London Fintech Podcast

In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark is joined by EJ Achtner, former Group Head of Generative AI Capabilities at HSBC, to explore the transformative power of AI in the financial services industry. They delve into what it really takes to implement AI at scale in highly regulated, complex environments and the potential challenges and opportunities this presents.

EJ shares insights into leading enterprise-level AI transformation, from the early days of tools like ChatGPT to establishing robust governance frameworks and aligning AI strategies with business goals. The conversation goes beyond the buzzwords, focusing on how AI can drive productivity, improve customer outcomes, and unlock innovation when used responsibly.

They discuss the common hurdles that prevent AI projects from progressing beyond the proof of concept, the importance of data quality, and how strong model risk management is crucial for successful AI adoption. EJ also highlights the importance of human oversight in high-stakes environments and the role of cross-functional collaboration in ensuring successful outcomes.

Topics Covered:

• AI has reached a turning point in accessibility and real-world impact

• Successful adoption requires strong governance, clear business goals, and strategic leadership

• Generative AI must be treated as an enabler, not a silver bullet

• Human oversight and cross-team collaboration are essential for managing risk

• Organisations must focus on data quality and upskilling their workforce to keep pace

Whether you’re in strategy, tech, or operations, this episode offers valuable, practical insights for embedding AI within your organisation and doing it the right way.

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUTLS4v9N_M

In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony sits down with Pierre-Antoine Dusoulier, founder of iBanFirst, one of Europe's fastest-growing fintech companies specialising in cross-border payments.

They explore the complexities of international transactions, Pierre-Antoine’s entrepreneurial journey, and what makes IBAN First stand out in a competitive market. From funding strategies to the role of technology in financial services, this conversation is packed with valuable insights for fintech founders, investors, and business leaders.

The episode also dives into the challenges SMEs face in managing global payments, the importance of transparent pricing, and how investing in talent and technology is essential for long-term success.

Topics Covered:

• The $200 trillion cross-border payments market opportunity

• Self-funding vs. VC vs. PE – choosing the right funding strategy

• Why client satisfaction is key to scaling a fintech business

• How IBAN First is simplifying payments for 10,000+ SMEs

• The power of transparent pricing as a competitive advantage

• The role of technology in driving fintech innovation

• Carving out a niche in a crowded financial services market

• Building a house from scratch in France 

• The importance of social wealth and the 5 types of wealth 

Tune in now to discover how IBAN First is revolutionising cross-border payments and what it takes to build a successful fintech startup!

Tony Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclark100/

The London Fintech Podcast: https://londonfintechpodcast.com

Pierre-Antoine Dusoulier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierre-antoine-dusoulier-b1b8202/

IBAN First: https://www.ibanfirst.com

The 5 Types of Wealth: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Types-Wealth-Transformative-Guide-Design/dp/0008623201

In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony sits down with Pierre-Antoine Dusoulier, founder of iBanFirst, one of Europe's fastest-growing fintech companies specialising in cross-border payments.

They explore the complexities of international transactions, Pierre-Antoine’s entrepreneurial journey, and what makes IBAN First stand out in a competitive market. From funding strategies to the role of technology in financial services, this conversation is packed with valuable insights for fintech founders, investors, and business leaders.

The episode also dives into the challenges SMEs face in managing global payments, the importance of transparent pricing, and how investing in talent and technology is essential for long-term success.

Topics Covered:

• The $200 trillion cross-border payments market opportunity

• Self-funding vs. VC vs. PE – choosing the right funding strategy

• Why client satisfaction is key to scaling a fintech business

• How IBAN First is simplifying payments for 10,000+ SMEs

• The power of transparent pricing as a competitive advantage

• The role of technology in driving fintech innovation

• Carving out a niche in a crowded financial services market

• Building a house from scratch in France 

• The importance of social wealth and the 5 types of wealth 

Tune in now to discover how IBAN First is revolutionizing cross-border payments and what it takes to build a successful fintech startup!

In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony sits down with Shameer Sachdev, an expert in FinTech marketing, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape and the strategies that drive growth in a competitive market.

Shameer shares insights on the critical role of creativity in FinTech marketing, the power of effective messaging, and the potential of influencer marketing to enhance brand awareness. The conversation dives into how AI can boost marketing efficiency, the importance of regular customer engagement, and the significance of analytics in measuring success.

The episode also touches on the unique challenges of global expansion and the need to leverage new media channels to reach younger audiences. Shameer emphasises the value of "zigging when others zag" to gain a competitive edge in the dynamic FinTech space.

Topics Covered:

• The evolving landscape of FinTech marketing

• Being an astronaut in your spare time...

• The role of creativity in driving effective strategies

• Understanding customer pain points for better messaging

• Finding your 'Finfluencer'...

• Leveraging AI for improved marketing output and efficiency

• The importance of customer feedback in adapting strategies

• Navigating global expansion and understanding market dynamics

• Utilising new media channels to engage younger audiences

• The fundamental role of analytics in tracking success

• Standing out by "zigging when others zag"

Tune in to discover actionable strategies and key insights to help your FinTech thrive in a rapidly changing market.

Watch the video episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQt73hUb5Zs&t=756s

In the latest episode of the London Fintech Podcast, we sit down with Ellison Anne Williams, founder and CEO of Enveil, to explore the critical role of data privacy and privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) in the fight against financial crime.

Ellison Anne shares her expertise in homomorphic encryption and secure data collaboration, highlighting how financial institutions can leverage sensitive data while maintaining compliance with evolving regulations. The discussion covers key challenges in data privacy, the importance of operational pilots, and how PETs are reshaping the regulatory landscape.

The episode also examines the cultural barriers that hinder data sharing, the UK’s leading role in PET adoption, and how institutions can quantify the return on investment for secure data-sharing initiatives. Ellison Anne offers invaluable insights into entrepreneurship, the power of belief in one’s vision, and the future of privacy in fintech.

Topics Covered:

• The growing importance of data privacy in financial services

• How PETs enable secure cross-border data collaboration

• Advancements in homomorphic encryption and secure computation

• The role of operational pilots in demonstrating PET effectiveness

• Regulatory trends shaping the future of privacy and compliance

• Cultural and institutional barriers to effective data sharing

• The UK’s pioneering role in privacy-enhancing technology adoption

• How financial institutions can measure the ROI of PETs

• Why education and awareness are crucial for technology adoption

• Lessons in entrepreneurship and leadership from Ellison Anne

Tune in to discover how cutting-edge privacy technologies are transforming financial services and the fight against financial crime.

Learn More:

Tony Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclark100/

The London Fintech Podcast: https://londonfintechpodcast.com

Ellison Anne Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellison-anne-williams-98102a127/

Enveil: https://www.enveil.com/