FINTECHTALK Show about FINTECH, DeFI, CRYPTO, NFT WEB3.0, and the METAVERSE

HI FINTECHTALKERS, ( follow me on Twitter for lively discussions on these topics @PADDYRAMANATHAN)
Three years ago, in January 2020, we published our top 10 predictions for the decade below. So we wanted to follow up to see where the puck has been and where it will be.
Multi-modal AI, which includes text-to-image and text-to-audio capabilities, has arrived, as has quantum computing for cyber-security. TwitterFiles demonstrate that Twitter is more than a social media platform, but a critical transmission network that shaped public opinion, much like a power grid is for electricity.
When we consider the reach and attention of a platform like Twitter2.0 and the AI-generated content (narratives, texts, images, and videos), we are headed for a new level of hyper-personalized and augmented reality.

This is why - I decided to bring in some experts and talk about what is in store for 2023 and beyond and what we make of all the Generative AI and AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) talk.
I saw down with Jags Kandaswamy (CEO and Founder of Latent.AI), Lewis Liu (CEO of EigenTech), Sean Austin (CEO of Helios Life Enterprises), Ahon Sarkar (GM of Helix from Q2), Riad Hartani (Managing partner at Xonapartners) and Steven Ramirez (CEO at BeyondtheArc) to talk about all things technology, consumer behavior, and societal trend. The podcast and editorial infograph is included in this edition along with the link to the Generative Elder’s recap.
Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), a theoretical concept of human-like AI has been a topic of discussion lately. I asked ChatGPT about AGI and whether it was AGI, and here is what I got:
“No, I am not an AGI. I am a language model…Yes, as an AI language model, I am a small step towards AGI. AGI is a hypothetical concept that aims to create machines that possess general intelligence, and while we are not yet close to achieving AGI, language models like me represent a significant advance in artificial intelligence.” ChatGPT Feb 2023
We are at a pivotal moment in history, where the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) are expanding rapidly. The infograph above is an attempt to roadmap AI into horizons of increasing sophistication and use.
With generative capabilities in text, audio, video, code, and 3-D, AI is no longer just a decision support engine but is now able to augment and will soon replace several knowledge worker functions.

The implications of further advancements in generative models are significant and could change functions such as sales and marketing, design, and programming, and have a transformative effect in the fields of life sciences, medicine, financial services and even manufacturing. Imagine the possibilities if we were to connect AI to the cerebral cortex, which could unlock human potential in new and creative ways. For now, with embedded AI and AI on the edge, we are expanding human potential and creating new applications and value in areas such as warfare, terrestrial and space exploration, and other verticals.
Businesses beware! The biggest potential disruptor to your competitive advantage is the emergence of a competitor or upstart capable of doing what your best human resources can do, but on a much larger scale, with greater efficiency and effectiveness, thanks to AI. Therefore, investing in AI readiness for your core team is paramount for long-term success. Despite the deep technology behind AI, its value ultimately lies in its creative usage by humans. AI can augment and amplify human capabilities, but the critical decision-making, innovation, and creativity that drive the business forward are distinctly human traits. By embracing AI and preparing your team to integrate it into your operations, you can unleash your full potential and stay ahead of the competition. Don't miss out on this opportunity - invest in AI readiness today and prepare for a brighter, more innovative future.

Paddy RamanathanFounder of iValley (www.ivalley.co) andHost of th

HI FINTECHTALKERS,
This is one of the recordings from the sidelines of Money 2020 earlier this fall in Vegas. It was great to be back at this high energy show sometime back when FTX was just a TLA known to a few.
There were several broad themes at the show. Here are my top takeaways.
* Modernization of Infrastructure - Digital platforms like Smart Card, BaaS/Embedded Finance, neoCore platforms, and Enterprise DeFI
* Fintech explosion in the South - LATAM and beyond (I talk to Jean Mies of PPRO in this edition)
* We are just not ready for Web 3 or at least no clear owner of Web 3’s marketing push (probably will happen over time like Bitcoin) and why i disagree with prognosticators that FTX debacle is bad for Crypto (it would be akin to saying the end of derivatives after Lehman collapse - but more on this in a separate edition)
Latin American market presents an interesting dynamic as one of the fasted growing market for eCommerce and presents a great opportunity for fintechs and as my guest Jean Mies, General Manager at PPRO, explains the market is unique and to be successful offerings have to be hyper-localized to consumer preferences.
Paddy Ramanathan Follow me on the new Twitter @PaddyRamanathanFounder of iValley (www.ivalley.co) andHost of the FINTECHTALK™ Show (on Substack, Apple Podcast and Spotify)
(Violin piece in podcast courtesy of my daughter Ilina)


