In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark sits down with Sandy Kaul, Executive Vice President & Head of Innovation at Franklin Templeton, to explore how tokenisation, smart contracts, and wallet-based ecosystems are set to redefine the future of finance.

Sandy shares her extensive background at the intersection of finance and technology, explaining how the industry is moving from traditional account-based systems to decentralised, wallet-driven models. They dive into the transformative power of tokenisation for equities, bonds, and other financial instruments, as well as the potential of smart contracts to automate and streamline transactions.

The conversation also unpacks the regulatory landscape, the growing mainstream adoption of digital assets, and why investment firms must act now to adapt. From tokenised funds to personalised portfolio benefits, Sandy outlines a vision of finance that is more accessible, flexible, and innovative than ever before.

Topics covered:

• The shift from account-based to wallet-based systems

• Why tokenisation will revolutionise traditional finance

• Smart contracts and the automation of financial markets

• How decentralised finance can democratise investment access

• Institutional adoption of digital assets

• The regulatory path for tokenised instruments

• Future trends in portfolio management and investor personalisation

Learn More:

Tony Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclark100/

The London Fintech Podcast: https://londonfintechpodcast.com

Sandy Kaul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-kaul/

Book –The Fourth Turning: What the Cycles of History Tell Us About America’s Next Rendezvous with Destiny: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fourth-Turning-American-Prophecy/dp/0767900464

#Tokenisation #DigitalAssets #SmartContracts #WalletBasedSystems #FinTech #DeFi #Blockchain #InvestmentInnovation #FranklinTempleton #FinancialServices #LondonFintechPodcast

️In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark sits down with Robb Wilson—pioneer in AI, experience design expert, and author—to unpack the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and what it really means for the future of financial services.

Robb shares why simulation is the next big leap in AI, how outbound and agentic AI will redefine customer interactions, and why the industry needs to stop bolting AI onto outdated systems. Drawing from years of experience building platforms for smarter machines, Robb argues that success with AI requires rethinking objectives, embracing foundational design, and preparing for a future where machines not only support—but act.

They also explore the risks of AI overload, the need for shared knowledge infrastructure, and why clarity and control must underpin innovation.

Topics covered:

• Why AI is the defining force in financial services

• The rise of agentic AI and outbound automation

• Why simulation will reshape AI development

• The hidden risks of bolt-on AI solutions

• How companies can build foundational AI infrastructure

• The challenge of integrating AI into legacy business structures

• Why objectives—not just tools—must evolve

• Building platforms for intelligent, autonomous systems

• The future of human-AI collaboration in finance

Tune in to hear how Robb Wilson is helping reshape AI thinking across industries—and what it takes to lead in the age of intelligent systems.

Learn More:

Tony Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclark100/

The London Fintech Podcast: https://londonfintechpodcast.com

Robb Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/invisiblemachines/

UX Magazine: https://uxmag.com/

OneReach.ai: https://onereach.ai/

Dopamine Nation: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dopamine-Nation-Finding-Balance-Indulgence/dp/B09GYNV92D

#AIinFinance #AgenticAI #ConversationalAI #OutboundAI #DigitalTransformation #SimulationTech #FinTech #Automation #PlatformThinking #LondonFintechPodcast #AILeadership #FutureOfWork

In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark sits down with Staci Warden, CEO of the Algorand Foundation, to explore the future of crypto, stablecoins, and the role of blockchain in building more inclusive, efficient financial systems.

Staci shares her journey from Wall Street and the U.S. Treasury to leading one of the most innovative blockchain foundations in the world. The conversation dives deep into how stablecoins work, what makes them trustworthy, and why Algorand’s energy-efficient, secure platform is well-positioned to power the next generation of decentralised finance.

They also explore real-world use cases for blockchain—from programmable money to disaster relief—and discuss how stablecoins could reshape traditional finance, enable financial inclusion, and unlock new forms of value transfer.

Topics covered:
• Staci Warden’s path from JP Morgan to the Algorand Foundation
• What makes stablecoins stable—and how they differ from other crypto
• Algorand’s tech: instant finality, low fees, energy efficiency
• How blockchain is helping drive transparency and accountability
• The shift from hype to utility in the crypto space
• Financial inclusion and identity in the digital era
• The rise of programmable money and automated transactions
• Integrating blockchain into traditional finance
• Educating traditional finance professionals on Web3
• Why the future may favor yield-bearing digital assets over fiat-backed stablecoins

Tune in to hear how Algorand is building the foundation for a fairer, faster financial future—and what it takes to lead responsibly in the crypto era.

