Provoke.fm Media

DEI in the workplace has evolved dramatically over the last few years. As a new administration takes office, how can employers navigate the changing landscape and make sure they’re doing right by their workers? Yemi Rose, founder and CEO of financial wellness platform OfColor, sits down with Financial Health Network Vice President Matt Bahl to discuss his own journey as a DEI leader and strategies to prepare for what’s next. Don’t miss their conversation on the final episode of our EMERGE Everywhere Workplace mini-series.

In an insightful conversation at the Singapore FinTech Festival with CXO Conversations, Valeria Ndapunikwa Mbango and Tune Hafo Brock from the Bank of Namibia and host Matteo Rizzi discussed the nation’s progressive approach to driving fintech innovation. They highlighted initiatives like the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Accelerator Lab in partnership with NUST, aimed at building tech talent locally. The Bank is also spearheading projects such as instant payment solutions for financial inclusion, a regulatory technology platform for real-time data use, and exploration of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) for cross-border efficiency. Acknowledging Namibia’s small population as a challenge, they emphasized the need for collaboration among startups, banks, and international investors. With a focus on interoperability, tourism-linked fintech opportunities, and fostering entrepreneurship, the Bank aims to position Namibia as a unique player in Africa’s digital ecosystem. Their mindset reflects a commitment to innovation, inclusion, and partnerships, paving the way for the nation’s financial transformation.

This week, host Brett King sits down with Colin Walsh, Founder and CEO of Varo Bank, to explore the journey of building the first all-digital, FDIC-insured de novo bank in U.S. history. Designed to improve financial health and serve a diverse range of customers—from those with financial abundance to those facing economic hardship—Varo Bank is on a mission to create a banking experience that truly works for everyone.

With the unique distinction of being the first consumer fintech to be granted a bank charter in US history, Varo is redefining banking with innovative products tailored to modern consumers’ needs. From managing fraud and credit risk to building trust and leveraging a cutting-edge tech stack, they delve into the strategies that power Varo’s ability to stay agile and customer-focused. Whether it’s delivering accessible savings and lending solutions or tackling the challenges of financial inclusion, Varo Bank’s story is one of innovation and impact.

Tune in for a wide-ranging discussion on how Varo is using digital banking to create financial inclusion by addressing the real financial challenges that Americans face every day.

Read the entire transcript here.

Brett King introduces the episode and welcomes Colin Walsh, founder and CEO of Varo Bank, to discuss their journey as the first pure-play digital bank with a de novo charter.

Colin reflects on the pandemic’s impact, funding market changes, and navigating regulatory challenges while focusing on profitability and customer-centric innovation.

A discussion on Varo’s strategic decision to pursue a de novo national bank charter, contrasting it with fintech sponsorship models and highlighting its benefits.

Colin details Varo’s proprietary technology investments, including AI, machine learning, and the migration to React Native, ensuring agility and innovation in product offerings.

Varo’s approach to cash-flow-based lending and leveraging technology to responsibly serve non-prime, paycheck-to-paycheck consumers is explored in depth.

The team discusses how Varo combats sophisticated fraud through advanced tech and the advantages of being a technology-first bank in risk management.

A look at Varo’s approach to disciplined customer acquisition, organic growth, and creating high lifetime value customers through deep engagement.

Colin explains Varo’s mission to become a financial operating system for underserved Americans and discusses innovations like embedded financial tools.

The conversation shifts to Varo’s long-term goals, including profitability milestones, potential IPO timelines, and strategic opportunities in a consolidating market.

Colin previews upcoming initiatives, including a new app launch and partnerships, and emphasizes Varo’s role in addressing financial stress for customers.

Exploring opportunities and challenges in fintech for private wealth

The podcast explores Morocco’s evolving fintech and innovation landscape, highlighting its potential as a hub for technological and economic growth. Despite challenges like a large unbanked population and bureaucratic hurdles, fintech startups are bridging gaps with innovative, user-friendly solutions, supported by collaborations with traditional banks and regulators. Morocco’s adoption of cryptocurrencies, upcoming regulations, and focus on emerging technologies, such as AI and green energy, reflect its commitment to modernization. Initiatives like UM6P university emphasize nurturing local talent, crucial for driving innovation. Morocco’s stability, low costs, and strategic location also attract digital nomads and investors, particularly in real estate and hospitality, which are poised for growth.

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Connect with Yassine:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yassine-loqmane

Southeast Asia’s fintech revolution is here, and GXBank is leading the charge. From its roots as a ride-hailing service to becoming Malaysia’s first digital bank, GXBank is transforming how Malaysians access and manage their money.

