Fintech Diaries: A Podcast by SHIFT

In this episode of the Fintech Diaries podcast, we sit down with Zitah McMillan, the CEO of Finexos, to explore her dedication to financial inclusion. With over 15 years of experience in financial services and regulation, including roles at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Zopa, Zitah brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion. We delve into how Finexos leverages advanced AI, behavioural analytics, and real-time data to reduce risk and costs for lenders, aiming to make credit more accessible and affordable for underserved populations. Join us as we uncover the innovative strategies Finexos employs to promote financial inclusion and support economic growth.

In this episode, we sit down with Jen Lothian, the dynamic founder of MyArk, a pioneering digital data wallet transforming how individuals manage and share their personal information. Jen's career is a testament to versatility and resilience: from serving in the military to navigating the high-stakes world of investment banking, and now leading a tech startup that's redefining data ownership. Join us as we uncover Jen's unique journey, the hurdles she overcame while building MyArk, and her vision for a future where individuals have full control over their data.

In this episode, we sit down with Jodie Andrews, the Head of Marketing and Partnerships at One Mortgage System (OMS). With a background in financial services marketing, Jodie leads strategic initiatives to enhance OMS's brand presence and drive growth. She oversees the introduction and management of third-party partnerships, ensuring they deliver maximum value. Join us as we discuss how to build a reputable technology platform that addresses the unique challenges of building societies, and explore innovative marketing strategies that resonate in today's dynamic mortgage industry.

In this episode, we sit down with Felicia Hjertman, the visionary founder and CEO of TILLIT, a pioneering investment platform that is transforming the way individuals approach fund investing. We delve into TILLIT's recent milestones, including the addition of new funds to its platform, and explore Felicia's vision for the future of personal investing. Join us for an insightful conversation that uncovers the story behind TILLIT and the drive to empower investors with quality choices and transparency.

Welcome to Fintech Diaries, where we uncover the stories driving innovation in the financial world. In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Sara Costantini, Regional Director for the UK & Ireland at CRIF UK, a company dedicated to simplifying financial resilience and empowering businesses and consumers alike.

Sara takes us through her remarkable journey, from overcoming challenges in her 20+ years with CRIF to becoming a leading voice in open banking and open finance. We explore the values that drive CRIF's mission, her expert tips for successful leadership, and her vision for how open data will shape the future of the financial landscape.

We also delve into the transformative shifts happening in the industry, the role of innovation in driving resilience, and what it takes to lead with purpose in today’s fast-changing world.

Tune in for an insightful discussion packed with leadership strategies, industry expertise, and a forward-looking perspective on open finance.

Settle in and enjoy this inspiring conversation with Sara Costantini.

Welcome to Fintech Diaries, where we dive deep into the stories behind the innovations reshaping the financial landscape. In this episode, we're excited to be joined by Joss Tasker, the Founder and CEO of Sync Savings, a company on a mission to transform how people save and build financial resilience.

Joss shares her journey from leading roles at Monzo and Octopus to launching Sync Savings, a fintech dedicated to simplifying savings by integrating seamless solutions into the apps we use every day. We explore Sync’s mission to rebuild the savings infrastructure, connect savers with banks and building societies, and ultimately empower people to cultivate better financial habits.

We also discuss the challenges of bringing innovation to a traditional industry, the importance of security and trust in fintech, and how Sync Savings is revolutionising access to savings products. This episode is packed with insights for aspiring fintech leaders and anyone passionate about making savings more accessible and impactful.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation with Joss as we uncover her strategies for disrupting the industry and her vision for the future of financial resilience.

Settle in, and enjoy this enlightening discussion on the future of savings.

Welcome to Fintech Diaries, the podcast that brings you closer to the people shaping the world of finance and technology. In this month's episode, we're thrilled to be joined by  Emmanuelle Johaadien, Commercial Director of Sikoia.

Sikoia is a leading fintech, transforming how businesses handle customer verification by streamlining and automating the process. Their platform rapidly validates customer data and documents, delivering insights at pace. With seamless integration into existing systems or the option to utilise their user-friendly dashboard, Sikoia’s solution is essential for businesses navigating regulations like Consumer Duty, where manual processes can escalate costs and compliance risks.

