Fintech Chatter: Conversations with Fintech Leaders

Vincent Gramoli - RedBelly Network 

Dexter Cousins invites Vincent Grimoli, Founder and CTO of RedBelly Network to this week's Fintech Chatter Podcast. Vincent charts his journey in the blockchain environment from academia to entrepreneurship. 

He outlines the innovative approach RedBelly Network takes towards the tokenisation of real-world assets and the need for collaboration between Tradfi and Defi.

Vincent shares insights on blockchain technology safety measures, the importance of compliance, and how he sees the future of fintech in Australia. 

About RedBelly Network

Redbelly Network is a team of innovators, engineers, and visionaries committed to building a secure and inclusive blockchain ecosystem. 

RedBelly Network believes in the power of collaboration — within both their team and the global community, working towards reshaping the future of finance and technology.

About Vincent Gramoli

Vincent Gramoli is the Founder and CTO of Redbelly Network and the Head of the Concurrent Systems Research Group at the University of Sydney. 

Vincent has chaired the Cybersecurity Committee for the Computing Research and Education Association of Australasia (CORE) and the Blockchain Technical Committee for the Australian Computer Society.

His accolades include the Digital National Facilities & Collections Award from CSIRO, the Best Paper Awards at ICDCS’21, IPDPS’22, ICDCS’22 and DSN’24 for his research on blockchains. 

He received the Education Leader of the Year Award from Blockchain Australia and the Future Fellowship from the Australian Research Council. 

Vincent has been affiliated with INRIA, Cornell, Data61 and EPF.

Key Takeaways

• RedBelly Network aims to provide a compliant blockchain solution for traditional finance.
• The company focuses on tokenising real-world assets to lower barriers for retail investors.
• Safety measures include linking accounts to real-world identities to ensure accountability.
• The collaborative approach to scalability is a key feature of RedBelly Network's technology.
• Commercialising innovation in Australia can be a lengthy process due to regulatory hurdles.
• Emphasising the importance of learning business skills for tech founders.
• Building stong networks is crucial for finding talent in niche markets.
• Investor interest in compliant asset tokenisation is growing.
• RedBelly Network aims to reduce transaction fees by maintaining a fixed fee structure.

Sound Bites

• "We're entering a new era with tokenisation."
• "I had to learn the business side of things."

Chapters

00:00   Introduction to Vincent and Red Belly Network

05:27   Navigating Regulation in Blockchain

08:58   Tokenisation of Real-World Assets

12:08   Safety Measures using Layered Technology

19:33   Transitioning from Tech to Business

24:36 Hiring the right Talent

27:19 The Challenge of Funding

30:51 Reducing Fees for Consumers

34:30 The Pro-Crypto Movement

39:23 Learning from TradFi for Future Innovations

41:33 Future Plans for RedBelly Network

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Dexter Cousins speaks with Simon Lee, founder of Teamified, about the transformative role of AI in startups and recruitment. 

We discuss tactics on how to build and rapidly scale a startup by harnessing an offshore workforce augmented by AI agents.

We also chat about the impact of AI on jobs and hiring, venture capital and the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship in Australia.

And we also unravel why Fractional Executives may not be the right solution for Fintech startups.

Simon shares his insights on building businesses with limited resources and the importance of health and passion in the startup journey. 

Takeaways

• AI is significantly reducing hiring times and costs.
• Offshoring talent can provide access to specialised skills not available locally.
• The traditional path to entrepreneurship is changing with technology.
• AI is not just a tool; it's a game changer for startups.
• Health and well-being are crucial for sustained entrepreneurial success.
• The rise of AI will democratize business opportunities.
• Every SaaS application needs to be rethought in the age of AI.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of AI in Startups
02:59 Teamified's Unique Approach to Recruitment
06:03 Offshoring and Remote Work Dynamics
09:04 The Impact of AI on Hiring and Recruitment
11:23 The Evolution of the Job Market
14:06 Democratizing Entrepreneurship with Technology
17:12 AI Agents: The Future of Business?
20:15 Optimizing Outsourcing Functions
23:14 The Future of Recruitment and AI Tools
29:52 The Future of Executive Roles in a Changing Landscape
37:16 The Reality of Work: Expectations vs. Performance
40:15 Prioritizing Health: A Shift in Perspective
43:02 Passion vs. Burnout: The Balancing Act
44:38 The Impact of AI on Business and Employment
46:07 Democratisation of Business: Opportunities for All
48:45 Starting a Business with Limited Resources

Find out more - https://teamified.com.au

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The Spriggy story returns to Fintech Chatter Podcast! Five years after his debut, our most-requested guest ever is back with insights you can't afford to miss.

