Advertise on podcast: Interviews with Leaders in Fintech & Web3

Today’s guest on the show is Francesco Filia, founder and CEO of Fasanara Capital, a global asset manager and technology-driven investment platform. In this episode, host Matthew Cheung, founder of Work in Fintech, sits down with Francesco Filia to unpack: ✅ Francesco's early career and the key lessons that shaped him ✅ How the idea for Fasanara came about and the problem it set out to solve ✅ The biggest opportunities and trends in fintech today ✅ The main risk in the banking sector ✅ Why private credit is experiencing a moment of growth ✅ What he looks for when investing a company ✅ Advice for young people entering the workforce in the age of AI If you’ve just graduated or are looking to enter fintech, this episode is packed with amazing insights and nuggets and is a must-watch. Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3. Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube https://workinfintech.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global https://www.twitter.com/workinfintech https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Today’s guest on the show is Gregory Van, Co-Founder & CEO of Endowus, Asia’s leading independent digital wealth platform. In this episode, host Matthew Cheung sits down with Gregory to unpack: ✅ How the idea behind Endowus came about ✅ What makes Endowus unique ✅ How AI is used in wealth management ✅ Investment vs. speculation ✅ The reality of funds and management fees And much more… If you’re a founder, CEO, fund manager, or even an investor in the stock market, this episode of the WIF Podcast is highly insightful. From understanding the wealth management business to how AI is used in wealth management ,this episode is packed with valuable insights. Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3. Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube https://workinfintech.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global https://www.twitter.com/workinfintech https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

In this episode, host Matthew Cheung dives deep into Tom’s fascinating journey, from DJing during his university days to leading one of the most forward-thinking fintech companies in the world. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ The sales playbook behind multi-million–dollar fintech enterprise deals ✅ How 10x Banking is powering the next generation of global banks ✅ The evolution of core banking and banking-as-a-service, and why it matters today ✅ How AI is transforming the way banks operate (and what’s next) If you’re in fintech, sales, or tech leadership, this episode is packed with insights on how to sell and scale in one of the fastest-changing industries on earth. Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3. Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube https://workinfintech.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global https://www.twitter.com/workinfintech https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Today’s guest on the show is Charlie Youakim, Co-founder & CEO of Sezzle, the fast-growing Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) platform. In this episode, host Matthew Cheung sits down with Charlie to unpack: ✅ Sezzle’s business model ✅ How Sezzle makes money ✅ The shift that led to their rapid profitability & explosive growth ✅ How a billion-dollar company thinks about hiring ✅ Why BNPL is shaping the future of commerce, and what’s coming next If you’re a founder, CEO, operator, or anyone building in fintech, this conversation is a masterclass.  From understanding how business model innovation can change a company’s trajectory to learning how top fintech leaders hire and scale, this episode is packed with insights. Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3. Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube https://workinfintech.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global https://www.twitter.com/workinfintech https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

In this session of the Work in Fintech AI Summit, Anthony Cheung (Chief Content & Culture Officer, AmplifyME) and Neil Massa (CRO, The Connection Lab) reveal how to stand out in today’s crowded market. Blending humor, real-world insights, and practical strategies, this engaging talk shows you how to move beyond survival mode and position yourself to truly thrive in a competitive world. Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3. Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube https://workinfintech.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global https://www.twitter.com/workinfintech https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

From running a humble market stall to building a career in the financial markets, this is the inspiring 45-year journey of Paul. In this candid and never-before-told story, Paul shares: His working-class roots and early struggles with no university educationHow a natural talent in maths set him apart despite limited opportunitiesThe mindset shift that helped him move from “just making money” to building a lasting careerThe importance of resilience, self-belief, and remembering: “It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish.”This talk is proof that no matter your background, you can rewrite your story and create success in finance and beyond. Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3. Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube https://workinfintech.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global https://www.twitter.com/workinfintech https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

