🎙️ In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark sits down with Dalal Buhejji to explore how Bahrain is fast becoming one of the most dynamic fintech hubs in the Middle East.

Dalal unpacks Bahrain’s rich legacy in financial services, now the largest contributor to its economy, surpassing oil and gas. She shares how the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) supports global and local fintechs entering the market—providing investment facilitation, guidance, and an environment designed for innovation.

They discuss Bahrain’s unique regulatory model featuring a single financial regulator, which simplifies market entry and has been instrumental in developing a thriving fintech ecosystem. Dalal also highlights the success of the country’s regulatory sandbox, which has produced major fintech players and spurred new models in payments, digital banking, and beyond.

A core focus of Bahrain’s strategy is talent development, with initiatives to upskill Bahrainis in technology and financial services. Combined with its strategic location, the country offers unrivalled access to the GCC and wider MENA region—positioning Bahrain as a launchpad for global expansion.

Looking ahead, Dalal and Tony explore emerging trends shaping Bahrain’s financial future, from AI and digital banking to deeper collaboration across the region.

📌 Topics Covered• Bahrain’s evolution into a fintech hub

• How the Bahrain EDB supports global fintechs

• Single-regulator advantage

• Success of Bahrain’s regulatory sandbox

• Local talent development & upskilling

• Strategic access to GCC & MENA markets

• Economic diversification beyond oil

• Innovation in payments & digital banking

• AI adoption in financial services

• What’s next for Bahrain’s fintech ecosystem

🔗 Learn More

Tony Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclark100/

The London Fintech Podcast: https://londonfintechpodcast.com/

Dalal Buhejji: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dbuhejji/

Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB): https://www.bahrainedb.com/

Go Beyond The Podcast: https://resources.nxwave.com/hub/london-fintech-podcast?nav=aHViX3BhZ2U6NTY%3D&c=cG9zdDo5OTMzNTQ%3D

In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark sits down with Ben Brophy, Head of Institutional Growth, Europe at the Solana Foundation, to explore how the world’s fastest and most actively used blockchain is shaping the next generation of financial infrastructure.

Ben shares his journey from traditional finance—spanning roles at NatWest and Fidelity International—to leading Solana’s institutional adoption across Europe. They dive into how Solana’s high-performance, single-layer network is driving on-chain innovation at scale, and what it means for banks, asset managers, and payment providers now entering the blockchain era.

The conversation covers the institutional shift from private to public blockchains, the rise of tokenisation, the integration of on-chain solutions with treasury operations, and Solana’s vision to become “Nasdaq on the Internet.” Ben also unpacks Solana’s collaboration with R3, the regulatory evolution enabling public deployments, and the $2.5 billion DeFi capital request that’s opening new pathways between traditional finance and crypto-native ecosystems.

📌 Topics covered:• How Solana became the world’s fastest and most adopted blockchain

• The evolution of institutional blockchain adoption

• Public vs. private networks—and why the shift matters now

• Tokenisation, stablecoins, and yield-generating assets on-chain

• The future of programmable compliance and transparent governance

• R3 x Solana: bridging TradFi and DeFi

• Why we’ve passed the tipping point for on-chain finance

Tune in to hear how Solana is redefining performance, trust, and innovation in blockchain—and why the next wave of institutional finance will be built on-chain.

🔗 Learn More:Tony Clark: linkedin.com/in/tclark100

The London Fintech Podcast: https://londonfintechpodcast.comSolana Foundation: https://solana.com/ &. https://x.com/solana?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Ben Brophy: linkedin.com/in/benbrophy

NextWave Consulting: https://www.nxwave.com/

Go Beyond The Podcast: https://resources.nxwave.com/hub/london-fintech-podcast?c=cG9zdDo5OTI5NzY%3D&nav=aHViX3BhZ2U6MTA%3D&s=null

The Fourth Turning Is Here by Neil Howe: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fourth-Turning-Here-Seasons-History/dp/1982173734/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2JGUG3UZKXC5Y&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UnHitIUegc8AC05jF0ZWTZMwWgbhD9RWG1GpDfRjCDvGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.F2PF1-CK0Cy5SS6yy83q5mKyUWCdfZ4L4QY58AN2GWo&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+Fourth+Turning+Is+Here+by+Neil+Howe&qid=1760691367&sprefix=the+fourth+turning+is+here+by+neil+howe%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-1

🎙️ In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark sits down with Andy MacMillan, CEO of Alteryx, to explore how data, automation, and AI are reshaping the future of financial services.

