APR 15

The Future of Fintech | Fintech Files Season 4 Finale

We’re wrapping up Season 4 of Fintech Files with a special episode reflecting on the past season, while also looking ahead to the future of fintech. Hosts Bianca, Nora and Annika dive into the trends they have seen shape the industry, from AI-driven transformation and the rise of digital banking to the growing focus on sustainability and financial inclusion. Beyond fintech, this episode pulls back the curtain on life at BCG Platinion: what it’s like working on some of the most cutting-edge projects, the challenges and rewards of consulting. Join us for an insightful and candid conversation about the past, present and future of fintech. Discussion Highlights: The Next Wave of Fintech Innovation: AI, digital banking and open finance are reshaping the industry. Will neobanks continue to disrupt, or are they starting to resemble traditional banks?Neobanks & Incumbents: Fintech startups and legacy banks are becoming more alike, with neobanks maturing and incumbents ramping up their digital transformations. Inside BCG Platinion Projects: Nora and Annika share real-world insights from their work at BCG Platinion–tackling complex client challenges, driving digital transformation and staying ahead of rapid industry shifts.Sustainability in Focus: With our focus on social impact this past season, we uncovered stories about how Fintechs can contribute to a better world. For more info on BCG’s work on this check out, “How Fintechs make the World a Better Place” and “Six Ways to Link Sustainability and Value Creation”. Evolution of Fintech Files & What’s Next: The team shares how the podcast started and what they’ve learned over four seasons and the realities of global consulting; swapping stories of working in the industry. About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and Annika Melchert, a principal currently based in the Middle East, our hosts specialize in IT strategy, modern tech architecture, and state-of-the-art banking. In their work, they've collaborated with some of today's most innovative Fintechs to transform their organizations; including supporting generative Al use cases. With their unique blend of tech expertise and passion, they bring you stories that capture the essence of the evolving Fintech landscape. This season, we're thrilled to introduce a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/biasmlopes/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

21 min

APR 1

Interoperability in African Fintech: Throwback Episode with Alfred Mukudu from Amazon

We’re bringing back one of our favourite episodes from Season 3! We dive into the complexities and opportunities within Africa's financial services sector with Alfred Mukudu, Financial Services Go-To-Market Lead at Amazon Web Services (AWS) South Africa. With over 50 countries and about 42 different currencies, Africa presents a unique landscape for financial innovation. Alfred shares insights into the critical role of interoperability, cloud-based solutions, and emerging technologies in driving digital transformation and financial inclusion across the continent. Discussion Highlights: Africa's Financial Landscape: Alfred provides an overview of the complexities and challenges posed by Africa's diverse market landscape, highlighting the varying regulatory environments and the need for tailored technology solutions across different countries.Interoperability in Financial Services: Alfred explains the concept of interoperability “to his grandma” and discusses its importance in fostering collaboration and driving digital innovation in Africa's financial services sector. Examples like M-Pesa in Kenya and emerging open finance regulations across several African countries are highlighted.Role of Technology in Financial Inclusion: The conversation delves into how cloud-based solutions, such as those offered by AWS, are making financial services more accessible and scalable in Africa. Alfred shares examples of innovative solutions leveraging machine learning and mobile channels to address challenges like identity verification and cross-border payments. The conversation touches on open banking. Be sure to check out our episode “Revolutionizing the Future of Finance in the Middle East through Open Banking” with Emir Isik from Tarabut Gateway. Investment in Infrastructure and Skills Development: Alfred discusses the significance of infrastructure investments, including AWS's cloud region in Cape Town, in advancing fintech development. He also emphasizes the importance of skill development programs in empowering local talent and driving economic growth.Internet Connectivity and Access: Around 30% of South Africans lack internet access according to a 2023 study from datareportal.com. The concentration of innovation often lies in urban centers and relies on alternative channels like USSD and SMS due to connectivity issues. By concentrating connectivity points and reducing data costs, broader adoption of fintech products could be achieved.Impact of Managed Services and Emerging Technologies: Alfred highlights the role of managed services and AI-driven solutions in simplifying technology adoption for businesses, with examples ranging from data analytics to machine learning. He also touches upon the potential of quantum computing and blockchain in addressing complex challenges like supply chain integrity.Future Outlook: Looking ahead, Alfred shares his optimism about the future of technology in Africa, from the short-term potential of machine learning to the long-term possibilities of spatial computing and the metaverse. He emphasizes the importance of regulatory clarity and technological innovation in driving Africa's digital transformation journey. About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the...