Dexter Cousins chats to Alex Badran, the founder of Spriggy, a fintech app designed to help parents teach their children about money management.

This isn't just another success story - it's a masterclass in scaling consumer fintech in a challenging market.

Alex shares his decade-long journey with Spriggy, its growth to over one million users, and the importance of real-world financial education for kids.

Join us as we take a deep dive into building a category and product that has captured the hearts and minds of millions of Australian families.

Favourite quotes
"We created a category that didn't exist before."
"You can't outsource growth to a partner."
"Your ability to learn is what matters."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background of Spriggy
03:58 The Problem Spriggy Solves
07:13 Understanding User Needs and Early Development
10:10 Adapting to Growing Users and Changing Needs
13:07 The Impact of Technology on Kids' Financial Education
15:57 Growth Strategies and Market Positioning
19:12 Partnerships and Their Role in Growth
22:12 Lessons Learned and Personal Growth as a Founder
29:10 The Importance of Learning and Enjoying Work
30:59 Authenticity in Leadership
33:33 Navigating Team Dynamics and Cohesion
37:00 Adapting to Economic Changes in Hiring
41:49 Future Vision for Spriggy
47:28 Behavioral Education and Parenting
51:56 Podcast intro vid no audio.mp4

About Spriggy

Spriggy is Australia’s #1 Pocket Money app that helps kids learn about money. Spriggy was founded in 2016 with a clear mission to help parents teach their kids about money. 

We believe that financial literacy is a crucial life skill, one that lays the groundwork for a secure and confident future. 

By learning how to manage money from a young age, kids are empowered to make informed financial decisions as they grow, mastering everything from saving and spending to setting goals and budgeting.

Download Spriggy 

Explore Careers at Spriggy

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🎯 1M+ paying users 🇦🇺 Australian market 💡 One remarkable journey

The Spriggy story returns to Fintech Chatter, five years after their debut. Our most-requested guest ever is back with insights you can't afford to miss.

Follow now - premiering Friday, Feb 21st.

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Dexter Cousins welcomes Sean O'Malley CEO of AMP Bank for his Fintech Chatter debut. 

It's been a BIG week for AMP Bank as they launched their new digital mobile-first bank aimed at helping small business owners manage their business and personal finances.

Dexter and Sean discuss the role of technology in modern banking and how an established financial institution tackles innovation.

Sean and Dexter uncover AMP’s extensive research on the needs of small businesses and the need for more human support in banking. Sean also shares the thesis on the problem they’re solving and the rapidly evolving nature of how, when and where people work.

And Sean shares his secrets to successful partnerships showcasing their relationship with UK Fintech Starling Bank and their ‘Engine’ platform.

About Sean O’Malley 

Sean O’Malley was appointed the Group Executive of AMP Bank in September 2021, after 11 years at AMP. 

He is responsible for the management and growth of AMP Bank, delivering its future growth strategy, uplifting its digital capability and ensuring the ongoing delivery of high-quality products and services to customers.

He has over 25 years of experience in delivering enhanced business results, predominately in the financial services industries.

About AMP Bank

AMP Bank is aiming to disrupt the small business banking market in Australia. They have launched a fully digital, 24x7 human-supported, full-service Bank to help serve the needs of the Australian small business community.

Their aim is to help Small businesses get started, survive and thrive, embracing the challenge of bringing new thinking, new ways of working and new bold ideas to a 26 year old Bank, inside a 175 year old Super & Wealth business.

Key Takeaways 

• AMP Bank has launched a fully digital offering for small business owners.
• The future of work is evolving, with more emphasis on gig and flexible employment. Sean sees continued growth in small and micro businesses as a result.
• The banking industry faces challenges in balancing innovation and risk management.
• Brand reputation is crucial for banks, especially in the digital age.
• Curiosity and a willingness to learn are key traits for success.
• AMP Bank is focused on building a customer-centric culture.
• Partnerships are vital for delivering innovative banking solutions.