With a background in enterprise software and data management, Andy shares how Alteryx has evolved into a leading platform helping organisations operationalise AI—turning raw data into actionable insight.

The conversation dives into what it takes to build trust in AI-driven systems, how financial institutions are integrating automation into both customer-facing and internal workflows, and why predictability and governance are critical to success.

They also discuss Alteryx’s role as a data clearinghouse for AI applications, the importance of customer feedback in shaping innovation, and how the real promise of AI lies not in hype—but in solving practical business challenges.

📌 Topics covered:

• Data as the fuel powering the AI revolution

• How Alteryx enables end-to-end AI adoption

• Building trust and predictability in AI processes

• The evolution of data management in financial services

• Using AI to enhance customer experience and operations

• The intersection of automation and human expertise

• The customer-led approach driving Alteryx’s innovation

• The future of AI: from experimentation to operational excellenceTune in to hear how Andy MacMillan and Alteryx are helping financial institutions turn data into their most strategic asset—and what it takes to bring AI to life responsibly.

🔗 Learn more:

Tony Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclark100/

The London Fintech Podcast: https://londonfintechpodcast.com

Andy MacMillan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apmacmillan/Alteryx: https://www.alteryx.com

Go Beyond The Podcast: https://resources.nxwave.com/hub/london-fintech-podcast?nav=aHViX3BhZ2U6NTY%3D&c=cG9zdDo5OTMzNTQ%3D

On the Calculation of Volume 1" by Solvej Balle: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Calculation-I-Solvej-Balle/dp/0571383378

🎙️ In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark speaks with Symmie Swil, UK General Manager of Upvest, about the company’s role in financial technology and investment infrastructure.

Symmie shares her career journey, the development of Upvest, and how embedded finance is being integrated into modern financial services. The conversation covers financial literacy, the use of AI in financial operations, and the supportive environment for fintech innovation in the UK.

📌 Topics covered:• The growth of embedded finance in financial services• Symmie’s career path and leadership insights• The role of AI in financial operations• Financial literacy and education initiatives• UK fintech ecosystem and regulatory environment• Building culture and collaboration at Upvest

🔗 Learn More:

Tony Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclark100/

The London Fintech Podcast: https://londonfintechpodcast.com

Symmie Swil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/symmie/

Upvest: https://upvest.co/

Go Beyond The Podcast: https://resources.nxwave.com/hub/london-fintech-podcast?nav=aHViX3BhZ2U6NTY%3D&c=cG9zdDo5OTMzNTQ%3D

Cautionary Tales podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2yPlb6ynbhTJbziSIcykQd

Hidden Brain podcast: https://www.hiddenbrain.org/

Crossing the Chasm (book): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crossing-Chasm-3rd-Disruptive-Mainstream/dp/0062292986

🎙️ In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark speaks with Dr. Paul Dongha, Head of Responsible AI & AI Strategy at NatWest Group, about the importance of AI governance in financial services.

With decades of experience in AI—from his early PhD research on autonomous agents to leading responsible AI initiatives at major banks—Paul brings both technical depth and practical expertise to the conversation. He shares insights from his new book "Governing the Machine", co-authored with leading global AI advisors Ray Eitel-Porter and Miriam Voge, and promoted by figures such as Andrew Ng, Reid Hoffman, and the CEO of IBM.

They discuss the nine key risk areas of AI—including bias, privacy, security, and hallucinations—the role of regulation such as the EU AI Act, and why effective governance must be an organisation-wide effort led from the boardroom. Paul also explains how firms can implement practical frameworks, governance forums, and training to safely unlock AI’s potential while staying compliant and ethical.

"Governing the Machine" will launch on October 23rd and is available for pre-order now: https://amzn.eu/d/9PSBRAt

Paul shares perspectives from his career in AI research and strategy, including risk areas such as bias, privacy, security, and hallucinations. The discussion explores regulatory frameworks like the EU AI Act, organisational approaches to responsible AI, and practical tools that firms can use to manage AI adoption effectively.

📌 Topics covered:

• Why responsible AI is critical for financial services

• The nine biggest risk areas for AI adoption

• Bias, fairness, and how to mitigate them in practice

• Privacy, security, and the risks of prompt hacking

• Hallucinations and why they can’t be “designed away”

• Regulation: EU AI Act, NIST framework, and global standards

• The rise of Chief AI Officers and responsible AI roles

• How to build governance forums, ethics boards, and AI inventories

• Tools, platforms, and GRC systems for managing AI at scale

• Key takeaways from Governing the Machine

📌 Key takeaway: AI governance isn’t about slowing innovation—it’s about building the guardrails that make responsible, scalable innovation possible.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 I would be delighted to welcome you to one of our launch events, where you can purchase a signed copy of the book. 7.30pm on Tuesday, 21st October in Jesus College, Cambridge, CB5 8BL.

