About this episode:

On this episode of Fintech Insider Insights, hosts David M. Brear and Jamie Campbell are joined by special guests to explore how mergers and acquisitions are reshaping the financial services industry as we know it.

For many in our field, M&As feel like the financial world’s equivalent of football transfer season—exciting, strategic, and game-changing. But with increasingly complex regulatory frameworks and tighter margins, fintech-to-bank acquisitions have been slower to take off. Meanwhile, large banks are consolidating their power, hoovering up the competition, and redrawing the lines on the banking battlefield.

So, what are the forces driving this massive transformation? And what does it mean for the future of financial services? Let's find out!

This week's guests:

--

This episode is sponsored by Pleo

Poor financial decisions are a common challenge—60% of UK businesses link them to a lack of collaboration. Pleo’s Finance and Business Synergy Report shows how better teamwork between finance and other departments boosts decision-making, financial resilience, and growth. With 76% of UK businesses recognising spend management platforms as key to success, the right tools matter.

Download the report today for insights from 2,800 finance leaders on optimising spend and unlocking new opportunities.

Download your copy

--

Some links to check out:

After Dark tickets

Join our WhatsApp community, where you can get the inside track on all all things 11:FS, as well as having your say on the things we should be paying attention to.

https://chat.whatsapp.com/KpA4gFbbWDlLFm7kx39raf

--

About Fintech Insider:

Fintech Insider by 11:FS is a bi-weekly podcast that covers everything from finance and banking to technology and the latest trends in financial services.

Our expert hosts, with hands-on industry experience, are joined by key decision-makers, VCs, and top reporters from across the financial landscape, including guests from companies like Stripe, Revolut, Plaid, PayPal, and Monzo. Together, they break down the biggest news and innovations shaping the space.

Our weekly news show drops every Monday, covering major stories like mergers, new product launches, regulatory shifts, and emerging tech trends. On Thursdays, our Insights show goes deeper into the hottest topics driving the future of finance, including AI in banking, decentralised finance, and the evolving landscape of embedded finance.

Whether you're already in the fintech game or just starting to explore, this is the #1 podcast for you.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!

Got a question for us? Email [email protected]!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About this episode:

On this week's episode of Fintech Insider News, host Ross Gallagher is joined by a panel of experts to dive into the most fascinating stories in fintech and financial services that we've uncovered this week.

Content warning: This episode contains discussions of mental health struggles, including references to suicide. If these topics are sensitive for you, please listen with care. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available - please reach out to a trusted friend, family member or a mental health professional.

Stories covered on the podcast this week include:

Klarna partners with J.P. Morgan ahead of its much-anticipated IPO. Robinhood launches trading options in the UK. QED has invested in Raenest, which seeks to address the issue of slow payments for remote and freelance workers in Africa. Plaid is reportedly working with Goldman Sachs to raise between $300M and $400M through a secondary share sale. AMP's new digital bank is specifically designed for small business owners and solopreneurs. AMP has also launched a new digital bank for side hustlers to manage finances on the go, built on Starling Bank’s Engine platform.

This week's guests:

Timestamps:

Intro - (00:00)

Klarna signs with J.P. Morgan Payments to expand merchant services offering - (06:00)

Robinhood options trading launches in the UK - (18:08)

QED leads $11M investment in Nigerian fintech Raenest - (31:13)

US open banking fintech Plaid reportedly plotting potential $400m secondary share sale - (42:12)

Australia’s AMP taps Starling tech for SMB digital bank - (52:01)

And finally - A discussion about romance scams ahead of Valentine’s Day - (55:29)

--

This episode is sponsored by Pleo

Poor financial decisions are a common challenge—60% of UK businesses link them to a lack of collaboration. Pleo’s Finance and Business Synergy Report shows how better teamwork between finance and other departments boosts decision-making, financial resilience, and growth. With 76% of UK businesses recognising spend management platforms as key to success, the right tools matter.

Download the report today for insights from 2,800 finance leaders on optimising spend and unlocking new opportunities.

