Banking Bytes

Regulation as a Catalyst

In this episode of Banking Bytes, host Matt Williamson is joined by Ezequiel Canestrari, Chief Operating Officer, ClearBank Europe, to explore how regulation is evolving from constraint to catalyst across the financial industry. From PSD3 and the AI Act to ISO 20022 migration and digital assets, Ezequiel shares how ClearBank embeds compliance into innovation, turning regulatory change into competitive advantage. He also discusses the importance of collaboration across banks, fintechs and regulators and how Europe's evolving frameworks are shaping the next phase of growth. You'll learn: * Why regulation can be a driver of innovation, not a blocker * How ClearBank builds compliance into product design from day one * What PSD3, DORA and the AI Act mean for financial institutions * How digital assets and stablecoins are transforming cross-border payments * What's next for European banking Tune in to hear how regulation is becoming a new engine of innovation in banking.

Breaking the Walled Garden: The Next Wave of Disruption in Digital Banking

In this episode of Banking Bytes, host Matt Williamson is joined by Cornell Dixon, Head of Growth at Plumery, to unpack what disruption in digital banking really means today. From cloud-native design and interoperable ecosystems to AI and cultural transformation, Cornell shares how fintechs and banks alike are redefining the customer journey. He explains why pivots are essential, where digital banking is seeing the fastest change and how leaders can embrace innovation with confidence. Tune in to learn: * Why disruption is about more than just AI * How open ecosystems are breaking apart the "walled garden" approach in finance * Where cloud-native platforms are accelerating speed and scale * Why cultural transformation is often harder than technical change * How fintechs and traditional banks differ in defining success

Power in Partnership: Building Boldly in Fintech with Denise Johansson

In this episode of Banking Bytes, hosts Matt Williamson and Fred Fuller are joined by Denise Johansson, co-founder and co-CEO of Enfuce, for a candid conversation on building bold in fintech, navigating challenges as female founders, and how trust-based partnerships can shape the future of payments. From launching the first cloud-based payment processing platform in Europe to scaling a fintech across multiple markets, Denise shares her journey of resilience, innovation and leadership, offering insights that go far beyond business. Key highlights: * Why meaningful partnerships are built on shared values, not just business cases * The realities of co-CEO leadership – and how to make it work * Building a fintech without a tech background – and thriving anyway * What inspired Enfuce to hire a Chief Inspiration Officer * How to stay grounded when scaling fast – the personal side of growth Matt, Fred and Denise dive into what it takes to lead with purpose and build something that lasts on your own terms.

Beyond the Buzz: What Instant Payments Really Mean for Banks

In this episode of Banking Bytes, host Matt Williamson is joined by Michael Knetsch of Deutsche Bank and Cristian Cengher of Erste Group to unpack the true impact of the instant payments mandate and what it really means for banks navigating rapid regulatory change. Recorded live at MoneyLive, this conversation dives into the operational, regulatory and infrastructure challenges of implementing instant payments across Europe and why the October compliance deadline is only part of the story. Key highlights: * The hidden risks of the 10-second rule – why milliseconds matter * How verification of payee (VOP) is shaping the fight against fraud * Why customer experience is at stake in the rush to comply * The reality of 24/7 settlement – why most banks aren't there yet * What needs to happen before truly seamless cross-border payments become a reality Michael, Cristian and Matt explore what it takes to move from compliance to competitive advantage and how banks can meet expectations without compromising trust or stability. Tune in to hear expert views on the future of payments, infrastructure readiness and what's next for the European banking ecosystem.

Breaking the Bank: How Innovation is Reshaping Payments & Technology

In this episode of Banking Bytes, hosts Fred Fuller and Matt Williamson sit down with Steve Mallet, former CIO at HSBC, to discuss how banking technology is evolving—and why the simplest innovations often have the biggest impact. From the rise of instant payments to the role of AI in financial services, this episode explores how banks and fintechs are navigating the challenges of modernisation while maintaining security, resilience, and customer trust. Key highlights: * What innovation in banking really means—and why it's not just about cutting-edge tech. * The rise of instant payments and the move towards real-time transactions. * AI in banking: Overhyped buzzword or a real game-changer? * Escaping legacy systems—why modernisation is crucial for the future of financial services. * The global shift towards faster, smarter cross-border payments. Steve, Fred, and Matt share real-world insights on the future of payments, the challenges of technology adoption, and how banks can strike the balance between innovation and stability. Listen now to discover how the banking industry is evolving in real-time!