Episodes

248
Sept. 30, 2024

Episode 248: News From the Fintech Front (September 2024)

In this month’s News From The Fintech Front, host Don Ginsel is joined by guests Alex Johnson and Gabriella Orille, marking a major milestone for the show: 500 unique guests! Key topics include the increasing role of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) in transforming financial systems and how neobanks are strengthening ties with traditional banks to diversify their services. They also dive into the growth of Embedded Finance, reshaping consumer experiences by integrating financial services...
246
Sept. 16, 2024

Episode 246: Milan Fintech Summit Special: Let’s Talk Embedded Finance!

This episode of Breaking Banks Europe explores the rise of embedded finance, its impact on businesses, and why today is the best time to be a fintech entrepreneur. Experts Nicolas Benady and Paolo Zaccardi discuss how companies of all sizes are integrating financial services through APIs, simplifying operations in a conversation with host Matteo Rizzi. Later on the “Fintech Groove” installment – Denis Gven from Wamo highlights how fintechs like his are revolutionizing banking for SMEs, offering ...
245
Sept. 9, 2024

Episode 245: Milan Fintech Summit 2024 – Exclusive Sneak Peek

In this episode of Breaking Banks Europe, Matteo Rizzi interviews Chiara Padua, Deputy CEO of the Fintech District and Head of the Milan Fintech Summit (MFS). They discuss the upcoming 2024 Milan Fintech Summit, its theme, “Smells Like Fintech Spirit,” inspired by music, reflecting the evolving, dynamic nature of fintech. Chiara highlights how MFS has grown since its inception in 2020, including new tracks and regional events, emphasizing the importance of in-person gatherings for networking and...
243
Aug. 26, 2024

Episode 243: News From The FinTech Front (August 2024)

In this month’s “News From The Fintech Front” host Elizabeth Kleinveld discusses recent fintech developments with guests Bruno Diniz and Ritesh Jain. They explore major fintech news, focusing on topics like the expansion of payment company Adyen into India, investments by Japan’s Credit Saison in Latin American startups, and HSBC’s involvement in open property data for smoother home buying in the UK. They also delve into Brazil’s innovative financial infrastructure, including PIX, open finance, ...
242
Aug. 19, 2024

Episode 242: Milan Fintech Summit Special: Let’s Talk Inclusion!

In this first episode of Breaking Banks Europe, part of the Milan Fintech Summit Special 3 episode-series, host Matteo Rizzi talks with Stefania Di Bartolomeo, CEO of Physis Investment. Stefania discusses her company’s mission to empower sustainable investing through data-driven tools, enabling investors to support companies with positive societal impacts. She contrasts the U.S.’s supportive innovation ecosystem with Europe’s and highlights the importance of collaboration among entrepreneurs. S...
240
Aug. 5, 2024

Episode 240: Ecosystem Zoom-In: The Congolese Case

In this episode of Breaking Banks Europe, part of the Ecosystem Zoom-In series, host Matteo Rizzi explores the dynamic fintech landscape of the Democratic Republic of Congo with guest Joel Tshilumba (Co-Founder, Ultimate Corporation). For the first time in #BBE, this special episode is presented in two languages, with the first section in English and the second in French, to honor the significant impact of francophone Africa on the continent (the YouTube video includes subtitles for wider access...
239
July 29, 2024

Episode 239: News From The FinTech Front (July 2024)

In this month’s episode of News From The FinTech Front, host and industry extraordinaire Don Ginsel unmutes Micky Tesfaye, and Grant Easterbrook discuss the latest fintech headlines from July 2024. They explore the upcoming integration of ChatGPT into Apple devices and its potential to revolutionize personal finance by serving as a voice-based advisor. This development could lead to outcomes ranging from tech companies disintermediating traditional financial firms to strengthening big banks’ dom...
237
July 15, 2024

Episode 237: Fintech4Good – How Banks Collaborating with Startups can Improve the Lives of Farmers

In the latest episode of Breaking Banks Europe, host Elizabeth Kleinfeld delves into the intersection of fintech and agriculture, focusing on how innovations are transforming the lives of farmers. Joining her are Trevor Sieck from Rabobank’s FoodBytes and Jake Joraanstad, CEO of Bushel. Jake explains how Bushel’s software digitizes the grain supply chain, enabling seamless financial transactions and better data management for farmers. Trevor highlights the broader impact of such technologies, i...
236
July 8, 2024