RSVP: https://bit.ly/3VD65EV (select “Reserved tickets” – you are a VIP!)

You will need a ticket to gain entry, so you must RSVP. OR 6pm on Wednesday, 22nd October at NatWest Bank, 250 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 4AA.RSVP: https://bit.ly/3IuBiaq

You will need a QR code to gain entry, so you must RSVP.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

🔗 Learn More:

Tony Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclark100/

The London Fintech Podcast: https://londonfintechpodcast.com/podcasts/

Paul Dongha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-dongha/

Governing the Machine (pre-order link): https://amzn.eu/d/9PSBRAt

NextWave Consulting: https://www.nxwave.com/

Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Coming-Up-Short-Memoir-America/dp/0593803280

Go Beyond The Podcast: https://resources.nxwave.com/hub/london-fintech-podcast?c=cG9zdDo5OTI5NzY%3D&nav=aHViX3BhZ2U6MTA%3D&s=null

🎙️ In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark speaks with Mike Brennan of Finch Capital and AI innovator Parsa Ghaffari about the evolution of fintech in Europe and the impact of AI on financial services.

They discuss the development of new fintech hubs, the integration of AI across business functions, and how regulation and technology are shaping operating models.

The conversation also explores the concept of “peak engineering” and what it could mean for the next phase of digital transformation in finance.

📌 Topics covered:

The changing fintech landscape in Europe

AI applications in financial services

Emerging fintech hubs across the region

Regulation and its role in shaping adoption

The idea of “peak engineering” in technology

AI integration into business workflows

Industry perspectives on digital transformation

🔗 Learn More:

Tony Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclark100/

The London Fintech Podcast: https://londonfintechpodcast.com

Parsa Ghaffari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parsa-ghaffari-a7300a24/

Mike Brennan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebrennan/

Finch Capital: https://finchcapital.com/

NextWave Consulting: https://www.nxwave.com/

The State of European Fintech: https://finchcapital.com/research-reports/State_of_European_Fintech_2025_All.pd

Go Beyond The Podcast: https://resources.nxwave.com/hub/london-fintech-podcast?nav=aHViX3BhZ2U6NTY%3D&c=cG9zdDo5OTMzNTQ%3D

🎙️ In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark speaks with Scarlett Sieber, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer at Money20/20, about the role of global industry gatherings in financial services.Scarlett discusses her career journey from banking innovation to leading strategy at Money20/20, and shares perspectives on collaboration across the sector.

The conversation covers the return of in-person events, trends in AI and fraud prevention, blockchain use cases, and the influence of technology companies on finance.

📌 Topics covered:

• Industry collaboration through fintech conferences

• Scarlett’s background in banking and fintech innovation

• In-person networking and events post-COVID

• AI, fraud detection, and operational priorities

• Blockchain adoption in financial services

• The role of large technology firms in finance

• Global fintech trends and regional perspectives

🔗 Learn More:

Tony Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclark100/

The London Fintech Podcast: https://londonfintechpodcast.com

Scarlett Sieber: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scarlettsieber/

Money20/20: https://www.money2020.com/

NextWave Consulting: https://www.nxwave.com/

Go Beyond The Podcast: https://resources.nxwave.com/hub/london-fintech-podcast?nav=aHViX3BhZ2U6NTY%3D&c=cG9zdDo5OTMzNTQ%3D

Taking Stock: https://tv.nyse.com/taking-stock-2

🎙️ In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark sits down with Rob Stone, General Manager of Intelligent Automation and Analytics at SS&C, to explore how AI, automation, and digital assets are reshaping the future of asset servicing and investment management.

Rob shares his journey with SS&C—from joining in 2010 when the firm was valued at $1 billion, to helping scale it into a $20+ billion leader at the intersection of technology and operations. He explains how SS&C’s unique dual role as both a technology provider and an operator creates a powerful competitive advantage in financial services.

They also dive into the evolution of asset servicing from manual workflows to digitally integrated operations, the governance challenges of deploying AI at scale, and why blockchain and digital assets will be central to the industry’s next chapter.

