How AI-Powered FinTech is Solving the £4B UK Energy Debt Crisis | Fliss Berridge & James Sharpe
In today's episode, we explore how innovative fintech partnerships are tackling the UK's massive £4 billion energy debt crisis through compassionate collections and flexible payment solutions.I speak with Fliss Berridge, UK Managing Director and Co-Founder at Ordo, and James Sharpe, Sales Director, Digital Native Business at Eviden. We talk about their groundbreaking partnership creating an intelligent recommendation and notification engine that helps consumers manage utility payments in a way that matches their actual income patterns, not arbitrary monthly billing cycles.Their solution combines open banking, AI, and a deep understanding of customer behavior to transform how utilities collect payments while making financial management more accessible and humane for consumers struggling with the cost of living crisis.🔑 Key Highlights:The UK energy debt crisis £4 billion challengeThe concept of "compassionate collections with kindness" that benefits both consumers and utilitiesUsing AI and open banking to create payment schedules that match actual income patternsThe importance of designing financial services around people's lives, not forcing people to adaptHow partnerships between large corporations and agile fintechs can drive purpose-driven innovationWe discuss how traditional payment methods like direct debits are failing vulnerable customers, particularly those with irregular income streams or in the gig economy. The solution recognizes income patterns and suggests appropriate payment amounts at the right times, providing relief for consumers while improving collection rates for utilities.This collaboration demonstrates how fintech innovations can address significant social challenges while creating commercial value, proving that compassion and profitability can coexist in financial services.Follow for more discussions on building FinTech products with customer and commercial impact and to stay updated on the latest episodes.👉 Connect with Fliss and James: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fliss-berridge-07a05b84/Website: https://ordopay.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrnsharpe/Website: https://eviden.com/👉 Follow Monica: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamillares/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@moni_millares TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moni_millaresWe cover: [00:00:00] Introduction to the UK's £4 billion energy debt crisis[00:03:00] Breaking down large bills into manageable chunks[00:07:00] Compassionate collections: How kindness can coexist with effective payment solutions[00:11:00] Preventing late payments through early intervention and intelligent recommendations[00:15:00] Designing financial services around people's lives, not the other way around[00:19:00] Partnership for purpose: How Eviden and Ordo collaborate effectively[00:25:00] How startups and large corporations can work together effectively[00:32:00] The six-week proof of concept: How rigor and discipline drive innovation[00:37:00]...
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A Conversation About Rebuilding Trust in Digital Assets | Natalya Thakur and Kevin Hoang
In this episode, I speak with Natalya Thakur, Founder of Knox, and Kevin Hoang Founder of EQ Exchange (EQX), two innovative founders who are tackling the fundamental issue of trust in the digital assets space🔑 Key Highlights:How EQX aims to become the first company in the world to disclose financial statements in real-timeThe critical difference between "compiled" vs "generated" financial statements for transparencyHow technology can play a central role in creating new trust frameworks for financial services👉 Follow Natalya and KevinNatalya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nthakur9/Kevin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinh5/https://www.eq.exchange/Press release of their partnership: https://www.eq.exchange/blog/building-a-new-era-of-trust-in-digital-assets-with-knox-network👉Follow Monica:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamillares/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@moni_millaresTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moni_millaresWe cover:[00:00:00] Introduction and defining trust in financial services[00:04:00] Exploring the components of trust: what is transacted and who is transacting[00:06:00] Knox's purpose: creating a multi-asset ledger as a unified source of truth[00:08:50] Natalya's background in traditional finance and digital assets[00:12:30] EQX's purpose: rewriting the script on crypto exchanges[00:15:00] How Knox's and EQX collaborate to solve trust problems[00:18:30] Kevin's background and entrepreneurial journey[00:21:30] EQX's innovative approach to real-time financial statements[00:24:00] Product thinking behind building a trust-based moat[00:28:45] Translating radical transparency into user-facing features[00:32:00] How companies can help customers trust the crypto space[00:36:00] Challenges of applying design thinking with institutional users[00:39:00] Obstacles financial institutions face with crypto adoption[00:42:00] Why crypto remains too complex for mainstream adoptionSEARCH QUESTIONSWhat is the definition of trust in financial services?How did FTX collapse affect crypto exchange trust?What does transparent financial reporting in crypto look like?How to build trust in cryptocurrency exchanges?Why do we trust traditional banks over crypto platforms?What are real-time financial statements for crypto exchanges?How can crypto exchanges improve user experience?What is a multi-asset ledger in cryptocurrency?How to manage both traditional and digital assets together?What challenges do financial institutions face with crypto adoption?Why is crypto still too complex for mainstream users?How can design thinking improve crypto user experience?What's the difference between compiled and generated financial statements?How can technology build trust in financial services?What is radical transparency in financial services?How do you establish trust as a new financial services company?What are best practices for crypto custody and...
