In this kickoff to the 2025–26 season, Eric and Elijah unpack the boom—and backlash—around Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL). From viral memes about financing hot dogs to real concerns about “invisible debt,” they trace how BNPL morphed from an inclusion play for thin-file borrowers into a system that can nudge impulsive spending. The conversation hits consumer psychology hard: why splitting payments feels like “free money,” and why short-lived purchases create unique collection headaches.00:00 – Intro & Definition of BNPL
01:00 – BNPL in Everyday Life
03:00 – Psychology of “Free Money”
05:00 – Financial Inclusion vs. Predatory Lending
07:00 – Consequences and Collections
09:00 – FICO Scores and Invisible Debt
11:30 – Credit Limits and Hard Inquiries
13:30 – IPO Failures and Market Uncertainty
15:30 – Regulation and Global Impact
17:30 – Banks Entering the BNPL Space
19:30 – The Shake-Out Period
21:30 – Conclusion & Sign-Off

Julian Kwan is a Singapore-based entrepreneur specializing in blockchain, fintech, and security tokenization. He is the co-founder & CEO of InvestaX and IX Swap, two platforms revolutionizing real-world asset (RWA) tokenization.

In this episode, we sit down with Doug Ricket, founder and CEO of Page Joy, a fintech company providing smartphone financing and credit solutions to underbanked consumers in emerging markets. Doug shares his journey from Silicon Valley to the Peace Corps in Africa, how his experiences shaped his passion for financial inclusion, and the challenges of scaling across different regions. We also dive into credit assessment for underbanked populations, the role of technology in financial accessibility, and Doug’s insights on entrepreneurship, social impact, and the evolving value of an MBA.

We sit down with Mariela Hunter, a seasoned professional with nearly 15 years in financial services focusing on strategy, innovation, and fintech partnerships. Mariela shares her insights on the transformative role of AI agents in the industry, emphasizing not just the efficiency they bring but also their potential to empower rather than replace human teams. She delves into the challenges and opportunities within regulated sectors like finance and healthcare, predicting significant advancements in how AI can streamline operations and enhance decision-making processes. Tune in to discover how AI agents are setting the stage for a revolution in financial services, making it an essential listen for anyone keen on the future intersections of technology and finance.

Gary Hoberman, CEO and founder of Unqork, introduces himself as someone who spent 25 years climbing the corporate ladder on Wall Street before founding Unqork. He explains his transition from a corporate career to founding Unqork in 2017. Holderman discusses the challenges he faced in the corporate world, particularly regarding legacy software and technical debt, which led him to create Unqork. He emphasizes the difference between engineers and developers, highlighting the importance of solving problems efficiently. Hoberman describes Unqork as a B2B platform initially focused on regulated industries like financial services and healthcare, aiming to address complex challenges faced by large corporations. He discusses the role of AI in software development and how Unqork aims to collaborate with AI while maintaining its unique approach to solving software problems.

Tarang Gupta, current associate at BCG and former Wharton FinTech podcast co-host discusses fintech development comparisons in countries like the US and India, emphasizing regulatory disparities and consumer profiles. The conversation also touches on the evolution of the fintech industry, particularly in response to Federal Reserve interest rate changes, and the potential role of AI in improving efficiency while highlighting associated risks and the need for regulatory frameworks. We provide insights into the dynamic landscape of fintech and the potential impact of AI integration in the financial sector. Listen to learn more!

Yan Wu, co-founder of Embedded.dev and Bond Financial Technologies as well as former VP Head of Data at SoFi shares his journey from engineering to fintech. We talk all things BNPL, how these innovations are transforming Black Friday shopping as well as what went into building Bond, which he sold in June 2023. Yan delves into Bond's mission to streamline financial services for developers through modern APIs, shedding light on their role in facilitating transactions and compliance. Furthermore, he addresses the challenges of merging antiquated banking technology with modern innovations and offers valuable insights into the future of banking and blockchain technology. Listen to learn more!