Get full access to FINTECHTALK™ Sculpting the future of fintech, AI, & Crypto at substack.fintechtalk.ivalley.co/subscribe

HI FINTECHTALKERS,
I was at Money 2020 in Vegas. It was great to be back at this high energy show, antithetical in some sense to the Vegas cliché - what happens in Money 2020 is talked about all over the fintech world.
There were several broad themes at the show. Here are my top takeaways.
* Modernization of Infrastructure - Digital platforms like Smart Card, BaaS/Embedded Finance, neoCore platforms, and Enterprise DeFI - succinctly captured in our editorial info graph at the end.
* Fintech explosion in the South - LATAM and beyond (don’t miss our upcoming podcast on this)
* We are just not ready for Web3 or at least no clear owner of Web3’s marketing push (probably will happen over time like Bitcoin).

I recorded a couple of podcast and one of them is featured in this episode on Embedded Finance and neoCore. I sat down with Luvleen Sidhu (CEO at BMTX formerly BankMobile), Jamie Donahue (CTO of BMTX), and Ahon Sarkar (General Manager at Helix by Q2) to talk about all things BaaS, Embedded Finance and the recently announced partnership between BMTX and Helix.
These pages have written and prognosticated about this space as early as 2014 - more recently last year I wrote about the virtualization of Banking and how it is easier to embed a Bank in any workflow with a fintech than to open a Bank account with a traditional bank [Do you want to Embed a Bank in your Business - the future of Baas and platformization of Banking]. My guests are pioneers and leaders in this space and they are changing the distribution of financial services. Let me explain with some historical context.
In the 1980s the growth catalyst and differentiator for financial institutions was having more branches and banking locations at retailers and educational institutions and the likes followed by mergers and acquisition in the 90s to expand that footprint. The Fintech generation and Digital Banking (the last 20 years) was all about removing friction and enhancing the customer journey and efficiency.
Now, the key differentiation in financial services is the combination of digital and distribution: digital distribution through embedded finance into the workflows at retail stores, doctors offices, colleges and SMEs at large. Banking products will be available through ERP, CRM, Digital and fulfillment systems.
A digital Banking product is or will get embedded in every vertical workflow. It’s truly outside in banking not only in experience but in economics. The vertical business could also becomes a mini-bank for its customers potentially deploying its balance sheet. These business microcosms are connected, and symbiotic. Put the ecosystem in blockchain and there is more efficiency and possibilities to manage risk and programmatic controls.The combination of enterprise Defi and embedded banking will be the next wave. Watch this space for more on that!
Enjoy and always Be in the Know!
On a separate and not so upbeat note: Very disheartening to hear about layoffs in tech esp. in the bay area including in bellwether fintechs like Stripe. I found this compilation useful if you are looking to hire. Under the List of Employees tab, there are lists of the impacted individuals.
If any FINTECHTALKERS that are reading are impacted, please let me know and I am happy to make some connections
https://layoffs.fyi/
Paddy RamanathanFounder of iValley (www.ivalley.co) andHost of the FINTECHTALK™ Show (www.fintechtalk.co)
(Violin piece in podcast courtesy of my daughter Ilina)
Substack has a new chat feature. Do let me know what you think about this edition on chat
EPILOGUE

Connect with us!
iValley Innovation Center11040 Bollinger Canyon Rd, E-909San Ramon, CA 94582,The United States.