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The Bold Move: How I went from Banking to Building FinTech Startups | Monica Millares, CPO at BigPay & Purpose Driven FinTech Podcast Host
The financial industry is transforming rapidly, with traditional banking giving way to innovative FinTech solutions that are reshaping how people interact with money worldwide.In this solo episode, I share my personal journey from traditional banking to building FinTech startups and products across multiple continents, revealing the challenges, insights, and transformational lessons learned along the way. From my first steps into product leadership to scaling products to millions of users, I share the journey, what helped me succeed and the mistakes that taught me the most valuable lessons.What you'll learn:How I transitioned from traditional banking to the dynamic world of FinTechMy unexpected path into product leadership How I ended up in Malaysia - from startup to scaleupThe reality of building financial products across different markets and culturesKey insights from 10 years of FinTech product developmentFollow for more discussions on building FinTech products with customer and commercial impact and to stay updated on the latest episodes.👉 Follow Monica:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamillares/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@moni_millaresTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moni_millaresWe cover:[00:00] My journey into FinTech - why I left traditional banking[05:30] The catalyst moment that changed my career trajectory[10:45] Discovering product leadership and the early challenges[15:20] Building FinTech products from Mexico to Malaysia[22:10] The unique challenges of developing products across different markets[28:40] How purpose drives better product decisions[34:15] Balancing innovation with compliance and security[39:30] My framework for building high-performing product teams[45:10] The future of FinTech and where I see the industry heading[50:25] Critical advice for aspiring FinTech buildersSEARCH QUESTIONSHow to transition from banking to FinTech?What skills transfer from banking to FinTech product development?How to build FinTech products that solve real customer problems?What are the biggest challenges when building FinTech products?How to balance innovation with compliance in FinTech?How to build purpose-driven financial products?What does a FinTech product leader do?How to build FinTech products across different markets?What are the key differences between banking and FinTech product development?How to build high-performing FinTech product teams?How to create successful FinTech products with limited resources?What is the future of FinTech product development?How to build customer-centric financial products?What are the most important metrics for FinTech products?How to identify opportunities in the FinTech space?How to navigate regulatory challenges in FinTech?What does it take to be a successful FinTech builder?How to scale FinTech products globally?How to create inclusive financial products?What are the biggest pitfalls when building FinTech products?#FinTechBuilder #BankingToStartups #ProductLeadership #FinancialInclusion #PurposeDrivenFinTechDisclaimer: This episode does not constitute professional nor financial advice and does not represent the opinion nor views of my current, past or future employers.
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Breaking the Rules of Banking: Why LATAM Needs Infinite Adaptation | Maria Mancuso & Ray Ruga, Co-Founders FinTech Americas
FinTech LaTam is booming; but it's not just just about digital transformation - we have the power to transform the region, but to do so, we must do a paradigm shift and focus on infinite adaptation and human-centered innovation.In this episode, I speak with Maria and Ray from FinTech Americas, who share powerful insights about LaTam, building trust in financial services, driving true financial inclusion, and fostering innovation that puts people first. And of course, they reveal why LaTam's unique challenges require a paradigm shift from traditional transformation to continuous adaptation.🔑 Key Highlights:Why trust remains the foundation of financial services innovationHow COVID accelerated digital adoption but created new challengesThe critical balance between technological efficiency and human connectionWhy Latin America needs "infinite adaptation" rather than linear transformationThe role of collaboration between banks and fintechs in driving meaningful changeFollow for more discussions on building FinTech products with customer and commercial impact and to stay updated on the latest episodes.👉 Follow Maria & Ray:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marialmancuso/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rayruga/Website: https://www.fintechamericas.co/en/👉 Follow Monica:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamillares/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@moni_millaresTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moni_millaresWe cover:[00:00:00] Introduction to FinTech Americas' mission[00:02:04] Key challenges in Latin American financial services[00:04:32] Building trust in digital financial services[00:07:34] Banking fundamentals and regulatory challenges[00:09:33] Bank-FinTech collaboration benefits[00:12:30] The infinite adaptation paradigm[00:15:14] Power of peer-to-peer learning at conferences[00:16:06] Human-centered financial inclusion[00:18:09] Balancing technology with humanity[00:20:51] FinTech Americas 2025 event details[00:22:27] FemTech and leadership initiatives[00:24:15] Networking and innovation opportunitiesSEARCH QUESTIONS:How to build trust in financial services in Latin America?What is the future of banking in Latin America?How are fintechs collaborating with banks in LATAM?What is infinite adaptation in financial services?How to drive financial inclusion in Latin America?Why do people not trust digital banking in LATAM?What is the unbanked population in Latin America?How did COVID impact digital banking adoption?What are the biggest challenges for FinTech in LATAM?How to balance technology and human touch in banking?What is the role of conferences in financial innovation?How to create human-centered financial products?What is the state of digital transformation in LATAM banks?How are banks and fintechs working together?How to build trust in digital financial services?What is the future of financial inclusion in LATAM?How to drive innovation in traditional banks?What are the key fintech trends in Latin America?How to succeed in Latin American fintech market?What makes FinTech Americas different from other conferences?#FinTechLatAm #FinancialInclusion...