In this episode, we are joined by Christian Nentwich, founder of Duco, a B2B data automation company valued at over $100 million. Christian shares how he started his first business, how he entered the world of fintech, the challenges he faced while scaling a company, and the mistakes he made that, if avoided, could have accelerated Duco’s growth. He also explains why B2B fintech is one of the best, yet most difficult businesses to be in, and why being exceptionally good at sales, along with having resilience and a never-give-up attitude, is crucial when dealing with $100K+ ticket-size deals. What makes his story even more compelling is that both startups he founded were ahead of their time, offering cloud and automation solutions when banks and financial institutions weren’t ready. Duco nearly failed before a major market shift in 2015 turned the tide. If you’re building in fintech, SaaS, or enterprise tech, this episode is full of deep insights and actionable lessons from someone who's been through it all. Connect with Christian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiannentwich Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3. Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube https://workinfintech.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global https://www.twitter.com/workinfintech https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

In this episode, we’re joined by Leif Abraham, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Public.com, the social investing platform that raised nearly $400 million last year and doubled its revenue. Leif has a bold hiring philosophy: he intentionally avoids candidates from elite schools like Harvard or Stanford. Why? Because he believes street smarts are better than book smarts. In this conversation, we unpack: How Leif started and sold his first startupKey Moments & Challenges While Scaling Public.comStreet Smarts vs. Book Smarts & Hiring PhilosophyThe next big opportunity in the tech world ABOUT US: At Work in Fintech, our mission is to inspire and guide the next generation of Fintech talent. Founded by Matt Cheung, we bring you exclusive interviews with Fintech founders, CEOs, and industry leaders. Together, we explore how to break into Fintech, what it takes to succeed, and how you can gain an edge. Packed with real-world insights and practical advice, our content helps students, grads, and young pros stand out in Fintech and Finance. Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3. Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube https://workinfintech.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global https://www.twitter.com/workinfintech https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Jinesh Vora, Founder and CEO of Sprive, shares his journey from a corporate career at Goldman Sachs to launching his own fintech startup aimed at helping homeowners pay off their mortgages faster. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in the mortgage market, the importance of financial education, and the strategies for growth and networking in the fintech space. Jinesh emphasises the need for innovation in personal finance and the potential for fintech to disrupt traditional banking practices. Takeaways Janesh's entrepreneurial spirit was influenced by his familyThe idea for Sprive was born from personal experiences with mortgagesFinancial literacy is crucial for making informed financial decisionsNetworking is essential for startup success and finding the right talentUnderstanding mortgage terms can empower users to make better choicesEntrepreneurship offers unlimited potential compared to corporate jobsChapters 00:00 From Corporate to Startup: The Journey Begins 02:47 Identifying Pain Points: The Birth of Sprive 06:04 Innovating the Mortgage Market: Sprive's Unique Approach 09:13 Financial Education: Empowering Users for Better Decisions 11:59 Growth Strategies: Navigating the Fintech Landscape 14:56 Building a Network: The Key to Entrepreneurial Success 18:14 Hiring for Success: Skills and Experience in Fintech 20:59 Reflections on Career Choices: Corporate vs. Startup Life 24:12 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Taking the Leap 26:58 Conclusion: The Future of Sprive and Personal Finance Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3. Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube https://workinfintech.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global https://www.twitter.com/workinfintech https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Mike Hudak shares his journey from dropping out of high school to becoming a prominent figure in the fintech industry. He discusses his experiences at various startups, including Facebook, Monzo, Deliveroo, Blip TV and Sling Money, his latest venture. Mike reflects on the differences between the UK and US startup ecosystems, the challenges of raising capital, and the importance of product management in building successful companies. He emphasises the need for dynamism in the UK to foster growth and innovation. Mike discusses the evolution of team autonomy as a technology, the inception of Sling as a global payment solution, and the challenges of navigating regulation in the financial landscape. He emphasises the importance of user experience in blockchain technology, outlines potential revenue models for Sling, and offers valuable advice for the next generation entering the workforce during a time of rapid technological change. Takeaways Mike dropped out of high school due to a lack of interest in traditional education and learned coding at home before taking a job at a startup.Transitioning to Facebook was like moving from the minor leagues to playing for Yankees.Persistence and learning from failures are key to success.Product management is crucial for aligning teams and ensuring project success. The product way of working is a form of technology.Timing is critical in the tech industry.Embracing novelty and risk is essential for career growth.The current era is a golden age of technological advancement.Learning from mistakes is vital for personal and professional development.Future careers will be shaped by emerging technologies.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mike Hudak and His Journey 01:00 Dropping Out of High School: A Personal Choice 04:15 The Birth of Blip TV: A Startup Adventure 07:12 Transitioning to Facebook: Learning in a Big League 09:54 Moving Back to the UK: A Personal Perspective 13:17 Starting a New Company: Insights on the UK Startup Scene 17:28 Navigating the Startup Ecosystem: Challenges and Opportunities 22:05 The Role of Product Management: A Key to Success 24:53 The Technology of Team Autonomy 27:07 The Birth of Sling: A Global Payment Solution 34:38 Navigating Regulation in the Financial Landscape 37:55 Building a User-Friendly Blockchain Experience 41:13 Revenue Models and Future Growth 46:23 Embracing Change: Advice for the Next Generation https://twitter.com/mhudack Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3. Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube https://workinfintech.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global https://www.twitter.com/workinfintech https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

