Episodes
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This week, we are delighted to host Carl Slabicki, Executive Platform Owner for Treasury Services at BNY. Carl dives deep into the evolving world of treasury services, highlighting BNY's immense scale; moving over $3 trillion daily, and the vital role they play globally, supporting banks, corporates, fintechs, and government entities.
In this insightful discussion, Carl reveals how treasury services have transitioned from traditional back-office operations to become real-time, 24/7 competitive advantages for businesses. He shares fascinating insights into BNY's pioneering adoption of AI, including their innovative Eliza platform, and discusses critical applications like payment processing, fraud detection, and cash flow analytics. Carl also addresses the pressing challenges of cyber security, operational resiliency, and industry-wide collaboration to combat fraud.
Tune in for an expert perspective on the technology-driven transformation reshaping the treasury landscape. -
In this episode, Dharmesh sits down with Greta Ranonytė, Head of FinTech Hub LT, to explore what is driving Lithuania’s rise as a leading FinTech destination. Greta outlines the country’s key advantages, from seamless access to the EU market post-Brexit and progressive, FinTech friendly regulation, to a deep talent pool, especially in compliance and anti-money laundering.
They delve into the evolving role of AI in FinTech, recognising its value in streamlining operations, though noting it remains a supporting tool rather than a central focus for most firms. Greta also compares Lithuania’s competitive edge to other European FinTech hubs such as the Netherlands and Estonia.
The conversation underscores Lithuania’s strategic approach to attracting FinTechs through regulatory innovation and robust infrastructure, even as EU wide regulatory pressures mount. The episode closes with Greta’s compelling pitch to international start-ups, particularly from the US and Asia, on why Lithuania offers a smart, scalable base for European expansion. -
Episodes manquant?
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In this episode, Dharmesh speaks with Agnė Klimavičienė, who leads the FinTech stream at Invest Lithuania—a governmental agency under the Ministry of Economy and Innovation focused on attracting foreign investment.
Agnė outlines the strategic measures Lithuania has implemented to nurture its FinTech sector, including supportive regulation, targeted talent development, and financial incentives such as zero capital gains tax for founders and research and development grants.
The conversation highlights Lithuania’s competitive edge as an agile, technology-driven economy, particularly in comparison with other European markets. They also explore the country’s future ambitions, including the integration of artificial intelligence across financial services. Despite a relatively modest reliance on venture capital funding, the Lithuanian FinTech sector continues to deliver strong growth in revenue, employment, and international reach. Agnė concludes by reinforcing Lithuania’s growing prominence on the global FinTech stage. -
Dave and Dharm dive deep into the fascinating world of quantum technology with special guest Steve Takhar, Quside's Chief Revenue Officer.
Steve brings a wealth of experience from traditional IT infrastructure, and in this episode, he shares his journey into the quantum realm. He demystifys Quside’s mission—a company that has been pioneering quantum photonic chipsets since 2018. These cutting-edge technologies generate quantum entropy and quantum random numbers (QRNGs), boosting cybersecurity and compute acceleration without the need for a full system overhaul.
But that’s just the beginning. Steve breaks down how Quside is shaping the future of quantum computing, the company’s approach to emerging security standards from NIST and BSI, and the real-world applications of quantum technology—especially in cybersecurity. We also touch on the role of AI in advancing quantum solutions and why major financial institutions are starting to take notice.
And to wrap it all up, they explore the fascinating potential of deep quantum sensing and what’s next for the industry. -
Welcome to another insightful episode of the Dave and Dharm Demystify podcast. In this week, Dave and Dharm take an in depth look into the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence with expert guest, Dr. Charleyne Biondi from Moody’s, who specialises in blockchain and AI developments.
Dr Biondi shares invaluable insights from Moody’s recent 2025 AI Outlook report, highlighting how AI is no longer just about enhancing productivity—it's now a critical strategic measure shaping the future competitiveness of companies and governments worldwide.
From discussing global regulatory fragmentation and the astonishing pace of AI innovation, to the geopolitical implications of China's advancements, this episode underscores why understanding and harnessing AI technology is essential for staying ahead in the digital age. Whether you're a business leader, policymaker, or simply curious about the transformative impact of AI, this conversation offers an essential perspective on the strategic importance of artificial intelligence today. -
Welcome to another deep dive into the world of quantum computing! In this episode, Dave sits down with Yuval Boger, Chief Commercial Officer of QuEra Computing, to explore quantum technology's fundamentals, breakthroughs, and real-world applications.