32 min

MAR 18

Open Banking for Good: Eyal Sivan on Data, Innovation and Financial Inclusion

How can allowing customers to “own” their data reshape finance for everyone’s benefit? Mr. Open Banking himself, Eyal Sivan, joins Fintech Files to discuss how open banking rose from the 2008 financial crisis to become a worldwide movement centered on competition, innovation, and transparency. With over 25 years in IT and banking technology, Eyal breaks down the core principles behind open banking, clarifies myths around security, and explores how different regions—from Europe to Brazil—are innovating with standards and regulation. Discussion HighlightsFrom IT Wiz to Mr. Open Banking: Eyal shares his journey from early web-development days to becoming Head of Strategic Platforms at CIBC. A pivotal encounter in Oslo introduces him to the concept of open banking, sparking a deep fascination that leads to his own podcast and advocacy.Defining Open Banking: Why “open” doesn’t mean your data is up for grabs—Eyal clarifies that it’s about standardized APIs, not insecure data sharing. The three key goals of open banking: competition, innovation, and transparency.Global Momentum & Security Myths: How PSD2 in Europe and subsequent adoption in the UK, Australia, Brazil, and beyond drove standardization. Eyal dispels security concerns, showing how “screen scraping” is actually less secure than standardized APIs.Financial Inclusion Potential: Brazil as a case study: rapid adoption of open banking and digital wallets, enabling millions to join the formal financial ecosystem. Eyal underscores that open banking can reduce barriers for underserved populations—but only when paired with the right regulatory guidance.Risks & Roadblocks: Eyal addresses how, without careful regulation, large incumbents could still dominate. Achieving a global open banking system is unlikely; instead, interoperability among diverse regional standards is the main ambition.Looking Ahead: Open Finance & Beyond: Eyal’s vision of open banking has it expanding more into sectors like healthcare and social media. Ultimately, Eyal believes broader “data ownership” across industries is inevitable once consumers realize their rights. About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and Annika Melchert, a principal currently based in the Middle East, our hosts specialize in IT strategy, modern tech architecture, and state-of-the-art banking. In their work, they've collaborated with some of today's most innovative Fintechs to transform their organizations; including supporting generative Al use cases. With their unique blend of tech expertise and passion, they bring you stories that capture the essence of the evolving Fintech landscape. This season, we're thrilled to introduce

30 min

MAR 4

Celebrating International Women's Day: ERM’s Cynthia Salicrup and Sandra Carrillo on Sustainable Finance and ESG

