In this episode, Dave and Dharm sit down with Cristina Pieretti, Head of Digital Content and Innovation at Moody’s, to explore how one of the world’s most data-driven organisations is reimagining itself through Generative AI. Cristina reveals how Moody’s moved rapidly from early experiments to launching its first commercial GenAI product, the Moody’s Research Assistant, which became the company’s fastest-adopted tool in history. She shares how GenAI now powers everything from developer co-pilots to agentic sales and strategy tools, reshaping how thousands of employees work and think. The conversation dives deep into: How Moody’s is embedding GenAI across teams while managing risk, trust, and data integrity. The cultural shift needed to make AI adoption part of everyone’s job — not just the developers’. Why agentic systems represent the next big leap for productivity and innovation. How banks and financial institutions are following suit, with parallels drawn to the early days of cloud adoption. Cristina’s candid thoughts on the so-called “AI bubble” and why she believes specialisation and high-quality data will separate lasting innovation from hype. This is a masterclass in how established financial institutions can turn disruption into opportunity, with human creativity and trusted data at the core.

In this episode of the Dave and Dharm Demystify show, Dave Wallace sits down with Neal Mann, co-founder of Noan, a platform pioneering the creation of a “facts layer” for AI-native businesses. Neal draws on years of experience working with the C-suite at global corporations to reveal the hidden chaos behind most companies’ knowledge structures. He explains why AI often fails in business contexts and how Noan is solving that problem by giving companies a single source of truth to build from. From enabling entrepreneurs to finally take control of their business data, to unlocking transformative opportunities in fintech, lending, and investment, Neal makes the case for why facts, not memory, are the future of AI. This episode explores everything from the practical impact of having a conversational interface to your business, to the powerful implications for financial services, business growth, and personalised support. Whether you're building a startup, navigating enterprise transformation, or just curious about how AI can work better for business, this conversation will change the way you think about knowledge, control and the future of work.

In this episode of Dave and Dharm Demystify, the 2 D's sit down with Helena Wardle, a Chartered Financial Planner and founder of the fintech Money Means, to explore how technology is transforming financial advice. Helena explains her motivation for building AIDA, an AI-powered digital advisor designed to make quality financial guidance accessible to people who traditionally couldn’t afford it. She discusses the challenges of creating technology that isn’t just functional but genuinely supportive, conversational, and capable of replicating the empathy and understanding that clients expect from a human advisor. The discussion covers some of the hottest topics in financial services today: Why expert-trained AI models can handle not just processes and compliance, but also the relational side of advice. How regulation, liability, and accreditation will need to evolve as AI steps into roles once reserved for humans. The emotional side of money and why understanding client behaviour is as important as the numbers. The potential for AI to support collaboration across professions, from solicitors to accountants, creating a joined-up “team of digital advisors” around the customer. Helena also shares her belief that service industries, just like retail before them, are on the cusp of massive disruption, and why the firms that embrace AI will be best placed to thrive. With AIDA launching soon, this conversation offers a first look at how AI could democratise access to financial planning and reshape the advisor–client relationship forever. Chapters: 00:00 Meet Helena Wardle: Chartered Financial Planner 01:32 The Birth of Money Means: A FinTech Solution 02:36 Creating AIDA: The AI Digital Advisor 04:01 AI in Financial Advice: Challenges and Opportunities 06:40 Expert Trained Models: The Future of AI 08:23 The Disruption of Service Industries by AI 13:57 Training AI for Financial Exams 16:29 Regulation and Liability in AI Financial Advice 19:45 The Ethical Considerations of AI 21:13 Emotional Banking: Understanding Money's Emotional Impact 22:25 Incorporating Emotional Intelligence in Financial Planning 25:25 Personalising Financial Advice with AI 30:20 The Future of Financial Advice: AI vs Human Advisors 34:27 The Role of AI in Comprehensive Financial Planning 37:08 Launching AIDA: The AI Digital Advisor 39:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Dave and Dharmesh are joined by Stephanie Emile, General Manager of Binance FZE based out of the UAE, to demystify the evolving world of crypto, regulation, and adoption. Stephanie shares her journey of building Binance’s regulated home in Dubai, where the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) has emerged as a pioneering, crypto-native regulator. The conversation explores how the UAE’s forward-thinking stance positioned it ahead of global peers, taking bold steps even in the aftermath of events like the FTX collapse. Stephanie highlights the UAE’s pragmatic “try, learn, adapt” culture, contrasting it with slower traditional regulators such as the FCA. Key themes include: Regulation as an enabler: Why licensing and collaboration with regulators matter for building trust with users, banks, and institutions. User experience and adoption: The crypto space must become simpler, safer, and more intuitive for mass adoption – from wallets to payments to everyday transactions. The role of advisors: Just as financial advisors guide traditional investments, Stephanie argues that they will need to integrate digital assets into portfolios, supported by education initiatives like Binance Academy. Global outlook: From the UAE’s stablecoin projects to Trump’s stance against CBDCs, the discussion touches on how regulation in the US and elsewhere may shape the future of digital assets. Africa’s potential: With high adoption and demand for financial freedom, Africa emerges as a vital region for Binance’s long-term vision. Stephanie leaves listeners with a view of crypto not as a speculative playground, but as a tool for financial freedom, lower-cost remittances, and real-world use cases. Regulation, education, and innovation, she argues, will bring digital assets into the mainstream — not kill them.

