Purpose Driven FinTech

If you can't beat Wise on FX, and reality is most fintechs can't; then the smarter move is to partner with them. Let’s go into the why!In this episode recorded live at Money20/20 Asia, I speak with Samarth Bansal, General Manager at Wise Platform.We go behind the scenes and I ask the questions I’ve always had hypothetical answers to. For years my mandate as a Neobank Product leader was to beat Wise, and I knew unless we were to change our business model to properly compete, the answer is we can’t.But now, FinTechs and banks can partner with Wise through Wise Platform. It’s a fascinating conversation!We cover:[01:00] How Wise approaches cost efficiency: the obsession behind the pricing model[02:30] What actually drives Wise's infrastructure advantage[04:30] Going direct into local payment rails and optimising treasury FX forecasting[08:30] How embedding Wise Platform made life easier for banks and their customers[09:30] Standard Chartered, Bank Mandiri, Morgan Stanley: who's using Wise Platform and why[17:00] How Wise prioritises market expansion, and what drives corridor decisions[19:00] Instant payment rails in APAC: PayNet, PromptPay, and what sits on top[21:00] How Wise achieves sub 20 second transfers: compliance, liquidity, and rail access[23:00] Where AI fits, and where Wise is being deliberate about deployment[25:00] Why APAC will redefine global cross border payments standards within three years👉 Follow Samarth: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samarthbansal/Website: https://wise.com👉 Connect with Monica LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamillares/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@moni_millaresTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moni_millaresProduction and marketing by Monica Millares. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email Monica at fintechwithmoni@gmail.comDisclaimer: This episode does not constitute professional nor financial advice and does not represent the opinion nor views of my current, past or future employers. The guest has agreed to record and release our conversation for the use of this podcast and promotion in social media.

The financial industry is transforming rapidly, with traditional banking giving way to innovative FinTech solutions that are reshaping how people interact with money worldwide.In this solo episode, I share my personal journey from traditional banking to building FinTech startups and products across multiple continents, revealing the challenges, insights, and transformational lessons learned along the way. From my first steps into product leadership to scaling products to millions of users, I share the journey, what helped me succeed and the mistakes that taught me the most valuable lessons.What you'll learn:How I transitioned from traditional banking to the dynamic world of FinTechMy unexpected path into product leadership How I ended up in Malaysia - from startup to scaleupThe reality of building financial products across different markets and culturesKey insights from 10 years of FinTech product developmentFollow for more discussions on building FinTech products with customer and commercial impact and to stay updated on the latest episodes.👉 Follow Monica:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamillares/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@moni_millaresTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moni_millaresWe cover:[00:00] My journey into FinTech - why I left traditional banking[05:30] The catalyst moment that changed my career trajectory[10:45] Discovering product leadership and the early challenges[15:20] Building FinTech products from Mexico to Malaysia[22:10] The unique challenges of developing products across different markets[28:40] How purpose drives better product decisions[34:15] Balancing innovation with compliance and security[39:30] My framework for building high-performing product teams[45:10] The future of FinTech and where I see the industry heading[50:25] Critical advice for aspiring FinTech buildersSEARCH QUESTIONSHow to transition from banking to FinTech?What skills transfer from banking to FinTech product development?How to build FinTech products that solve real customer problems?What are the biggest challenges when building FinTech products?How to balance innovation with compliance in FinTech?How to build purpose-driven financial products?What does a FinTech product leader do?How to build FinTech products across different markets?What are the key differences between banking and FinTech product development?How to build high-performing FinTech product teams?How to create successful FinTech products with limited resources?What is the future of FinTech product development?How to build customer-centric financial products?What are the most important metrics for FinTech products?How to identify opportunities in the FinTech space?How to navigate regulatory challenges in FinTech?What does it take to be a successful FinTech builder?How to scale FinTech products globally?How to create inclusive financial products?What are the biggest pitfalls when building FinTech products?#FinTechBuilder #BankingToStartups #ProductLeadership #FinancialInclusion #PurposeDrivenFinTechDisclaimer: This episode does not constitute professional nor financial advice and does not represent the opinion nor views of my current, past or future employers.

