In this episode, Paolo Sironi sits down with Cindy Anderson and Anthony Marshsall, the authors of the “The ROI of Thoughts Leadership” to discuss how business research can help financial institutions to navigate the thought leadership world and make the best informed business decisions. And it’s a good read for all companies willing to invest in thought leadership but looking for the most compelling rational to build their business case.

GUEST SOCIAL MEDIA

Cindy Anderson – https://www.linkedin.com/in/clwanderson480/

Anthony Marshall – https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyejmarshall/

IBM Institute for Business Value

There is no lack of hype around artificial intelligence. We have only begun to scratch the surface of what this powerful technology can do. While tech and financial services become more intertwined, cutting through the noise has become more difficult but also more crucial.

In this episode, Paolo Sironi sits down with Theodora Lau, the author of the “Banking on (Artificial) Intelligence” to discuss how AI is poised to advancing innovation, to creating efficiencies, and enhancing productivity while capturing opportunities by both incumbent financial institutions as well as fintechs. But AI also comes with risks and potential for biases and disinformation, that can deepen inequalities and erode trust in our society. Responsible innovation must become part of our DNA and not as an afterthought.

Thodora’s book will help spark dialogue and collaboration as we journey into the future.

GUEST SOCIAL MEDIA

Linkedin Elisa – https://www.linkedin.com/in/theodoralau/

Instagram – @psb_dc

X – @psb_dc

Generative AI is revolutionizing the workplace, but how can managers harness its full potential beyond just automation? In this episode, Paolo Sironi sits down with Elisa Farri and Gabriele Rosani, the authors of the “Harvard Business Review Guide to Generative AI for Managers”. They explore how leaders can use AI as a strategic partner in problem-solving, innovation, and decision-making. They discuss practical applications and real-world case studies about how to leverage AI as a co-thinker to enhance your managerial productivity and business leadership. 

Paolo Sironi meets Jason Mikula, author of “Banking as a Service: Opportunities, Challenges and Risks of New Banking Business Models”.

BaaS is a game changer in the financial services sector, radically transforming both how consumers experience financial products and the business models delivering them. In this conversation, Jason cuts through the hype to provide a measured overview of BaaS, helping us to demystify a complex evolving field and understand its key opportunities, challenges and risks. There is a difference between BaaS, embedded finance and open banking. And Jason provides a framework for understanding where BaaS came from, how BaaS changes the economics and business models of banking products and services, its impact on key stakeholders, and its key regulatory implications. 

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Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmikula/

Twitter – https://x.com/mikulaja

Paolo Sironi meets Ronit Ghose, who runs the Future of Finance team in Citi’s thought leadership unit “Citi Global Insights”, and is the author of “Future Money: Fintech, AI and Web 3”.

The world of money is rapidly changing, but what does it all really mean? Paolo discusses some book insights with Ronit, who brings technical topics to vivid life via narrative deep dives into selected founders and their companies. Spanning multiple geographies from London to Lagos, via Ahmedabad, Dubai, Hong Kong, Karachi and more, Future Money pulls together the story of how money is changing in the internet era.

Paolo Sironi meets Nicola Bilotta, coordinator of the EU-Supervisory Digital Finance Academy and author of “The Geoeconomics of Money in the Digital Age”.

In a more contentious world economy, where trade and finance are increasingly interlinked with economic security and geopolitical considerations, questions arise about the underpinnings of the US dollar’s global leadership. For decades, the US dollar has reigned supreme, serving as a powerful tool of US foreign policy. However, history shows that currency dominance can shift with global power dynamics. Will China or another power rise to challenge the US-led system? Will the international monetary system experience a process of fragmentation, or will a new global order emerge? Will financial technology ease such a change? In this conversation, Paolo and Nicola delve into the intricate web of how three forces – economic dislocation, evolving geopolitical relations, and technology – could potentially foster transformations in the international monetary system.

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/

In this episode of The Banker’s Bookshelf, host Paolo Sironi and guest Khrystyna Kushnir discuss insights from the IBM report, Banking for Small and Medium Enterprises: Serving the World Economy. The report highlights the evolving needs of SMEs, including access to finance, market entry, and business support, with a notable focus on technology integration. While bankers emphasize branch accessibility and app usability, SMEs seek personalized solutions, ecosystem integration, and super apps that address both banking and business needs. Key differences across regions are highlighted, such as the U.S. focus on branch access versus India’s emphasis on mobile apps, influenced by government-led digital adoption. Both bankers and SMEs agree on the value of instant payments and cash flow forecasting, while SMEs also prioritize fraud monitoring and regulatory support. The episode underscores the role of AI in risk management and invites listeners to read the report, available at: https://www.ibm.com/downloads/documents/us-en/10c31775c8d402bb