In this episode, we delve into Emmanuelle's inspiring career journey in the fintech space. We also discuss her experiences as a woman in sales and commercial leadership roles, and she shares her valuable insights on the industry’s current landscape and future directions. Emmanuelle offers unique perspectives on how Sikoia is addressing the complex challenges of customer and document verification with a seamless, customer-first approach.

So, settle in and join us for an enlightening conversation with Emmanuelle as we explore innovation, women in sales and commercial roles, and the future of the industry. 

Welcome to Fintech Diaries, the podcast that brings you closer to the people shaping the world of finance and technology. In this month's episode, we're thrilled to be joined by Sam Seaton, the CEO of Moneyhub.

At Moneyhub, they’re pushing the boundaries of what's possible in financial technology. It’s about more than just open finance; it’s about leveraging open data to create open possibilities, empowering financial futures, and enhancing lifetime financial wellness. With Sam at the helm, Moneyhub is at the forefront of this movement, helping individuals and businesses make smarter, more sustainable financial decisions.

Sam’s journey to this point is truly inspiring. She has been a pivotal force at Moneyhub since 2016, driving it to become an award-winning powerhouse in Open Banking, Open Finance, and Open Data. Her passion for technology's potential to improve financial wellbeing is evident in her work and numerous industry roles, including her position on the Money & Pensions Service’s Pensions Dashboards Programme and the Financial Data and Technology Association’s Global Board.

In this episode, we’ll delve into Sam's path to leading Moneyhub, exploring the challenges and opportunities in the evolving landscape of open finance. We'll discuss how Moneyhub is shaping the future of financial wellness, and what this means for consumers and businesses alike.

So, settle in and join us for an enlightening conversation with Sam Seaton as we explore innovation, financial empowerment, and the future of open finance.

Welcome to Fintech Diaries, the podcast that brings you closer to the people shaping the world of finance and technology. In this month’s episode, we're thrilled to be joined by Kyle Masterson, Head of SHIFT, and Navpreet Parmar, Head of FI Partnerships at SHIFT.

SHIFT is on a mission to build the biggest Open Finance Fintech Community in the UK. They're focused on creating an effective and successful fintech community that fosters innovation and collaboration. In this episode, we'll explore the fascinating work being done at SHIFT, the exciting developments within the Fintech Champion Community, and much more.

Kyle and Navpreet’s journey to this point is truly inspiring. With a wealth of experience in the fintech industry, they have been instrumental in driving SHIFT’s vision forward. Their leadership is key in bringing together fintech innovators and creating a thriving community.

In this episode, we'll be chatting with Kyle and Navpreet about their roles at SHIFT, the challenges and opportunities in building a fintech community, and what the future holds in this exciting space. We'll delve into the purpose and mission of SHIFT, SHIFT+ and the Fintech Champions Community, highlight some success stories, and discuss the latest trends in open banking and finance.

So, settle in and join us for a great conversation with Kyle and Navpreet, where we talk about building a fintech community, innovation, and the future of open finance.

Welcome to Fintech Diaries, the podcast that brings you closer to the people shaping the world of finance and technology. In this months episode, we're excited to be joined by Emma Kisby, the CEO of Cogo.

At Cogo, they're doing something pretty special. It's not just about financial technology; it's about integrating sustainability into our financial lives, fostering a Climate Conscious Society and leveraging Data4Good to drive change. With Emma's leadership, Cogo is at the forefront of this unique intersection, helping consumers understand and manage the environmental impact of their spending.

Emma's journey to this point is pretty fascinating. With experiences ranging from her role at Insightout Ltd, making customer data meaningful for businesses, to leadership positions at PayAsUGym and Virgin Red, she's always been focused on enhancing customer experiences. Now at Cogo, she's channelling this expertise into driving financial decisions that are good for the planet.

In this episode, we'll be chatting with Emma about her path to leading Cogo, the challenges and opportunities in merging finance with eco-consciousness, and what the future holds in this exciting space. 

So, settle in and join us for a great conversation with Emma Kisby, were we talk innovation, sustainability, and the future of finance.