Fintech Chatter: Conversations with Fintech Leaders

We have a great Fintech Chatter Podcast for you this week, a transformative piece in more ways than one. Dexter Cousins caught up with Paul Weingarth, Co-founder & CEO of Slyp, Australia’s only independent startup backed by all four major banks.

About This Episode

12 months ago Paul and Slyp were in a challenging place. Paul's health and fitness had suffered with the stress of running a startup and Slyp were facing capital runway challenges. Things weren't looking great.

After a week of playing the victim (and a good talking to himself), he decided enough was enough and he needed to change right now! By focussing on his health first, the past year has been transformative. Paul is back in his best shape since his Uni days, shedding 25kg and doing his first triathlon. And Slyp has bounced back from its challenges with the launch of Go Rewards!

This is one of our favourite-ever episodes. Paul first appeared as an early guest - to see first-hand his journey and to be able to share it with you through the podcast is something we're really proud of!

About Slyp

Since Slyp launched in 2017 they have made it their mission to bring brands closer to their customers. The digitising of receipts and connecting the "SKU to Who" has allowed them to grow their market presence. Their DNA has always been about enriching the customer experience and helping retailers unleash the power of their POS data, to drive targeted engagement opportunities with their customers.

Go Rewards Powered By Slyp

They recently launched Go Rewards the first turnkey, full-stack loyalty platform that drives smarter commerce allowing retailers including, Kmart, Country Road Group, Chemist warehouse and countless others, the opportunity to harness the power of consumer buying, getting to "Know & Grow" their customer relationships.

About Paul

With a career rooted in digital commerce and payments, Paul previously led PayPal Australia’s growth team. His expertise and passion lie in customer experience, with a vision to revolutionise payment experiences, delivering step-change value to both retailers and their suppliers.

Outside of work, Paul has reignited his dedication to health and fitness, recently competing in his first triathlon.

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In the latest episode of the Fintech Chatter podcast, Dexter reconnects with Ryan Edwards-Pritchard, CEO of Anna.Money

Ryan chats to Dexter about the recent merger of Cape and how he's joined forces with the UK's Anna.Money to bring a new approach to supporting the 2 million plus small businesses in Australia.

About this Episode

Ryan shares the back story of launching Cape in Australia and the challenges he faced getting through the pandemic, securing funding, growing the business and then navigating the funding crunch.

They discuss the synergies that led to Cape being acquired by ANNA and Ryan shares his learnings and advice for other founders seeking an acquisition partner.

Ryan also shares the plans for growth in the region as well as some unique product offerings and services for the Aussie market.

About Anna.Money

As "The business account that does your accounting and taxes" Anna.Money provides a smart all-in-one business account for money, invoicing, expenses, bookkeeping and taxes.

About Ryan

Ryan would describe himself as a British expat Fintech Nerd. His background in the UK saw him heading up Europe's largest digital marketplace for SME Finance in Funding Options.

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In episode 193, Dexter Cousins sits down with Co-Founders John Crutchley and Dave Malcolm, the brains behind Mist, an innovative solution helping students organise their new life in Australia. It doesn’t sound glamorous, but it is an untapped market ripe for digital innovation.

Dave and John share their vision for what promises to be a unique Fintech scaleup. Mist stands out as an ambitious concept. Where many Fintech’s have essentially created a business that could easily be a feature in an app, Mist is an app that makes Fintech a feature of their design.

Dave and John share their Mist journey so far and how their contrasting startup experiences at MarleySpoon and Volt Bank are helping them navigate the pitfalls of a Fintech startup.


Key Takeaways:

• Finding the right co-founder
• Making Fintech a feature to solve a bigger problem
• Embedded finance - cutting through the hype
• Building a solution that customers will use for life
• Influencing partners and government to create opportunities
• The HUGE opportunity for Aussie Fintechs in India
• How learning from startup success and failure is shaping Mist’s strategy

About Our Guests:

John Crutchley
John gained extensive experience in various leadership roles in the Banking sector before founding Mist. He specialised in migration and international banking for ANZ and Volt Bank, where he was specifically hired as Head of International Banking to lead their go-to-market strategy in the international student market.

Dave Malcolm
A passionate C-Level executive and entrepreneur with a proven track record of founding, building, and scaling digital ventures across web2 and web3 in Australia.
He pinpoints the co-founding of Marley Spoon & Dinnerly in 2015 as his career highlight, which went on to be listed on the ASX in 2018 (ASX: MMM).


