In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, Nick Philpott, Co-founder & Head of Partnerships at Zodia Markets, tells Matthew about his evolution from trading floors in Lagos and Singapore to Standard Chartered Bank’s electronic trading and market structure operations and pioneering institutional crypto trading infrastructure.  Having led critical initiatives including MiFID 2 implementation and Facebook’s Libra integration at Standard Chartered, Nick provides detailed insights into how Zodia Markets is solving complex cross-border settlement challenges by combining traditional FX infrastructure with crypto rails. Nick also shares his insight on why completely new regulations are likely not necessary, as much of the same guardrails currently in place for tradition finance can often be applied.  Topics discussed: - A detailed examination of payment versus payment (PvP) settlement implementation in crypto markets compared to traditional CLS mechanisms, including how blockchain technology enables atomic settlement without the traditional infrastructure constraints. - The operational complexities of delivering true T0 settlement for institutional-scale trades, particularly around capital allocation, liquidity management across multiple fiat currencies, and the limitations of traditional netting approaches. - How Zodia Markets modified Standard Chartered’s policy hierarchy for crypto-specific requirements, including novel approaches to asset due diligence, custodian evaluation, and cross-border controls. - Technical analysis of stablecoin crosses as a solution for challenging payment corridors, with specific focus on implementing proxy liquidity pools using regulated stablecoins to facilitate 24/7 trading in time-zone restricted currencies. - The distinction between moving settlement versus execution on-chain, and why many DeFi protocols struggle to properly implement sophisticated trading concepts like IOIs, axes, and market-making in less liquid instruments. - Risk management innovations for crypto market making, focusing on how traditional concepts of best execution must be adapted for instant settlement environments while maintaining institutional-grade controls. - Practical approach to cross-border regulatory compliance without regulatory certainty, detailing how to leverage existing frameworks while building new standards for crypto-specific challenges like blockchain analysis and custodian evaluation. - Examination of emerging stablecoin use cases in commodity trading and shipping, highlighting how T0 settlement capabilities are transforming traditional trade finance and cross-border payment flows in restricted corridors.

In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, Matthew speaks with Giovanni Everduin, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at Commercial Bank International, to explore the future of banking. Giovanni discusses the critical role of innovation in the financial sector, emphasizing the need for banks to embrace new technologies like AI and blockchain.    He highlights the importance of fostering collaboration between innovation and compliance teams to navigate regulatory challenges effectively. Additionally, Giovanni shares insights on how sustainability is becoming a key focus for banks, with technology playing a vital role in addressing global issues such as water scarcity and food security.    Topics discussed:   The importance of innovation in banking and how it drives growth and enhances customer experiences in an increasingly competitive landscape.   Embracing new technologies like AI, blockchain, and Web3 to stay relevant and meet the evolving needs of customers in the financial sector.   The necessity of collaboration between innovation and compliance teams to effectively navigate regulatory challenges while fostering a culture of creativity.   The evolving regulatory landscape in the UAE and how proactive dialogue with regulators can facilitate innovation within the banking industry.   The role of sustainability in banking and how financial institutions can leverage technology to address global challenges like water scarcity and food security.   Strategies for integrating legacy systems with new technologies to ensure seamless operations and improved customer experiences in traditional banking environments.   The significance of building partnerships with fintech companies to accelerate innovation and create new value propositions for customers.   How cognitive cities and holographic technology could revolutionize customer interactions and service delivery.   The challenges of risk-averse mindsets in traditional banks and the need for a cultural shift towards embracing innovation and experimentation.   The impact of AI on credit scoring and risk modeling, and how synthetic data can improve predictive accuracy in financial assessments.

In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes in Banking, Matthew welcomes Jorissa Neutelings, CDO at ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and her insights on the critical role of digital transformation in banking. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing customer experience while balancing security measures in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.  Jorissa also discusses the challenges posed by legacy systems and the need for banks to modernize their IT infrastructure to foster innovation. Additionally, she highlights the significance of employee engagement in driving successful digital initiatives.  Topics discussed: -The importance of prioritizing customer experience in banking to drive digital transformation and meet evolving consumer expectations in a competitive landscape.   -Balancing security and user-friendliness is crucial for banks, ensuring that digital interactions are both safe and frictionless for customers.   -Overcoming legacy systems is a significant challenge for banks, requiring strategic modernization to support agile and innovative digital solutions.   -The role of employee engagement in digital transformation, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptation within the organization.   -Leveraging emerging technologies like AI and machine learning to create personalized banking experiences and enhance customer interactions.   -Building a cohesive digital strategy that integrates various banking services into a unified customer experience across all platforms.   -The impact of regulatory requirements on digital transformation efforts, highlighting the need for compliance while innovating.   -The significance of data privacy and transparency in building trust with customers during digital interactions and service offerings.   -Strategies for fostering a culture of innovation within banks to encourage creative problem-solving and adaptability in a fast-paced digital environment.