In this episode, the hosts welcome back David Jarvis, co-founder and CEO of Griffin, for his second appearance on the show. The discussion centres on the emerging concept of agentic banking and Griffin’s development of the MCP server. David explains how the MCP server enables AI models to interact with banking APIs using a configuration file, significantly enhancing automation and functionality. The conversation explores how this technology could transform areas such as corporate treasury, wealth management, and broader financial services. David outlines how AI agents might one day handle complex tasks traditionally managed by intermediaries like mortgage brokers and treasurers, streamlining operations and reducing costs. While still in the early stages, this innovation is already gaining interest from banks and fintech firms. The episode also looks ahead to the future of AI in banking, examining both the potential and the practical challenges of integrating agentic systems into existing infrastructure. Listeners can find out more via Griffin’s website (https://griffin.com/) and blog.

In this powerful episode of Dave and Dharm Demystify, technologist and financial services veteran Ciara Conway joins Dave and Dharmesh for a frank and wide-ranging conversation about demystifying the forces shaping our future. The trio take on some of the biggest questions of our time: What happens when innovation is driven by profit above all else? How will AI and automation reshape our world of work, and at what cost to human dignity? And can we build a new social contract that ensures technology serves society, rather than erodes it? Drawing on real-world examples – from the privatisation of water to the rising costs of life-saving medicines, Ciara challenges the idea that progress is always good, urging us to question who benefits and at what price. They discuss the urgent need for ethics in boardrooms, government frameworks to protect the public good, and grassroots activism to hold power to account. Despite the heavy themes, this is a conversation rooted in optimism. Ciara, Dave, and Dharmesh explore how small, determined groups of people can spark meaningful change, why open debate matters more than ever, and how we might still shape a future worth getting out of bed for.

In this episode, Dave and Dharmesh are joined by Thea Loch, Head of Digital Payments at Lloyds Banking Group, for an insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of digital payments and innovation within one of the UK’s largest banks. Thea offers a deep dive into Lloyds’ efforts to modernise its infrastructure, streamline legacy systems, and enhance customer experience while maintaining resilience at scale. She sheds light on the bank’s shift from transactional to contextual services, driven by advancements in AI and a platform-based operating model that integrates design, technology, and business teams. Thea also highlights the importance of strong leadership, particularly under CEO Charlie Nunn, in steering Lloyds towards a future of responsible AI experimentation, agile development, and customer-centric innovation. With examples like the rollout of ‘Request to Pay’ and improvements in faster payments, Thea outlines Lloyds' ambitions to stay competitive amid fintech disruption. The conversation explores everything from the challenges of system integration to the cultural shifts needed for digital and AI transformation, underscoring the bank’s goal to become the UK’s biggest fintech - Without losing the human touch!

In this episode, recorded in Limassol, Cyprus at the Reflect Festival, Breno Oliveira, Head of Product at Payabl, shares insights from his presentation on the evolution of the checkout experience. He discusses how Payabl is helping merchants across Europe streamline and unify their payment solutions to meet rising consumer expectations. Breno delves into the findings of a recent research study conducted with 1,400 consumers across Europe, aimed at understanding evolving payment behaviours and preferences. Notable insights include that 43% of consumers abandon e-commerce sites following a poor checkout experience, and that Gen Z expects to complete transactions in under 10 seconds. The research also highlights the critical role of regional payment preferences and the growing demand for fast, secure and seamless checkouts. He stresses the importance of creating frictionless and localised payment journeys that inspire consumer trust and satisfaction. Breno also discusses Payabl’s latest initiatives, including an AI-powered fraud prevention programme and the upcoming launch of the Payabl card. The conversation reinforces the value of consumer research in shaping product strategy and enhancing user experience in an increasingly competitive payments landscape.