What does it take to drive sustainable change across regions and bridge global disparities? To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting the incredible contributions of women in sustainability and fintech with two accomplished leaders: Cynthia Salicrup and Sandra Carrillo, partners at Environmental Resources Management (ERM). Drawing from their extensive experience, they share their pathways into the world of sustainability and ESG, exploring the challenges and opportunities in sustainable finance, the critical role banks and fintechs play in advancing sustainability, and how global disparities shape sustainability agendas. Discussion Highlights: Cynthia and Sandra’s Pathways into Sustainability: Cynthia and Sandra, partners at ERM, share how their professional paths led them to ERM, and how their personal passion fuels their drive for a more sustainable future.Data and Traceability in ESG: Businesses are increasingly integrating ESG data into IT systems to improve traceability and enable informed decision-making, showcasing the power of data-driven strategies. Big North vs. Big South Sustainability Agendas: Regional disparities in accessing technology and resources are significant, but collaboration holds the key to bridging these caps and fostering global progress. Banks Can Ensure an Equitable Climate Transition: A 2023 BCG report shows that banks will play a central role in not only unlocking the 3. 8 trillion in annual investment needed to power the push to net zero, but ensuring that climate transitions are equitable.Hurdles in Adopting Sustainable Practices for Smaller Companies: Smaller businesses face unique challenges in adopting sustainable practices and accessing tools often tailored for larger enterprises, underscoring the need for inclusive solutions. Long-Term Investments in Biodiversity and Nature: Sustained efforts in biodiversity and nature conservation are essential for global supply chains and community resilience, with impacts felt across both the Big North and the Big South. The Human Cost of Climate Change According to the UN, over the past 10 years, weather-related disasters have caused 220 million internal displacements — equivalent to approximately 60,000 displacements per day. About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and Annika Melchert, a principal currently based in the Middle East, our hosts specialize in IT strategy, modern tech architecture, and state-of-the-art banking. In their...

34 min

FEB 18

Supporting Startups and Payment Orchestration with Nader Abdelrazik from MoneyHash

How can entrepreneurs in emerging markets break the mold and foster economic growth amid unpredictability? In this episode, Nader Abdelrazik—founder of MoneyHash—shares how he navigated life during the Arab Spring, was motivated to become an economist, and ultimately built a fintech startup. Nader discusses the unique challenges of the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, from buyer and investor skepticism (aka the “foreigner complex”) to regulatory uncertainty. He outlines how payment orchestration can pave the way for better financial inclusion and economic advancement. Discussion HighlightsArab Spring & Economic Lessons: Nader talks about living through the Arab Spring in Egypt and how witnessing the gap between theoretical economic models and local realities propelled him to study economics. He reflects on how global economic frameworks often overlook regional nuances and historical-political contexts.Foreign Perceptions & the “Foreigner Complex”: The conversation delves into how local startups in MEA are often assumed to be “copycat” versions of successful foreign companies. Nader explains why this assumption undermines the region’s homegrown talent and how founders need to counteract these stereotypes to secure funding and market trust.Building MoneyHash: Nader describes how MoneyHash acts as a “plumber” for payment systems, unifying and optimizing various payment solutions to improve performance and user experience—especially critical in markets where digital ecosystems are fragmented and investors often remain wary.Challenges & Opportunities in Emerging Markets: From regulatory red tape to a shortage of local senior tech talent, Nader outlines common hurdles. Yet, these same uncertainties offer fast growth potential and the opportunity to innovate more nimbly than in saturated, mature markets.Capital Constraints & Investment Gaps: Whether due to perceived risk or lack of promotion, emerging-market startups struggle to attract global investors. Nader advocates for reshaping the narrative around MEA’s vast talent and market size, emphasizing de-risked success stories that can inspire future funding.Fintech & Financial Inclusion: Nader underscores the importance of diverse fintech solutions for everyday financial transactions. He highlights how fragmented payment methods, mobile money, and alternative services in Africa and the Middle East can drive genuine financial inclusion outside traditional banking models. About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and Annika Melchert, a principal currently based in the Middle East, our hosts specialize in IT strategy, modern tech architecture, and state-of-the-art banking. In

27 min

FEB 4

Season 3 Throwback: Empowering Finance through Financial Inclusion with Vera Futorjanski