In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, Matthew speaks with Aman Narain, Digital Transformation & Fintech Expert and Board Advisor at pinBox, shares his expertise on driving digital transformation in the banking sector. He emphasizes the critical role of curiosity in fostering innovation and overcoming legacy mindsets that can stifle progress.  Aman discusses the importance of strategic conviction and patient capital, highlighting how long-term vision and investment are essential for successful transformation initiatives. Additionally, he addresses the psychology of change, explaining how organizations can manage resistance and create a supportive environment for innovation. Aman offers actionable insights that can help financial institutions navigate the evolving landscape and embrace meaningful change.  Topics discussed: -How fostering a culture of curiosity is essential for driving innovation and overcoming outdated mindsets in banking. -How legacy mindsets can hinder progress and the need for organizations to challenge the status quo to unlock new opportunities. -The importance of having a long-term vision and strategic conviction to guide digital transformation efforts in the financial sector. -How investing in innovation requires patience, as meaningful change often takes time to materialize and show results. -The human aspects of transformation, emphasizing the need to manage resistance and fears within organizations to facilitate change. -The significance of creating a culture that values diversity and supports innovation, allowing teams to thrive and experiment. -The value of partnerships with fintech companies to leverage their expertise and accelerate growth in new markets and technologies. -Insights on adopting processes and rituals that enable organizations to scale products and services effectively. -The complexities of navigating regulatory environments, particularly in markets like China and India, and their impact on innovation.

In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, Matthew speaks with Julia Demidova, Head of CBDC & Digital Currencies Product and Strategy at FIS. Julia shares her insights on the transformative potential of digital currencies, particularly in cross-border payments. She emphasizes the importance of regulatory clarity to foster innovation and enhance security in the payments landscape.  Additionally, Julia discusses the role of programmability in automating transactions, making them more efficient. She also highlights the critical need for financial inclusion, ensuring that unbanked populations can access digital financial services.  Topics discussed: How digital currencies can revolutionize the payments industry, particularly in enhancing efficiency and security in transactions. The challenges and opportunities in cross-border payments, emphasizing the need for improved infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. The importance of clear regulations to foster innovation in the digital currency space and ensure secure transactions for all stakeholders. The role of programmability and how smart contracts can automate processes and streamline financial transactions for greater efficiency. The value of commitment to being client-centric, focusing on understanding client needs, and addressing their pain points in the payments landscape. The critical need for financial inclusion, ensuring that unbanked populations have access to digital financial services and banking solutions. The necessity of educating stakeholders about digital currencies, their benefits, and the processes involved in adopting these technologies. The environmental impact of emerging financial technologies and the importance of urging stakeholders to consider the carbon footprint of digital solutions. The benefits of integrating various emerging technologies, such as blockchain and digital currencies, to enhance financial services. The importance of having a strategic vision for the future of payments and focusing on long-term goals and potential use cases for clients.

In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes in Banking, Matthew speaks with Jamiel Sheikh, Founder & CEO of Scifn, to explore the cutting-edge convergence of blockchain and AI. Jamiel shares his insights into the challenges of integrating AI within a trustless blockchain environment and discusses innovative trust mechanisms.  Jamiel offers his thoughts on addressing scalability and security issues through solutions like sharding and improved consensus mechanisms. He touches also on the importance of clear communication in articulating value propositions to clients and stakeholders.  Topics discussed: How to build robust trust mechanisms for integrating AI within a trustless blockchain environment. Addressing scalability issues in blockchain-AI integration through innovative techniques like sharding and improved consensus mechanisms. The security hurdles faced when combining blockchain and AI technologies and potential solutions. The importance of clear communication in articulating value propositions to clients and stakeholders. How financial companies are increasingly open to exploring blockchain and AI technologies for various applications. Real-world examples of blockchain and AI integration and their impact on different industries. The role of soft skills like time management and effective communication in leading tech innovations. Educating others about blockchain and AI, including his work with central banks and Fortune 500 companies. The importance of networking and knowledge sharing across organizational boundaries in advancing tech innovation.

