Money Travels

Visa Direct

Money Travels explores the stories and people behind the extraordinary innovations in payments, money movement, and digital finance, while examining the impact they’re having on our lives and on economies across the world.

  1. 2D AGO

    Why Money Gets Lost in Translation — And How Global Payments Are Fixing It

    For decades, the global financial system has been a Tower of Babel, with banks, wallets, and blockchains each speaking their own language, unable to work together efficiently. This fragmentation has caused massive inefficiencies, trapping billions of dollars in dead money and excluding billions of people from the global economy. Chloé Mayenobe, Deputy CEO of Thunes, is building a universal translator to fix this. In this episode, Chloé discusses the rise of the mobile-first economy, why stablecoins are the key to 24/7 liquidity, and how strict compliance became her competitive advantage in building a network that reaches 7 billion endpoints.

    29 min

  2. APR 21

    Why It’s Easier to Pay Than Get Paid — And How That’s Changing

    For decades, the global financial infrastructure was designed as a one-way street: excellent at collecting money from consumers, but slow and inefficient at giving it back. Rodney Robinson, a 40-year veteran of the payments industry, recognized that for the digital economy to work, money needed a reverse gear. In this episode, Rodney discusses why legacy institutions didn’t share his vision, how TabaPay is now the invisible plumbing for the apps we all use, and why democratizing instant money movement is the key to preventing debt cycles for millions of Americans. 00:00 Welcome to Money Travels: The Push and Pull Problem 01:15 Lightning Round: 40 Years of Payments Wisdom 04:40 The Asymmetry of Money Movement: Pull vs Push 07:11 Solving the Impossible: Building Two-Way Instant Payments 08:22 The Invisible Infrastructure Powering Your Favorite Apps 11:12 The New Normal: Speed as a Consumer Expectation 11:49 From Corporate Rejection to Entrepreneurial Success 15:28 Flip Phones and Failed Experiments: Learning from Mobile Payment History 17:10 Breaking the Debt Trap: The Real Impact of Instant Payments 20:42 The FinTech-Bank Clash and the Future of Payments Learn more about Visa Direct: visa.com/visadirect Connect with Visa Direct on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/visa-direct/ Disclaimers: Visa Direct capability is enabled through a financial institution partner. Visa Direct product availability and functionality varies by market. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. Visa neither makes any warranty or representation as to the completeness or accuracy of the information within this podcast, nor assumes any liability or responsibility that may result from reliance on such information and any information from third parties. The information contained in this podcast is not intended as investment or legal advice, and listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a competent professional where such advice is required. All brand names, logos and/or trademarks are the property of their respective owners, and do not necessarily imply product endorsement or affiliation with Visa.

    29 min

  3. APR 7

    When Stablecoins Meet Africa: What the World Is Missing

    Money Travels Podcast Season 4, Episode 1 With the global financial system often failing to serve emerging markets, Chris Maurice, CEO and Co-Founder of Yellow Card, has built an innovative solution from the ground up. What started as a personal mission to solve crippling remittance fees evolved into Africa's leading stablecoin infrastructure, facilitating billions in commerce. In this episode, Chris dives into his founder journey—from selling Pokémon cards to flying into Lagos on a six-day-old passport—and explains how Yellow Card leveraged stablecoins to solve Africa’s payments problems. We’ll discuss his work with governments to build regulatory clarity, his vision for using stablecoins to strengthen the global dollar system, and how this new financial infrastructure is laying the foundation for an equitable and connected global economy. Learn more about Visa Direct: visa.com/visadirect Disclaimers: Visa Direct capability is enabled through a financial institution partner. Visa Direct product availability and functionality varies by market. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. Visa neither makes any warranty or representation as to the completeness or accuracy of the information within this podcast, nor assumes any liability or responsibility that may result from reliance on such information and any information from third parties. The information contained in this podcast is not intended as investment or legal advice, and listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a competent professional where such advice is required. All brand names, logos and/or trademarks are the property of their respective owners, and do not necessarily imply product endorsement or affiliation with Visa.

