The Connector.

The ground under finance moved, and most people only felt a rumble. We spent 2025 translating messy tech estates into DORA‑ready living registers, turning spreadsheets into real‑time risk maps, and discovering that fintech isn’t a sidecar anymore—it’s the engine. When a major processor or open banking provider hiccups, payments across entire regions stall. That’s why regulators accelerated, why critical third parties now face continuous oversight, and why instant payments became Europe’s quiet new normal.

We walk through the practical realities of this shift: how DPM 4.0 and XBRL CSV forced banks and fintechs into a shared language; how SCT Inst mandated 24/7/365 settlement and price parity; and how compliance stopped being a box to tick and started acting like telemetry you can steer with. Then we pivot to AI, where the real gap isn’t enthusiasm—it’s insurance and accountability. Traditional policies didn’t imagine self‑learning systems that fail without a hack or a human mistake. Enter AI assurance: controlled testing, stress simulation, and continuous scoring that translate governance into measurable evidence aligned to the EU AI Act’s high‑risk rules hitting in 2026.

Of course, intelligent agents need rails they can actually use. That’s where DeFi’s programmable architecture, stablecoins like USDC and PYUSD, and agent payment protocols meet internal policy engines to build compliant, verifiable machine transactions. Alongside, we show how teams killed the Excel grind by automating customer reports that cut churn and DSO, and by issuing immutable premium reports for boards and regulators. Beyond the big hubs, APAC’s VLEI momentum, India’s privacy advantage, and Latvia’s capital‑efficient scale point to a broader acceleration powered by standards and verifiable data.

The takeaway is simple and demanding: the winners in 2026 will treat compliance as a product feature, build AI‑literate operations, and interoperate across cards, account‑to‑account, and stablecoin rails. Real‑time is here, rules are written, and execution is the frontier. If AI is about to run finance at machine speed, who should own the proof of continuous resilience? Subscribe, share, and tell us your view—because the answer will define the next decade.

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Koen Vanderhoydonk
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#FinTech #RegTech #Scaleup #WealthTech

What if your systems could instantly verify not just a company’s identity, but that a specific person or agent is truly authorized to act for it? We sit down with Alexandre Kech, CEO at GLEIF, to unpack how the Legal Entity Identifier became the world’s backbone for business identity and how the new Verifiable LEI brings authority, delegation, and digital trust into the open—across web, apps, and cross‑border workflows.

We trace the journey from post‑2008 regulatory gaps to a global, regulator‑overseen public good that maps who is who and who owns whom. Alex explains how vLEI upgrades identity by binding official organizational roles—directors, UBOs, CFOs, even AI agents—to a company through cryptographic, verifiable credentials. That means cleaner onboarding, true single sign‑on for enterprises, role‑based digital signatures that stand up to audit, and safer integrations with suppliers, banks, and platforms. We explore the trust architecture end‑to‑end: the root of trust, accreditation of Qualified vLEI Issuers, and how companies can extend credentials internally to staff and systems.

Asia-Pacific’s momentum takes center stage, with rapid growth in LEI issuance, a critical mass of QVIs, and forward‑leaning pilots. Hear how fragmented jurisdictions and busy trade corridors turn vLEI into an interoperability layer for payments, trade, and compliance. 

If this conversation helps you see identity and authority in a new light, follow and share the show with a colleague who cares about payments, compliance, or digital trust. Subscribe for more deep dives, and leave a review to tell us where you want vLEI adopted next.

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Koen Vanderhoydonk
[email protected]

#FinTech #RegTech #Scaleup #WealthTech

Money now moves at machine speed, and the rules of trust, identity, and loyalty are being rewritten in real time. We break down how banks are collaborating on shared utilities, why a 20-character LEI is becoming a passport for cross-border payments, and where BNPL’s rapid growth collided with transparency as FICO pulls installment data into mainstream credit scoring. Along the way, we explore why a checkout that ignores local habits can sink conversion, with Poland’s BLIK and parcel lockers as proof that acceptance is end-to-end, not just a card toggle.