Chapters

00:00   The Launch of AMP Bank's New Platform

03:39   Targeting Small Businesses & Personal Banking Customers

06:03   Insights on the Future of Work

11:13     Viewing Business Failures as Learning Opportunities

14:18    Embracing the Challenges of Modern Workforces

17:31     Lessons from Fintech Startups and Neobanks

23:00   Navigating Change and Innovation at AMP

27:28    The Importance of Strategic Business Relationships

31:53    Risk Management in Fintech Partnerships

35:58   Talent Acquisition and Staff Retention

38:59   Managing Stress and Building Resilience

43:50   Future Outlook for AMP Bank

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Matt Baxby - Revolut

Dexter welcomes back friend of the show, Matt Baxby, CEO of Revolut Australia, to talk about their remarkable growth to 50 million customers globally. 

It’s been five years since Tier One People placed Matt into the Country CEO role at Revolut. Matt shares his journey over the last five years, discusses the challenges and strategies involved in building a digital bank in Australia, the importance of reaching profitability, and the unique approach Revolut has taken to integrate technology with consumer needs.

Matt shares his insights on leadership, team building, and the future of consumer banking with Dexter.

About Revolut

Revolut's global mission is for every person and business to handle their money in just a few taps, removing the friction that gets in the way of your money goals. 

Revolut delivers faster, better, smarter products to over 50 million customers across the globe giving you access to investments and your money effortlessly and across borders.

About Matt Baxby

Matt is a strategic and people-oriented leader with diverse experience across consumer-facing businesses facing disruption or significant regulatory change.

He has broad finance services sector experience - particularly consumer banking - from start-ups to an ASX-listed company.

Matt embodies the entrepreneurial spirit from a decade with the Virgin Group combined with the discipline and scaled leadership as the Group Executive - Retail Banking and then Group CFO of the Bank of Queensland.

Key Takeaways

• Revolut aims to be a single place for managing financial life.
• The company has grown to over 800,000 customers in Australia.
• Revolut has achieved profitability at both group and local levels.
• Building a strong local team is crucial for success in new markets.
• The fintech landscape is maturing, with significant challenges for startups.
• Australia's remittance market presents a unique opportunity for Revolut.
• A strong focus on technology and innovation is essential for differentiation.
• Leadership qualities include action orientation and adaptability.
• The importance of a clear strategy in a fast-paced environment.
• Talent acquisition is critical for long-term success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction 
01:18 Revolut's Global Reach and Market Strategy
02:32 Profitability and Financial Milestones
03:27 Long-Term Commitment to the Australian Market
05:26 Building a Digital Bank: Lessons Learned
07:33 Consumer-Centric Approach and Product Development
10:33 Opportunities in the Australian Market
13:01 Future Product Offerings with a Banking License
18:33 Matt's Unique Journey in Fintech
27:03 The Power of Being a Founder-Led Organisation
30:39 Building a Cohesive and Effective Team
35:59 What is the BIG Opportunity for Fintech in 2025?
38:49 Looking Ahead: Revolut's Future in Australia

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A little taste of what is to come in this weeks Fintech Leader episode of Fintech Chatter.

Matt Baxby, CEO of Revolut Australia joins Dexter Cousins to take about his five years with Revolut, their remarkable growth to 50 million customers, the path to profitability and what it takes to succeed at a Fintech unicorn.

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In this rant, Dexter Cousins discusses the ongoing debate between Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Merit, Excellence, and Intelligence (MEI) in hiring practices. 

He argues that while diversity is essential, it should not come at the expense of merit. 

Dexter highlights the importance of hiring based on meritocracy to improve business performance and shares insights from the McKinsey Report on diversity's impact on financial returns. 

He highlights the need for companies to focus on the overall talent of their executive teams rather than just superficial diversity metrics. 

The McKinsey Report - https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/why-diversity-matters

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About this Episode
Dexter Cousins talks with Tristan Dakin, Country Manager at Wise on the Fintech Chatter Podcast. They chat about the innovative solutions Wise provides in the payments technology space and the complexities of instant payments.

Tristan speaks about the company's growth and the challenges of operating in a highly regulated environment.

He shares insights into Wise's culture, the importance of transparency in financial services, and the future of fintech in Australia.

About Wise
Wise launched in 2011 making international money transfers cheap, fair, and simple their vision. Today, their multi-currency account helps millions of customers and businesses manage their money globally.

Their story started in London with Taavet (paid in Euro's) & Kristo (paid in Pounds) solving the issue of making money in one country but needing to meet payment commitments in their home country. Expensive fees and bad exchange rates led them to make a simple workaround. Taavet would pay Kristo's mortgage in Estonia and Kristo would pay him back in pounds.

No waiting, no stress, and no extra cost, they quickly realised that they had hit upon a great idea and TransferWise was born. They have since added a multi-currency account, a debit card, and a business account, and changed their name to Wise.

