Converge

How to build onchain rails banks actually want to run, with Tesser

In this episode, Alex Lawrence, Alanna Frost and Akash Patel sit down with Geetha Panchapakesan, Founder and CEO of Tesser and Dana Weinstein, Head of Product and Operations at Tesser to unpack why cross-border payments are still so broken, how stablecoins can make money movement faster and more predictable, and why banks and PSPs don’t need to become crypto startups to get on chain. They also explore the hidden costs of pre-funding, the pressure on financial institutions to modernize, and what it takes to build compliant infrastructure for the future of payments. Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

Market update: Q1 2026 market review - Volatile geopolitics, AI, and market uncertainty

In this Market Update, host Alex Lawrence sits down with Kevin Ford to break down a volatile Q1 2026 shaped by geopolitical shocks, uneven market performance, and rising uncertainty around inflation and growth. They discuss how the US‑Iran conflict, higher oil prices, and tightening financial conditions are affecting markets—alongside pressure from large‑scale AI spending and growing concerns in private credit. Looking ahead, the conversation explores what could come next if tensions persist into Q2, including the potential impact on inflation, central bank policy, currencies, and risk appetite. Topics covered include:• Geopolitics as the dominant driver of markets• Equity performance across regions and major tech names• AI investment, private credit stress, and investor concern• Oil prices, inflation risks, and central bank positioning• What markets may be pricing in as Q2 begins Follow Converge for regular market updates and insights into the forces shaping global finance. Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

Building Trust in Global Digital Infrastructure with The Hashgraph Group | Hedera

This week, we sat down with Stefan Deiss [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefandeiss/], CEO of The Hashgraph Group, to discuss the transformative potential of Hedera Hashgraph in cross-border payments, digital identity, ESG markets, and enterprise solutions. Stefan reveals how trust, transparency, and innovative projects are shaping the future of digital infrastructure, with highlights of impactful financial services projects built for the Hedera Hashgraph ecosystem, one of the most promising public blockchains for enterprise use cases. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hashgraph and DLT 02:58 The Role of Hashgraph in Cross-Border Payments 06:08 Hashgraph Group's Mission and Enterprise Solutions 09:09 Venture Fund and Investment Thesis 11:59 Web3 Development and Hackathons in Africa 14:50 Innovative Projects for Financial Inclusion 18:06 Partnerships with Consultancy Firms 20:58 Regulatory Compliance and Product Launches 24:08 Conversations from Davos and Industry Insights Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

Market Update: AI-driven froth, middle east volatility shake up markets

This week, host Alex Lawrence sat down with FX and Macro Analyst Antonio Ruggiero to analyze the impact of the escalating Middle East conflict on global markets, central bank policies, and the US dollar. They explore how geopolitical tensions influence energy prices, inflation expectations, and currency dynamics, providing insights for investors navigating uncertain times. Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

A Career Crossing Borders: Female Leadership and the Future of Payments with Convera CCO Meaghan Riley.

This week, host Alex Lawrence [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencealex] sat down with Meaghan Riley [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meaghanriley/], newly appointed Chief Commercial Officer at Convera, to dive into her journey as a female leader in tech and finance in celebration of International Women's Day. Meaghan shares her views on the importance of diversity and inclusion, and explores the future of cross-border payments and AI in financial services where the signal is going beyond the noise. Meaghan also shares her practical advice for women in fintech, the impact of global culture on leadership, and how Convera is specifically innovating in the payments industry as it enters a transformative year for cross border commerce and global money movement. Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.