This week on Breaking Banks, host Brett King sat down with GXBank’s Chief Commercial Officer, Kaushik Chowdhury, and Mastercard’s Senior Vice President & Country Manager for Malaysia and Brunei, Beena Pothen. They discuss the incredible journey of GXBank, the partnership with Mastercard, and how the bank is reshaping financial inclusion in Southeast Asia.

GXBank, a subsidiary of GXS Bank Pte. Ltd. (a joint venture between Grab and Singtel), officially launched operations September 1, 2023, introducing its app two months later. In a year, the bank has amassed over 750,000 customers, offering innovative and personalized solutions to support financial resilience and inclusion. Learn how GXBank is making banking accessible to all Malaysians while setting a new standard for digital banking in the region.

Discover how Mastercard’s cutting-edge technologies and deep fintech expertise are empowering GXBank to deliver smarter, more inclusive financial solutions. As fintechs look to build, launch, and grow their business, Mastercard is helping to drive smarter decisions for better outcomes through strong partnerships across the payments ecosystem.

Resources:
Learn more about GXBank: gxbank.my
Explore how Mastercard supports fintech innovation: Mastercard Fintech Services

Read the entire transcript here.

Brett King introduces the episode, focusing on digital banking trends in Southeast Asia with GXBank and Mastercard as key players.

Kaushik Chowdhury discusses GXBank’s journey, from user research to creating a mobile-first digital bank in Malaysia.

Bina Pothan highlights the rapid adoption of digital banking in Southeast Asia, driven by smartphones, internet access, and changing consumer expectations.

Exploring how GXBank and Mastercard aim to serve underserved and financially vulnerable populations across Malaysia and the region.

Insights into GXBank’s partnership with Mastercard, enabling rapid launches and delivering impactful financial products to consumers.

Examining GXBank’s focus on payment solutions, including QR systems, debit cards, and embedded banking experiences with Grab.

Kaushik discusses the challenges of building a digital bank, including hiring, partnerships, and balancing innovation with trust and security.

GXBank outlines its roadmap, aiming for profitability and becoming a top bank in Malaysia by leveraging its ecosystem and customer-centric strategies.

Bina and Kaushik emphasize trust, utility, and collaboration as essential elements for succeeding in the digital banking revolution.

Recorded end of September

In this episode Fabrice Grinda joins host Brett Kong to talk about his tech investing is changing and how angel investors make bets in a radically changing environment. How soon will AI impact? What about smart glasses, how soon will they be mainstream? A wide ranging discussion on tech investments and the players behind them

Brett King
Bestselling Author, Founder, Radio Host 

www.thefuturists.com
www.brettking.com

Cryptocurrency in 2025 – where we are now, and what’s coming next

Host Paolo Sironi welcomes listeners to another special segment of The Bankers’ Bookshelf, which highlights significant publications for bankers and fintech professionals. For this episode, Paolo introduces Neha Mehta, author of the book One Stop: Unlocking the Power of Super Apps. The book delves into the transformative role super apps are playing in reshaping economies, particularly in Asia, and how they impact finance, commerce, and daily life.

Paolo emphasizes that the episode will provide deep insights into the potential of super apps, making it an essential listen for fintech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and financial professionals.

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Connect with Neha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neha-mehta-fintech/

Neha Mehta is the CEO & Founder of FemTech Partners and a renowned advocate for financial inclusion and sustainable finance. With over 19 years of experience as a lawyer, diplomat, and professor, she has led transformative initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on bridging the financial gap for underbanked populations. She is the author of One Stop, a book that explores the power of super apps in transforming financial ecosystems. A yoga and archery enthusiast, Neha is passionate about fostering sustainable solutions for future generations.

Book link: https://www.amazon.com/One-Stop-Neha-Mehta/dp/9815127888

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Paolo Sironi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepsironi/

This week on The Futurists, a cross-over episode with Breaking Banks as host Brett King takes us to Shanghai for a riveting discussion with Jason Cao, CEO of Huawei’s Global Financial Services competency. In this eye-opening episode, they uncover how China is shaping the future with AI—not as a mere tool for profit, but as core infrastructure driving the world’s fastest-growing economy.

Discover why GenFi LLMs (Generational Financial Language Models) don’t exist yet—and what’s holding AI like ChatGPT back from transforming banking as we know it. Explore how China’s unique approach to technology infrastructure is setting them apart from the rest, helping them to create a Smart Economy of the Future.

Tune in for a conversation that could redefine the future of global finance and AI!