News and Views by the Fintech Times

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-min survey here: https://bit.ly/3ZTqne5 🔗View our show website: https://thefintechtimes.com/news-views-podcast/

  1. 1D AGO

    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 Chok's Introduction and First Digital's Announcements(1:30) The Role of Stablecoins in Agentic Payments(5:00) Future of Digital Currency and Web3(10:00) Multi-Network Approach and Global Adoption(15:00) Closing Thoughts and Reflections on Abu Dhabi Finance Week(20:00)   Topics Discussed: Introduction to FinTech Times and Abu Dhabi Finance WeekFirst Digital's public listing and new platform launchThe significance of stablecoins in agentic paymentsPredictions for the future of digital currency and Web3The necessity of a multi-network approach for global adoptionUseful Timestamps: 1:30 - Vincent Chok introduces First Digital5:00 - Discussion on agentic payments and stablecoins10:00 - Insights on digital currency and Web315:00 - Multi-network approach and its importance20:00 - Reflections on Abu Dhabi Finance Week 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.

    6 min
  2. MAR 1

    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, emphasizing the inevitability of crypto's integration into mainstream financial systems. The episode concludes with reflections on the vibrant atmosphere of Abu Dhabi Finance Week and the promising future of digital finance. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction to the FinTech Times News and Views podcast[02:15] Matthew Hougan on the UAE's leadership in digital assets[05:30] Bitwise's journey and the creation of the first crypto index fund[10:45] Challenges in gaining regulatory approval[15:00] The role of AI in the future of finance[20:00] Reflections on Abu Dhabi Finance Week 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.

    9 min
  3. FEB 22

    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 evolving crypto story.Stablecoins offer instant payments, beneficial for service providers.Klarna's stablecoin launch could drive mainstream adoption.Multiple stablecoins for different currencies are expected.Amazon might soon accept stablecoin payments.Sound bites Bitcoin hit all-time highs.Stablecoins are essential for payments.UAE's favorable tax for crypto.Regulatory clarity attracts players.Yap Global on crypto evolution.Instant payments with stablecoins.Klarna's stablecoin launch impact.Multiple stablecoins expected.Amazon's potential stablecoin use.Crypto and traditional finance merge.Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to FinTech Times00:01:00 Samantha Yap on Digital Assets00:03:00 Trends in Crypto and Web300:05:00 Stablecoins and Cross-Border Payments00:07:00 UAE's Regulatory Environment00:09:00 Yap Global's Crypto Journey00:11:00 Future of Stablecoins 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.

    11 min
  4. FEB 15

    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 regulated environments in Abu Dhabi.The Middle East fosters integration potential for custodians.ADGM stands out with a robust regulatory framework.Semi Liquid aims to be fully live by March next year.The goal is to be the new rail for institutional credit.Sound bites: "Bilateral credit without moving collateral.""Solves counterparty risk for both parties.""Assets are mobile now, settled instantly.""Abu Dhabi offers a collaborative environment.""ADGM is risk-averse but pro-innovation.""Assets stay within regulated environments.""Middle East fosters integration potential.""ADGM stands out with robust framework.""Fully live by March next year.""New rail for institutional credit."Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction to FinTech Times00:00:00 Introduction of Rico van de Veen00:00:00 Launch of Programmable Credit Protocol00:00:00 Advantages of Abu Dhabi's Regulatory Environment00:00:00 Future Plans and Integration 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.

    5 min
  5. FEB 8

    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 estate. Topics Discussed: Introduction to stablecoins and their impact on the financial landscapeMoneyGram's digital transformation and strategic refoundingThe role of AI and agentic AI in financial servicesThe future of digital currencies and the importance of trustTimestamps: [00:00] Introduction by Mark Walker[02:15] Anthony Soohoo on stablecoins as a "killer app"[10:45] MoneyGram's global network and digital transformation[18:30] The convergence of AI and digital assets[25:00] Closing thoughts on the future of financial services 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.

    12 min
  6. FEB 1

    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 in the GCC region. Tune in to learn about the benefits of digitization, the challenges faced, and the future of judicial services in Abu Dhabi. Useful Timestamps: Introduction to the podcast and guests [00:00]Linda Fitz-Alan's background and journey [02:00]Digital transformation of ADGM Courts [05:30]The role of FinTech and technology [10:00]Regulatory frameworks and investor confidence [15:00]The UAE's leadership in the GCC [20:00]Advice for FinTechs considering Abu Dhabi [25:00] 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.

    12 min
  7. JAN 25

    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 of Gen Y wealthDeFi and non-custodial walletsTokenization is now possibleInnovation in financial servicesAbu Dhabi's fintech growtheToro's global expansionChapters: 00:00:00 Introduction to FinTech Times00:01:00 Yoni Assia's Background00:03:00 eToro's Evolution00:05:00 The Role of DeFi00:08:00 Tokenization and Real-World Assets00:11:00 Regulatory Changes00:14:00 Global Expansion and Local Services00:17:00 Trust and Innovation00:20:00 Abu Dhabi Finance Week Insights 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.

    11 min

About

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-min survey here: https://bit.ly/3ZTqne5 🔗View our show website: https://thefintechtimes.com/news-views-podcast/

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