We live in a world where marketing acquisition budgets are tight and we have a ton of pressure to deliver growth! - as a result content marketing has emerged as a powerful strategy for FinTech growth. In this episode, I speak with Araminta Robertson, Founder of Mint Studios, and we answer the big question: How to leverage content marketing effectively in the FinTech space?Araminta brings deep expertise in content strategy and SEO and shares insights on building effective content strategies that drive measurable results and explains why bottom-of-funnel content is becoming increasingly crucial in the age of AI.We explore how content can bridge the financial education gap, the strategic approach to SEO in an AI-driven world, and the balance between brand awareness and lead generation. We also discuss the challenges of creating technical content that resonates with B2B audiences and the importance of authentic expertise in content creation.🔑 Key Highlights:The shift from paid acquisition to content marketing as budgets tightenWhy bottom-of-funnel content is crucial for driving measurable resultsHow AI is changing SEO and content strategy in 2025The importance of technical expertise in FinTech content creationWhy customer obsession should drive content strategy👉 Follow Araminta:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aramintarobertson/Website: https://www.mintcopywritingstudios.com/👉Follow Monica:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamillares/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@moni_millaresTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moni_millaresWe cover:[00:00:00] The challenge of FinTech growth with tight budgets[00:01:19] How content democratizes financial knowledge[00:07:23] Content marketing ROI and measuring success[00:13:52] B2B FinTech content challenges[00:17:28] Introduction to Mint Studios and FinTech Marketing Hub[00:20:05] Building an effective content strategy[00:25:54] The impact of AI on SEO[00:33:26] In-house vs. agency content creation[00:37:00] Finding quality FinTech writers[00:41:24] Content distribution strategies[00:44:11] Building customer-centric FinTech businessesSEARCH QUESTIONSWhat is the future of FinTech content marketing in 2025?How to measure content marketing ROI in FinTech?What is bottom-of-funnel content in FinTech?How is AI changing SEO for FinTech companies?Should FinTechs build in-house content teams or hire agencies?What makes effective B2B FinTech content?How to create technical content that converts?What is the best content distribution strategy for FinTechs?How to balance brand awareness vs lead generation in FinTech?What skills do FinTech content writers need?How to create content with limited marketing budget?What is the impact of AI on FinTech content strategy?How to measure content marketing success in FinTech?What are the best SEO strategies for FinTech companies?How to create authentic FinTech thought leadership?What content formats work best for B2B FinTech?How to stand out in FinTech content marketing?What is the role of technical expertise in FinTech content?How to build a scalable content strategy for FinTech?What are the common FinTech content marketing mistakes?#FinTechMarketing #ContentStrategy #B2BFinTech #FinTechGrowth #ContentROIDisclaimer: This episode does not constitute professional nor financial advice and does not represent the opinion nor views of my current, past or future employers. The guest has agreed to record and release our conversation for the use of this podcast and promotion in social media.

The AI revolution in FinTech is happening faster than you think! This week I speak with Pawel to explore how AI is transforming financial services and what it means for product leaders.From beating competitors with limited resources to preparing for a future where your customers might be AI copilots - this episode is packed with actionable insights for FinTech leaders who want to stay ahead of the curve.Discover:Why the AI transformation will happen 20x faster than the industrial revolutionHow to identify high-impact AI use cases with limited resourcesReal examples of cross-industry innovation that drove ROI in monthsThe secret to building sustainable, purpose-driven AI productsWhy your 2030 customer might not be human (and how to prepare)Perfect for FinTech leaders, product managers, and innovation teams looking to create lasting impact in an AI-first world.👉 Follow Pawel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pawelstezycki/👉Follow Monica:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamillares/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@moni_millaresTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moni_millaresWebsite: https://www.purposedrivenfintech.com/We cover: [00:00:00] The biggest fear in FinTech today[02:49:00] Building purpose-driven AI solutions[05:17:00] How AI enables better financial habits[08:00:00] Historical perspective: From printing press to AI[13:32:00] Framework for identifying AI use cases[16:10:00] Cross-industry innovation success stories[22:06:00] The human factor in AI transformation[25:21:00] AI-powered learning revolution[29:25:00] Ethics and trust in AI solutions[32:29:00] Your 2030 customer isn't human[36:30:00] Preparing for the bot economy[39:31:00] Building sustainable AI-powered businessesSEARCH QUESTIONSHow fast are competitors copying FinTech features in 2025?How to build purpose-driven AI products in FinTech?How can AI improve financial habits?How long will AI transformation take compared to other revolutions?What are the best AI use cases for FinTech?How to innovate with AI on a limited budget?Will AI replace jobs in FinTech?How to use AI for financial education?How to ensure AI solutions are trustworthy?What will FinTech customers look like in 2030?How to prepare for AI copilots in banking?How to build sustainable AI products?What is the ROI of AI in FinTech?How to test AI solutions quickly?How to find AI innovation opportunities?How to build an AI-ready culture?How to make complex financial information engaging with AI?What are the risks of AI in FinTech?How will AI change banking services?What regulations affect AI in FinTech?#FinTechInnovation #AIStrategy #ProductLeadership #FutureOfFinance #PurposeDrivenTechDisclaimer: This episode does not constitute professional nor financial advice and does not represent the opinion nor views of my current, past or future employers. The guest has agreed to record and release our conversation for the use of this podcast and promotion in social media.