Yuval demystifies the core principles of quantum computers—how qubits exist in multiple states simultaneously, unlocking computational advantages that classical computers simply can’t match. He explains the different approaches to quantum computing, with a focus on Quera’s cutting-edge use of neutral atoms and laser tweezers to manipulate rubidium atoms for advanced computations.
The conversation delves into how quantum computing is set to revolutionise industries, tackling complex optimisation problems, simulations, and machine learning tasks that were previously impossible to solve. Yuval also shares insights into practical applications in financial services, energy optimisation, and beyond—where quantum’s power is already making an impact.
And it doesn’t stop there. We explore scalability, energy efficiency, and the future potential of quantum systems. Plus, Yuval discusses Quera’s cloud-based access, collaboration projects, and how organisations can integrate quantum computing into their own infrastructure.
Finally, we reflect on the evolution of quantum computing—from a theoretical concept to a game-changing strategic technology.
So, if you’re curious about where quantum is headed and what it means for the future of computing, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! -
In this episode we are joined by the brilliant and always insightful Leda Glyptis. Leda is celebrating the launch of her latest book, Beyond Resilience, and we’re diving deep into the ideas behind it.
From the staggering failure rates of digital ventures to the patterns of success that go beyond sheer resilience, Leda shares her journey of researching and interviewing industry leaders to uncover what truly makes businesses thrive.
We explore the importance of intentionality, the hidden costs of success, and why taking time to think—despite the relentless pace of fintech and digital transformation—is more critical than ever. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a corporate leader, or just fascinated by the mechanics of success, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. -
In this episode, we demystify one of the biggest embedded finance deals in the UK! We sit down with Andy Ellis, CEO of NatWest Boxed, to explore its groundbreaking partnership with the AA, one of the country's most trusted brands.
This strategic collaboration is set to revolutionise how financial services are embedded within everyday journeys, making banking and insurance seamless for millions of AA members. Andy shares insider insights on what makes this partnership unique, the challenges of embedding financial products, and how this signals a significant shift in the industry.
We also discuss:
> How embedded finance is redefining customer experiences
> Why partnerships like this are shaping the future of fintech
> The evolution of financial services beyond traditional banking
If you're interested in the future of finance, embedded, and digital transformation, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now and discover how embedded finance is driving (ho ho) innovation like never before! -
In this episode, Dave and Dharm sit down with Tom Eyre, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Loqbox, a company on a mission to improve financial wellbeing through credit building and education.
Since launching in 2017, Loqbox has helped over 1,000,000 individuals build credit histories and financial resilience. Tom takes us behind the scenes, sharing the inspiration behind Loqbox—born from personal experiences with credit challenges—and its evolution from Credit Improver to a financial lifeline for thousands.
Tom demystifies the complexities of credit scoring, the impact of modern financial trends like Buy Now Pay Later, and how Loqbox is bridging the gap between perceived and actual financial capability. Plus, Tom shares insights into the role of AI in financial autonomy, the importance of understanding your financial personality, and how Loqbox’s products and the recently launched Nooli app are reshaping financial education.
Tune is and hear about Loqbox’s marketing strategies, their long-term vision, and what’s next for the future of financial wellbeing. -
In this episode, we welcome Khaled Talhouni, Managing Partner, Nuwa Capital, who shares insights into his 17-year journey as a venture capitalist focusing on emerging markets, particularly in the Middle East. Khalid discusses the establishment of Nuwa Capital in 2021, its $100 million early-stage fund, and its significant investment in FinTech, which accounts for 30% of their portfolio.
Khaled explains the unbanked nature of the region and the opportunities for parallel financial systems and showcases successful investments like the BNPL company Tabby.
He demystifies Nuwa Capital's themes, including solving big problems like invoice ageing and consumer credit access.
Khalid also touches upon the regulatory challenges of expanding FinTech across the GCC, the potential impact of technologies like AI and crypto, and the evolving socio-economic landscape in the Middle East.
The conversation concludes with a discussion on how regional developments could foster future economic growth. -
Welcome to the latest episode of the Dave and Dharm Demystified Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of innovation and emerging technologies.
Today, we’re thrilled to be joined by Steve Suarez, CEO of Horizon X and former Head of Innovation at HSBC, who is helping shape the future of quantum computing in financial services.