Learn More:
Go Beyond The Podcast for exclusive insights and resources (free of charge): Bit.ly/LondonFintechPodcast

The London Fintech Podcast: https://londonfintechpodcast.com

Tony Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclark100/

Staci Warden: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staci-warden-b15268b9/ & https://x.com/StaciW_DC
Algorand Foundation: https://www.algorand.foundation/
Read Write Own: Building the Next Era of the Internet: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Read-Write-Own-Building-Internet/dp/1529925623

In this special AI episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark explores the transformative impact of AI in financial services—from practical applications to regulatory challenges, and everything in between.

As AI adoption accelerates, Tony goes through a number of key insights covering what it takes to implement AI responsibly, how firms are moving from narrow to generative and Agentic AI models, and why data quality, ROI, and explainability are critical for success.

We discuss real-world use cases, how leading institutions are embedding AI into their operations, and why the future of work will be defined by human-AI collaboration. Whether you’re in tech, risk, strategy, or ops—this episode offers tangible insights to help you navigate the AI shift.

Topics Covered:
• The rise of generative and agentic AI in finance
• AI for fraud detection, customer service & operational efficiency
• Measuring ROI on AI projects
• Navigating regulation, compliance & governance
• AI as a coworker, not just a tool
• Building AI literacy across financial institutions
• Investing in data quality and explainable AI
• Use cases for synthetic teams and autonomous agents
• The future of finance: collaboration between people and machines

Tune in to learn how AI is reshaping the financial sector—and what it takes to lead the change responsibly.

Learn More:
Tony Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclark100/
The London Fintech Podcast: https://londonfintechpodcast.com
NextWave Consulting: https://www.nxwave.com/

In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark sits down with Elizabeth Rossiello, CEO and founder of AZA Finance, to explore how she’s reshaping cross-border payments and foreign exchange across frontier markets in Africa and beyond.

Elizabeth shares her journey from Wall Street to Nairobi, her groundbreaking work with BitPesa in launching digital currencies, and how AZA Finance is solving real-world problems through infrastructure, innovation, and deep local expertise. The conversation highlights the challenges of building a fintech across diverse and volatile markets, and the importance of representation, resilience, and culture in leading a global financial company.

They also discuss AZA’s recent partnership with Dlocal, the growing role of stablecoins and AI in payments, and the importance of sticking to your values while building something that lasts.

Topics covered:
• From New York to Nairobi: Elizabeth’s founding story
• Building BitPesa—the world’s first digital FX exchange
• The evolution of mobile money and fintech in Africa
• Why infrastructure, not hype, is the future of fintech
• AZA Finance’s cross-border payments and FX strategy
• How to lead in volatile frontier markets
• The importance of diversity and representation in fintech
• Culture as the engine of scale
• The rise of stablecoins, 24/7 settlement & AI innovation
• Lessons for female founders and fintech entrepreneurs
• Why everything in business is cyclical—and persistence wins

Tune in to hear how AZA Finance is redefining payments in some of the world’s most dynamic markets—and what it really takes to lead with purpose and vision.

Learn More:
Tony Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclark100/
The London Fintech Podcast: https://londonfintechpodcast.com
Elizabeth Rossiello: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-rossiello-589b8b1/
AZA Finance: https://azafinance.com/

#FinTech #EmergingMarkets #DigitalCurrency #CrossBorderPayments #WomenInFintech #Stablecoins #AfricaTech #FinancialInclusion #Entrepreneurship #LondonFintechPodcast #AZAFinance #AIinFinance #PaymentsInnovation #FintechLeadership

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e9i5uct_nA

In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark sits down with Mia Drennan, founder of Global Loan Agency Services (GLAS), to explore her remarkable entrepreneurial journey—from launching a business with just £6,000 to building a global company with over 400 employees managing $500 billion in assets.

Mia shares what it takes to succeed as a female founder in a male-dominated fintech space, the evolution of loan agency services, and how innovation and digital transformation are driving the next chapter for GLAS. She reflects on the importance of resilience, building a strong network, and advocating for diversity in the investment community.

The conversation is packed with insights on scaling a niche financial services firm, the power of a digital mindset, and the role of leadership in shaping inclusive and high-performing cultures.

Topics Covered:

• Adopting a dog from Antigua

• Starting GLAS with £6,000 and scaling to £100M+ turnover

• The importance of innovation in loan agency services

• Why only 12% of fintech founders are women—and what needs to change

• How GLAS grew to 400+ employees across 10 countries

• Embracing a digital mindset to lead transformation

• Lessons in risk-taking, resilience, and fearless leadership

• Diversity as a growth driver in finance

• Building a support network for female founders

• What’s next for GLAS: global growth and digital acceleration

Tune in to hear Mia’s inspiring story and her vision for the future of fintech.

Learn More: Tony Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclark100/

The London Fintech Podcast: https://londonfintechpodcast.com

Mia Drennan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miadrennan/

GLAS: https://glas.agency/ Great CEOs are lazy: How exceptional CEOs do more in less time: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Great-Ceos-Are-Lazy-Exceptional-ebook/dp/B01DBAUZT6

The Rest is Politics: https://www.youtube.com/@restispolitics

#FinTech #FemaleFounders #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Leadership #DiversityInFinance #LoanAgency #DigitalTransformation #WomenInBusiness #LondonFintechPodcast

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPN9RnxuP_E&t=525s

️ In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark sits down with Pete Wickes, General Manager for Global Enterprise at Worldpay, to unpack the fast-evolving landscape of payments and the innovations redefining how money moves around the world.

Pete shares insights from his extensive experience leading Worldpay’s global operations, exploring the rapid acceleration of digital payment methods, the rise of wallets and account-to-account transactions, and why understanding consumer behaviour is crucial for innovation.

The conversation highlights Worldpay’s role in powering billions of transactions globally and how merchants today have more choice than ever in how they accept payments. They discuss the broader payments ecosystem—from acquirers to PSPs—and what the future might look like as digital currencies, embedded finance, and alternative payment rails continue to gain momentum. Pete also reflects on the importance of staying close to the market through industry events and customer conversations.

Topics Covered:

• Being an avid football fan

• How the global payments ecosystem is evolving

• The role of WorldPay in powering billions of transactions

• Why merchants now have more options than ever

• The rise of account-to-account payments and digital wallets

• Cash isn’t dead—but it’s changing

• Key innovations shaping the next phase of payments

• Why consumer preference should drive product design

• What’s next: digital currencies, real-time payments, and embedded finance

Whether you’re a fintech innovator, payments professional, or just curious about where the future of transactions is headed, this episode offers a front-row seat to the transformation underway in the global payments space.

Learn More: Tony Clark:   / tclark100  

The London Fintech Podcast: https://londonfintechpodcast.com

Pete Wickes:   / pete-wickes-a04b3912  

Worldpay: https://www.worldpay.com/en-GB

Global payments report: https://www.worldpay.com/en/insights/…

#PaymentsInnovation #FinTech #DigitalPayments #WorldPay #CustomerExperience #FinancialServices #LondonFintechPodcast #EmbeddedFinance #DigitalTransformation #SMEs #RealTimePayments

Watch the video episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRslY8JVaCs&t=11s

In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark sits down with Andrew McKibben, Head of International Technology and CIO for Global Corporate & Investment Banking at Bank of America, to explore how one of the world’s largest financial institutions is using technology, AI, and innovation to stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.

Andrew shares insights on the strategic role of technology in banking, how AI and machine learning are reshaping financial services, and why customer-centric innovation is key to long-term success. He also discusses the challenges of modernising legacy systems, the importance of fostering a culture of innovation, and how the bank is investing in talent and cutting-edge technology to drive growth.

The episode also touches on the importance of patents in fintech, how Bank of America has secured over 7,000 patents, and why continuous investment in technology—over $13 billion annually—is a critical factor in staying competitive.

Andrew highlights the mindset required to embrace change and push technological boundaries.

Topics Covered:

• The importance of curiosity as a career foundation (and starting out with a Sinclair Spectrum…)

• Technology as a strategic enabler for the business

• Really (really) listening to customers

• Spending $13 billion a year on technology, whilst also being agile and innovative across 35 countries

• The impact of AI and machine learning on financial services

• Bank of America as the most patented Financial Institution in the industry

• Why investing in employees is just as important as investing in tech

• Always being there to support clients

• Getting out of your comfort zone to drive personal and professional growth

Tune in to discover how Bank of America is shaping the future of banking through innovation, technology, and a relentless focus on customer needs.

Learn More:

Tony Clark:   / tclark100  

The London Fintech Podcast: https://londonfintechpodcast.com

Andrew McKibben:   / andrew-mckibben-0204691  

Bank of America:https://www.bankofamerica.com/

Thinking, Fast and Slow: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thinking-Fast-Slow-Daniel-Kahneman/dp/0141033576

The Singularity is Nearer: https://amzn.eu/d/26PBJTA

#FinTech #BankingInnovation #ArtificialIntelligence #MachineLearning #CustomerCentric #BankofAmerica #TechLeadership #DigitalTransformation

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lnCI-bWj12Q

In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark is joined by EJ Achtner, former Group Head of Generative AI Capabilities at HSBC, to explore the transformative power of AI in the financial services industry. They delve into what it really takes to implement AI at scale in highly regulated, complex environments and the potential challenges and opportunities this presents.

EJ shares insights into leading enterprise-level AI transformation, from the early days of tools like ChatGPT to establishing robust governance frameworks and aligning AI strategies with business goals. The conversation goes beyond the buzzwords, focusing on how AI can drive productivity, improve customer outcomes, and unlock innovation when used responsibly.

They discuss the common hurdles that prevent AI projects from progressing beyond the proof of concept, the importance of data quality, and how strong model risk management is crucial for successful AI adoption. EJ also highlights the importance of human oversight in high-stakes environments and the role of cross-functional collaboration in ensuring successful outcomes.

Topics Covered:

• AI has reached a turning point in accessibility and real-world impact

• Successful adoption requires strong governance, clear business goals, and strategic leadership

• Generative AI must be treated as an enabler, not a silver bullet

• Human oversight and cross-team collaboration are essential for managing risk

• Organisations must focus on data quality and upskilling their workforce to keep pace

Whether you’re in strategy, tech, or operations, this episode offers valuable, practical insights for embedding AI within your organisation and doing it the right way.

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUTLS4v9N_M

In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony sits down with Pierre-Antoine Dusoulier, founder of iBanFirst, one of Europe’s fastest-growing fintech companies specialising in cross border payments.

They explore the complexities of international transactions, Pierre-Antoine’s entrepreneurial journey, and what makes IBAN First stand out in a competitive market. From funding strategies to the role of technology in financial services, this conversation is packed with valuable insights for fintech founders, investors, and business leaders.

The episode also dives into the challenges SMEs face in managing global payments, the importance of transparent pricing, and how investing in talent and technology is essential for long-term success.

Topics Covered:

• The $200 trillion cross-border payments market opportunity

• Self-funding vs. VC vs. PE – choosing the right funding strategy

• Why client satisfaction is key to scaling a fintech business

• How IBAN First is simplifying payments for 10,000+ SMEs

• The power of transparent pricing as a competitive advantage

• The role of technology in driving fintech innovation

• Carving out a niche in a crowded financial services market

• Building a house from scratch in France

• The importance of social wealth and the 5 types of wealth

Tune in now to discover how IBAN First is revolutionising cross-border payments and what it takes to build a successful fintech startup!

Learn More:

Tony Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclark100/The London Fintech Podcast: https://londonfintechpodcast.com Pierre-Antoine Dusoulier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierre-antoine-dusoulier-b1b8202/ IBAN First: https://www.ibanfirst.com The 5 Types of Wealth: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Types-Wealth-Transformative-Guide-Design/dp/0008623201

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g_sphqWmi8&t=267s

In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony sits down with Shameer Sachdev, an expert in FinTech marketing, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape and the strategies that drive growth in a competitive market.

Shameer shares insights on the critical role of creativity in FinTech marketing, the power of effective messaging, and the potential of influencer marketing to enhance brand awareness.

The conversation dives into how AI can boost marketing efficiency, the importance of regular customer engagement, and the significance of analytics in measuring success.

The episode also touches on the unique challenges of global expansion and the need to leverage new media channels to reach younger audiences. Shameer emphasises the value of “zigging when others zag” to gain a competitive edge in the dynamic FinTech space.

Topics Covered:

• The evolving landscape of FinTech marketing
• Being an astronaut in your spare time…
• The role of creativity in driving effective strategies
• Understanding customer pain points for better messaging
• Finding your ‘Finfluencer’…
• Leveraging AI for improved marketing output and efficiency
• The importance of customer feedback in adapting strategies
• Navigating global expansion and understanding market dynamics
• Utilising new media channels to engage younger audiences
• The fundamental role of analytics in tracking success
• Standing out by “zigging when others zag”
• Tune in to discover actionable strategies and key insights to help your FinTech thrive in a rapidly changing market.

Learn More:

Tony Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclark100/
The London Fintech Podcast: https://londonfintechpodcast.com
Shameer Sachdev: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shameersachdev/
Growth Gorilla: https://www.growthgorilla.co.uk/