In this episode, Mayoran Rajendra, Head of Asia Innovation Centre for SMBC, shares why success of a bank’s innovation lab depends on transforming core businesses rather than chasing side projects. He explains how his team delivers free analytics tools to CFOs as a bridge to financial products, why SMBC built the Asia Rising Fund to co-invest with startups, and how they’re already deploying generative AI for CFO “agents” that run financial reviews. With insights on sponsorship, governance, and customer readiness, this is a rare look at how one of the world’s largest banks is making innovation practical, profitable, and scalable.

Born stateless in Japan, Taejun Shin’s journey from refugee travel documents to private equity and then founding Gojo is anything but ordinary. In this episode, he explains how his personal story shaped a mission to deliver financial services to low-income households across 13 countries, from India to Africa. He shares why governance and regulation remain his biggest hurdles, why face-to-face interactions still outperform AI in credit scoring, and how he structured Gojo’s cap table to balance profit with social impact. With ambitions to reach 100 million households in 50 countries, Taejun reveals what it takes to scale microfinance responsibly while staying true to its mission.

Venture capital often chases hype, but Logan Allen, founder of Fin Capital, has built a firm around what he calls “boring FinTech”—the B2B infrastructure that powers banks, insurers, and asset managers. In this episode, Logan explains why core banking systems are the biggest systemic risk in finance, why middleware and dual-core strategies are only stopgaps, and how generative AI is pushing banks to finally partner with external software providers. Get a rare insider’s view into how VC can add real value, beyond just writing checks.

What happens when regulators can’t keep up with fintech’s pace of change? In this episode, Professor Bob Wardrop, co-founder of the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance and RegGenome, explains why regulators hesitance in the face of new technologies, how computational regulation can make compliance machine-readable, and why resource constraints create systemic blind spots. He shares the challenges of aligning global standards across fragmented jurisdictions, the role of innovation hubs, and why regulators must accept that technology is no longer neutral in financial markets.

Home to world-class talent and the world’s third-largest economy, Japan is ripe with potential to produce the next unicorns and decacorns. In this episode, Jordan Fisher, venture partner at Antler Japan and Founder of Zehitomo Inc, unpacks the structural challenges holding back Japan’s startup scene. He shares why Antler is betting on cross-cultural founder teams, how global capital and secondaries can shift incentives, and why Japan’s government has finally made innovation a national priority.

Japan’s crypto landscape has historically been plagued by hacks and heavy regulation. Today, the country is charting a comeback. In this episode, Genki Oda, Managing Executive Officer of SBI Holdings, shares how regulators are easing tax burdens, why stablecoins could define Japan’s next phase, and how SBI is connecting 50 million customers to digital assets. Get a candid look at what it will take to lift Japan’s crypto market share from 1% to 20% and attract global innovators back to Tokyo.

In this episode, Naveen Mallela, Global Co-head of Kinexys & Managing Director at J.P. Morgan. takes the hot seat. Joined by Arjun Vir Singh of Couchonomics with Arjun, they discuss the evolving landscape of digital assets and the critical role blockchain is playing in reshaping financial market infrastructure. From tackling cross-border payment friction to exploring the future of stablecoins and tokenized deposits, Naveen shares how financial institutions are adapting to a new era of programmable, shared ledgers, shedding light on the innovations driving the next generation of global finance.

In this episode of The CXO Conversations, GFTN’s Pat Patel sits down with Prajit Nanu, Founder & CEO of Nium. They dive deep into the journey of scaling a business from Singapore to San Francisco, navigating the shift from growth at any cost to profitable growth. Hear how resilience, shamelessness, and a bit of boldness shaped Prajit’s approach to business, and why early-stage founders need to hustle relentlessly to succeed. The conversation also touches on the future of stablecoins, the limitations of traditional payment rails, and how emerging markets can leverage crypto for global business. Tune in for an unfiltered take on the realities of building a global business in the modern fintech world.Guest: Prajit Nanu, Founder & CEO, NiumHost: Pat Patel, CEO, USA, LATAM, MEA & Co-CEO, Forums, Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN)

Benjamin Fernandez, CEO and Founder of NALA, takes us through the evolving role of cross-border payments in Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Learn how seamless and efficient payment systems can fuel innovation, improve trade, and enable local businesses to scale globally. This episode offers valuable insights on the importance of cross-border payments in driving business growth and financial inclusion.

Guest: Benjamin Fernandes, Founder & CEO, NALAHost: Divine Muragijimana, Fractional CMO, Savoir-Faire Global Consulting

In this episode, we explore the powerful intersection of financial inclusion, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Africa. Join Leila Rwagasana of Rwanda Finanace Limited and Christian Kajeneri of the National Bank of Rwanda as they share inspiring success stories, the launch of the National Digital Payment System, and discuss building a conducive environment for startups in Rwanda. They delve into the importance of mentorship, soft skills development, and fostering a global mindset for local entrepreneurs. Tune in for insights on scaling businesses, unlocking funding, and creating a thriving ecosystem in Africa’s digital future.Guests: - Christian Kajeneri, Director Payment Systems, National Bank of Rwanda- Leila Rwagasana, FinTech Secretariat Lead, Rwanda Finance LimitedHost: Matteo Rizzi, Founder, Timepledge.org

Christian Rebernik, CEO, Founder and Chancellor at the Tomorrow University of Applied Sciences, joins The CXO Conversations to discuss how his platform is transforming education. From his journey in fintech to disrupting education, Christian explains how Tomorrow University is equipping African youth with the skills needed for the 21st century. He shares insights into the African Changemaker Scholarship Fund and how AI, technology, and a unique approach to learning are shaping the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators in Africa.Guest: Christian Rebernik, CEO, Founder & Chancellor, Tomorrow University of Applied SciencesHost: Divine Muragijimana, Fractional CMO, Savoir-Faire Global Consulting

Kosta Peric, Deputy Director of Inclusive Financial Systems at the Gates Foundation joins The CXO Conversations to share his expertise on bridging the gap for the 1 billion unbanked globally, focusing on Africa’s progress in digital payments and instant payment systems. He discusses the importance of cross-border payment integration and the exciting opportunities in Africa’s growing financial sector. Hear how technology, perseverance, and passion are driving meaningful change in the financial inclusion space.