Steve brings unparalleled insight into the transformative power of quantum, sharing his work on cutting-edge initiatives like The Quantum Innovation Index, which ranks industries and institutions on their quantum readiness, and his collaboration with MIT on accessible quantum courses for business leaders.
In this episode, we’ll explore:
> Why 2025 is a pivotal year for quantum preparation.
>The urgency of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and how to safeguard against Q-Day.
> How the newly launched Quantum Innovation Index can help industries benchmark their progress in adopting this game-changing technology.
>The practical steps financial institutions can take today to stay ahead in the quantum race, such as getting educated about the subject!
Steve’s passion for quantum isn’t just about the technology—it’s about building a bridge between quantum’s potential and real-world applications. Whether you’re a fintech innovator or a banking executive, this episode will leave you with actionable insights on preparing for the quantum revolution.
So, sit back and join us as we demystify quantum computing with one of the leading voices in the field. Let’s dive in!
Quantum Innovation Index: https://thequantumindex.com/
MIT XPro: https://learn-xpro.mit.edu/horizonx -
In this episode, Hans Tesselaar, Executive Director of Banking Industry Architecture Network (BIAN) and Saket Sinha, Sr. Partner & Global Vice President - Financial Services IBM, explain the role and impact of BIAN in the financial industry.
They introduce the organisation as a not-for-profit standards body to make the financial industry more agile and standardised.
They discuss IBM's collaboration with BIAN to convert legacy banking systems into modern architectures using common standards.
Hans and Saket elaborate on how ΒIΑΝ's framework, which includes a "periodic table" of financial components and common APIs, helps banks and fintechs seamlessly integrate and innovate. Highlights include the analogy of BIAN's components to a periodic table and real-life AI use cases that showcase the practical applications of BIAN standards.
Both guests emphasise the importance of adopting common standards for efficient financial integration and future advancements such as embedded finance and Gen AI. -
In this episode, we demystify the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and explore why it matters for financial institutions.
Joining us are cybersecurity and cloud experts Simon Phillips (CTO, SecureAck) and Alex Tasioulis (Cloudified.io), who shed light on the regulation’s core requirements and practical implications.
Key insights from our discussion include:
> What DORA really entails for banks and fintechs ahead of the January 2025 deadline
> Why references to “reasonable” controls can create ambiguity—and the challenges this poses
> How the regulation impacts far more than just banks, extending throughout the entire digital supply chain
> Real-world examples of why digital resilience is crucial, from major outages to cybersecurity breaches
> Practical tips for achieving compliance without imposing overly restrictive processes.
Whether you’re leading a fintech firm, working in financial services, or simply eager to strengthen digital resilience, this episode offers valuable guidance on preparing for DORA compliance. -
In this episode, we revisit Monument Bank's journey and uncover a significant transformation.
Joined by Steve Britain, CEO of Monument Technology, we explore the split between Monument Bank and its new tech-focused sibling, Monument Technology.
Steve shares insights into how Monument Bank's cutting-edge, cloud-native platform, a system designed specifically for the cloud, powers the bank and attracts interest from global institutions seeking to modernise their operations.
We discuss:
> The bank's rapid growth and its innovative focus on the mass-affluent market.
> The creation of Monument Technology as a standalone company and its first client, Ecology Building Society.
> Why flexibility, modularity, and cloud-native design are the future of banking platforms.
> How Monument is poised to scale beyond the UK, targeting credit unions, building societies, and community banks worldwide.
This episode is packed with insights on tech evolution in financial services, the challenges of digital transformation, and the promising role of platforms in not just changing, but shaping the future of banking—a must-listen for anyone interested in fintech, innovation, and the intersection of banking and technology.
🎧 Tune in to learn how Monument is setting a new benchmark for modern banking solutions. -
In this episode, Dave and Dharm sit down with Steve Flinter, Distinguished Engineer at Mastercard, to demystify the company's innovative work and perspectives on quantum computing.
Mastercard has been at the forefront of quantum exploration, investigating how this groundbreaking technology can tackle complex challenges more efficiently than classical computing. From optimising machine learning models to enhancing fraud detection and loyalty programs, the company is partnering with leaders like D-Wave to unlock quantum's potential.
The discussion delves into the profound implications of quantum computing on security and cryptography, focusing on the looming 'Q Day'—the point when quantum computers could disrupt current encryption standards. Steve introduces the concept of 'crypto agility', a proactive approach to updating cryptographic systems to withstand quantum threats. While today's quantum computers aren’t yet powerful enough to compromise encryption, efforts like NIST’s development of post-quantum cryptography standards highlight the importance of staying ahead.