In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes in Banking, Matthew speaks with Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General at Islamic Development Bank Institute. Sami explores the transformative potential of digital technologies in Islamic finance. He also shares his insights on integrating blockchain and AI to enhance transparency and trust within the sector.  Sami discusses the importance of balancing short-term wins with long-term strategic goals and highlights the critical role of social intelligence in developing effective financial solutions. Sami also offers valuable perspectives on driving innovation and impact in Islamic finance. Topics discussed: How these technology can enhance transparency, trust, and efficiency in Islamic finance. The challenge of achieving immediate wins while ensuring sustainable, long-term strategic impact in financial services. Understanding the importance of social intelligence in developing innovative and effective financial solutions. An overview of the Islamic Development Bank Institute’s role in promoting economic development and social progress in member countries. Discussing the unique challenges faced in translating Islamic finance principles into actionable solutions. The potential of emerging technologies, such as blockchain and AI, to drive innovation in the financial sector. The importance of training programs and intellectual capital in developing the Islamic finance industry. Insights into a new algorithm designed to reduce market volatility while protecting investor rights. Advice for young professionals on the importance of having multiple specializations to adapt to industry changes.

In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes in Banking, Matthew speaks with Christopher Iwanowski, Chief Transformation Officer at Allianz Australia, about the intricacies of driving digital transformation in the insurance industry. Christopher shares insights on balancing global solutions with local market needs, highlighting the importance of regulatory compliance and customer-centric approaches.  He also dives into fostering an intrapreneurial mindset within large organizations to spur innovation. Additionally, Christopher emphasizes the necessity of prioritizing execution and effective communication to successfully navigate the complexities of transformation. He also offers his strategy for integrating new tools such as AI in a way that allows employees to experiment safely. Topics discussed: Balancing global solutions with local market requirements to ensure effective digital transformation across different regions and regulatory landscapes. The importance of fostering an intrapreneurial mindset within large organizations to drive innovation and agile decision-making. Prioritizing execution and clear communication to navigate the complexities and challenges of digital transformation. The role of effective leadership in guiding teams through periods of significant change and transformation within the insurance sector. Utilizing technology and AI to streamline operations and improve customer service, such as using AI agents to transcribe audio files and meetings. Strategies for training and upskilling employees to adapt to new technologies and processes during transformation. The importance of due diligence in gathering and analyzing information before making strategic decisions in a rapidly changing environment. Ensuring that transformation efforts are customer-centric, focusing on improving customer experiences and meeting their evolving needs.

In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes in Banking, Matthew speaks with Jonathan Neubourg, Chief Digital Data & AI Officer at Belfius. Jonathan dives into the transformative role of digital and AI in banking, highlighting the importance of maintaining a customer-centric approach amidst rapid technological advancements.  He shares insights on how Belfius prioritizes strategic innovation while ensuring top-notch customer experiences by putting themselves in their customers’ shoes. Additionally, Jonathan discusses the challenges of driving internal adoption of new technologies and the significance of aligning the entire organization with the digital transformation agenda. Topics discussed: Jonathan Neubourg’s unique path from studying electronics to becoming the Chief Digital Data and AI Officer at Belfius. How Belfius prioritizes customer needs and experiences in every digital and AI initiative. The exponential growth of Belfius’ mobile banking app, now used by over 2 million customers daily. The importance of making strategic choices and prioritizing the right technologies amidst rapid digital innovation. The blending of digital development, data analytics, and AI to enhance the mobile banking experience. Techniques for rallying the entire organization around digital transformation and AI integration. The potential and challenges of integrating generative AI into banking services and internal processes. Fostering a culture of innovation and experimentation within Belfius to stay ahead in the digital landscape. Managing limited resources and making tough choices to maximize the impact of digital initiatives. Emerging technologies and trends that will shape the future of banking, including AI, AR, and VR.

In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, Matthew speaks with Nvalaye Kourouma, Group Chief Digital Officer at Ecobank, about how technology is a tool for digital transformation, but it’s not just copy and paste across different markets in different countries. They also discuss the importance of scaling up and how Ecobank is shaping the ecosystem of banking. Then, Nvalaye reflects on what it means to be a successful CDO – a capacity to learn, creativity, and flexibility – and offers advice for those seeking a similar role. Topics discussed: Why digital transformation is not copy and paste from one country to another. The three pillars of being a CDO: the digital platform, data analytics, and innovation. How Ecobank is shaping the ecosystem of banking in Africa by partnering with other banking entities. How keeping things as simple as possible for the customer will ultimately bring them the most value. How the ability of the user to apply technology to their problem is more important than the technology itself. The three key skills of being a successful CDO: capacity to learn, creativity, and flexibility.