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How To Grow Customer Acquisition Without a Big Marketing Budget in 2025 | Araminta Robertson, Founder Mint Studios
We live in a world where marketing acquisition budgets are tight and we have a ton of pressure to deliver growth! - as a result content marketing has emerged as a powerful strategy for FinTech growth. In this episode, I speak with Araminta Robertson, Founder of Mint Studios, and we answer the big question: How to leverage content marketing effectively in the FinTech space?Araminta brings deep expertise in content strategy and SEO and shares insights on building effective content strategies that drive measurable results and explains why bottom-of-funnel content is becoming increasingly crucial in the age of AI.We explore how content can bridge the financial education gap, the strategic approach to SEO in an AI-driven world, and the balance between brand awareness and lead generation. We also discuss the challenges of creating technical content that resonates with B2B audiences and the importance of authentic expertise in content creation.🔑 Key Highlights:The shift from paid acquisition to content marketing as budgets tightenWhy bottom-of-funnel content is crucial for driving measurable resultsHow AI is changing SEO and content strategy in 2025The importance of technical expertise in FinTech content creationWhy customer obsession should drive content strategy👉 Follow Araminta:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aramintarobertson/Website: https://www.mintcopywritingstudios.com/👉Follow Monica:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamillares/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@moni_millaresTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moni_millaresWe cover:[00:00:00] The challenge of FinTech growth with tight budgets[00:01:19] How content democratizes financial knowledge[00:07:23] Content marketing ROI and measuring success[00:13:52] B2B FinTech content challenges[00:17:28] Introduction to Mint Studios and FinTech Marketing Hub[00:20:05] Building an effective content strategy[00:25:54] The impact of AI on SEO[00:33:26] In-house vs. agency content creation[00:37:00] Finding quality FinTech writers[00:41:24] Content distribution strategies[00:44:11] Building customer-centric FinTech businessesSEARCH QUESTIONSWhat is the future of FinTech content marketing in 2025?How to measure content marketing ROI in FinTech?What is bottom-of-funnel content in FinTech?How is AI changing SEO for FinTech companies?Should FinTechs build in-house content teams or hire agencies?What makes effective B2B FinTech content?How to create technical content that converts?What is the best content distribution strategy for FinTechs?How to balance brand awareness vs lead generation in FinTech?What skills do FinTech content writers need?How to create content with limited marketing budget?What is the impact of AI on FinTech content strategy?How to measure content marketing success in FinTech?What are the best SEO strategies for FinTech companies?How to create authentic FinTech thought leadership?What content formats work best for B2B FinTech?How to stand out in FinTech content marketing?What is the role of technical expertise in FinTech content?How to build a scalable content strategy for FinTech?What are the common FinTech content marketing mistakes?#FinTechMarketing #ContentStrategy #B2BFinTech #FinTechGrowth #ContentROIDisclaimer: This episode
Welcome to Purpose Driven FinTech!
I'm your host, Monica Millares - Product Leader and fellow FinTecher.
These days, with the rising cost of living, financial stress among customers, loss of trust in banks, speculation of crypto, and uncertainty, we're facing unprecedented challenges. But there is hope. We as FinTechers have the power to make a positive impact.
Our products, the how we do product, and our people can make a difference on customers’ financial lives - and as a result, in the quality of their lives.
However, more than ever Founders, CEOs, Leadership teams and all FinTechers have a ton of pressure to build solutions that actually solve customer problems, that people want, that are differentiated And profitable
Yes that's you and me too!
That's why I've created this podcast!
I speak with FinTech CEOs, Founders, and Csuites to uncover their stories, challenges, and lessons learnt in building products with impact.
You'll get to hear real-life conversations, and you’ll walk away with practical questions, frameworks and insights that you can apply to your own FinTech products. So, are you ready to make a bigger difference in FinTech?
Let's come together and discover how Purpose, Product, and People can help us create a future of better financial wellbeing while building sustainable and profitable FinTechs.
Follow me on LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube to stay connected and be part of the conversation.
Cheers to making better FinTech and making FinTech better!
Love, Moni
New Zealand