📌 Topics covered:
• Rob Stone’s journey and SS&C’s remarkable growth
• The evolution of asset servicing in a digital-first world
• How AI and automation are driving efficiency and innovation
• Why SS&C’s dual model creates a strong competitive moat
• Governance, security, and responsible AI adoption
• The role of blockchain and digital assets in investment firms
• How adaptability will define the winners of the next decade

Tune in to hear how SS&C is using technology not only to serve clients, but to reinvent its own operations—and what this means for the future of financial services.

🔗 Learn More:
Tony Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclark100/
The London Fintech Podcast: https://londonfintechpodcast.com

SS&C Technologies: https://www.ssctech.comSS&C Blue Prism: https://www.blueprism.com/NextWave Consulting: https://www.nxwave.com/Go Beyond The Podcast: https://resources.nxwave.com/hub/london-fintech-podcast?nav=aHViX3BhZ2U6NTY%3D&c=cG9zdDo5OTMzNTQ%3D

#FinTech #Automation #AIinFinance #DigitalAssets #Blockchain #AssetServicing #InvestmentInnovation #FinancialServices #LondonFintechPodcast #SSCTech

In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark sits down with Sandy Kaul, Executive Vice President & Head of Innovation at Franklin Templeton, to explore how tokenisation, smart contracts, and wallet-based ecosystems are set to redefine the future of finance.

Sandy shares her extensive background at the intersection of finance and technology, explaining how the industry is moving from traditional account-based systems to decentralised, wallet-driven models. They dive into the transformative power of tokenisation for equities, bonds, and other financial instruments, as well as the potential of smart contracts to automate and streamline transactions.

The conversation also unpacks the regulatory landscape, the growing mainstream adoption of digital assets, and why investment firms must act now to adapt. From tokenised funds to personalised portfolio benefits, Sandy outlines a vision of finance that is more accessible, flexible, and innovative than ever before.

Topics covered:

• The shift from account-based to wallet-based systems

• Why tokenisation will revolutionise traditional finance

• Smart contracts and the automation of financial markets

• How decentralised finance can democratise investment access

• Institutional adoption of digital assets

• The regulatory path for tokenised instruments

• Future trends in portfolio management and investor personalisation

Learn More:

Tony Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclark100/

The London Fintech Podcast: https://londonfintechpodcast.com

Sandy Kaul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-kaul/

Book –The Fourth Turning: What the Cycles of History Tell Us About America's Next Rendezvous with Destiny: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fourth-Turning-American-Prophecy/dp/0767900464

#Tokenisation #DigitalAssets #SmartContracts #WalletBasedSystems #FinTech #DeFi #Blockchain #InvestmentInnovation #FranklinTempleton #FinancialServices #LondonFintechPodcas

️In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark sits down with Robb Wilson—pioneer in AI, experience design expert, and author—to unpack the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and what it really means for the future of financial services.

Robb shares why simulation is the next big leap in AI, how outbound and agentic AI will redefine customer interactions, and why the industry needs to stop bolting AI onto outdated systems. Drawing from years of experience building platforms for smarter machines, Robb argues that success with AI requires rethinking objectives, embracing foundational design, and preparing for a future where machines not only support—but act.

They also explore the risks of AI overload, the need for shared knowledge infrastructure, and why clarity and control must underpin innovation.

Topics covered:

• Why AI is the defining force in financial services

• The rise of agentic AI and outbound automation

• Why simulation will reshape AI development

• The hidden risks of bolt-on AI solutions

• How companies can build foundational AI infrastructure

• The challenge of integrating AI into legacy business structures

• Why objectives—not just tools—must evolve

• Building platforms for intelligent, autonomous systems

• The future of human-AI collaboration in finance

Tune in to hear how Robb Wilson is helping reshape AI thinking across industries—and what it takes to lead in the age of intelligent systems.

Learn More:

Tony Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclark100/

The London Fintech Podcast: https://londonfintechpodcast.com

Robb Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/invisiblemachines/

UX Magazine: https://uxmag.com/

OneReach.ai: https://onereach.ai/

Dopamine Nation: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dopamine-Nation-Finding-Balance-Indulgence/dp/B09GYNV92D

Age of Invisible Machines: A Guide to Orchestrating AI Agents and Making Organizations More Self-Driving (Revised and Updated Revised and Updated 2nd Edition): https://a.co/d/8r0Ju8R

The Invisible Machines podcast: https://uxmag.com/podcasts

Verizon Business Assistant: https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/ai-business-assistant/

#AIinFinance #AgenticAI #ConversationalAI #OutboundAI #DigitalTransformation #SimulationTech #FinTech #Automation #PlatformThinking #LondonFintechPodcast #AILeadership #FutureOfWork