The Payment Expert Podcast

In this episode, Erica Stanford discusses the evolving landscape of stablecoins, crypto payments, and the impact of AI on fraud and cybersecurity. She shares insights on regulatory challenges, ethical AI use, and practical steps for payment firms to stay ahead in a rapidly changing environment. Key Topics Stablecoin transaction volumes and use cases Crypto's role in real-world payments and remitta...

In this episode, Claire Gates, Global Head of Payments and Solutions at Crown Agents Bank, shares insights on cross-border payments in Africa, the role of stablecoins, and the future of AI in payments. Discover how innovative solutions are transforming money movement and the importance of regulation and diversity in the industry. Key Topics Challenges in African cross-border payments Role of stabl...

In this episode, Kaivalya Paluskar from Payment IQ discusses innovations in cashier management, including the introduction of Cashier Plus, and how these tools streamline the onboarding and deposit process for operators. Learn how data-driven decisions and AI are shaping the future of payment experiences in iGaming. Key Topics Cashier management challenges in iGaming Introduction of Cashier Plus b...

From sophisticated investment scams to sanctions evasion and state-backed cybercrime, crypto has become an increasingly important part of the global financial crime conversation. In this episode of the Payment Expert Podcast, Louis Thompsett is joined by Senior Business Journalist Kieran O’Connor to examine some of the darkest corners of the digital asset economy. The pair look at how so-called sc...

In this episode, Benjamin David from the Payments Association discusses the rapid evolution of financial crime, especially with AI's role in increasing fraud sophistication. We explore how firms can respond effectively through collaboration, better intelligence sharing, and responsible AI governance. Key Topics The impact of AI on fraud tempo and sophistication The importance of collaboration and...

In this episode, Vikram Bharwani, CTO banking at NTT Data for UK and Ireland, discusses the future of digital money, interoperability, and the impact of new payment rails on the industry. He shares insights on CBDCs, stablecoins, tokenised deposits, and the strategic role of the UK in digital currency development. Key Topics Digital money forms and their coexistence Customer behaviour and invisibl...

 In this episode, Ignas Dovidonis, Chief AML and CTF Compliance Officer at myTU, discusses the current state and future of agentic payments, AI's role in automating transactions, regulatory challenges, and the importance of compliance and infrastructure modernisation. Key Topics Agentic payments and AI capabilities Regulatory and compliance challenges Trust and verification in AI systems Regulatio...

In this episode, we explore the UK's digital pound lab phase two, focusing on the integration of stablecoins and CBDCs, and what it means for the future of digital payments and regulation. Key  topics Digital pound and stablecoin integration Regulatory environment for digital currencies Interoperability between CBDCs and stablecoins Blockchain and payment infrastructure Ownership and control of di...

In this episode, we explore the recent UK regulations on buy now pay later (BNPL), their impact on the market, and how major players like Klarna are adapting. We discuss market timing, regulatory challenges, and future trends in BNPL and banking integration. Key Topics UK BNPL regulation implementation and market impact Klarna's strategic move towards banking licenses The timing of BNPL regulation...

In this episode, we explore the launch of X Money by Elon Musk, its potential as a US super app, and the challenges it faces including security, regulation, and market competition. Our experts analyse whether X Money will succeed or just be a fleeting gimmick. Key Topics Launch of X Money and its features Potential as a US super app and market strategy Security concerns and recent hacks Regulatory...

Payments are changing faster than ever. New payment rails, tokenisation, AI and always-on banking are reshaping how money moves around the world, but can the financial system keep up? In this episode of the Payment Expert Podcast, Louis Thompsett is joined by Bana Akkad Azhari, Head of EMEA Global Payments & Trade at BNY, to discuss the biggest trends shaping global payments and financial infr...

In this episode, Keith Bear discusses the evolving landscape of digital payments, stablecoins, tokenised deposits, and the regulatory environment across the US and UK. Gain insights into how these innovations are shaping the future of digital finance and what banks and fintechs are doing to adapt. Key Topics Digital payments evolution Stablecoin regulation in US and UK Tokenised deposits and their...

In this episode, Pahal Patangia from NVIDIA discusses the transformative impact of payment foundation models, AI, and data sharing in financial services. We explore how these innovations are shaping the future of autonomous finance, agentic commerce, and personalized customer experiences. Key Topics Payment foundation models and their capabilities The impact of transformer architecture on financia...