Episode 236: Point Zero Forum – Revolutionizing Digital Assets: The Role of Chainlink in Financial Innovation

Dive into our latest episode, “Revolutionizing Digital Assets: The Role of Chainlink in Financial Innovation,” where we explore how Chainlink is transforming the financial landscape! Join us as we unpack Chain.link’s innovative approach to tokenization, smart contracts, and cross-chain connectivity. Discover how their groundbreaking technology is creating new opportunities for financial institutions and reshaping the future of digital assets. From collaborations with major players like Fidelity...
234
June 24, 2024

Episode 234: Money2020 Take Over – Empowering Africans Globally

Tune in for this live episode of Breaking Banks Europe at the MoneyPot stage at Money2020 Europe, where Benjamin Fernandes, Founder and CEO of NALA, joins the show’s executive producer Matteo Rizzi, the OG fintech rebel, in a discussion on groundbreaking mobile money transfers and empowering Africans globally. Together, they envision safe, affordable, and dependable cross-border payments from the UK, US, and EU to Africa. With Rizzi’s venture into an upskilling platform via The TPO Network , the...
June 11, 2024

Special Episode: Point Zero Forum: 130 million refugees worldwide in 2024 | How can Blockchain and Fintech help?

This week on #BBE, we highlight the Point Zero Forum conference, an organizational endeavor between Elevandi and the State Secretariat for International Finance SIF. As a media partner for the Zurich event from July 1-3, in this episode we discuss the status of displaced people and refugees, emphasizing their importance post-EU elections. Explore how fintech sectors offer solutions beyond prepaid cards, with showcases like Cardano’s blockchain and biometric ID systems by the International Rescue...
230
June 2, 2024

Episode 230: News From The Fintech Front – Live at Money2020 Europe

Our monthly edition of “News From The FinTech Front” puts the most recognizable thought leaders discussing the latest news for the industry and gives them space to comment, or often explain what exactly happened to our audience. This month, the Simon Taylor and Rita Martins join Elizabeth Kleinveld live at the MoneyPot podcast booth and stage at Money2020 Europe in Amsterdam, ‌ Connect with our guests: Rita Martins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritamartins2/ https://qrfy.io/r/fwAx8I9EPd Simo...
229
May 20, 2024

Episode 229: Fintech4Good: Solutions for Immigrants

In episode 229 of Fintech4Good, titled “Solutions for Immigrants” on Breaking Banks Europe, host Elizabeth Kleinveld welcomes Terver Bendega and Ethien Salinas to discuss their startups addressing challenges faced by immigrants. Bendega, CMO of Arrivall, shares his personal journey as an immigrant and the genesis of Arrivall, a platform offering rental guarantees, personal financing, and credit building to ease newcomers’ integration. Salinas, CTO of Íkualo, recounts his co-founder’s struggle to...
227
May 10, 2024

Episode 227: Fintech4Good – Diversity and Gender Equality in Business at G20

In this episode of the Fintech4Good series on the Breaking Banks Europe podcast, host Matteo Rizzi is joined by Paula Bellizia, an influential leader in the tech industry. With over 29 years of experience, Paula has held top positions at companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. Currently, she is the President of Global Payments at EBANX, a company that connects global digital businesses with emerging markets. The episode focuses on Paula’s journey, highlighting her commitment to talent devel...
226
April 29, 2024

Episode 226: Fintech4Good: Affordable Housing Loans for the underbanked in Zimbabwe

This new installment of the Fintech4Good series delved into “Affordable Housing Loans for the Underbanked in Zimbabwe.” Hosted by Elizabeth Kleinveld, the discussion featured Vusa Chimanikire, CEO of Entry, and Tawana Muchatuta from Africa Growth. The conversation began with Entry’s mission to provide loans for affordable housing in Zimbabwe, addressing financial exclusion. They explored Zimbabwe’s economic challenges, including high interest rates hindering mortgage access. Entry’s unique asses...
224
April 15, 2024

Episode 224: Paris Blockchain Week – Take Over

Matteo Rizzi representing Breaking Banks Europe at the Paris Blockchain Week, interviews Zoltan Rendes, Co-owner/Chief Marketing Officer at Sunmoney Solar Group. Zoltan discusses Sunmoney’s transition to tokenizing its assets and the benefits of blockchain technology for sustainable investing. He highlights the company’s commitment to profitability and environmental conservation, emphasizing initiatives such as tire recycling and clean drinking water solutions. Despite caution in expanding into ...
223
April 8, 2024