Download your copy

--

After Dark tickets

Join our WhatsApp community, where you can get the inside track on all all things 11:FS, as well as having your say on the things we should be paying attention to.

https://chat.whatsapp.com/KpA4gFbbWDlLFm7kx39raf

--

About Fintech Insider:

Fintech Insider by 11:FS is a bi-weekly podcast that covers everything from finance and banking to technology and the latest trends in financial services.

Our expert hosts, with hands-on industry experience, are joined by key decision-makers, VCs, and top reporters from across the financial landscape, including guests from companies like Stripe, Revolut, Plaid, PayPal, and Monzo. Together, they break down the biggest news and innovations shaping the space.

Our weekly news show drops every Monday, covering major stories like mergers, new product launches, regulatory shifts, and emerging tech trends. On Thursdays, our Insights show goes deeper into the hottest topics driving the future of finance, including AI in banking, decentralised finance, and the evolving landscape of embedded finance.

Whether you're already in the fintech game or just starting to explore, this is the #1 podcast for you.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!

Got a question for us? Email [email protected]!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About this episode:

In this episode, in association with Pleo, we're taking a look at one of the most important but often under appreciated aspects of any organisation: the collaboration between finance teams and the rest of the business. 

Finance teams are often viewed as the gatekeepers of budgets and numbers, the guardians of growth but what’s really going on behind the spreadsheets? 

To help us uncover the truth, we’ve partnered with Pleo, which has commissioned and published some fascinating research with nearly 3,000 medium-sized businesses across seven European countries to find out what finance teams across a wide variety of industries are really thinking and how better collaboration can unlock growth and success for everyone.

This week's guests:

--

This episode is sponsored by Pleo

Poor financial decisions are a common challenge—60% of UK businesses link them to a lack of collaboration. Pleo’s Finance and Business Synergy Report shows how better teamwork between finance and other departments boosts decision-making, financial resilience, and growth. With 76% of UK businesses recognising spend management platforms as key to success, the right tools matter.

Download the report today for insights from 2,800 finance leaders on optimising spend and unlocking new opportunities.

Download your copy

--

Some links to check out:

After Dark tickets

Join our WhatsApp community, where you can get the inside track on all all things 11:FS, as well as having your say on the things we should be paying attention to.

https://chat.whatsapp.com/KpA4gFbbWDlLFm7kx39raf

--

About Fintech Insider:

Fintech Insider by 11:FS is a bi-weekly podcast dedicated to all things finance, banking, technology, and financial services.

Our expert hosts, with real industry experience, are joined by the biggest decision-makers, VCs, and reporters from across financial services including guests from Visa, Nubank, M-Pesa, Starling, and JP Morgan Chase to discuss the latest news, developments, and trends within the industry.

Our weekly news show drops every Monday and tackles the biggest news stories, from acquisitions and launches, to regulatory changes and innovation. Then, every Thursday our Insights show dives deeper into the hottest topics shaping the industry like web3 and BNPL.

Whether you’re already immersed in the world of financial services, or just keen to learn more, this is the #1 podcast for you.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and please leave a review

Got a question for us? Email [email protected]!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About this episode:

On this week's Fintech Insider News, host David Barton-Grimley is joined by an expert panel to take a closer look at the most interesting stories in fintech and financial services we've uncovered this week.

Stories covered on the podcast this week include:

The PRA and FCA are in contact with Barclays after an IT failure left thousands unable to access their accounts for days. Adyen has partnered with open banking provider Yapily to enhance business account verification and merchant onboarding across Europe. Santander's digital US bank, Openbank, has surpassed $2 billion in deposits. Curve has become the first to offer Section 75 protection on purchases made through its Wallet. Meanwhile, Project Nemo is launching its first challenge to tackle financial exclusion for adults with learning disabilities.