We also separate headline hype from bank-grade reality on digital assets. Stablecoins may dominate newsfeeds, but hidden on-ramp, FX, and compliance costs often dull their edge. Tokenized deposits—regulated bank money represented digitally—offer a cleaner fit with existing oversight and core systems, turning DLT into a cheaper rail rather than a new currency. Then we zoom out to the strategic map: the U.S. normalizing stablecoins and the EU weaving MiCA, DORA, and PSD3 into resilience-first rails. Who scales faster: dollar-denominated networks or integrated euro infrastructure?

The final act looks straight at autonomy. India’s live UPI pilot links AI agents to real payments, where your assistant buys the coffee, picks the optimal card, and reallocates your cash to the highest yield—no human required. That’s an earthquake for loyalty programs and deposit margins built on inertia. We confront the European roadblocks—SCA’s human-in-the-loop, GDPR’s purpose limits, and the AI Act’s high-risk rules—and the looming question of liability when an agent misfires. Our message is clear: don’t chase headlines, chase readiness. Build shared trust layers, adopt standardized identity, and make product terms machine-readable so you can switch on agent-safe capabilities in weeks, not years. If this conversation sparked ideas or pushback, subscribe, share with a colleague, and drop a review telling us whether you think brand loyalty survives relentless optimization.

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Koen Vanderhoydonk
[email protected]

#FinTech #RegTech #Scaleup #WealthTech

The biggest fintech wins don’t start with features—they start with identity. We sat down with Curity CEO Gustav Sahlman fresh off Nordic Fintech Week to unpack why identity is now the strategic layer for conversion, retention, and rapid product launches, and how AI is reshaping what customers expect from every interaction. From passkeys and biometrics to data sovereignty and deployment freedom, we dig into practical choices that make security feel effortless while staying compliant across KYC, AML, and GDPR.

Gustav brings a builder’s perspective on cloud‑native IAM: portable architecture for API‑rich environments, orchestration for human and non‑human users, and the freedom to run on‑prem, in private or public cloud, or as a managed service. We explore how to avoid vendor lock‑in, tune user journeys for different segments, and adopt passwordless flows that cut friction without weakening assurance. Along the way, we address the global UX bar set by Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and industry wallets in Europe—and why even local fintechs must design to that standard from day one.

AI shows up as both accelerant and risk. Agentic systems can guide onboarding and support in natural language, but they also introduce new identities—bots, services, and tools—that need scoped access, auditability, and revocation. We talk real‑world pitfalls like convenience traps where user data is quietly used for model training, and we share how to keep sovereignty intact with clear consent, minimization, and standards like MCP for safer integrations. If you’re building in fintech and want security, speed, and UX to rise together—not trade off—you’ll find a blueprint here.

Enjoyed the conversation? Subscribe, share with a teammate who owns onboarding or compliance, and leave a quick review to help more builders find the show.

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Koen Vanderhoydonk
[email protected]

#FinTech #RegTech #Scaleup #WealthTech

The hype cycle is over; the results era is here. We unpack how finance moves from shiny demos to measurable outcomes by pairing agentic AI with the enterprise plumbing that actually makes change stick: orchestration, shared standards, and rigorous governance. Along the way, we confront the 93% project failure narrative and show why a simple time filter—necessary, automatable, delegable—cuts through noise and aligns work with true ROI.

We walk through real examples that shrink lending cycle times from months to minutes, explain why outcome-based pricing beats per-seat models, and clarify the critical differences between reactive generative tools and proactive, goal-driven agents. Then we zoom out to the architecture that turns outputs into outcomes, from orchestration as the command layer to BIAN’s service domains and business object model that finally give banks a common language. Security and resilience get equal weight as we step into the AI-versus-AI battlefield and map how DORA and the EU AI Act overlap, including provider vs deployer responsibilities and incident reporting that keeps operations and model risk in check.

There’s more: the accessibility mandate reshapes what “done” means for digital onboarding and automated flows; wealth tech emerges as the next growth engine with a massive generational transfer on the horizon; and social impact cases show AI driving nonprofit income stability and financial literacy at scale. Through it all, we return to the human edge—professionals who translate automation into trust, navigate ambiguity, and make better decisions with cleaner data and clearer guardrails.