The Metaverse isn't just a GenZ trend -- it's our chance to rebuild financial services with trust at the core! 🔥Join Victoria Richardson, David Birch and I as they share their findings from their book "Money in the Metaverse". We explore why identity infrastructure must be built differently this time, how native metaverse payments will transform commerce, what it really means to build safe spaces in virtual worlds, and what Gen Z is teaching us about virtual economies. Finally, Victoria and David reveal their framework for financial institutions to navigate this transformation: from establishing presence to creating entirely new products for virtual economies, and yup, they explain why it's not about building another app! 😎We cover: (00:00) The Future of the Metaverse: Beyond Commerce(06:13) Purpose Driven Innovation and the Human Element(15:30) Trust: The Foundation of Virtual Worlds(23:15) Digital Identity and Authentication(27:45) The Evolution from Virtual Worlds to Metaverse(33:20) Building Experiences vs Building Platforms(37:00) The Future of Payments and Digital Assets(40:15) Three-Stage Strategy for Financial Institutions(42:45) Risk Management and Training in Virtual Spaces(43:26) The Power of Shared Experiences(45:32) Building Trust Through Mutual Authentication👉Get their book "Money in the Metaverse" HERE👉 Connect with Victoria:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-richardson-40a48b6/👉 Connect with David:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgwbirch/Website: https://dgwbirch.com/👉 Connect with Monica:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamillares/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@moni_millaresTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moni_millaresWebsite: https://www.purposedrivenfintech.com/Key Takeaways:1. The Metaverse PurposeIt's not just about new ways to buy - it's about human connectionWill create entirely new job categories and ways of workingSuccess depends on building safe, trusted spaces first2.Trust ArchitectureMutual authentication is critical (both users and companies need verification)Trust indicators should be built into the infrastructure (like color coding for verification status)Move from consumer-verified to system-verified trust3.Metaverse Strategy FrameworkStage 1: Establish PresenceStage 2: Enable Transactions Stage 3: Create Native Products4.On PaymentsKeep transactions within the metaverseUse tokenization for efficiencyFocus on seamless wallet experiences5.On Risk ManagementUse the metaverse for training and risk reductionConsider new types of risks in virtual spacesThink about liability and monetization modelsDisclaimer: This episode does not constitute professional nor financial advice and does not represent the opinion nor views of my current, past or future employers. The guest has agreed to record and release our conversation for the use of this podcast and promotion in social media.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Tamara, CEO of Velexa, as we explore how FinTech is revolutionizing wealth management and financial education. From democratizing investment access to building community-driven platforms, discover how Velexa is making financial services more inclusive and less intimidating for everyone.Why education and community are key to next-generation FinTech solutionsHow Brazil became a leader in neobank adoption with 43% population penetrationThe importance of hybrid approaches in empowering women investorsWhy Southeast Asia leads in digital wealth management innovationThe role of AI and ChatGPT in shaping the future of investment adviceBuilding scalable B2B solutions while keeping focus on end-user needsWe cover:(00:00) The Essence of FinTech: Revolutionizing Money Management(02:08) Brazil's FinTech Success Story: From Unbanked to Digital Leaders(03:29) Velexa's Mission: Democratizing Investment Access(05:07) The B2B Approach to Achieving Global Impact(06:10) The Future of WealthTech and Investment Adoption(08:31) Financial Stress and Education: Building Better Solutions(11:03) Gen Z's Approach to Financial Health(14:13) Building Community-Driven Financial Products(15:27) Women in Investment: Challenging Industry Misconceptions(18:38) Velexa's Customer Base and Global Market Differences(22:29) Overcoming Legacy Infrastructure Challenges(24:09) Velexa's Award-Winning Vision and Success Factors(29:18) The Role of AI in Investment Decision-Making(34:56) Responsible Innovation in Financial Education(36:34) Leadership Insights: Creating a Winning Strategy(39:00) CEO Mindset: The Importance of Team and Vision(41:34) The Future of FinTech: Prioritizing Financial EducationIf you're interested in the intersection of FinTech, financial education, and inclusive wealth management, this episode provides valuable insights into building purpose-driven financial solutions that make a real difference in people's lives.Follow for more discussions on building FinTech products with customer and commercial impact and to stay updated on the latest episodes.👉 Connect with Tamara:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-kostova-0818001/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/velexa/Website: https://velexa.com/https://velexa.com/news/2024/06/velexa-disrupting-start-ups-money2020-europe/👉 Connect with MonicaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamillares/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@moni_millaresTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moni_millaresWebsite: https://www.purposedrivenfintech.com/—Disclaimer: This episode does not constitute professional nor financial advice and does not represent the opinion nor views of my current, past or future employers. The guest has agreed to record and release our conversation for the use of this podcast and promotion in social media.