Get full access to FINTECHTALK™ Sculpting the future of fintech, AI, & Crypto at substack.fintechtalk.ivalley.co/subscribe

HI FINTECHTALKERS,
It has been a while. I had some personal situations over summer and beyond for an extended time. Just getting back into rhythm.
I sat down a few weeks back with Devon Kinkead (CEO of Micronotes), Patrick Reilly (CEO of Verde International), Naushad Contractor (CEO of Fable Fintech) to talk all things about data, AI/ML in financial services and the still evolving space of cross-border payments.
AI is not going to just drive our cars, but manage our finances and will augment the enterprise’s decision making and processes. We are in early stages of the Autonomous enterprise which will eventually lead to hyper-personalized consumer interactions and AI based decision support across the enterprise. Startups like Micronotes and Verde are not only solving problems in areas like sales and marketing and credit underwriting but also developing the foundation for the autonomous enterprise. On the other hand, Fable Fintech is enabling financial institutions to adopt payment innovations like using new blockchain rails seamlessly and transparently for more efficient cross-border payments.
Stay tuned for more podcasts on the autonomous Bank and emerging payments.

Enjoy and always Be in the Know!
Paddy RamanathanFounder of iValley (www.ivalley.co) andHost of the FINTECHTALK™ Show (www.fintechtalk.co)
(Violin piece in podcast courtesy of my daughter Ilina)
EPILOGUE
The Roadmap to the Autonomous Financial Institution
Connect with us!
iValley Innovation Center11040 Bollinger Canyon Rd, E-909San Ramon, CA 94582,The United States.


Get full access to FINTECHTALK™ Sculpting the future of fintech, AI, & Crypto at substack.fintechtalk.ivalley.co/subscribe

HI FINTECHTALKERS,
I sat down with Shamir Karkal (CEO of SilaMoney), Brion Bonkowski (CEO & Founder at Tern) to talk about Fintech, the Equity/Crypto market correction, and the future.
We covered a lot of ground and in order to make it easy to navigate the podcast, I have included a table of timestamps and our infographic view of the Payment value chain along with Fintech Elder recap of the podcast.
0.10-7.05 - Introduction
7.05-16.00 Challenger Bank evolution - segment-specific lifestyle applications
16.00-16.50 Inclusion - Kilimanjaro initiative
16.50- 27.00 Equity Markets and Crypto markets - is there a correlation?
27.00- 37.00 what my guests are building - Programming with money, Democratizing fintech, and more
37.00-39.06 Advice from Shamir on perspective to take on downturn (before he runs to catch his flight)
39.06-52.28 - Future of BaaS, Banking as a utility, Cross-border payments future
Enjoy and always Be in the Know!
Paddy RamanathanFounder of iValley (www.ivalley.co) andHost of the FINTECHTALK™ Show (www.fintechtalk.co)
(Violin piece in podcast courtesy of my daughter Ilina)
EPILOGUE
There is a continued focus on digital payments innovation. iValley sees disruptors across the value chain as shown in the infographics below.

A Silent Banking Tsunami That Just Happened
By the Fintech Elder

I chanced upon this charming haiku about tsunamis by Carole Dwinell:
A towering wave
Eats small islands and is gone
A butterfly bows
Many things just creep up while you’re looking elsewhere. Something is so incomprehensible, such an outlier in the grand scheme of things, that it doesn’t seem to merit any attention.
And then, you’re swept away.
That’s what is happening in banking today. It’s all very well to talk about removing friction and moving money faster and so on, but it takes a real visionary to make things truly happen.
So when I heard that the highly-connected Paddy Ramanathan from iValley was planning to host a Fintechtalk panel discussion with two individuals who are blazing their own trails in banking, I decided to drop in and see what was going on.
I wasn’t disappointed.
On the hot seats were Shamir Karkal from SilaMoney and Brion Bonkowski from Tern. Both have done some ground-breaking work on enabling Banking as a Service and creating a new paradigm for payments and micro-segmentation.
First, the harsh truth. Despite the hysteria about challenger banks and how everything has changed, the fact remains that less than 10% of accounts are with these new kids on the block. The majority of people prefer to bank with names they recognize. 
On the other hand, this is going to rapidly change as technology and fresh ideas reimagine banking.
Anyone wishing to start a bank in the traditional way has several hurdles to clear: regulatory, technical, manpower and more. It can take months or even years to put together the building blocks. It's not for the weak or impatient.
But it's significantly easier now than before. Silamoney, for instance, has been hard at work making things easier with Banking, Digital Wallet & ACH Payments APIs.  All you need to do is plug in the right API and some aspect of banking happens!
What has been discovered (late perhaps?) is that community banking has very interesting little niches. Golfers, immigrant groups, and other demographic groups – all have very specific characteristics and if you think about what they specifically need, then the cost of acquisition becomes lower. That means community banks could easily become effective by deploying these APIs instead of spinning wheels and wasting time and money trying to do it from scratch. Think about it! You get a lock-in and have a better understanding of the Lifetime Value of such customers.
Likewise, there are segments that need help with cross-border payments, which is both expensive and vexing. Other communities have traditions of pooling resources and being comfortable with inter-community lending. Opening such b