If this conversation helps you see where AI creates real value in your stack, support the show: follow, share with a teammate, and leave a quick review with your biggest takeaway.

Thank you for tuning into our podcast about global trends in the FinTech industry.
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Koen Vanderhoydonk
[email protected]

#FinTech #RegTech #Scaleup #WealthTech

Finance is being fundamentally rebuilt and re-architected as credit becomes woven into our digital lives rather than something we seek out separately. This shift toward invisible, embedded finance is changing how individuals and businesses access and manage money, with fintechs often leading the charge.

• Invisible lending is embedding finance directly into digital experiences like e-commerce checkouts and business software
• Traditional banks risk becoming less relevant if they don't adapt to new distribution models in digital spaces
• AI is transforming financial processes, completing credit assessments in minutes instead of hours or months
• European and Asian regions approach fintech innovation differently – Europe like chess (methodical, rule-heavy) and Asia like go (fast, agile, experimental)
• Cross-border credit invisibility affects thousands of Europeans who become "credit invisible" when moving between countries
• Only 1% of VC funding in Europe went to women-only founding teams in 2023 despite research showing strong returns
• The future of property finance involves holistic dashboards tracking value, renovation opportunities, and environmental impact
• Revenue-based financing provides SMEs with flexible repayments based on actual income, better matching business reality
• Singapore demonstrates integrated property tech systems connecting smart buildings, resident apps, and digital financing
• The Nordics show successful collaboration between banks and fintechs in creating agile lending ecosystems

As finance becomes more embedded and invisible, the challenge becomes ensuring your financial reality is fully seen and properly understood by AI systems and platforms.

Thank you for tuning into our podcast about global trends in the FinTech industry.
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Koen Vanderhoydonk
[email protected]

#FinTech #RegTech #Scaleup #WealthTech

Special Discount code: “TheConnector20”

https://nfweek.com/

David Grundy takes us behind the scenes of Nordic Fintech Week, revealing why this gathering has become Europe's premier dedicated fintech event. Unlike other technology conferences that cover multiple domains, Nordic Fintech Week maintains a singular focus on financial technology, creating a unique space where startups and established institutions converge with shared purpose.

The 2023 theme, "Can we keep technology human?" perfectly captures the event's philosophy. As Grundy explains, the goal is making complex technologies tangible and valuable: "You're telling me all this stuff is great, but show me what that actually means for me as a customer, what does it mean for me as a bank, what does it mean for me as an individual." This approach transforms abstract concepts like AI and quantum computing into practical applications with real-world impact.

What truly distinguishes Nordic Fintech Week is how it embodies fundamental Nordic cultural values – collaboration, trust, respect, and inquisitiveness. The event intentionally creates spaces for meaningful human connection, from dedicated networking areas to signature experiences like the morning run where CEOs and developers connect in a relaxed environment. The Nordic Fintech Awards showcase innovative solutions with demonstrated traction, maintaining complete independence and integrity in their selection process. With meticulous program curation and overnight venue transformations that Grundy describes as "completely insane," everything serves one purpose: fostering the connections and collaborations that drive fintech innovation forward.

Whether you're a startup founder, financial institution executive, investor, or technology enthusiast, Nordic Fintech Week offers a uniquely valuable experience. Join us May 24-26 in Copenhagen to experience this remarkable convergence of technology and humanity – where the future of finance takes shape through genuine connection and collaboration. Register now and become part of the conversation that's defining the next generation of financial services!

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Koen Vanderhoydonk
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#FinTech #RegTech #Scaleup #WealthTech

Ever wonder how a small Estonian startup transformed into a multi-country European bank during one of the most challenging periods in modern financial history? InBank's remarkable journey proves that crisis creates opportunity for those innovative enough to seize it.

After the 2008 financial crisis, when traditional banks pulled back from consumer finance and technology investment, InBank recognized a critical market gap. Their "killer feature" in 2011 was remarkably simple yet revolutionary: fully automated credit decisions and contracts for in-store purchases completed in minutes. This singular focus on seamless customer experiences at the point of sale became their competitive advantage.

