Provoke.fm Media

Donna Dupont is the Chief Strategist at Purple Compass. She is a deep expert in designing foresight and forecasting scenarios for defense, national security, policing, public safety and public health for government agencies clients in Europe and North America. In this episode, she provides practical advice, based on her experience, for how to contend with increasing volatility in society, geopolitics, the environment and economics.  

Regular listeners of Breaking Banks are likely familiar with the Killing It series, hosted by Jason Henrichs and Alex Johnson, where they explore candid stories of success, failure, and the pivotal and sometimes tough decisions that drive the journey from VCs to unicorns in the high stakes world of entrepreneurship. (If you’re not, check it out!)

In this episode, Brett King shifts gears with a “Starting It” theme, sitting down with industry veteran Anthony Thomson —an entrepreneur, marketer, speaker, author, and founder of Metro Bank, Atom, and 86 400. Metro Bank challenged traditional banking in the UK, while Atom and 86 400 brought innovation as neo-banks in different markets, with 86 400 later acquired by NAB (National Australia Bank) and then merged into UBank.

Join this enlightening discussion as Brett and Anthony dive into the unique missions and lessons behind each of these groundbreaking ventures. And who knows? You might even get a sneak peek at the next big breakthrough in the industry! 

Read the entire transcript here.

Brett King and Jason Henricks open the episode, reflecting on their history of exploring financial disruption. Special guest Anthony Thompson joins from Abu Dhabi, sharing memories of past debates on the future of banking.

Anthony recounts his journey from marketing in financial services to founding Metro Bank. The discussion highlights how Metro Bank disrupted traditional banking by focusing on customer-centric value and trust.

The hosts and guest delve into the dual dimensions of trust: competence versus intent. Anthony explains how Metro Bank leveraged customer-centric policies, like dog-friendly branches, to foster associative trust.

Anthony reflects on the rise of digital banking, including his transition to founding Atom Bank. The conversation examines how mobile banking became the cornerstone of modern financial services.

The discussion explores Atom Bank’s founding principles, focusing on delivering a superior mobile experience and balancing liabilities with assets. Anthony contrasts Atom’s approach with competitors like Monzo and Starling.

Anthony describes his move to Australia to establish 86 400. He shares how lessons from Atom influenced his strategy, particularly the importance of engagement and transaction accounts.

The conversation shifts to why traditional banks struggle with digital transformation. Anthony and Brett critique cultural and regulatory hurdles faced by legacy institutions.

Anthony discusses how regulators worldwide are adapting to digital banking innovations, emphasizing the importance of competition and better consumer outcomes.

Anthony shares his hopes for the future of banking, emphasizing customer-centricity as the industry’s ultimate goal. Brett and Anthony speculate on the next breakthrough, pointing to adjacencies and AI in banking.

The hosts summarize the key themes of the episode, including trust, customer value, and the evolution of banking. They close with a call to action for listeners to engage with the podcast and its community.

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

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