Matt West, founder of Zenios discusses the challenges and opportunities in the fintech industry. They delve into the complexities of regulatory compliance, particularly in the context of partnerships between fintech firms and banks, amidst a crackdown on fintech-bank relationships. The conversation touches on market trends, potential recession impacts, and the evolving landscape of buy now, pay later (BNPL) services. Matt emphasizes the importance of adaptability and continuous learning, offering advice for individuals navigating the dynamic fintech ecosystem.

Gary Hoberman, CEO and founder of Unqork, recounts his transition from a 25-year career on Wall Street to entrepreneurship with Unqork in 2017. Reflecting on his experience in capital markets and trading systems, Holderman highlights the inefficiencies of traditional software development, where a significant budget is consumed by maintaining legacy systems. He emphasizes the need for software that evolves and improves over time, rather than contributing to legacy burdens. Holderman discusses Unquork's focus on regulated industries like financial services and healthcare, detailing their success with major clients like CVS and federal compliance certification. He underscores Unqork’s strategy of addressing complex challenges first to pave the way for broader adoption, contrasting it with traditional technology companies.

In this episode of the Fintech at IU podcast, Phin Upham, founding partner at Haymaker Ventures, discusses his venture capital experience and insights into investing in young founders. He explores the fintech space, focusing on the impact of market fluctuations and the evolution of BNPL services. Phin highlights the significance of AI in financial decision-making and the necessity of offering consumers better choices through technology. Concluding with advice for college students, he stresses the importance of long-term planning and systematic execution for success. 

In this episode of the Fintech at IU podcast, Jan Smith, a strategic advisor at H2O Capital Innovation, shares his extensive experience in fintech, strategy consulting, and M&A advisory. He discusses the importance of mentorship, early entrepreneurship, and the unique challenges and opportunities within the Latin American fintech landscape, highlighting differences in regulatory environments and innovation trends. The episode also discusses Jan's critical views on "Buy Now, Pay Later" practices, questioning their impact on financial inclusion and the authenticity of fintech companies' world-changing claims. 

00:00 to 00:04: Jan Smith, a strategic advisor at H2O Capital Innovation, discusses his experience in fintech, including strategy consulting and M&A advisory, and highlights his team's global operations in Latin America, the US, Dubai, Singapore, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. 

00:04 to 00:08: Jan shares insights on entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of starting early, taking risks, having a supportive team, and his journey with American Express influencing his career in financial services. 

00:08 to 00:12: The discussion focuses on the significance of mentors for young entrepreneurs and the role of compliance and regulation in the Latin American fintech landscape, particularly in anti-money laundering and cross-border payments. 

00:12 to 00:16: The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities in Latin American fintech, comparing Brazil's progressive approach to Mexico's conservative stance due to regulatory uncertainties and different investment cultures. 

00:16 to 00:20: Jan elaborates on fintech development in Latin America, noting Brazil's advanced banking system, Mexico's regulatory challenges, and the rising innovation in countries like Colombia. 

00:20 to 00:24: The discussion shifts to "Buy Now, Pay Later" practices in Latin America, with Jan critiquing their impact on financial inclusion and consumer behavior and questioning fintech companies' claims about world-changing impacts. 

Aaron Smith, co-founder of Savi, discusses innovative solutions in student loan management and strategies for financial empowerment in academia. Discover Savvy's role in transforming financial decisions for students and graduates in this insightful discussion on FinTech's impact on education. 

00:00 - 00:03: Introduction to the podcast and discussion on university cost decisions and student loan assistance with Aaron Smith from Savi. 

00:03 - 00:06: Exploration of rising education costs, average student debt, and government loan forgiveness options. 

00:06 - 00:09: Discussion on economic challenges for young people, policy work in D.C., and factors driving up college costs. 

00:09 - 00:12: Debate on the value of college education versus debt, focusing on the financial impact on different socio-economic classes. 

00:12 - 00:15: Continuation on college funding complexities, income share agreements, and the cyclical nature of college attendance. 