Show Notes:

• [00:57] Dave Malcolm introduces Mist.
• [01:53] John Crutchley shares the genesis for the idea and how he met Dave.
• [04:40] Dave Malcolm on getting into the mindset of a Gen Z customer.
• [08:30] Case studies: Embedded finance done right.
• [13:32] Big wins and successes so far.
• [19:29] Getting the business off the ground, overcoming challenges and obstacles.
• [24:10] Busting Fintech startup myths. Move fast and break things vs slow and deliberate growth
• [34:29] The complexity of Fintech. Why fixing problems is so hard.
• [40:15] Identifying valuable, global, niche markets.

Links & Resources:

• Visit Mist’s website: https://gomist.co/
• Connect with Dave Malcolm on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davemalcolm/
• Connect with John Crutchley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-crutchley-0842827/
• Connect with Dexter Cousins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dextercousins/
• Learn more about Tier One People: https://tieronepeople.com/

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If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your Preferred Platform]. Your feedback helps us bring more engaging content and insightful conversations to you.


Join the Conversation:
Got questions or thoughts on this episode? Share them with us on social media using the hashtag [#FintechChatter], or follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fintech-chatter-podcast

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In this episode of the Fintech Chatter Podcast, Dexter sits down with Robert Kassis, a visionary leader and co-founder of DigiZoo, a digital consultancy supporting some of Australia’s most innovative Fintech including 86 400, Volt Bank, Afterpay Money, Constantinople and Greater Bank.

DigiZoo is at the forefront of transforming businesses through innovative digital solutions, helping organizations navigate the complexities of the digital landscape with confidence and agility.

Robert shares his insights on the complexities of digital transformation in today's banks, how DigiZoo helps incumbents stay ahead of the curve, and the critical role that technology plays in driving business success. We also delve into the unique approach DigiZoo is developing by productising their service offering.

Whether you're a founder/executive looking to enhance your product capability or someone interested in the latest trends in digital innovation, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how to thrive in the Fintech 2.0 era.

Key Takeaways:

• The complexities of digital transformation in banks and legacy systems.
• BaaS? Embedded Finance? - What is the BIG opportunity in Fintech?
• Moving from a consultancy operating model to a product operating model.
• Bootstrapping and building sustainably.
• Attracting and retaining the best talent.
• The secret to successful partnerships.
• The future of digital consultancies and emerging trends in the industry.

About Our Guest:

Robert Kassis is the co-founder of DigiZoo, bringing years of experience in digital strategy and innovation. With a passion for helping businesses leverage technology to achieve their goals, Robert has been instrumental in positioning DigiZoo as a leading consultancy in the digital space.

Show Notes:

• [01:35] Robert Kassis introduces DigiZoo and its core mission.
• [08:00] From service to product operating model.
• [12:39] Fixing problems - Avoiding hype. DigiZoo's unique approach to digital consultancy.
• [21:14] Case studies: The complexity of fixing bank legacy technology.
• [25:59] AI - The impacts and opportunities.
• [29:29] Finding the right tech talent.
• [36:15] Aligning purpose and values for sustainable growth.
• [40:29] What the future holds for Digizoo and their partners.

Links & Resources:

• Visit DigiZoo’s website: https://digizoo.com.au/
• Connect with Robert Kassis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-kassis-2238972/

Subscribe & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your Preferred Platform]. Your feedback helps us bring more engaging content and insightful conversations to you.

Join the Conversation:
Got questions or thoughts on this episode? Share them with us on social media using the hashtag [#FintechChatter], or send us an email at [email protected].

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In Episode 191 of the Fintech Chatter Podcast, Dexter Cousins is joined by Tim Buskens CEO of Hope Housing a not-for-profit initiative assisting Essential Service Workers. Dexter and Tim chat about the very real issue of home ownership in Australia for essential workers, as they battle to afford housing closer to where they work.

About Hope Housing

Tim has witnessed first-hand the issues faced by our essential workers in their fight to afford home ownership. He was struck by the stress many of our essential workers face on a daily basis. Observing how they are often forced to move away from their community in order to buy a home, resulting in long journeys to get to work. 

Mainstream banks view essential workers as too high risk for the traditional mortgage route and Tim felt there could be a better way.

From this Hope Housing materialised. An innovative way for people to finance their home purchase through alternative investment, not just the bank route. Now in its 4th year, they are working with great partners who are helping make this happen.

They've assembled an experienced team of financial and technology experts, culminating in a group of people who continue to innovate the solution and deliver the mission to help Australia's unsung heroes buy a home.

