Key Topics Covered: Emerging UPI payment: serving as a model for global payment integration Real-time dispute resolution technology unlocking endless business opportunities Use cases of effective innovation policy by public and private sectors Interested in listening more to our show? Subscribe to our newsletter and get notified when a new episode launches! 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://courses.cfte.education/fintech-founders-series-events-webinars/⁠⁠⁠
8/18/202350 minutes, 9 seconds
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73. Building Startup Foundation: Perspectives from an Investor vs Entrepreneur | Alper Celen, Enhance Ventures

What are the key elements to navigate your startup success? Join us in our latest podcast episode with Alper Celen, Founding Partner at Enhance Ventures, as he shares his journey of venture building, exploring the challenges of a startup in different maturity stages before exit and strategies accelerating business growth.  🔍 Key Topics Covered: Guiding startups through the future of finance and commerce  Building a strong startup foundation: identifying and engaging key stakeholders Global rise of venture capital, fueling a robust startup ecosystem Buckle up to listen to this captivating podcast as we delve into Alper’s venture-building experience and position yourself as a dynamic entrepreneur in this rapidly evolving digital economy. Interested in listening more to our show? Subscribe to our newsletter and get notified when a new episode launches! 👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://courses.cfte.education/fintech-founders-series-events-webinars/⁠⁠
8/11/202353 minutes, 17 seconds
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72. Behind Venture Building: Key Elements & Solutions for Entrepreneurs | Gary Sheynkman, Further Ventures

What are the scalable business models to fuel a startup? Join us for an insightful podcast featuring Gary Sheynkman, Venture Partner at Further Ventures, as he shares his valuable experience in navigating a startup from the ground up to seizing opportunities and challenges during the companies’ market expansion.  🔍 Key Topics Covered: 🔹 VC Builder vs VC Studio: key differences in fundamentals 🔹 VC studio’s cross-functional approach speeding up startup growth 🔹 Strategies and solutions for tech entrepreneurs in RegTech Buckle up to uncover exclusive insights from Gary’s venture building experience, explore value propositions to initiate a startup, and strategic capital investments optimising companies’ revenue in an era disrupted by technology advancements. Interested in listening more to our show? Subscribe to our newsletter and get notified when a new episode launches! 👉 ⁠⁠https://courses.cfte.education/fintech-founders-series-events-webinars/⁠
7/30/202353 minutes, 37 seconds
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71. Driving Startups Success: Cutting-Edge Strategies of Venture Capital (with Kareem Elsirafy, Modus Capital)

What are the essential parameters to accelerate startups growth? Join us for an insightful podcast featuring Kareem Elsirafy, Managing Partner of Modus Venture Capital, as he shares fundamental investment strategies in startups and successful relationship building throughout his venture building journey. 🔍 Key Topics Covered: 🔹 Startup Trends in the New Era of Disruptive Technologies 🔹 Emerging Opportunities in the Startup Ecosystem 🔹 Optimising Resources and Funding Allocation by Venture Capital Get ready to discover the key fundamentals for a company’s perfect product-market fit fostering an efficient resource allocation. Don’t miss out this opportunity to grasp the crucial role of venture building in accelerating initial business growth. Interested in listening more to our show? Subscribe to our newsletter and get notified when a new episode launches! 👉 ⁠⁠https://courses.cfte.education/fintech-founders-series-events-webinars/⁠
7/23/202356 minutes, 50 seconds
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70. Scaling Blockchain Adoption: Regulations & Use Cases (with Rebecca Rettig, and Staci Warden)

What regulations and use cases are supporting blockchain adoption? Join us to listen this thrilling podcast with Rebecca Rettig, CFO of Polygon Labs, and Staci Warden, CEO of Algorand Foundation. Gain valuable insights as they discuss the new paradigms for enterprise blockchain adoption, regulations, and many more! 🔍 Key Topics Covered: 🔹 Transformation of business interactions from traditional finance to the future of crypto ecosystem 🔹 Powerful impact of Bitcoin peer-to-peer payment and its potential of enlarging the banking system 🔹 Implications of diverse FinTech policy approaches across the EU, US, and various Asian countries Get ready to discover the groundbreaking initiatives of two FinTech companies, Algorand and Polygon, fostering financial services inclusivity, by integrating scientific research into the digital transformation initiatives. One click to delve into how global FinTech regulations and digital evolution will shape the future banking industry.  Interested in listening more to our show? Subscribe to our newsletter and get notified when a new episode launches! 👉 ⁠⁠https://courses.cfte.education/fintech-founders-series-events-webinars/⁠
7/10/202323 minutes, 9 seconds
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69. Embracing Digital Era: How is AI Shaping the Job Market? (with Prag Sharma and Huy Nguyen Trieu)

What are the most important things for us to be better equipped for AI innovation in a digital era? Delve into our exciting podcast with Prag Sharma, Global Head of AI in Citi, and Huy Nguyen Trieu, Co-Founder of CFTE, as they delve into the innovative world of AI technology, sharing their insights of how humans can better equip themselves by raising awareness and educating themselves about breakthroughs of AI innovations.  🔍 Key Topics Covered: Essential role of government and regulators in integrating AI into the job market Education in technology will better equip humans to thrive in the future digital age The impact of AI automation and argumentation on job markets Get ready to gain insights into how AI technologies are revolutionising the digital workforce, and discover how humans can effectively adapt to this transformative change using the SHIME framework. The framework entails essential elements such as soft and hard skills, industry expertise, mindset, and experience.  Join us as we uncover the enlightening insights of two industry experts, Prag and Huy on the development of AI technology, its groundbreaking implications on diverse industries, and how humans can prepare to adapt to a digital workforce, fostering a more efficient economy.   Interested in listening more to our show? Subscribe to our newsletter and get notified when a new episode launches! 👉 ⁠⁠https://courses.cfte.education/fintech-founders-series-events-webinars/⁠
7/2/202321 minutes, 11 seconds