Innovating for a Sustainable Future - Gustavo Vinacua 💥 Summary In this compelling episode of Tales from the FinTech Crypt , Duena Blomstrom sits down with Gustavo Vinacua , a sustainability and innovation strategist and former driving force behind BBVA’s transformation into a FinTech innovation leader. This isn’t just a story about banking - it’s a front-row seat to how legacy institutions evolve, how sustainability became a serious business lever, and why emotional intelligence and diversity ...
Apr 07, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 3
In this engaging conversation, Duena Blomstrom interviews Matteo Rizzi, a prominent figure in the fintech industry, discussing his extensive journey through fintech, investment in emerging markets, and the creation of impactful initiatives like TimePledge. They explore the intersection of sustainability and finance, the importance of talent management, and the need for authenticity and courage in innovation. The discussion highlights the future of fintech, focusing on digital assets and financia...
Feb 26, 2025•48 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Summary In this thought-provoking conversation, Duena Blomstrom sits down with Andra Sonea to unravel the intricate evolution of fintech and its transformative impact on banking. From the once-niche fintech events to the mainstream revolution of open banking, they explore the critical shifts that have redefined financial services. Together, they dissect the complex relationship between front-end and back-end banking systems, the ongoing battle with technical debt, and the persistent gap between ...
Jan 30, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Summary In this episode, Duena Blomstrom and Brett King dive into the transformation of banking from traditional branches to a digital-first future. They discuss AI's role in reshaping financial services, the philosophical shifts needed in our economic models, and how AI could intersect with climate change. The conversation also touches on generational value changes, the ethical challenges around AI, and the importance of keeping the human touch in tech and finance. This is a must-listen for any...
Nov 28, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Get ready for an exciting and honest conversation as Duena Blomstrom and Nasir Zubairi dive into the fascinating evolution of the FinTech industry! From its humble beginnings to the entrepreneurial journeys that shaped it, they explore where we are now and the innovations pushing financial services forward. You'll hear all about the challenges startups face, the cultural hurdles in traditional banking—including their infamous spaghetti backend systems—and whether banks can truly embrace Agile an...
Nov 18, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In this lively conversation, Duena Blomstrom and Alex Jimenez, both members of the "FinTech Mafia ThinkTank," offer an insider's perspective on the fascinating journey of the fintech industry. They dive into its early beginnings, the struggles of driving innovation in traditional banking, and envision an exciting future where banking becomes truly personalized and consumer-centric. With a focus on how technology is reshaping finance, they reflect on the industry's evolution and the urgent need f...
Nov 05, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In this lively conversation, Duena Blomstrom sits down with Alessandro Hatami, a former banker turned FinTech trailblazer and innovation catalyst, to dive into the evolution of the FinTech industry. They tackle the challenges faced by traditional banks and the exciting opportunities that collaboration between incumbents and challengers can bring. With insights into how banks must adapt to truly understand customer needs, the role of regulation as a catalyst for innovation, and the shifting lands...
Oct 29, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 5
In this captivating episode of "Tales from the Fintech Crypt," join Duena Blomstrom and Theo Lau as they embark on a thought-provoking journey through the dynamic world of fintech. They delve into how the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the financial landscape and explore the ongoing challenges facing the banking sector today. With an insightful lens, Duena and Theo reflect on the incremental technological advancements that have emerged and highlight the urgent need for a cultural transformation ...
Oct 08, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In this dynamic conversation, Duena Blomstrom and Roberta Profeta share captivating stories from their journeys in the FinTech world, diving deep into the transformation of banking and the bold challenges of driving innovation. They highlight the crucial roles culture and gender play in shaping change, while exploring how passion and authenticity define strong leadership. The discussion delves into cutting-edge topics like AI, blockchain, and the growing need for a holistic approach to innovatio...
Sep 23, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 3
In this conversation, Duena Blomstrom and Einar Gustafsson discuss their very early experiences in the fintech industry and the challenges they faced. They reflect on their time working together and the innovative solutions they developed. They also explore the mindset and culture in Iceland that fosters innovation and resourcefulness. The conversation highlights the importance of building products with a focus on user experience and the struggles of implementing innovation within large organiza...
Sep 06, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 2
In this conversation, Duena Blomstrom and Nektarios Liolios discuss the early days of fintech and the challenges faced in driving innovation within the banking industry. They reflect on the lack of fundamental change in the banking experience and the burnout experienced by those OGs working to digitally transform banks. They highlight the disconnect between the ambition for change and the lack of delivery capability within banks. They also discuss the need for banks to focus on the care towards ...
Aug 23, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 1