About Tim Buskens

Tim is Chief Executive Officer and a Founding Director of HOPE Housing. Tim brings over 25 years’ experience in financial services across both private and public sectors to the role at Hope Housing. 
Most recently as COO of the Australian Superannuation Funds Association, Tim has also held executive positions in Link Group, Oasis Asset Management and ASIC. 
Tim has a Bachelor of Business from Victoria University and a Masters of Applied Finance from Macquarie University.

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In episode 190 of Fintech Chatter Dexter Cousins is joined by Chad West, VP of Marketing for Argent.

Dexter first met Chad in 2018 when Chad was VP of Marketing for Revolut. Tune in as they talk about Chad's journey from UK Politics to UK Fintech and now the world of digital assets.

About Argent - Argent is the world's most simple and secure smart wallet for Ethereum. It puts the power of crypto into the hands of anyone with a phone. Empowering users to control and prosper from their digital assets and identity.

Store, save and send; borrow, earn interest and invest. No-nonsense and non-custodial. Combining beautiful design and bulletproof security. Without borders or boundaries.

Launched in 2018 Argent is backed by Silicon Valley and Europe's top investors, including Paradigm, Index Ventures, Creandum and firstminute capital.

About This Episode -

Chad and Dexter talk about the early days of Revolut. When Chad joined as their first marketing leader, he was employee no25. Revolut had amassed a fairly impressive 50,000 customers at this stage. 

Chad shares some of the strategies he harnessed to take the company to 20 MILLION customers just 5 years later.

Dexter also talks to Chad about his career post Revolut. And Chad shares why he believes the world of digital assets has even more potential to fulfil the early promise of Fintech.

And as one of the most accomplished marketers on the planet, Chad shares his tips for founders and gives some career advice to marketeers concerned about the rapid shake up in the industry by AI.

About Chad West

Chad was an early employee and Director of Global Marketing & Communications at Revolut. He helped transform the company from a fintech app that no one had heard of, into one of the fastest-growing technology companies in the world.

Chad's marketing philosophy is a little different. He doesn't believe in blowing money on expensive Super Bowl ads, but instead by bringing customer's as close to the business as possible, and scaling through advocacy.

From product marketing and community building, to referral campaigns and engagement, Chad has seen it all.

Chad began his career in Public Affairs supporting at the the time UK Prime Minister, David Cameron.

He then joined renowned Internet giant Rocket Internet, where he really cut his teeth in growth marketing, before joining Revolut as their first senior marketing hire in 2017.

Chad is now VP of Marketing for Argent and holds an advisory role with Sorare.

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In episode 189 of Fintech Chatter Dexter Cousins is joined by Pablo Gil Brusola, CEO of PropHero.

About PropHero

PropHero, founded in July 2021, is Australia’s leading PropTech platform redefining property investment through cutting-edge data & AI technologies. The platform empowers over 1000 clients worldwide to craft high-return, low-risk property portfolios.

PropHero simplifies the entire investment journey by connecting clients with trusted partners and handling everything from market research to property management. As we fast forward to today, the PropHero team has grown to over 100 dedicated members and expanded to property markets in Sydney, Spain, Bali, and Ireland.

Prophero raised $8m in October 2022, is profitable and on course to generate $40m ARR this year.

About This Episode

Pablo dials in from Barcelona to share his secrets on building a global Fintech/Proptech.

Dexter goes in depth with Pablo to understand how he, and his co-founder Mikael Roger, have built a global business with over 100 people across Australia, Spain, Bali and Ireland.

Dexter digs deeper to understand Pablo’s values, principles and motivations that drive him towards success.

Tune in to find out:

• How to expand an Aussie Fintech globally
• Seeking the right investors and the right amount of capital
• Why a Bootstrap mindset is essential for success 
• The secrets to hiring executive talent
• Understanding the different stages of growth and the people required for each stage
• How to commercialise an idea and find paying customers
• Recognising your strengths and what to look for in a co-founder

About Pablo Gil Brusola

As a native Spaniard Pablo moved to Australia to study in 2009. He instantly fell in love with the country and decided he had to come back. Starting his career in a Big 4 consulting firm, he quickly realised he was an entrepreneur and started his first company Growpro. After a successful exit, Pablo teamed up with a friend and fellow co-founder Mikael Roger to launch PropHero.


Find out more www.prophero.com.au

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In episode 188 of Fintech Chatter podcast, Dexter Cousins is joined by Stevie Ann Dovico, CIO of Beyond Bank.

We know what you're thinking, This is a Fintech Podcast, why are you featuring a Community Bank?