The conversation also touches on the future of quantum accessibility, suggesting cloud-based delivery as the most practical path forward, given the complexity and costs of quantum hardware.
The episode wraps up with an optimistic look at the commercial potential of quantum computing, acknowledging the challenges while celebrating the opportunities it presents for transformative solutions in the years to come. -
In this episode, Dave and Dharm interview Edward Maslaveckas, CEO and one of the founders of the fintech company Bud.
Ed discusses his background, the inception of Bud in 2015, and their initial failures and lessons learned while trying to build a financial product distribution platform akin to a 'money supermarket for millennials.'
He explains their challenges before open banking regulations, particularly with technology and data aggregation.
Fast forward to today, Bud enhances fintechs and banks by enriching customer transactional data through advanced data science and machine learning models, ensuring higher accuracy in understanding customer behaviours.
Ed also touches on Bud's expansion into the U.S. and the complexities of entering the market, emphasising their focus on providing services to mid-market banks and fintechs over big banks.
Additionally, Ed elaborates on the company's venture into AI-driven financial management tools and agentic models designed to oversee and automate customers' personal finances. By summarising their journey, key innovations, and future plans, Ed offers insights into how Bud remains a leader in fintech data solutions. -
In this episode, we welcome back Ed Maslaveckas from Bud to demystify the intriguing topic of 'agentification.'
They delve into Bud's development and use of agentic models in the financial services sector, emphasising how these models differ from traditional AI agents.
Ed explains that while standard agents can perform specific tasks within their own ecosystem, agentic models can interact with multiple external systems to fulfil broader objectives, such as autonomously optimising a user's finances.
He provides insights into how Bud is leveraging AI to perform complex financial tasks and the potential impact on banking operations and customer experiences. The conversation touches on regulatory challenges, the evolution of personalised financial services, and the future role of traditional banks versus neobanks in an agentic world.
The discussion also explores the implications of agentification for the financial industry, including competitive dynamics, data access, and the long-term vision of optimisation and abundance. -
In this episode, we focus on one of the most significant challenges in technology for enterprises today: legacy modernisation. Joining us is Irene Sandler, Chief Marketing Officer of Mechanical Orchard. Irene demystifies Mechanical Orchard's approach to addressing the complexities of legacy systems using innovative approaches, including AI and socio-technical design. We also discuss how legacy systems are deeply connected to organisational culture and explore new methods for modernisation.
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In this episode of Demystify, hosts Dave and Dharmesh explore the future of finance with special guest Ronit Ghose, who leads Citi's Future of Finance think tank. Broadcasting from Dubai's vibrant tech hub, Ronit shares his perspectives on the city’s meteoric rise as a global financial and tech powerhouse and reflects on how it contrasts with traditional hubs like London and New York.
Ronit discusses the transformative impact of government support in Dubai’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and the rise of Web3, digital assets, and tokenization. He brings in insights from his book, *The Future of Money*, which explores stories of fintech founders reshaping finance, from Brazil's digital banking to India's cash revolution. The episode culminates with Ronit’s thoughts on evolving global financial centres, AI’s potential, and why the U.S. dollar may remain dominant despite technological shifts.
Tune in for a journey across continents, cultures, and currencies as the team unpacks what lies ahead for the world of finance. -
In this episode, Nadine Mezher, co-founder of Sarwa, opens up about her mission to transform investing in the Middle East, making it within reach for everyone. From humble beginnings in Dubai to a thriving community of more than 180,000 registered users across the region, Nadine shares Sarwa’s journey of growth, resilience, and relentless innovation. We explore the heart of Sarwa’s offerings—robo-advisory with Sarwa Invest, self-directed trading with Sarwa Trade, and high-yield estimates returns with Sarwa Save —and discover how Nadine and her team are harnessing AI, smart algorithms and crypto to shape the future of investing.
This conversation goes beyond growth numbers; it’s a look into Sarwa’s shift from Dubai to Abu Dhabi to align with regulatory challenges, its vision for building trust in emerging tech, and its focus on customer experience. Supported by powerhouse investors like ADQ and Mubadala, Sarwa is carefully charting a path for expansion while staying true to its mission of democratising finance. Sarwa is regulated by the FSRA in the ADGM. Join us for an inspiring, future-focused discussion that unveils the dynamic forces driving Sarwa’s success and what’s next in accessible investing. - Montre plus