In this episode of Interviews with Leaders in Fintech & Web3, we sit down with serial entrepreneur Christian Faes, Co-Founder and Chairman of LendInvest and Founder of Faes & Co, to explore his remarkable journey from lawyer to fintech leader. Christian recounts his transition from practicing law in Australia to becoming a major player in the fintech industry. He shares how he built LendInvest into a market leader, tackled the challenges of scaling the business, and the hard-earned lessons from taking the company public. Now launching a new venture in the US, Christian provides invaluable insights on entrepreneurship, the importance of resilience, and the ongoing disruption of financial services through technology. In this conversation, he debunks misconceptions about entrepreneurship, reflects on the realities of IPOs, compares the UK and US fintech markets, and highlights the supportive ecosystem in London. He also stresses the importance of building a profitable business while enjoying the journey along the way. Whether you're a fintech enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is filled with practical advice for building a sustainable business in a rapidly evolving industry. https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianfaes/ https://x.com/ChristianFaes https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcheung50/ Chapters 00:00 From Law to FinTech: Christian's Journey 03:45 Building LendInvest: Challenges and Successes 08:08 The Reality of Entrepreneurship: Misconceptions and Hard Work 12:37 IPO Insights: The Holy Grail of Entrepreneurship 17:27 Navigating Market Perceptions: UK vs US FinTech 20:29 Supporting FinTech: The Founders Group Initiative 24:15 Political Climate and Its Impact on FinTech 27:55 Why the US? Christian's Move and New Ventures 30:42 Building a New Lending Business: Strategies and Focus 34:02 The Ideal Founding Team: Traits and Dynamics 36:08 Breaking into FinTech: No Prerequisites Needed 37:54 Reflections on Career Choices: Learning from Mistakes Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3. Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube https://workinfintech.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global https://www.twitter.com/workinfintech https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Eager to unravel the intricacies of retail trading and fintech innovations? Join us as Elina Pedersen, the dynamic co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Your Bourse, shares her fascinating journey from the fast-paced world of Admiral Markets to spearheading her own venture. Through Elina's insights, gain a unique perspective on the rise of retail trading and how it sets itself apart from the institutional giants. She offers an inside look at the motivations behind launching Your Bourse, emphasising the critical role of technology in bridging gaps for retail brokerages and enhancing trading safety and conditions. In an enlightening conversation, we cover the transformative trends shaking up retail trading, from the essential role of data centres and low latency to the emergence of brokers crafting their own trading interfaces. Elina provides an honest account of navigating the competitive fintech landscape, particularly as a female leader in a predominately male field. She discusses the hurdles faced by startup brokers and the pivotal importance of education and advanced tools for success. As we reflect on the historical evolution of the trading industry, Elina's candid insights leave us pondering what, if anything, she would change about her remarkable career. Takeaways Retail trading is speculative trading for personal gain.Elina's journey from marketing to CEO showcases rapid growth.Identifying gaps in the market led to the creation of Your Bourse.Your Bourse connects brokerages to execution venues and risk management.Low latency is crucial for trading efficiency and scalability.AI is simplifying developer tasks but won't replace them.Prop trading is a new trend in the retail trading space.Gold remains a popular trading instrument due to its predictability.The broker technology space is competitive and knowledge-intensive.Leadership requires transparency, feedback, and addressing blockers. Elina Pederson https://www.linkedin.com/in/elina-pedersen-59676014/ Matt Cheung https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcheung50/ Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3. Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube https://workinfintech.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global https://www.twitter.com/workinfintech https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Summary Tamsin Hobley, Country Head for UK and Ireland at SIX, shares her journey in the finance industry and the importance of sales leadership and strategic sales. She emphasises the value of curiosity, listening, and building relationships in sales. Tamsin also discusses the role of SIX in the financial industry, including its various business units and its focus on technology. She highlights the significance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in the industry and the need for companies to comply with ESG standards. Tamsin talks about the importance of culture in the workplace, supporting working parents, and promoting diversity and inclusion. She offers advice for aspiring leaders, emphasising the importance of being brave, trying new things, and being open to diverse perspectives. Tamsin also discusses the future of SIX and her interest in non-executive roles and giving back. Takeaways Curiosity and building relationships are key in sales.ESG compliance is important for companies in the finance industry.Culture, support for working parents, and diversity and inclusion are crucial in the workplace.Leaders should be open to diverse perspectives and communicate effectively.The future of SIX involves innovation, growth, and potential non-executive roles. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Tamsin Hobley's Background 03:27 Transition from Retail Banking to Sales Leadership 08:54 The Importance of Learning from Experience in Sales 16:46 The Significance of ESG and Diversity in the Financial Sector 21:55 Building a Supportive Culture and Fostering Leadership 29:41 The Role of Diversity of Thought in Leadership 33:55 Effective Communication and Listening as a Leader 38:23 Future Plans and Giving Back Tamsin Hobley https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamsinhobley/ Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3. Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube https://workinfintech.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global https://www.twitter.com/workinfintech https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