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Khrystyna Kushnir is an Operations Officer with the International Finance Corporation’s Corporate Strategic Initiatives, Analytics, Learning, and Knowledge Management group. She initially joined IFC in 2018 as the Knowledge Management and Content Lead for the SME Finance Forum, focusing on small business research. Previously, Khrystyna held research positions at the World Bank Group, which she joined in 2010. Her earlier professional experience includes roles with the European Union, a Japanese consulting firm, and a Washington, D.C.-based think tank. Khrystyna holds an M.A. in International Economic Relations from American University, where she studied as a Fulbright scholar.

Connect now: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khrystyna-kushnir/

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

In this installment of The Bankers’ Bookshelf – guest and host roles mix in a discussion exploring the transformation of banking in the platform economy, focusing on embedded finance and conscious banking. Banks are shifting from traditional product-centric models to value-added services, leveraging data to offer personalized, outcome-driven solutions, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The conversation with Panagiotis Kriaris also highlights the importance of advisory platforms, where banks help clients make informed decisions, shifting value from products to relationships. Examples like Amazon show how transparency and data enablement can drive trust and engagement, shaping the future of banking through technology and customer-centric strategies. “Banks and Fintech on Platform Economies: Contextual and Conscious Banking” is the chosen work of the month, written by #BBE’s resident host, Paolo Sironi.

Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/-/pt/dp/1119756979/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.J9gh56H_DWuXjGWWUkdSYHU1M7BnvSKemankVx-6P4Fn7blQ6B19gyxjKT1gydTuzxr-en7ZdiYzkRvghKHhgN5H5IIlVfjGcPxtlc7O5QtqaMQNMrGJx2it0K3oodj9GsRbev3iKd4p32y16gwyWd5zwBdk4wJEEZq1oTYO6KNuabGfYpuNfO7clbUbSXLp.IzbK2jMEGiYQ3myvD_U9UdkOrkbV4Ej6oJs_gof4wRw&dib_tag=se&qid=1728041542&refinements=p_27%3APaolo+Sironi&s=books&sr=1-1

About our guest: Panagiotis Kriaris

Panagiotis has spent his career on the borderline between business and technology with a leadership background at an international level. 
Panagiotis brings senior expertise across Financial Services, Banking, Payments, FinTech, Retail and E-Commerce. Innovation, strategy, business development, strategic partnerships and building businesses and products from scratch have been at the center of his work and attention throughout his career. Being a recognized voice in the financial services industry, Panagiotis has contributed to various publications and podcasts and is often invited as a public speaker at events around the globe.

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

IBM FinTech Strategy and Author

In this episode of The Bankers’ Bookshelf, Paolo Sironi hosts Richard Turrin, author of “Cashless,” as part of the Bankers’ Bookshelf series. They discuss the shift towards a cashless society driven by Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and fintech innovations. Turrin explains how CBDCs could reduce reliance on credit cards, lower transaction fees, and streamline commercial payments, while also benefiting financial stability. They also explore the risks and opportunities for banks, and how countries like China are leading in this transformation. Turrin highlights the future of less cash, improved payment systems, and the societal impact of digital currencies.

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About the Author:

Rich Turrin is an international best-selling author and a leading expert on China’s digital yuan. He is a leading voice in the international central bank digital currency dialogue. His books “Cashless – China’s Digital Currency Revolution” and “Innovation Lab Excellence” highlight the good financial innovation can do and established him as a leading voice in Asia’s fast paced fintech community. He is rated number 4 globally on Onalytica’s prestigious Fintech Influencer list and an award-winning executive previously heading fintech teams at IBM following a twenty year career in investment banking. Living in Shanghai for the last decade, Rich experienced China going cashless first-hand and has a unique combination of banking and technology skills that allow him to bring the exciting story of China going “Cashless” to life in his book and keynotes. Rich is an independent consultant whose views on China’s astounding fintech developments are widely sought by international media and private clients.

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Connect here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/turrin/

Official Website: https://richturrin.com/videos-and-interviews/

-Learn more about the bestseller “Cashless” the first book about China’s new digital currency now with over 200 5 star reviews: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0925JY69H

-Best seller “Innovation Lab Excellence” fixes “innovation theater.”: https://www.amazon.com/Innovation-Lab-Excellence-Digital-Transformation/dp/1949642070/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

-Subscribe to the Cashless newsletter!: https://richturrin.substack.com/

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

IBM FinTech Strategy and Author