In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, Matthew speaks with Jørgen Ouaknine, Group Head of Innovation and Digital Assets at Euroclear. They discuss how a role in innovation has expanded in Jørgen’s time at Euroclear and how it’s shaped their purpose of safety, efficiency, and sustainable economic growth. They also discuss how going digital has allowed FMIs like Euroclear to continue to exist, but that there are still inefficiencies to be solved.  Topics discussed: - How financial market infrastructures connect issuers and investors and serve their communities thanks to digitization. - Why the current market would benefit from moving from a sequential value chain to a circular one. - How Euroclear balances moving forward with matching the pace of change of the market--all with the help of client feedback. - The importance of focusing on your priorities without getting caught up in the technologies that are currently en vogue. - Avoiding ”reinventing the wheel” and developing what you have rather than constantly starting from scratch. - How having a strategic vision is key to being a successful leader in innovation.

In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, Matthew speaks with Witit Synsatayakul, Deputy Director, Digital Currency Policy and Development at Bank of Thailand. They discuss why digital transformation needs to start with people and processes before systems and tools, and why it should be led by mid-level managers. They also talk about the skills needed for digital transformation success, how tokenization is opening up growth opportunities, and how AI will shape the future.   Topics discussed: Why digital transformation needs to start with the people and processes first, before systems and tools. How tokenization creates growth and opportunity, especially through atomic settlements and reduced risk. Why business know-how, technical competency, and project management skills are the key to digital leadership success. The challenges to being a digital leader, including the dynamic nature of the role and resource constraints. Why digital transformation should be led by mid-level senior managers instead of leaders at the top. How AI will shape the financial sector in the future by being "close to daily life." 

In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, Matthew speaks with Sattar Kazimov, CDO at Unibank. They discuss the digital evolution of Unibank into being named one of the best banks in Azerbaijan, including how they built customer products and backend digital and IT teams. They also talk about the importance of creating products that fit your customers’ needs, why CDOs need to test and adapt to changing times, and how AI will improve operational efficiency and customer service.   Topics discussed: How Sattar created and evolved digital initiatives at Unibank, including rolling out mobile banking and building digital teams. The importance of knowing your customers and building products that serve them first. How Unibank has embarked on its digital transformation, including branching out into partnerships to create a neobank that gained one million customers in 24 months. Why the future will only focus on banking and customer experiences, not banks and products. How banks can use AI for optimizing processes, improving customer interactions, and enhancing operational efficiency. The challenges to digital transformation, including testing and adapting to a constantly changing world. Advice to other CDOs to remember to put people first and tech second. 

Welcome to a special edition of Chief Digital Heroes, where our host Matthew Van Niekerk answers the top questions our listeners have asked us. In today's episode, Matthew addresses "Why do so many Blockchain Transformation projects fail?" When embarking upon a Blockchain Transformation, companies often hit a Blockchain Complexity Chasm. On one side is their blockchain aspiration, on the other side is potential gain, but there's no bridge to cross it — and common approaches like training internally or buying vertical solutions can often widen that chasm. The solution is a different approach that includes using a Blockchain Transformation Platform to help cross that chasm. Would you like to have Matthew answer one of your questions in a future episode? Email Maria.Lopez@SettleMint.com with your question and a short summary of why you are looking for an answer! 

In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, previously recorded as a webinar, Matthew speaks with Dirk Hermans, Innovation Manager, Blockchain Lead at KBC Bank & Verzekering. They discuss the drivers behind launching a new Bolero crowdfunding platform and how it sets the stage for tokenization growth in the future. They also talk about the ongoing initiatives of digital transformation, how digital leaders should evaluate new technologies, what problems KBC's Kate Coin solves, and the process for bringing innovation to the market.   Topics discussed:   The drivers behind launching a new Bolero crowdfunding platform, including new regulations, tokenization growth, and real-time payments. The role of an innovation manager that includes watching trends, understanding the long-term impacts of technology, and business development. How blockchain is like the internet in its inception, evolution, and impact, and how it’s different. Advice for digital leaders adopting new technologies, including finding the unknown unknowns. Today's trends to watch in addition to blockchain, including AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and personalization and identity. Why digital transformation is like a treadmill, and how KBC has evolved from launching its mobile app 10 years ago. KBC's process for bringing innovation to the market, including how individuals can pitch ideas. The problems that KCB's Kate Coin solves around payments and liquidity. 