Back in 2020 Dexter made a bold prediction that talent would move from Fintech and Big banks to the community banking space, as they looked to make an impact on community.

So we were not as surprised as others when Beyond Bank managed to attract one of NAB's rising star executives in Stevie-Ann.

Tune in as Dexter chats to Stevie-Ann about her motivations for joining a community bank, the synergies with Fintech and how Fintech founders can work in partnership with community banks to solve BIG societal problems like affordable housing.

About Beyond Bank
Beyond Bank is one of Australia's largest, 100% customer-owned mutual banks with a credit union heritage.

Founded over 60 years ago by those who felt left behind by a traditional banking system that failed to meet their needs or expectations. Beyond Bank has a vision to be the best bank for relationships. Striving to create and return value for their customers and communities helping to change lives.

Stevie-Ann talks about how Beyond Bank proudly attained B Corp Certification in Australia, showing their commitment to the social and environmental impact their business has on the community.


About Stevie-Ann
Stevie-Ann is a dynamic and visionary Information Technology and Digital Executive with over 15 years of experience in Financial Services across Asia Pacific. 

She has proven success in leading large (600+), cross-functional, global teams across Technology, Digital, Strategy and Innovation, Product and Distribution, Risk and Compliance and Enterprise Transformation. 

At Westpac Stevie-Ann experienced the growth of the Australian Fintech scene through the partnership with Re-Inventure fund and  her involvement with Stone and Chalk.

In 2022 Stevie was awarded Executive Leader of the Year by Women in Digital. She holds an MBA from the University of Sydney in addition to B.Business and B.Information Technology. 

Stevie is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

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In episode 187 of the Fintech Chatter podcast, Dexter Cousins is joined by CEO of Finmo, David Hanna.

David talks to Dexter about how he and the team are tackling a global problem affecting pretty much every SME.

David shares his Fintech journey as the Head of Risk and Compliance  at Paypal and Chief Risk and Compliance Officer at Rapyd.

Tune in to find out how to make the transition from risk to CEO, the optimal way to launch a global Fintech and how to win enterprise clients without a marketing budget!

About David Hanna

David is the CEO and co-founder of Finmo and has over 20 years of expertise in the financial services and payments sector. Prior to founding Finmo, he held global leadership roles in Risk and Compliance for Financial Services companies headquartered in various locations globally.

David has held senior roles across companies such as PayPal, Ernst & Young, Zurich, ING Bank, Banxa and others. He serves on several advisory boards and has invested in many startups around the world.

About Finmo

Finmo is a global B2B treasury management platform that is focused on providing the
necessary tools for the “CFO Office” including finance teams, CFOs, and treasurers. Finmo provides a single platform to enable the core elements of treasury to be managed from one place.

Finmo does this by providing four core modules to its clients,

Money movement
Cash management, including AR/AP modules
FX Hedging capabilities
Integrations into existing accounting and enterprise software

Following 20+ years of working across the financial services industry with founders from organisations such as PayPal, Citi, and other big names, the Finmo exec team realised that everyone has a treasury problem!

Especially companies with multiple bank accounts and multiple org. structures within their group,  handling multiple currencies in servicing their clients. In identifying this problem, Finmo is addressing a significant gap in the market for a solution that serves the end-to-end treasury management lifecycle.

https://finmo.net

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Erica Xie joins Dexter Cousins to chat about  Tanggram, a smart wealth-creating App that  integrates investment with shopping rewards.

The app provides a seamless wealth building journey to well-educated, young people who have stable income streams and financial goals.

Co-founded with CEO Nick Tang in 2017, Tanggram is unique in that it supports a massively underserved segment of Australia's community, Asian immigrants.

Dexter spoke to Erica just days before she was awarded Emerging Fintech Leader of the Year at the prestigious Finnies Awards.

Erica shares her journey as COO from starting out as a financial advisor with Nick, to building a Fintech Platform, leading a team of 15 people through Covid, and keeping people together along the rollercoaster ride.

Erica also shares news of the upcoming launch of their superannuation product.

https://www.tanggram.com/more-super

About Erica Xie
Erica is a results-oriented leader with extensive experience in business management and operations, particularly in startups and the Fintech industry. As the Co-founder of Tanggram, Erica has played a key role in building a cohesive and goal-oriented team, and has contributed to the successful partnerships and market position of the business. 

Erica was honored as the "Young Leader of the Year" at the Women in Finance 2022, and has been nominated for the "Female Fintech Leader of the Year" in both the 2023 and 2024 Fintech Australia Finnies Awards.

https://www.tanggram.com/

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