In this special throwback episode, we revisit our Season 3 interview with Vera Futorjanski, Founder and CEO of Beyond Global and Veritas Ventures. How many globally lack access to banking? Astonishingly, one in three. In this insightful conversation, Vera Futorjanski, former Head of Communications at Rocket Internet and founding member of Dubai Future Accelerators, shares her journey. Emphasizing the transformative role of technology, she explores challenges and strategies to enhance accessibility and diversity in finance through education and innovation. Discussion Highlights: Dubai as a Hub for Innovation: Vera discusses the unique ecosystem in Dubai, where the government actively supports and accelerates innovation. Vera elaborates on her involvement with the Dubai Future Accelerators program, highlighting the collaboration between government entities and startups. Female Representation in the Startup Ecosystem: The discussion delves into the challenges faced by female founders, investors, and leaders in the startup ecosystem. Vera shares a shocking statistic; only 2% of globally available funding for startups goes to female founders.Beyond Community and Empowering Women: Vera introduces Beyond, a curated community of female leaders launched by her that provides a safe and trusted space for women leaders to connect, collaborate, and grow.Web3 and Diversity in the Tech Space: Vera expresses her early optimism in the Web3 space and her disappointment in the progress made regarding diversity. She highlights her experiences in the Metaverse, NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), and the need for greater representation of women in key roles in Web3 technologies.AI and the Importance of Female Representation: Vera highlights the lack of representation of female voices in AI discussions, referencing that Sam Altman's quotes in AI news coverage last year surpassed those of all female AI experts listed in Times Magazine's top AI influencers combined. Read more in Where are all the ‘godmothers’ of AI? Women’s voices are not being heard from Luba Kassova for The Guardian. Importance of Funding for Women in Tech: Vera acknowledges the importance of funding in driving change in the tech industry. She emphasizes the need for more female Limited Partners who can influence investment decisions and stresses that change will come through a combination of education, funding opportunities, and increased visibility for women in the tech space. About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/norahocke/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

33 min

JAN 21

Inclusive Growth and Breaking the Glass Ceiling with Mastercard’s Subhashini Chandran

How do we achieve inclusive growth and break the glass ceiling? Subhashini Chandran, Mastercard’s SVP of Social Impact, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Africa, shares insights from her journey—from leading India’s largest tea business to driving global initiatives that empower women and foster equitable growth. With a deep understanding of systemic challenges and opportunities in global supply chains, Subhashini highlights how technology, collaboration, and thoughtful regulation can create a more inclusive and sustainable future. Discussion Highlights: Subhashini Chandran’s journey: From the help of India’s largest tea business to leading SVP of Social Impact at Mastercard, Subhashini reflects on her unique path and the lessons learned along the way. The Transformative Power of Financial Inclusion for Women: Subhashini shares how empowering women financially creates ripple effects, improving education, family well-being, and local economies while advancing equitable opportunities.Women in Leadership Roles: BCG’s global study finds that, despite gender parity in these functions, women hold only about one-third of the senior finance positions. The discrepancy is even greater for the function’s top job: only 13% of the companies studied have a woman CFO.Technology as a Catalyst for Inclusive Growth: Digital tools and data-driven strategies are reshaping financial inclusion and development. Through her work, Subhashini highlights how technology bridges gaps in access and opportunity.Challenges in Global Supply Chains: Subhashini highlights the systemic barriers she sees in global supply chains, and addresses the need for fair practices, diverse representation, and sustainability in sourcing and production.Coordinated Efforts and Regulations: Emphasizing the necessity of alignment between governments, private companies, and multilateral organizations, the guest discusses how thoughtful regulations can drive systemic change and inclusive growth.Actionable Steps for Inclusive Growth: Subhashini offers practical suggestions encouraging individuals to contribute to equity, sustainability, and progress through small, meaningful actions in their daily lives. About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/annika-melchert/" rel="noopener...