In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, Matthew speaks with Maia Gorgiladze, Deputy Chief Digital Officer at Bank of Georgia. They discuss the role of a CDO in driving digital change, as well as what technologies the Bank of Georgia is employing for their digital transformation, like cloud, AI, and data analytics. They also talk about how AI can drive personalization and engagement, how gamification and chatbots are improving customer experiences, and the key skills that CDOs need for success.   Topics discussed:   A typical day for a CDO, including working with the team, meeting KPIs, boosting digital sales, and more. How the Bank of Georgia is using technologies like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and more. How AI and ML enhance personalization efforts and drive better customer engagement. How AI and ML can make internal processes more efficient, like fraud detection and feedback surveys. The top three skills that will help CDOs find success in their careers. How gamification and chatbots can improve customer experiences and make banking more fun. 

In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, Matthew speaks with Rob Downes, Head of Salesforce Platform and Digital Assets, CIB Africa at Absa Group. They discuss the catalyst that led Absa Group to experiment with blockchain, what use cases they're using blockchain for, and how the regulatory environment is becoming more supportive of blockchain. They also talk about top skills for digital leaders and the biggest challenges to digital transformation.   Topics discussed:   The two catalysts that led Absa Group to start experimenting with blockchain. How the regulatory landscape in South Africa is becoming more supportive of blockchain experimentation. Where Absa Group currently stands on its digital transformation and where it still needs to go. How they're experimenting with generative AI, especially in development work. The key skills for a digital leader, like being comfortable with disruption and change. Why the biggest challenge to blockchain adoption is overcoming people's fear of change. The different blockchain use cases that can transform banking, including stablecoins, tokenization, and investments.   

In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, Matthew speaks with Arne Graeber, CEO/Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors at Commerz Global Service Solutions. They discuss the bank's current state of Digital Transformation, including how they've become a paperless office, how they're using AI to improve accuracy, and how ML is contributing to compliance. They also talk about how to navigate change through a clear strategy and how they're using an agile approach to release digital products.   Topics discussed:   A typical day for the CEO of a bank, and how it centers around empowering the management team and aligning everyone on initiatives. How Commerz is evolving its Digital Transformation initiatives, starting with moving to a paperless office. How smart automation is helping improve accuracy and free up employees for higher-value tasks. How they're using AI and ML to detect customer patterns and drive compliance. Why banks need a clear strategy around which trends to follow and an agile approach to rolling out new initiatives. How new digital projects can create a better client experience and more scalability. 

In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, Matthew speaks with Loice Ngulube, Chief Information Officer at POSB Zimbabwe. They discuss how the bank is evolving its digital transformation across operations and customer experiences, and how it involves tools, upskilling, and buy-in. They also talk about the new technologies improving banking, like blockchain, APIs, and AI, how POSB Zimbabwe is prioritizing sustainability, and why change management is a key skill to lead digital transformation.   Topics discussed:   The evolution of Loice's career, from starting as a nurse, to moving into business and computer science, to becoming CIO at the People's Own Savings Bank in Zimbabwe. How POSB Zimbabwe is exacting their digital transformation, what tools they're using, and what customer touchpoints they're impacting. How POSB Zimbabwe is fostering online and mobile banking to the extent where it gains 95% of its revenue through digital channels. What new technologies are improving operations and customer experiences, including blockchain, open APIs, chatbots, AI, and more. What top skills aspiring CIOs should possess, and why change management leadership is key to gaining buy-in for digital transformation. The ways in which POSB Zimbabwe is prioritizing sustainability in their own operations, and how they're supporting customers and businesses that prioritize sustainability, too.

In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, Matthew speaks with Arnaud Misset, Chief Digital Officer at CACEIS. They discuss the evolution of CACEIS's digital transformation and how technologies like data lakes, APIs, and blockchain are pushing them forward into the future. They also talk about the challenges holding digital transformation back, the skills aspiring CDOs should possess, and what CACEIS's new digital asset service provider license means for their future.   Topics discussed:   A day in the life of a CDO, the need for continuous delivery, and how CACEIS combines product development and digital innovation. The unique approach CACEIS takes to developing new products and digital initiatives. Where CACEIS is today in their digital transformation, and which technologies are helping them move into the next phase. How new technologies like AI, blockchain, and APIs are impacting banking and improving the customer experience. The challenges to digital innovation, which include being sure you're following regulations and change management. The top skills aspiring CDOs should possess to be successful, and why you can’t do it all alone.