Fintech Conversations & Insights with Efi Pylarinou

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Rik Coeckelbergs, founder of the Banking scene , as we explore FIDA (Financial Data Access) - Europe's groundbreaking new regulation that aims to revolutionize open finance beyond PSD2.    In this episode, we discuss: - How FIDA differs from PSD2 and why it might succeed where PSD2 faced challenges - The impact on mortgages, insurance, pensions, and o...

In this eye-opening interview, we dive deep with FinTech expert Georg Hauer to uncover how the recent Liberty Day tariffs are severely impacting the financial technology sector in ways most analysts have overlooked. While media attention focuses on manufacturing and logistics, FinTech companies face unexpected challenges:  • IPO plans derailed (including Klarna's anticipated offering)  • Cros...

In this second part of discussing with Alex Medana about tokenization, he unveils his concept of "induced fungibility" and explores how tokenization could transform private markets. From CBDCs and stablecoins to BlackRock's strategic moves in private credit. We also explore fascinating parallels between blockchain and AI hype cycles, questioning where true innovation lies.  #Private...

In this thought-provoking discussion with FinTech veteran Alex Medana, we dissect Coinbase's strategy to put their stock on-chain. Alex delivers a candid critique of tokenizing publicly traded securities, questioning the real value proposition behind these initiatives. Drawing from his extensive capital markets experience, he explores whether blockchain truly adds efficiency to already-functi...

Spotlight on another amazing founder story: Fintech pioneer Daniela Binatti reveals the extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to creating a banking infrastructure revolution that caught Visa's attention. From selling her car to pay her children's school fees to building a cloud-native core banking platform that's now deployed globally, Daniela breaks all stereotypes as she sh...

We discuss how companies across industries can transform into AI native organizations. We, Hari Abburi and myself, are the co-authors of the chapter "Thinking Like an AI Native" in Wiley's "Fast Future Blur" book.  Learn about their innovative framework for competing with emerging AI disruptors, the pitfalls of myopic AI implementation strategies, and how true business int...

In this interview with spatial computing expert Cortney Harding, we explore the concerning AI gender gap and how women can leverage artificial intelligence to make better-informed career and caregiving decisions. Women are using AI significantly less than men, creating a potential disadvantage as these technologies reshape our future. Cortney explains how AI can provide unbiased financial informat...

Learn about the transition from one-way to two-way communication powered by AI, and how RCS is enhancing customer experiences by bringing richer capabilities to customers. Dave shares real-world examples showcasing AI's potential to supercharge communications and streamline operations.  We explore the concepts of personalization versus humanization and how AI is set to revolutionize business...

The article analyzes how Stripe and BNY Mellon are using AI to revolutionize the financial industry. Stripe aims to become an "Economic Operating System" using LLMs for analytics and fraud detection, while BNY Mellon utilizes an AI supercomputer and its Eliza platform to enhance data analysis and decision-making. These institutions are developing domain-specific AI models and empowering...

Exploring the Future of FinTech and Wallet Wars with Simon Taylor, founder of Fintech Brain Food.  A brief review of the State of Fintech comprehensive 111-page report, co published by Simon Taylor. We delve into the top nine trends impacting the industry, including how FinTech intersects with AI, the rise of neobanks, and the evolving landscape of embedded finance and payments.  Simon explains wh...

This podcast is produced via NotebookLM, based on Efi Pylarinou`s article : The Saylor Gambit: MicroStrategy's $42 Billion Bitcoin Strategy https://medium.com/@efipm/the-saylor-gambit-bitcoins-42-billion-corporate-strategist-6e025f2b5477 which examines Michael Saylor's bold strategy of using MicroStrategy (rebranded now to Strategy) to amass a large Bitcoin holding. Saylor has used conve...

In this episode, Efi and tech veteran Sarbjeet Johal discuss DeepSeek`s approach to AI optimization, implications, and where we are heading to next. Sarbjeet offers a non-technical dive into the economics of technology, the implications for enterprises, security, and the future of AI-driven systems. The conversation includes the swift adoption of Western Big Tech like NVIDIA, Microsoft Azure, and...