This week's guests:

Plus soundclip from:

• Joanne Dewar - Project Nemo Lead

Timestamps:

Intro (00:00:00)

UK’s banking watchdog probes Barclays over IT outage (04:39)

Adyen selects Yapily to expand open banking capabilities in Europe (15:44)

Santander’s US digital bank platform marks $2 billion in deposits (27:06)

Curve is the First Digital Wallet to Offer Section 75 Protection on All Cards, Even Debit (37:13)

Project Nemo and Fintech Fringe Launch Innovation Challenge to Tackle Financial Exclusion for People with Learning Disabilities (46:34)

And finally - What is your favourite financial services advert of all time? (49:37)

--

This episode is sponsored by Pleo

Poor financial decisions are a common challenge—60% of UK businesses link them to a lack of collaboration. Pleo’s Finance and Business Synergy Report shows how better teamwork between finance and other departments boosts decision-making, financial resilience, and growth. With 76% of UK businesses recognising spend management platforms as key to success, the right tools matter.

Download the report today for insights from 2,800 finance leaders on optimising spend and unlocking new opportunities.

Download your copy

-- 

Some links to check out:

Download your copy of the 11:FS Pulse Report 2025 and get product-ready for the year ahead by visiting 11fs.com/report 

Join our WhatsApp community, where you can get the inside track on all all things 11:FS, as well as having your say on the things we should be paying attention to.

https://chat.whatsapp.com/KpA4gFbbWDlLFm7kx39raf

Learn more about Project Nemo

--

About Fintech Insider:

Fintech Insider by 11:FS is a bi-weekly podcast dedicated to all things finance, banking, technology, and financial services.

Our expert hosts, with real industry experience, are joined by the biggest decision-makers, VCs, and reporters from across financial services including guests from Visa, Nubank, M-Pesa, Starling, and JP Morgan Chase to discuss the latest news, developments, and trends within the industry.

Our weekly news show drops every Monday and tackles the biggest news stories, from acquisitions and launches, to regulatory changes and innovation. Then, every Thursday our Insights show dives deeper into the hottest topics shaping the industry like web3 and BNPL.

Whether you’re already immersed in the world of financial services, or just keen to learn more, this is the #1 podcast for you.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and please leave a review

Got a question for us? Email [email protected]!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's Fintech Insider Insights, host Ross Gallagher is joined by some great guests as we explore what defines an exceptional user experience in the ever-evolving world of fintech and banking apps.

Here at 11:FS we’ve just released our annual Pulse report, spotlighting the best and brightest products shaping financial services today, and on this show we unpack some of the insights we’ve uncovered in the report, as well as exploring the trends that will define the future of user experience going forward. 

This week's guests:

Download your copy of the 11:FS Pulse Report 2025 and get product-ready for the year ahead by visiting 11fs.com/report 

--

Join our WhatsApp community, where you can get the inside track on all all things 11:FS, as well as having your say on the things we should be paying attention to.

https://chat.whatsapp.com/KpA4gFbbWDlLFm7kx39raf

--

Fintech Insider by 11:FS is a bi-weekly podcast dedicated to all things finance, banking, technology, and financial services.

Our expert hosts, with real industry experience, are joined by the biggest decision-makers, VCs, and reporters from across financial services including guests from Visa, Nubank, M-Pesa, Starling, and JP Morgan Chase to discuss the latest news, developments, and trends within the industry.

Our weekly news show drops every Monday and tackles the biggest news stories, from acquisitions and launches, to regulatory changes and innovation. Then, every Thursday our Insights show dives deeper into the hottest topics shaping the industry like web3 and BNPL.

Whether you’re already immersed in the world of financial services, or just keen to learn more, this is the #1 podcast for you.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and please leave a review

Got a question for us? Email [email protected]!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get your ticket now at 11fs.com/afterdark

--

After Dark is back in London this March, and YOU ARE INVITED!

Join us for a live recording of Fintech Insider News, followed by drinks and networking on Wednesday 19th March at Village Underground in London.