What makes InBank's story particularly fascinating is their strategic approach to expansion. Rather than competing directly with traditional banks, they secured a European banking license primarily to access retail deposits as a stable funding source. This enabled their passport across borders, though CEO Priit candidly reveals the challenges of scaling across Europe: "It's not the single market as it is on paper." Despite regulatory harmonization efforts, each country requires significant localization of processes, from identification methods to credit bureau integrations.

Today, InBank exemplifies the evolution of embedded finance, creating tailored experiences for specific verticals—from Apple device rentals to solar panel financing with synthetic securitization. Their focus on medium-ticket purchases (€1,000-25,000) where speed and convenience matter most has attracted 6,000+ partners across multiple countries. As they describe themselves, they're "a fintech with a banking license," bridging traditional banking capabilities with technological innovation.

Curious about partnering with this European embedded finance pioneer? Connect directly with InBank's CEO at [email protected] to explore opportunities for collaboration in this rapidly evolving financial landscape.

Thank you for tuning into our podcast about global trends in the FinTech industry.
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Koen Vanderhoydonk
[email protected]

#FinTech #RegTech #Scaleup #WealthTech

Decrypting the language of markets through sound, frequency, and vibration isn't just a headline-grabbing concept – it's the foundation of OmniWave Fintech's revolutionary approach to wealth management. In this thought-provoking conversation, CEO and founder Adam Rubin reveals how his team has developed a system that transforms market noise into consistent returns, particularly in the deep waters of the Forex market.

What sets OmniWave apart isn't just their algorithmic prowess but their radical commitment to transparency. Adam articulates the pain point brilliantly: traditional systems force wealth managers to send funds to hedge funds, lose custody control, and wait blindly for results or the occasional PDF report. OmniWave's solution? Real-time visibility of every position, one-click downloadable reports, and full custody retention. For institutional investors tired of black-box solutions, this transparency revolution is precisely what they've been seeking.

Perhaps most fascinating is OmniWave's unexpected journey into serving NGOs and nonprofits. Adam observed a paradoxical reality: "The more philanthropic the organization is at its core, the less financially competent it actually turns out to be." This insight led to helping these organizations achieve financial self-sufficiency rather than perpetual dependency on grants and donations. From Formula One teams allocating 3% of budgets to risk-reward programs to luxury manufacturers seeking financial engines, Adam paints a compelling picture of institutions craving tools that create self-perpetuating funds. Looking ahead, he anticipates increasing market volatility alongside rapid technological advancement – a perfect storm of challenge and opportunity for those equipped with the right tools. Ready to decode the markets? Connect with Adam through OmniWaveFintech.com to explore their digital library and learn more about this unique approach to wealth technology.

Thank you for tuning into our podcast about global trends in the FinTech industry.
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Koen Vanderhoydonk
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#FinTech #RegTech #Scaleup #WealthTech

Emmanuel Daniel, founder of TAP International and author of "The Great Transition," explores the fascinating connections between ancient snake mythologies, humanity's quest for immortality, and the rise of artificial intelligence in the financial industry.

• Mythologies across cultures show humanity's aspiration for godlike powers and immortality, with snakes symbolizing renewal without true immortality
• AI represents our latest attempt to achieve godlike status but may contain built-in limitations that prevent humanity from self-destruction
• Different governance approaches exist globally: European principles-based systems versus American rules-based frameworks
• AI fundamentally transforms financial services by enabling unprecedented disintermediation between institutions and customers
• Banks must redefine their intermediation role as agentic AI allows end users to build their own interfaces
• Back-office operations are being dramatically simplified, reducing technology's status as a competitive differentiator
• Financial institutions should prioritize adapting to AI's core impacts rather than just resisting disruption

For more information, visit Emmanuel Daniel's blog at emmanueldaniel.com

Thank you for tuning into our podcast about global trends in the FinTech industry.
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Cheers
Koen Vanderhoydonk
[email protected]

#FinTech #RegTech #Scaleup #WealthTech