00:15 - 00:18: Discussion on the ethics of college funding, disparities in student resources, and middle-class financial struggles. 

00:18 - 00:21: Focus on legal aspects of student loans, importance of understanding repayment options, and impact of COVID-19 on loan payments. 

00:21 - 00:24: Conversation shifts to entrepreneurship, with advice for students on starting businesses and addressing industry pain points. 

00:24 - 00:27: Discussion on choosing and prioritizing business ideas, the role of co-founders, and challenges in disrupting industries. 

00:27 - 00:30: Emphasis on timing and unpredictability in starting a business and the importance of long-term planning. 

00:30 - 00:33: Conclusion with advice for college students on student loans and entrepreneurship, followed by acknowledgments and thanks. 

In this episode, Joshuah Lebacq, Principal of VC at the National Bank of Canada, discusses venture capital in fintech, emphasizing the key characteristics of successful startups and the importance of strong leadership and company culture. We discuss corporate governance, with a focus on the challenges of board responsibilities and decision-making, particularly in cases of CEO removal, using OpenAI as an example and explore the intersection of technology and finance, discussing topics like AI and robotics, the strategy behind Apple's credit card, and the dynamics of collaborations between financial institutions. 

00:00 - 00:05: Introduction of Joshua Lebec from National Bank of Canada, discussing venture capital in fintech, investment in various financial services, and the role of venture capital in supporting startups. 

00:05 - 00:10: Discussion on key characteristics of successful portfolio companies, challenges in scaling, and the importance of leadership and company culture. 

00:10 - 00:15: Conversation about board responsibilities, challenges in corporate governance, and the complexities of removing a CEO, with a specific reference to a scenario at OpenAI. 

00:15 - 00:20: Exploration of the limitations and potential dangers of AI and robotics, including a hypothetical scenario involving facial recognition and explosive drones, and thoughts on Neuralink. 

00:20 - 00:25: 

00:25 - 00:30: Discussion on Apple's credit card strategy, its impact on customers, and potential future directions for Apple's financial services. 

00:30 - 00:35: Exploration of the Marriott Bonvoy credit card benefits, challenges of different financial institutions collaborating, and the sustainability of such programs. 

00:35 - 00:40: A conversation about influential leaders in the financial sector, the risks and benefits of big financial ventures, and the impact of public image on business decisions. 

In this episode, Erin Papworth, CEO and co-founder of Nav.it, delves into the intricate relationship between financial health and behavioral science. She shares her unique journey from working on significant projects in Africa to spearheading innovations in fintech, focusing on the impact of financial education and services on behavioral change. The discussion also highlights the future of fintech, discussing the integration of AI, the ethical considerations in financial products, and strategies for financial wellness in the modern world. 

00:00 - 00:03: Introduction of Erin Papworth, CEO of Nav.it, discussing her background in behavioral health and financial services in Africa. 

00:03 - 00:06: Overview of Navit's financial health mission, blending behavioral wellness with a subscription-based financial service model. 

00:06 - 00:09: Insights into consumer credit use, savings trends, and effective strategies for managing debt and finances. 

00:09 - 00:12: Discussion on personal financial management, importance of building credit history, and early financial education. 

00:12 - 00:15: Exploration of employer-sponsored financial benefits and the role of financial coaching in employee wellness. 

00:15 - 00:18: Ethical concerns around high-interest rates, debt management, and the impact of financial stress on health. 

00:18 - 00:21: Analysis of economic trends, government debt, and their implications for personal finance. 

00:21 - 00:24: Advice on investment strategies, diversification, and the role of cryptocurrencies in personal finance. 

00:24 - 00:27: Discussion on financial health as an integral part of overall well-being and its impact on life decisions and happiness. 

00:27 - 00:30: Future trends in fintech, financial education importance, and technology integration in financial planning. 

00:30 - 00:33: Financial management and career planning advice for young professionals in the AI era. 

00:33 - 00:35: Closing remarks, acknowledgments to participants and listeners, and concluding thoughts.