HI FINTECHTALKERS,
I sat down with Ram Subramaniam (CEO of Guardianlink.io), Prakash Somosundram (CEO of Enjinstarter.com), and Matthew Gunnin (CEO of eSports.one) to talk about all things Metaverse, the rise of the immersive web, NFTs, Digital Assets and more. We covered a lot of ground and in order to make it easy to navigate the podcast, I have included a table of timestamps.
Metaverse represents the evolution of the Web, where you are in the Web not just connected to it through a device like a mobile phone - the convergence of digital and physical realities. It will become part and parcel of our lifestyle becoming the experience portal for entertainment, education, and more. With technologies like AR/VR and upcoming tech like Elon Musk’s Neurallink which is aiming to connect the human neocortex (the decision-making center of our brain) directly to computing devices (thereby to the metaverse and AI), our lives and even what is an experience are in for a profound change.

The current web is built on websites, mobile apps, and APIs and gave us e-commerce, search, social media, digital advertisement, and the sharing economy as applications. The foundation of the Metaverse is being built on Crypto, NFTs (the framework for new digital asset class), DAOs (how firms, people, and even governments may organize in the future) giving us hyper-personalized convergent and immersive experiences, convergent commerce (commerce initiated in physical and fulfilled in digital and vice-versa), and experiences APIs that drive interoperability across the Metaverse. Fasten your seat straps as belts are not going to cut it this time.

0.10-9.10 Introduction - what led them to their current focus
9.10-22.10 What is Metaverse, Web3.0 and why are NFT and Blockchain important?
22.10-29.15 How big is this? The TAM for Metaverse, NFT, eSports, and Gaming
29.15-31.30 Which geographies around the world are most active?
31.30-48.00 What are you building and how do you fit into the ecosystem?
48.00 -54.40 Why should Enterprise care about Metaverse and when /how should you build your metaverse strategy?
54.40-1.01 The projects you are excited about - DAO, Inter-operability, and more
1.01-1.04 - What are your priorities and who are you looking to connect with?
To connect with my guests and their companies go to https://enjinstarter.com/, https://www.guardianlink.io/, and https://esportsone.com/ and use any of the social media like their Discord channel.
Included in this edition is the fintech elder recap below.
Enjoy and always Be in the Know!
Paddy RamanathanFounder of iValley (www.ivalley.co) andHost of the FINTECHTALK™ Show (www.fintechtalk.co)
(Violin piece in podcast courtesy of my daughter Ilina)

The Beginning of the Beginning–Metaverse’s Promise of Infinite Possibilities
By the Fintech Elder

“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”
You know where that came from. The pen of the great science-fiction novelist Lewis Carroll.
Oh, he wasn’t a science fiction writer, did you just say? Indulge me for a minute. Maybe he was a kind of prophet. Maybe he thought that one day we would have these virtual experiences and drift in and out of digital worlds.
I sat quietly in a corner of the digital world and listened to a fascinating podcast steered beautifully by Paddy Ramanathan, CEO of iValley, who’s made quite a name for himself as a great networker and influencer in the Fintech world. He weaved together a fascinating tapestry involving guests Ramkumar Subramaniam, Prakash Somosundram, and Matthew Gunnin who are extremely knowledgeable about NFT, e-sports and Metaverse respectively. As it turns out Metaverse was the ultimate glue that made NFT and e-sports so much more intense. So, I’ll just talk about that.
This article isn’t intended to be a primer on Metaverse. In any case, the definition is evolving constantly. We could perhaps get away by calling it a growing convergence betw