    42 min

  4. JAN 5

    What We Learned From 10+ Hours With Top Voices in Money Movement

    Money Travels Podcast Season 3, Episode 14 What does the "edge of money" actually look like? In our Season 3 finale, hosts Rich and Max look back at the most groundbreaking conversations of the year—from the digital transformation of aid in conflict zones to how AI is finally giving creators the financial tools they deserve. We dive deep into why "inclusion" is about more than just a bank account—it’s about dignity, choice, and moving money at the speed of life. Whether it’s solving the trillion-dollar friction in B2B payments or making "money roaming" as easy as mobile roaming, this episode summarizes the innovations that are redefining our global economy. Learn more about Visa Direct: visa.com/visadirect Disclaimers: Visa Direct capability is enabled through a financial institution partner. Visa Direct product availability and functionality varies by market. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. Visa neither makes any warranty or representation as to the completeness or accuracy of the information within this podcast, nor assumes any liability or responsibility that may result from reliance on such information and any information from third parties. The information contained in this podcast is not intended as investment or legal advice, and listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a competent professional where such advice is required. All brand names, logos and/or trademarks are the property of their respective owners, and do not necessarily imply product endorsement or affiliation with Visa.

    26 min
  5. 10+ Hours of Money Movement Insights in 26 Minutes

    JAN 5

    10+ Hours of Money Movement Insights in 26 Minutes

    Money Travels Podcast Season 3, Episode 14 What does the "edge of money" actually look like? In our Season 3 finale, hosts Rich and Max look back at the most groundbreaking conversations of the year—from the digital transformation of aid in conflict zones to how AI is finally giving creators the financial tools they deserve. We dive deep into why "inclusion" is about more than just a bank account—it’s about dignity, choice, and moving money at the speed of life. Whether it’s solving the trillion-dollar friction in B2B payments or making "money roaming" as easy as mobile roaming, this episode summarizes the innovations that are redefining our global economy. Learn more about Visa Direct: visa.com/visadirect Connect with Visa Direct on LinkedIn:   / visa-direct   #Fintech #DigitalPayments #MoneyTravels #FinancialInclusion #CreatorEconomy #AI #FutureOfFinance Disclaimers: Visa Direct capability is enabled through a financial institution partner. Visa Direct product availability and functionality varies by market. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. Visa neither makes any warranty or representation as to the completeness or accuracy of the information within this podcast, nor assumes any liability or responsibility that may result from reliance on such information and any information from third parties. The information contained in this podcast is not intended as investment or legal advice, and listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a competent professional where such advice is required. All brand names, logos and/or trademarks are the property of their respective owners, and do not necessarily imply product endorsement or affiliation with Visa.

    26 min
  6. How Aavance Is Driving Financial Inclusion for Migrants in Latin America with Digital Wallets

    12/08/2025

    How Aavance Is Driving Financial Inclusion for Migrants in Latin America with Digital Wallets

    With 7.7 million Venezuelan refugees globally and 2.9 million in Colombia alone, the challenge of distributing humanitarian aid effectively is huge. Using cash is slow and risky, and lacks transparency, raising problems for NGOs and migrants alike. In this episode, we’re joined by the team from AAvance, a fintech working with Visa to tackle this problem head-on. We’ll explore how their digital wallet is replacing insecure cash with prepaid cards, giving dignity and financial freedom to migrants. We’ll hear the human stories behind AAvance’s work, and learn how it’s creating a pathway to economic independence for migrants across Colombia. And we’ll discover just why it matters so much to AAvance’s founders themselves John Herreño and Magreth Gutierrez Vargas. Disclaimers: Visa Direct capability is enabled through a financial institution partner. Visa Direct product availability and functionality varies by market. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. Visa neither makes any warranty or representation as to the completeness or accuracy of the information within this podcast, nor assumes any liability or responsibility that may result from reliance on such information and any information from third parties. The information contained in this podcast is not intended as investment or legal advice, and listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a competent professional where such advice is required. All brand names, logos and/or trademarks are the property of their respective owners, and do not necessarily imply product endorsement or affiliation with Visa.