11:FS’s main man, David M. Brear, is back on hosting duties, while 11:FS Head of Ventures, Ross Gallagher, will be joining the action to help us quiz our panel on the biggest FS stories of the week.

More guests announced soon!

Bring your colleagues, tell your friends - see you in March. 

Get your ticket now at 11fs.com/afterdark

This edition of After Dark is sponsored by Swan, HaysMac and Flagright.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's Fintech Insider News, host Benjamin Ensor is joined by an expert panel to take a closer look at the most interesting stories in fintech and financial services we've uncovered this week.

This week, we're looking at: the social media platform formerly known as Twitter announcing a partnership with Visa to power its upcoming financial services product, X Money; what the Chinese AI startup DeepSeek might mean for financial services; TravelPerk's acquisition of Yokoy, a Swiss spend management platform, in a deal that will expand its reach into financial services; Checkout announcing a profitable end to 2024; and Australia bringing Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) providers under formal financial regulations.

This week's guests:

Stories covered on the pod:

X announces a partnership with Visa to power X Money’s wallet

A shocking Chinese AI advancement called DeepSeek is sending US stocks plummeting

NatWest Group Invests in Serene – An AI Platform Tackling Financial Vulnerability

Softbank backed TravelPerk doubles valuation to $2.7 billion, plans fintech push

Checkout.com sets stage for return to profitability

Australia tells BNPL providers to apply for credit licences

--

Download your copy of the 11:FS Pulse Report 2025 and get product-ready for the year ahead by visiting 11fs.com/report 

--

Help 11:FS win Consultancy of the Year at the 2025 British Bank Awards by giving us a 5-star vote at 11fs.com/vote

--

Join our WhatsApp community, where you can get the inside track on all all things 11:FS, as well as having your say on the things we should be paying attention to.

https://chat.whatsapp.com/KpA4gFbbWDlLFm7kx39raf

--

Fintech Insider by 11:FS is a bi-weekly podcast dedicated to all things finance, banking, technology, and financial services.

Our expert hosts, with real industry experience, are joined by the biggest decision-makers, VCs, and reporters from across financial services including guests from Visa, Nubank, M-Pesa, Starling, and JP Morgan Chase to discuss the latest news, developments, and trends within the industry.

Our weekly news show drops every Monday and tackles the biggest news stories, from acquisitions and launches, to regulatory changes and innovation. Then, every Thursday our Insights show dives deeper into the hottest topics shaping the industry like web3 and BNPL.

Whether you’re already immersed in the world of financial services, or just keen to learn more, this is the #1 podcast for you.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and please leave a review

Got a question for us? Email [email protected]!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's insights show, we're taking a deep dive into one of the most interesting fintech success stories in recent years - Zilch!

Host Kate Moody is joined by Zilch Co-Founder and CEO Philip Belamant to discuss how the company went from raising its Series A funding during the COVID pandemic to being valued at over £2 billion today.

We also explore what it takes to create a standout product, how Zilch leverages AI, regulatory challenges, and the experience of building a business in London.

This week's guest:

• Philip Belamant - CEO and Co-founder of Zilch

--

Help 11:FS win Consultancy of the Year at the 2025 British Bank Awards by giving us a 5-star vote at 11fs.com/vote

--

Join our WhatsApp community, where you can get the inside track on all all things 11:FS, as well as having your say on the things we should be paying attention to.

https://chat.whatsapp.com/KpA4gFbbWDlLFm7kx39raf

--

Fintech Insider by 11:FS is a bi-weekly podcast dedicated to all things finance, banking, technology, and financial services.

Our expert hosts, with real industry experience, are joined by the biggest decision-makers, VCs, and reporters from across financial services including guests from Visa, Nubank, M-Pesa, Starling, and JP Morgan Chase to discuss the latest news, developments, and trends within the industry.

Our weekly news show drops every Monday and tackles the biggest news stories, from acquisitions and launches, to regulatory changes and innovation. Then, every Thursday our Insights show dives deeper into the hottest topics shaping the industry like web3 and BNPL.