Guest: Kosta Peric, Deputy Director, Inclusive Financial Systems, Gates FoundationHost: Matteo Rizzi, Founder, Timepledge.org

Thelma Quaye of Smart Africa joins the podcast to share insights on their mission to drive digital transformation across the continent. Discover how the Smart Africa Digital Academy is shaping the future by building digital skills from the grassroots to the policy level, empowering youth, entrepreneurs, and decisionmakers alike. Learn about the organisation’s work to close Africa’s digital divide and create a more inclusive digital economy through innovation, collaboration, and practical education.

Guest: Thelma Quaye, Director, Digital Infrastructure, Skills and Empowerment, Smart AfricaHost: Matteo RIzzi, Founder, Timepledge.org

In this episode, Hilda Moraa, Founder & CEO of Pezesha, shares her journey from fintech pioneer to creating financial inclusion for Africa's SMEs. Hilda reveals how Pezesha is transforming credit access through digital identity and AI, and why collaboration is key to solving Africa’s $300B financing gap. Learn how Pezesha is not just providing credit, but helping SMEs scale by offering tailored financial products and supporting them through every stage of growth. Tune in for a deep dive into how the right tools can empower SMEs across Africa.Guest: Hilda Moraa, Founder & CEO, PezeshaHost: Divine Muragijimana, Fractional CMO, Savoir-Faire Global Consulting

In this episode, Parag Bhise, CEO of Nucleus Software, shares the story behind the company’s extensive legacy and its role in transforming India’s lending landscape. From pioneering digital lending to integrating APIs and collaborating with fintechs, Parag highlights Nucleus’s adaptability and commitment to innovation. He also discusses the future of small businesses in India, and how Nucleus Software is making waves in global markets like Southeast Asia, Japan, and Latin America.Guest: Parag Bhise, Executive Director & CEO, Nucleus Software Exports LimitedHost: Pat Patel, CEO, USA, LATAM, MEA & Co-CEO, Forums, Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN)

Matteo Rizzi, Founder of TimePledge.org, discusses his ambitious plans to reshape Africa's talent pool. With the launch of the African Talent Academy, Timepledge is on a mission to turn Africa’s youth into the next wave of entrepreneurs and tech leaders. Discover how they’re breaking barriers in education, bypassing traditional roadblocks, and pushing governments to embrace new models of upskilling.

In this episode, we explore how EMTECH is helping central banks embrace innovation while balancing regulation and consumer protection. Carmelle Cadet, Founder & CEO of EMTECH is joined by Hannatu Kasim Adegboyega, the Vice President of Sales, to discuss their journey in building regulatory sandboxes to help central banks stay ahead of fintech disruptions and explore the challenges and opportunities of cross-border collaborations in Africa. Plus, hear their insights on Africa’s potential as a fintech hub and how they’re driving impactful change across the continent.

Guests:

- Carmelle Cadet, Founder & CEO, EMTECH

- Hannatu Kasim Adegboyega, Vice President of Sales, EMTECH

Host: Pat Patel, CEO, USA, LATAM, MEA & Co-CEO, Forums, Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN)

Chebet Kipingor, Country Head at Africa crypto exchange Busha, shares insights into the challenges and opportunities in the region’s crypto landscape. From the importance of working closely with regulators to overcoming misconceptions and building trust, she explains how the continent can harness the power of crypto and stablecoins. She also discusses the role of collaboration between exchanges and regulators to shape a future of financial inclusion and adoption, while addressing Africa's unique economic and regulatory hurdles. This episode dives into the practical steps needed for meaningful change.

Guest: Chebet Kipingor, Country Head, BushaHost: Pat Patel, CEO, USA, LATAM, MEA & Co-CEO, Forums, Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN)

What does it take to build a digital finance brand in one of the world’s most tradition-bound markets? Samantha Ghiotti, CEO and Co-Founder of Habitto, shares how her team broke through the cultural, regulatory, and behavioral barriers in Japan’s financial system. From rewriting the playbook on savings behavior to navigating licensing without a local co-founder, this is a masterclass in building trust, decoding nuance, and designing finance that truly fits.

Guest: Samantha Ghiotti, Founder and CEO, Habitto

Host: Matteo Rizzi, Investor, Author, Co-founder, FTS Group

What does it take to build a digital-first, investor-ready, and globally connected financial hub in Africa? Jean-Marie Munyentwali, Chief Investment Officer of Rwanda Finance Limited, joins Kwame Oppong of the Bank of Ghana to unpack Rwanda’s bold vision. From AI-powered compliance to cross-border licensing, digital inclusion to talent mobility—this episode offers a roadmap to what the future of finance can look like when regulation, innovation, and ambition align.

Guest: Jean-Marie Kananura, Chief Investment Officer, Rwanda Finance Limited

Host: Kwame Oppong, Director of FinTech and Innovation, Bank of Ghana