    46 min

  7. 11/22/2025

    How TerraPay Solves Fragmented Global Payments with Interoperability

    Money Travels Podcast Season 3, Episode 12 For migrant workers sending remittances back home, cross-border payments can be slow, complex and expensive. It was this challenge Ambar Sur set out to solve when he left his telecom background and co-founded Terrapay in 2014. Inspired by telecom’s seamless global connectivity, Ambar set about building a robust network to enable instant, low-cost digital transactions, helping workers move more money more quickly across borders and increasing financial inclusion in the process. In this episode, we talk to Ambar about his Terrapay journey and how digital wallets are reshaping financial ecosystems to meet UN Sustainable Development Goals. We discuss the power of interoperability, explore the real-world impact of digital wallets, and ask about the challenges still to be addressed in the quest for borderless financial connectivity. Learn more about Visa Direct: visa.com/visadirect Connect with Visa Direct on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/visa-direct/ Timestamps: Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Ambar Sur 00:00:45 Welcome to Money Travels 00:02:10 What is a digital wallet? 00:03:20 How do digital wallets fit into today’s financial ecosystem? 00:04:40 Making wallets “roam” globally 00:06:00 Why do small-value remittances matter? 00:08:20 How does TerraPay work with regulators on compliance? 00:10:00 Guiding emerging market regulators on cross-border flows 00:11:30 Ensuring reliability and delivering fast transfers 00:13:00 Insights from Ambar’s telco background 00:14:10 The shift from cash to digital 00:15:30 Why are some workers still paid in cash? 00:17:00 Cash vs. digital adoption in emerging markets 00:18:10 TerraPay’s early market entry strategy 00:20:00 The vision for global interoperability 00:22:30 Making low-value transfers affordable for gig workers 00:24:10 How do regulators shape digital wallet expansion? 00:26:40 Stablecoins, FX considerations, and keeping flows regulated 00:29:00 Building trusted, scalable global payment rails 00:31:20 TerraPay’s mission: money movement as seamless as mobile roaming 00:34:10 Future outlook for global wallets and remittances 00:36:40 Closing and next episode nominations Disclaimers: Visa Direct capability is enabled through a financial institution partner. Visa Direct product availability and functionality varies by market. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. Visa neither makes any warranty or representation as to the completeness or accuracy of the information within this podcast, nor assumes any liability or responsibility that may result from reliance on such information and any information from third parties. The information contained in this podcast is not intended as investment or legal advice, and listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a competent professional where such advice is required. All brand names, logos and/or trademarks are the property of their respective owners, and do not necessarily imply product endorsement or affiliation with Visa.

    34 min

  8. 10/20/2025

    How Paysend is Solving the Single Biggest Challenge in Financial Services

    Money Travels Podcast Season 3, Episode 11 As CEO at Paysend, Ben Chisell is revolutionising how money moves across borders. In this episode, we talk with Ben about his personal journey, his passion for improving financial inclusion, and the challenges faced by millions when it comes to sending and receiving money. We explore the inefficiencies in traditional systems, the impact of new technologies, and how Paysend’s secret recipe for settling international payments could solve “the single biggest problem in financial services” — to the benefit of businesses and individuals alike. Learn more about Visa Direct: visa.com/visadirect Connect with Visa Direct on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/visa-direct/ Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Ben Chisell 00:00:57 Welcome to Money Travels 00:01:50 Persistent challenges in moving money 00:03:47 The impact of solving backend payment issues and who benefits 00:05:54 How new innovation affects businesses and SMBs, particularly around cash flow 00:09:46 Industry shifts driving focus on backend payment infrastructure 00:15:55 Ben Chisell’s experience at Paysend: identifying problems and proposing strategic change 00:20:55 Developing and refining Paysend’s mission and strategy 00:22:30 Key conversations that helped shift company priorities 00:24:03 How other companies have adapted to similar strategic approaches 00:28:00 Core challenges in global money movement:  1. Speed of transfers  2. Ease of sending  3. Cost efficiency 37:42 — Settlement challenges and Paysend’s solutions 39:43 — Overview of Paysend and how it addresses its own operational pain points 42:13 — Ben Chisell’s passion for improving financial systems and user experience 49:09 — What’s next for Paysend and the broader money movement industry Disclaimers: Visa Direct capability is enabled through a financial institution partner. Visa Direct product availability and functionality varies by market. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. Visa neither makes any warranty or representation as to the completeness or accuracy of the information within this podcast, nor assumes any liability or responsibility that may result from reliance on such information and any information from third parties. The information contained in this podcast is not intended as investment or legal advice, and listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a competent professional where such advice is required. All brand names, logos and/or trademarks are the property of their respective owners, and do not necessarily imply product endorsement or affiliation with Visa.

    1 hr
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5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Money Travels explores the stories and people behind the extraordinary innovations in payments, money movement, and digital finance, while examining the impact they’re having on our lives and on economies across the world.

Information

  • Creator
    Visa Direct
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Visa Direct
  • Show Website
    Money Travels

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