25 min

JAN 7

Empowering SMEs in Brazil: How Dinie is Reimagining Credit with Suzy Ferreira

Suzy Ferreira, co-founder of Dinie, is on a mission to transform credit access for small businesses in Brazil. In this episode, Suzy shares her journey and the inspiration behind Dinie, an embedded lending fintech breaking barriers for SMEs. Discover how Dinie’s innovative, data-driven approach—embedding lending into platforms like iFood and leveraging real-time insights—is empowering small businesses to access the credit they need to grow and succeed. Discussion Highlights: Suzy Ferreira’s journey: Suzy, co-founder of Dinie, opens up about her father's struggles with credit access, and how that inspired her mission to transform lending for small businesses, ultimately laying the foundation for Dinie. Dinie's Approach: Dinie, a Brazilian embedded lending fintech, is redefining SME lending by embedding credit solutions directly into platforms like iFood, offering seamless access to financial resources where businesses already operate. Challenges of Credit Access for SMEs in Brazil: Suzy highlights the systemic barriers Brazilian SMEs face, such as high-interest loans, cultural reliance on cash, and limited financial products tailored to their needs. How Dinie Works: Dinie’s innovative approach leverages real-time data like sales revenue and transaction patterns, enabling accurate credit assessments and proactive lending to SMEs. Hot Money: Suzy explains Dinie’s product, Hot Money, designed to provide working capital tailored to an SME’s revenue flow, minimizing debt risk while fostering growth. The Concept of the Invisible Bank: Suzy introduces the idea of an "invisible bank," where lending becomes seamless, integrated, and unobtrusive, revolutionizing how businesses access financial services. About Fintech Files: Are you ready to unravel the most innovative trends disrupting the world of Fintech today? Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, where we delve deep into the dynamic landscape of Fintech, NeoBanks, and the Digital Banking world, sparking insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe. So, what are the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech, and how will they impact your financial world? Fintech Files takes an accessible approach to technology. We break down complex topics and have our guests explain them in a relatable "explain it to your grandma" style. In every episode, we focus on real-world stories of how financial technology operates, demystifying complex concepts and making them relatable for both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals. The Hosts of Fintech Files: Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and Annika Melchert, a principal currently based in the Middle East, our hosts specialize in IT strategy, modern tech architecture, and state-of-the-art banking. In their work, they've collaborated with some of today's most innovative Fintechs to transform their organizations; including supporting generative Al use cases. With their unique blend of tech expertise and passion, they bring you stories that capture the essence of the evolving Fintech landscape. This season, we're thrilled to introduce Bianca Lopes. Originally from Brazil and currently based in Denmark, Bianca is an entrepreneur and economist with a remarkable background in digital identity and biometrics. Throughout her career, she has...

31 min

Fintech Files: Insights on TECH by BCG Platinion

The Future of Fintech | Fintech Files Season 4 Finale

Interoperability in African Fintech: Throwback Episode with Alfred Mukudu from Amazon

Open Banking for Good: Eyal Sivan on Data, Innovation and Financial Inclusion

Celebrating International Women's Day: ERM’s Cynthia Salicrup and Sandra Carrillo on Sustainable Finance and ESG

Supporting Startups and Payment Orchestration with Nader Abdelrazik from MoneyHash

Season 3 Throwback: Empowering Finance through Financial Inclusion with Vera Futorjanski

Inclusive Growth and Breaking the Glass Ceiling with Mastercard’s Subhashini Chandran

Empowering SMEs in Brazil: How Dinie is Reimagining Credit with Suzy Ferreira

Trailers

Financial Technology Meets Social Impact: Introducing Fintech Files Season 4

Fintech Files Trailer

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Fintech Files: Insights on TECH by BCG Platinion

Episodes

The Future of Fintech | Fintech Files Season 4 Finale

Interoperability in African Fintech: Throwback Episode with Alfred Mukudu from Amazon

Open Banking for Good: Eyal Sivan on Data, Innovation and Financial Inclusion

Celebrating International Women's Day: ERM’s Cynthia Salicrup and Sandra Carrillo on Sustainable Finance and ESG

Supporting Startups and Payment Orchestration with Nader Abdelrazik from MoneyHash

Season 3 Throwback: Empowering Finance through Financial Inclusion with Vera Futorjanski

Inclusive Growth and Breaking the Glass Ceiling with Mastercard’s Subhashini Chandran

Empowering SMEs in Brazil: How Dinie is Reimagining Credit with Suzy Ferreira

Trailers

Financial Technology Meets Social Impact: Introducing Fintech Files Season 4

Fintech Files Trailer

About

Information

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