In this episode, the conversation centres on embedded finance and digital transformation with Christie Kristensen, Partnership Manager at Danske Bank. Christie shares her experience working across fintech and banking, and how Danske is evolving to meet the needs of corporate clients by embedding financial services directly into enterprise systems such as ERPs and treasury platforms. The discussion explores how Danske is moving beyond regulatory open banking APIs to offer premium APIs that support real-time, data-driven decision-making. These APIs are designed to automate traditionally manual workflows like financial reporting and cash management, reducing reliance on outdated file-based systems. Christie emphasises a strong co-creation model, where product development is informed directly by customer and partner feedback, ensuring relevance and tangible impact. She also describes how Danske’s strategy, known as the 428 plan, aims to position the bank as a vital infrastructure player in the ecosystem—focusing on powering finance rather than owning the user interface. The integration of AI and real-time data is also touched upon, with a view towards future-proofing financial operations and enabling predictive insights for finance professionals. With a culture that mirrors fintech agility, cross-functional collaboration between tech and business, and a firm commitment to customer-centric innovation, Danske Bank is setting a benchmark for how traditional institutions can reinvent themselves in the embedded finance era.

In his episode of the Dave and Dharm Demystify Show, host Dharm is joined by Rob Dunlap, Head of Product Innovation at Zafin, to discuss the evolving landscape of agentic AI and its applications in banking. Rob had previously lead AI initiatives at IBM before joining Zafin making him a great subject matter expert for demystifying agentic banking. The conversation delves into the definition and implications of agentic AI, emphasizing its transformative potential and role in automating complex financial tasks. Rob shares insights on how third-party apps are pioneering the adoption of AI in personal finance, while banks must catch up to maintain customer trust and offer personalized services. The discussion touches on the challenges banks face, such as overcoming internal silos and ensuring regulatory compliance, and highlights the importance of human and AI partnerships. Rob also talks about the rapid pace of AI innovation and the importance of designing AI solutions for user adoption

In this episode of the Dave and Dharm Show, Jim Rowan, Head of AI at Deloitte US, provides a deep dive demystification into the evolving impact of AI across the enterprise landscape. Jim shares insights from his role leading AI innovation and internal transformation at Deloitte, highlighting how organisations can leverage AI not only for operational efficiency but also for long-term strategic reinvention. The conversation explores the emergence of agentic AI, where we are on the adoption curve, and the foundational steps enterprises must take to realise its potential. Jim also tackles the critical themes of trust and regulation, and underlines the importance of equipping both employees and leadership with AI fluency. With real-world examples and thought-provoking commentary on the future of work and customer relationships, this episode offers a compelling perspective on navigating an AI-accelerated future.

In this episode, we delve into the complex and ongoing journey of digital transformation in banking with two leading voices in the field: Don Free, formerly a lead analyst at Gartner, and Jost Hoppermann, formerly a lead analyst at Forrester. Now operating as independent experts at Angry Rabbit, Don and Jost bring candid insights into how digital transformation is unfolding across banking tiers and global regions. They explore why transformation cannot be treated as a one-off initiative but must instead become a core part of a bank’s operating model. A central theme is composability; both its potential and its pitfalls. Jost explains why composable architecture often fails to live up to expectations, citing architectural complexity and poor integration as common stumbling blocks. Together they highlight recurring mistakes made by banks on the digital journey, from ‘honeymoon trust’ in vendors, to superficial ‘core cloning’, to inadequate data governance. They argue for a more adaptive, evolutionary approach that blends strategic planning with flexible, modular architecture. The conversation is a timely reminder that digital transformation is not a destination. It is an ongoing, adaptive process essential for keeping pace with technological shifts and regulatory change.

Join hosts Dave and Dharmesh as they dive into an illuminating conversation with serial fintech entrepreneur David Sosna. David, known for founding groundbreaking fintech companies like Actimize and Personetics, shares his journey from pioneering data-driven solutions for fraud detection to enhancing customer financial management with insightful digital tools. In this episode, David unveils his latest venture, Sympera.ai, a transformative platform harnessing the power of generative AI to revolutionise business banking. He discusses how Sympera.ai empowers bankers, particularly in the underserved small and medium-sized business sector, by seamlessly combining digital efficiency with essential human expertise. David also shares insights into securing a \$10 million seed funding round, his vision for leveraging AI to provide tailored financial guidance, and why the future of banking hinges on blending technological innovation with personal human connections. Tune in to explore the cutting-edge intersection of finance, technology, and customer experience, and hear firsthand how David Sosna is once again reshaping the fintech landscape.

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.

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.