In his second appearance on the Work in Fintech podcast William Quigley and Matt Cheung discuss career options, education, big companies vs startups and it what it takes to succeed when you start your own company. William Quigley, a long-time VC - he was Paypal's first institutional investor - and entrepreneur, from gaming to blockchain  (he cofounded Tether and WAX) shares his insights on: Foundational skills, such as critical thinking, are valuable in career development.A university education can provide a broad set of skills and opportunities.Working in a large, established company can offer exposure to exceptional business practices and experienced professionals.Assessing the financial health of a company and understanding market perceptions is important for career stability.Identifying opportunities and launching new products or services requires assessing market demand and managing resources effectively. Finding a co-founder or small team is important when starting a startup to share the workload and bring complementary skills.Assessing who would work well as a co-founder is a skill that needs to be developed.Consider the amount of capital needed and the potential for growth when deciding whether to raise funding.Surround yourself with exceptional people who challenge and push you to grow.Curiosity is a key trait for entrepreneurs and can lead to insights and new business ideas.Assess the size and potential growth of an industry to guide career decisions and identify opportunities.https://x.com/williamequigley https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcheung50/ Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3. Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube https://workinfintech.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global https://www.twitter.com/workinfintech https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw

Rodney Williams, co-founder of SoLo Funds, shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur and fintech innovator. He discusses his first startup, LISNR, which used ultrasonic technology for seamless checkout experiences. Williams, an inspiring black entrepreneur, explains the motivation behind later starting SoLo Funds, a peer-to-peer lending marketplace that provides access to capital and helps individuals create bigger yield on their savings. He highlights the challenges of regulatory actions and the importance of being a B Corp. Williams emphasises the need for financial literacy and the role of fintech in empowering underserved communities. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their passions and take risks. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:57 From Listener to Solo Funds 08:32 The Problem of Limited Access to Capital 14:25 Challenges of Regulatory Actions 20:35 Go-to-Market Strategy and Product Differentiation 27:34 The Significance of Being a B Corp 31:33 Financial Literacy and Empowering Underserved Communities 36:58 The Future of Solo Funds and Advice for Entrepreneurs Follow Rodney Williams here and Matt Cheung here. Check out our website and subscribe to our mailing list to hear more about opportunities in fintech and web3. Follow our socials Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube https://workinfintech.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-in-fintech-global https://www.twitter.com/workinfintech https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdS4bYoCXaHVgfVm6syUrDw