Episode 223: News From The Fintech Front (March 2024)

Another month, another “News From the Fintech Front.” In Episode 223, March 2024 unfolds with the latest in fintech, hosted by Elizabeth Kleinveld. Joined by Oana Ifrim, Lead Editor at The Paypers, and David Gyori, CEO of Banking Reports London, the episode delves into the industry’s hottest topics. Discussions center around the transition from cash to central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), Capital One’s acquisition of Discover, and its implications for competition and fintech. The episode al...
221
March 25, 2024

Episode 221: Fintech4Good: “Digital Financial Inclusion as a distinct category of broader Financial Inclusion”

In this episode of “Fintech4Good,” hosted by Matteo Rizzi, Chris Lawrence from the Interledger Foundation joins the conversation on financial inclusion and digital innovation. Chris shares insights into his background in open tech and philanthropy, highlighting the foundation’s mission to promote open protocols for payments. The discussion covers projects in Latin America and Africa funded by the foundation, emphasizing grassroots initiatives and university partnerships aimed at upskilling digit...
220
March 18, 2024

Episode 220: News From The FinTech Front (February 2024)

Breaking Banks Europe is back with its “News From The Fintech Front” – February 2024 edition, this time hosted by Roberto Capodieci, and featuring UK-based Marie Walker broadcasting live from Washington and Sanjib Kalita joining from Virginia after a successful Fintech Meetup in Vegas. Walker brings expertise in financial technology and open banking, while Kalita, Chairman at Fintech Meetup, offers insights into fintech ecosystems and digital innovation. The discussion delves into 2024 fintech t...
218
March 4, 2024

Episode 218: Ecosystem Zoom-In: The British Case

In this episode of #BBE’s Ecosystem Zoom-In series, we finally reflect on The British Case. Coinciding the podcast’s inception and the historic Brexit event four years ago, this fascinating nation finally takes the spotlight of our show. Janine Hirt, current CEO of Innovate Finance, joins to discuss how Britain has risen to prominence as a global leader in nurturing innovation ecosystems, trailing only behind the US. Hirt offers insights into the evolving landscape for UK companies and also anno...
217
Feb. 29, 2024

Episode 217: Ecosystem Zoom-In – The Polish Case

In Episode 217, Matteo delves into Poland’s dynamic FinTech landscape with Piotr Brewiński, Co-Founder of FinTech Poland, and Dariusz Mazurkiewicz, CEO of BLIK Polish Payment Standard. They dissect the country’s financial technology sector, exploring its evolution, regulatory framework, and technological advancements. Brewiński sheds light on emerging trends and collaborative initiatives propelling the industry forward, while Mazurkiewicz provides insights into the evolution of payment systems a...
216
Feb. 23, 2024

Episode 216: Disruption Stories – The Challenges of Integrating Cryptocurrency into Traditional Financial Systems

“Don’t Do Your KYC Naked,” this is sage advice from Alexander Bychkov, CEO of Embily, that is interviewed by expert Roberto Capodieici. In this episode, they navigate the smooth integration of cryptocurrency into traditional financial systems. Embily, born from Singaporean company Blockchain International Group, introduces a co-branded VISA card, enabling users to effortlessly convert digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT into cash. Bychkov shares Embily’s global vision for providi...
215
Feb. 16, 2024

Episode 215: Fintech4Good – Carbon Equity 101

In this episode titled “Carbon Equity 101” from the Fintech4Good series on Breaking Banks Europe podcast, host Don Ginsel engages in a compelling discussion with Jacqueline van den Ende, the co-founder and CEO of Carbon Equity. Together, they explore the core principles of carbon equity and its pivotal role in addressing climate change, emphasizing its relation to fintech. Jacqueline provides valuable insights into how Carbon Equity, showcased on CarbonEquity.com, leverages financial technology ...
214
Feb. 5, 2024

Episode 214: Ecosystem Zoom-In: The Nigerian Case

Update time! Our Ecosystem Zoom-In series takes us back to the dynamic landscape of the Nigerian Ecosystem, this time hosted by Elizabeth Kleinveld and with guests Babatunde Ogundipe (E-Doc Online) and Uwem Uwemakpan (Launch Africa). Building upon the foundations laid in our December 2020 episode with Lexi Novitske and Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Kleinveld explores the remarkable transformations that have unfolded over the past three something years. This deep dive into Nigeria unveils the evolving narra...