Whether you’re already immersed in the world of financial services, or just keen to learn more, this is the #1 podcast for you.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and please leave a review

Got a question for us? Email [email protected]!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's Fintech Insider News, hosts Benjamin Ensor and Dave Morris are joined by an expert panel to take a closer look at the most interesting stories in fintech and financial services we've uncovered this week.

This week, we're looking at the launch of DORA and its implications for financial services. The UK’s Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) has published three core commitments to foster growth, innovation, and competition in the UK payments landscape. Belvo and J.P. Morgan Payments have partnered to enhance recurring payments management in Mexico. Nu Holdings is reportedly considering relocating its legal domicile to the UK. HSBC’s international payments app, Zing, launched in January 2024 to compete with fintechs like Wise and Revolut, is set to shut down after just a year. And, Barclays is shutting down its Rise accelerator programme.

This week's guests:

Stories covered on the pod:

The EU's Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) comes into force

The UK’s Payment Systems Regulator unveils three key commitments for final phase of payments strategy

Belvo and J.P. Morgan Payments Aim to Streamline Direct Debit Payments for Mexican Businesses

Nubank parent company considers moving legal domicile to Britain

HSBC to close international payments app Zing a year after launch

Barclays to wind down fintech accelerator programme Rise by “mid-2025”

--

Help 11:FS win Consultancy of the Year at the 2025 British Bank Awards by giving us a 5-star vote at 11fs.com/vote

--

Join our WhatsApp community, where you can get the inside track on all all things 11:FS, as well as having your say on the things we should be paying attention to.

https://chat.whatsapp.com/KpA4gFbbWDlLFm7kx39raf

--

Fintech Insider by 11:FS is a bi-weekly podcast dedicated to all things finance, banking, technology, and financial services.

Our expert hosts, with real industry experience, are joined by the biggest decision-makers, VCs, and reporters from across financial services including guests from Visa, Nubank, M-Pesa, Starling, and JP Morgan Chase to discuss the latest news, developments, and trends within the industry.

Our weekly news show drops every Monday and tackles the biggest news stories, from acquisitions and launches, to regulatory changes and innovation. Then, every Thursday our Insights show dives deeper into the hottest topics shaping the industry like web3 and BNPL.

Whether you’re already immersed in the world of financial services, or just keen to learn more, this is the #1 podcast for you.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and please leave a review

Got a question for us? Email [email protected]!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Fintech Insider Insights, David Barton-Grimley, Fintech Strategy Director at 11:FS, and Benjamin Ensor, Director of Research and Strategy at 11:FS, are joined by some great guests to discuss loyalty.

What is the longest relationship you’ve ever had? Family, friends, your partner will obviously be up there - but how about who you bank with? 

From opening your first account when you're a child, to buying your first car, house, and planning your estate, our relationship with financial services spans an entire lifetime. 

Many people used to spend their entire lifetime with one institution, yet is the relationship only skin deep? With the introduction of mobile technology and fierce competition over the past decade we’ve seen people’s loyalty fade. 

So, how can banks and FIs in 2025 put loyalty back up the agenda? We're joined by:

--

If you're looking to launch a new loyalty scheme or evolve your rewards programme, get in touch with 11:FS Ventures today at https://11fs.com/contact

--

Fintech Insider by 11:FS is a bi-weekly podcast dedicated to all things finance, banking, technology, and financial services.

Our expert hosts, with real industry experience, are joined by the biggest decision-makers, VCs, and reporters from across financial services including guests from Visa, Nubank, M-Pesa, Starling, and JP Morgan Chase to discuss the latest news, developments, and trends within the industry.

Our weekly news show drops every Monday and tackles the biggest news stories, from acquisitions and launches, to regulatory changes and innovation. Then, every Thursday our Insights show dives deeper into the hottest topics shaping the industry like web3 and BNPL.

Whether you’re already immersed in the world of financial services, or just keen to learn more, this is the #1 podcast for you.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and please leave a review

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices