London Fintech Podcast

Crypto is moving from the margins to the core of global financial infrastructure — but the real question is how fast that transformation will happen, and who will lead it.In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark speaks with Keith Grose, UK CEO at Coinbase, to explore the evolution of crypto, institutional adoption, and the technologies shaping the next decade of finance.The conversation traces Coinbase’s journey from early conviction in digital assets to becoming one of the world’s largest regulated crypto exchanges. Keith explains how a compliance-first mindset, product innovation, and long-term strategic thinking have been central to building trust in an emerging asset class.As the discussion turns to market evolution, a key theme emerges: institutional adoption. From stablecoins to tokenised assets, Keith shares how traditional financial institutions are increasingly embracing crypto as new financial rails — unlocking faster, more efficient global transactions and entirely new business models.A major focus of the episode is scalability. Keith dives into Layer 2 solutions, including Base, and explains how these technologies are addressing blockchain limitations — enabling high-performance, low-cost infrastructure for developers, businesses, and the next generation of “crypto-native” applications.They also explore the UK market and regulatory landscape, highlighting the importance of trust, compliance, and collaboration with policymakers in scaling crypto responsibly. From embedded finance to AI integration and the convergence of crypto with traditional equities, the discussion offers a forward-looking view of financial services.Whether you’re a fintech founder, investor, or operator, this episode provides practical insight into how crypto is reshaping financial infrastructure — and what it takes to build at scale in a rapidly evolving ecosystem.📌 Topics covered:• Coinbase’s growth and key success factors• Institutional adoption of crypto and stablecoins• Layer 2 solutions and blockchain scalability (Base)• The UK regulatory landscape and building trust• Embedded finance and infrastructure growth• AI and digital currency integration• Future trends in finance and crypto markets• Advice for fintech founders building at scale🔗 Learn more:Tony Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclark100/Keith Grose: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithgrose/ & https://x.com/kmgroseNextWave Consulting: www.nxwave.comCoinbase: https://www.coinbase.com/The Beginning of Infinity by David Deutsch: https://amzn.eu/d/04tOEa62There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak: https://amzn.eu/d/0hGlwUGfThe Knowledge Project Podcast by Shane Parrish: https://www.youtube.com/@UCLtTf_uKt0Itd0NG7txrwXA Acquired Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Fj0XEuUQLUqoMZQdsLXqpGo Beyond the Podcast: https://resources.nxwave.com/hub/london-fintech-podcast?c=cG9zdDo5OTI5NzY%3D&nav=aHViX3BhZ2U6MTA%3D&s=null#Crypto #Coinbase #Stablecoins #Layer2 #Fintech #InstitutionalAdoption #Blockchain #UKFintech #DigitalCurrency #financialinfrastructure #Web3 #Base #CryptoRegulation #AI #FutureOfFinance #LondonFintechPodcast

Banking is changing fast, but what does real transformation actually look like inside today’s financial institutions?In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark sits down with Mark Johnstone, Chief Strategy Officer at MoneyNext and Managing Director of the Banking Transformation Summit, to unpack how banks are navigating AI, modernisation, and the evolving competitive landscape.Mark shares insights from curating one of the most practitioner-led banking events in Europe, where the focus isn’t hype, but what’s actually working inside banks today. With 175+ institutions represented and a highly curated audience, the summit offers a unique lens into how senior leaders are tackling transformation at scale.The conversation explores how the industry has shifted from digital transformation to AI-driven execution, and why the real challenge is no longer technology, but adoption, governance, and human integration.They also dive into the biggest themes shaping banking right now: agentic AI, AI risk and regulation, embedded finance, and the surprising return of the human touch in financial services.Whether you’re a banker, fintech operator, or simply tracking the future of financial services, this episode offers a grounded, insider view of where the industry is heading next.📌 Topics covered• What makes Banking Transformation Summit different from other fintech events• Why banks are shifting from AI hype to real delivery and ROI• The rise of agentic AI and what it means for banking operations• AI governance, regulation, and the impact of the EU AI Act• Embedded finance and the battle for customer ownership• Why human interaction is making a comeback in digital banking• The real blockers to transformation: adoption vs technology• How banks are competing with AI-native fintech startups• Why smaller, curated events outperform large conferences🔗 Learn more:Tony Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclark100/Mark Johnstone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/majohnstone/NextWave Consulting: www.nxwave.comBanking Transformation Summit: https://bankingtransformationsummit.com/MoneyNext: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/moneynexttvGo Beyond the Podcast: https://resources.nxwave.com/hub/london-fintech-podcast?c=cG9zdDo5OTI5NzY%3D&nav=aHViX3BhZ2U6MTA%3D&s=null#FinTech #Banking #AI #AgenticAI #DigitalTransformation #EmbeddedFinance #BankingTransformation #FinancialServices #Innovation #AIRegulation #OpenBanking #FintechEvents #LondonFintechPodcast

In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark speaks with Christoph Rieche, CEO and Co-Founder of iwoca, about his transition from Goldman Sachs to building one of Europe’s leading SME lending platforms.“More than 80% of our customers receive instant credit decisions… and can draw funding the same day.”That capability sits at the heart of iwoca’s proposition — transforming SME lending from a slow, uncertain process into something fast, data-driven, and accessible. Christoph explains how API integrations and real-time data sharing allow businesses to move from application to funding in record time, unlocking opportunities that would otherwise be lost.Christoph shares how a desire to “build something with my own hands” led him into entrepreneurship, and how iwoca has grown into a data-driven lender helping small businesses access fast, flexible financing. From the early days to scaling through uncertainty, he reflects on the “roller coaster” of building a fintech business with real-world impact.The conversation dives deep into how AI and data science are transforming credit decisioning, enabling faster and more accurate lending decisions for underserved SMEs. Christoph explains iwoca's hybrid approach, combining machine learning with human judgment, and why this balance is critical in modern lending.They also explore the rise of embedded finance and API-driven lending, and how partnerships are reshaping distribution across digital platforms. With insights into post-pandemic market dynamics, geopolitical pressures, and funding strategies, this episode offers a comprehensive view of where SME financing is heading.Whether you’re a fintech founder, investor, or operator, this is a practical and insightful look at scaling a lending business in today’s environment.📌 Topics covered:• Christoph's journey from banking to fintech founder• Building iwoca and scaling an SME lending platform• AI and data science in credit decisioning• Embedded finance and API-led distribution models• Navigating COVID-19 and macroeconomic challenges• Growth strategies for SME lenders• The role of partnerships in fintech ecosystems🔗 Learn more:Tony Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclark100/Christoph Rieche: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/christophriecheNextWave Consulting: www.nxwave.comiwoca: www.iwoca.co.uk/1929: The Inside Story of The Greatest Crash in Wall Street History: https://amzn.eu/d/09UYVP9LGo Beyond the Podcast: https://resources.nxwave.com/hub/london-fintech-podcast?c=cG9zdDo5OTI5NzY%3D&nav=aHViX3BhZ2U6MTA%3D&s=null#FinTech #SMELending #EmbeddedFinance #AI #DataScience #DigitalBanking #CreditDecisioning #UKSMEs #Startups #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Lending #FinancialTechnology #APIs #LondonFintechPodcast

Entrepreneurship offers endless opportunities, but the real challenge is knowing which ones to pursue.In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark speaks with James Benham, CEO & Co-Founder at JBK & Terra and host of the InsurTech Geek Podcast, to reflect on a wide-ranging career spanning technology, insurance, and construction, and the hard-earned lessons that come with it.The conversation explores how procurement and RFP processes are increasingly incorporating supplier diversity, creating opportunities for smaller, specialist firms to compete alongside large consultancies. James shares how this shift is shaping vendor ecosystems and why there is a growing appetite for alternative providers.As the discussion turns to career reflections, a central theme emerges: focus. James highlights how early-stage entrepreneurs often spread themselves too thin across industries and opportunities, delaying true expertise and scale. He explains why learning to say “no”, and resisting the pull of “shiny objects”, is one of the most critical skills for long-term success.They also explore the realities of bootstrapping, the discipline it requires, and why building sustainably without external capital can create stronger, more resilient businesses.The episode closes with insights into continuous learning, from long-form business podcasts to classic management books, and why case-study-driven thinking remains one of the most effective ways to understand how great companies are built.Whether you’re an early-stage founder or an experienced operator, this episode offers practical lessons on focus, decision-making, and building with intention.📌 Topics covered:• How RFPs and supplier diversity are shaping fintech and consulting• Why smaller firms are gaining traction alongside large consultancies• The importance of focus in entrepreneurship• Learning to say no and avoid “shiny object” syndrome• Bootstrapping vs venture capital — building sustainable businesses• The role of continuous learning, podcasts, and business case studies🔗 Learn more:Tony Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclark100/James Benham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbenham/NextWave Consulting: www.nxwave.comInsurTech Geek Podcast: https://insurtechgeek.com/Acquired podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@AcquiredFMGood to Great by James Collins: https://amzn.eu/d/0f8rgsjxTraction by Gino Wickman: https://amzn.eu/d/02f4Mlb6Drive by Daniel H. Pink: https://amzn.eu/d/0j3bm6ZADavid and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcolm Gladwell: https://amzn.eu/d/0dYKZUSYGo Beyond the Podcast: https://resources.nxwave.com/hub/london-fintech-podcast?c=cG9zdDo5OTI5NzY%3D&nav=aHViX3BhZ2U6MTA%3D&s=nul

Money20/20 has become one of the most important gatherings in global fintech — bringing together the leaders, innovators, and institutions shaping the future of financial services.In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark speaks with Oliver Smith, Head of Content for Europe at Money20/20 Europe 2026, to explore what’s coming at this year’s flagship event.They discuss the scale and ambition of Money20/20 Europe, the key themes driving the agenda, and how the conference continues to reflect — and shape — the evolution of the fintech ecosystem. At the heart of the event are four major pillars: AI, rebundling of financial services, the evolving tech stack, and regulation. Oliver shares how these themes come together across stages, speakers, and sessions — and what attendees should focus on to get the most value from the experience.The conversation also looks ahead to emerging trends, including agentic finance, the growing role of AI across financial services, and how blockchain and digital assets continue to evolve within institutional markets.Whether you’re attending Money20/20 or following the direction of fintech more broadly, this episode is a useful guide to the ideas and conversations shaping the industry right now.📌 Topics covered• What to expect from Money20/20 Europe 2026• The four key themes: AI, rebundling, tech stack, and regulation• How to navigate the conference and maximise your time• The rise of agentic finance and AI-driven services• Blockchain, digital assets, and evolving market infrastructure• Why Money20/20 remains a central hub for fintech innovation🔗 Learn more:Tony Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclark100/Oliver Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliversmitheu/Money 20/20 Europe: https://europe.money2020.com/NextWave Consulting: www.nxwave.comThe MoneyPot Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/57KYwfMgZsVBIaxHcOCzebCareless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Careless-People-explosive-memoir-doesnt/dp/1035065924Go Beyond the Podcast: https://resources.nxwave.com/hub/london-fintech-podcast?c=cG9zdDo5OTI5NzY%3D&nav=aHViX3BhZ2U6MTA%3D&s=null#FinTech #Money2020 #AI #Blockchain #RegTech #FinCrime #DigitalAssets #FinancialServices #Innovation #LondonFintechPodcast