About Tristan
Tristan joined Wise in 2020, and since 2022, has been leading Wise in ANZ as Country Manager. Before joining Wise, Tristan worked in the financial services industry, including Lombard Securities in the UK.
He is skilled in FX, Banking, Management, Financial Markets, Trading, Structured Products and Derivatives, and Financial Risk.

Key Takeways

• Wise aims to build the best way for people to move money globally.
• The company focuses on transparency in fees and payment processes.
• Instant payments are achieved through advanced technology and infrastructure.
• Wise's growth has been significant, with millions of active customers.
• The complexity of regulatory compliance is a major challenge for fintechs.
• Tristan's background in financial services shaped his approach at Wise.
• The culture at Wise emphasises autonomy and problem-solving.
• Australia's fintech landscape is evolving, with increasing competition.
• Regulatory changes could enhance transparency in the financial sector.
• Wise is committed to empowering customers and improving financial services.

Chapters
00:00    Introduction to Fintech Chatter and Wise
01:15      Wise's Mission and Products
03:27     Challenges of Cross-Border Payments
07:09     The Complexity of Instant Payments
09:10     Wise's Growth and Market Presence
10:54     Wise's Centralised Infrastructure and Competitive Advantage
12:32      Australia's Unique Remittance Landscape
13:18      Tristan's Background and Attraction to Wise
16:25     The Role of Country Manager at Wise
17:55      Inspiration and Motivation in Fintech
19:43     Cohesion and Culture at WISE
26:51      Navigating the FinTech Landscape in Australia
30:18     The Future of FinTech: Trends and Innovations
38:36     Download the Wise App

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About this Episode
Dexter Cousins calls in the expert for the annual Fintech Predictions 2025! We welcome Danny Levy Managing Director, Asia & ANZ for Money 20/20.

Dexter and Danny discuss the evolution & significance of Money 2020 and they chat about the unique experience and the rigorous selection process undertaken for speakers.

Danny shares insights on trends for 2025, highlighting the rapid changes in the banking scene, the rise of digital payments, and the opportunities in embedded finance. 

They also explore the role of AI in FinTech and the importance of maintaining energy and focus while travelling for business. 

About Money 20/20
Money20/20 is the world’s leading, premium content, sales and networking platform for the global money ecosystem.
Their events feature in-depth analytics & inspirational speakers, our world-class insight and networking opportunities help our customers stay ahead.

Key Takeaways

• Money 2020 is designed to create a unique festival-like experience.
• The event focuses on quality networking and content over quantity.
• Health and wellness initiatives are now integral to event planning.
• Speaker selection is based on editorial integrity and industry relevance.
• The banking landscape in Asia is rapidly evolving with digital innovations.
• Digital payments are leading the way in cross-border transactions.
• Embedded finance presents significant growth opportunities in FinTech.
• AI is transforming customer service and operational efficiency in financial services.
• FinTech innovations can significantly improve financial inclusion.
• Maintaining personal health and wellness is crucial for high performance in business.

About Danny
With 15 years of senior leadership experience in Singapore, Danny is an accomplished business leader with a proven track record of scaling businesses and driving record-breaking profits. 

As the founder and host of "Digital Transformation & Leadership," a top 100 Business podcast, Danny regularly engages with industry leaders from global companies. He is a guest host on the South China Morning Post podcast, focusing on digital transformation.

Danny serves as an Ambassador for the Emerging Payments Association Asia (EPAA).

Danny spent a decade as Managing Director at Worldwide Business Research, where he delivered consecutive record-breaking profit results and led market expansion across Asia and ANZ.

Danny’s leadership philosophy centres on creating empowering environments where teams can excel. He is passionate about strategic business growth and innovation, recruiting and developing high-potential talent, building inclusive, high-performing teams, and driving innovation and digital transformation.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Money2020 and Its Impact 
03:36 The Evolution of Money2020
06:28 Wellness and Networking at Events
09:22 Speaker Selection and Content Integrity
12:18 Trends and Insights from the 2025 Report
15:05 Digital Payments and Cross-Border Innovations
17:56 The Role of Regulators and Collaboration in FinTech
20:47 Opportunities in Emerging Markets
23:49 Innovations and Challenges in FinTech
26:50 The Evolution of AI in FinTech
29:39 Identifying Opportunities in FinTech
33:20 Game-Changing Innovations in FinTech
39:12 Health, Wellbeing, and High Performance
43:03 Danny's Podcast and Insights
45:43 Money 2020 Asia Event Overview

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