A great animated conversation led by Brett King with Richard Turrin, Theo Lau, and Efi Pylarinou  Breaking Banks Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4mhqSxyBCHZ1wTQwXlAvCG Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-banks/id641357669 #deepseek #banking #fintech #efipylarinou #ai #disruption 

#credit #fintech #AI #collections #CX A thought-provoking discussion with Hans Zahar, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Nutun (Africa Tech Award Winner 2023), as we explore the evolving landscape of Customer service in scaled fintech operations. In this comprehensive conversation, discover: How financial inclusion creates new challenges in Customer Service especially for scaled up Fintech...

In this insightful conversation kicking off the 2025 series with fintech veteran, Spiros Margaris, we delve into the Fintech evolution. Spiros is one of the few people that is involved in both the Private markets (as a venture capitalist) and the Public Markets with two AMCs - one in AI and another in Fintech. Spiros Margaris , founder of Margaris Ventures, is an award-winning fund manager and a p...

#payments #fintech #banking #GPUs #AI #artificialIntelligence  An insightful discussion with industry leaders Paul Chang, Head of Payment Networks at AWS, and Pahal Patangia, Head of Business Development for Payments at NVIDIA on the innovative AI workflow for fraud detection that's available on AWS. Paul Chang https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-chang-85371414/ Pahal Patangia https://www.linked...

How are financial services providers transforming customer communication with Rich Communication Services (RCS) and the integration of advanced messaging platforms like WhatsApp? Discover the varying adoption patterns across regions from Latin America to APAC, Middle East, and Western markets. Learn about the significant role of RCS in the banking industry, the impact of Apple's adoption of R...

#fintech #UPI #payments #technology #freetrade In this engaging episode, Efi Pylarinou interviews Tanvi Singh, a former financial expert at UBS and current founder of Nirmata.ai VC. They discuss the new free trade agreement between Switzerland and India, focusing on its commercial and financial implications, including a $100 billion investment and the creation of a million jobs in India. The conve...

It is all about Energy nowadays, isn't it? Whether we talk about GenAI, Crypto, Blockchains, or Supply chains.  In this episode, host Efi Pylarinou sits down with Irina Heaver, a seasoned lawyer and partner at NeosLegal in Dubai, to discuss her incredible journey from the oil and gas sector to becoming a prominent figure in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space.  Irina shares insights into...

#embeddedfinance #fintech #fintechinsider #fintechinsights #business #finance 

A comprehensive discussion with seasoned financial professional Wasim Mushtaq exploring the evolving mindset required for leaders in today's financial landscape compared to a decade ago.  We delve into topics such as digital transformation, the rise of fintech, the blurring of industry lines, and the importance of having an adaptable strategy. Wasim highlights the challenges and opportunities...

#digital #fintech #banking #transformation A fascinating discussion with fintech veteran Frank Schwab from the early days of fintech, Frank's experience co-founding FinTech Forum, and his advisory roles with various banks across Germany, the Gulf region, and beyond.  Frank shares his views on digital transformation in banking, the role of cryptocurrencies, AI advancements, and challenges in d...

The Geopolitical Game of Reserves" explores the strategies of central banks regarding reserves, focusing on the contrasting roles of traditional assets like gold and emerging digital assets like Bitcoin. Efi Pylarinou delves into how geopolitical shifts are influencing these strategies and shaping the future of global reserves management.  In this video I explore the evolving landscape of cen...

In this video, I delve into the powerful synergy between AI agents and smart contracts, exploring how their integration is revolutionizing financial services and other industries. Discover how AI agents bring advanced decision-making, adaptability, and around-the-clock operations to the table, while smart contracts offer transparency, security, and automation through self-executing protocols. Toge...

In this episode, we discuss major events in the Embedded Finance space in Europe. We look at Amazon and Shopify, and what it takes for a successful Embedded Finance deployment (with examples of unsuccessful ones).  We touch upon stablecoins and Stripe`s recent acquisition and whether that is a embedded finance move with potential.  We close with thoughts on the current and future relationship of E...