In this episode, David Birch discusses the security and trust challenges of agentic transactions as they move from concepts to pilots, exploring digital identity infrastructure, standardisation, and fraud mitigation in the evolving payments landscape. Key  Topics Digital identity infrastructure and its importance Security challenges with agentic transactions Standardisation needs for agentic frame...

In this episode, we explore the latest developments in UK stablecoin regulation, comparing it with US and European models. We discuss the implications for industry growth, regulatory collaboration, and future prospects for digital currencies. Key Topics UK stablecoin regulation and its industry impact Comparison of US, EU, and UK stablecoin reserve requirements Regulatory collaboration between FCA...

Open banking has a problem and the FCA finally has the statutory powers to fix it.  We sit down with Andrew Self, Head of Open Banking & Finance at the Financial Conduct Authority, to find out what the new regulatory framework actually means for the UK's open finance future. From variable recurring payments to the 2028–2030 Open Finance roadmap, Andrew breaks down the real obstacles, commercia...

In this episode, Oliver Hanmer, Managing Director of UK Financial Crime Compliance Advisory at Capgemini, shares insights from the global anti-scam summit, discusses the evolving landscape of financial fraud, the role of AI, and the importance of cross-sector collaboration in combating fraud. Key Points Global Anti-Scam Summit insights Role of AI in fraud detection and prevention Cross-sector coll...

This episode features insights from the launch of the UK Payments Initiative (UKPI) at Money20/20 Europe, focusing on how Commercial Variable Recurring Payments (cVRPs) are transforming the open banking landscape. Experts discuss the phased rollout of these payment methods, regulatory and pricing frameworks, and the ecosystem collaboration required for widespread consumer adoption. Key Topics The...

This episode features insights from the Money2020 Europe event, focusing on stablecoins, agentic AI, regulation, tokenisation, and fraud prevention in the payments industry. Experts discuss industry milestones, regulatory frameworks, and the future of payment innovations. Key Topics Stablecoins and their regulatory landscape Agentic AI and its impact on payments Tokenisation projects like Project...

In this episode Host, Louis Thompsett is joined by Justin Jacobs, Chief Policy and Engagement Officer at Pay. UK,  to discuss the future of digital money, interoperability of payment rails, trust, and security in a multi-money world. This episode explores opportunities, risks, and the evolving landscape of payments in the UK. Key Topics Multi-money world and payment interoperability Opportunities...

In today’s episode, Host Louis Thompsett is joined by Shaanil Senarath-Dassanayake , Associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, as the duo discuss the seismic shifts in the UK’s regulatory landscape and what the transition from "unregulated" to "fully authorised" actually means for the next generation of fintech innovators. Key Discussion Points The Crypto Authorization Gateway: Why the move from AML...

This episode explores how mobile network intelligence is transforming fraud prevention in the financial industry. Samantha Kight from GSMA discusses emerging threats, innovative API solutions, and the importance of cross-industry collaboration. Key Topics Emerging mobile fraud threats and trends GSMA's role in securing the mobile ecosystem Innovative API solutions for fraud detection Cross-industr...

In today's episode, Host Louis Thompsett is joined by Nick Kerigan, Managing Director and Head of Innovation at Swift, as the duo discuss the evolving landscape of global value transfer, focusing on how Swift is integrating blockchain technology and shared ledgers into its infrastructure to solve real-world payment friction. Tune in to today's episode to find out: How Swift’s new blockchain-based...

In today's episode, Host Louis Thompsett is joined by Payment Expert Editor Rachael Kennedy and Senior Business Journalist Kieran O'Connor as the trio discuss the major regulatory shifts emerging from UK FinTech Week, specifically the government's push for a unified framework for digital money and the FCA's evolving stance on AI. Tune in to today's episode to find out: How the UK plans to bring st...

In today's episode, Host Louis Thompsett is joined by Payment Expert Senior Business Journalists Kieran O'Connor and Callum Williams to discuss their key takeaways from the first day of the Money20/20 Asia conference in Bangkok, focusing on the evolution of digital payments and infrastructure across the Asian market. Tune in to today’s episode to find out: The rise of tokenized deposits: Why banks...