Episode description

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, Mehmet is joined by Nicky Senyard, Founder and CEO of Fintel Connect, a leader in affiliate marketing for financial services. Nicky shares her journey of over 24 years in affiliate marketing, highlighting her work with banks, credit unions, and fintechs to help them scale their operations. She delves into the unique challenges and opportunities of integrating affiliate marketing into the heavily regulated financial industry, emphasizing the importance of timing and adaptation in business success.

Nicky discusses her early ventures, including her time as a dominant affiliate technology supplier in the regulated online gambling industry and how those experiences prepared her for her current role in financial services. She shares insights on how Fintel Connect uses AI-driven compliance tools to help financial institutions manage marketing content effectively, ensuring that all information meets regulatory standards. Nicky explains the complexities of integrating new technologies with legacy banking systems, highlighting her company’s ability to navigate diverse technological landscapes, from traditional banking platforms to cutting-edge fintech solutions.

Mehmet and Nicky explore the rise of neobanks and fintechs and their impact on traditional banks, pushing them to be more flexible and consumer-centric. Nicky passionately discusses financial literacy and the growing role of influencers, or “finfluencers,” in reaching younger generations with financial education and advice. She emphasizes the value of authenticity and the potential of influencers to connect with audiences in ways that traditional marketing cannot.

The conversation also touches on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in affiliate marketing and consumer trust in AI-generated content. Nicky shares her perspective on AI as a tool that enhances data synthesis and decision-making but stresses the importance of human oversight and primary research in understanding and applying AI-driven insights.

As the discussion shifts to entrepreneurship, Nicky reflects on her experiences building and exiting her first business and the lessons she has applied to her current venture. She candidly discusses the challenges of starting over, the importance of risk management, and the need for a deep understanding of revenue streams. Nicky advises aspiring entrepreneurs to carefully consider whether they want to build a lifestyle business or an asset-based business, highlighting the implications of each path.

About Nicky:

Nicky Senyard is CEO and Founder of Fintel Connect, the leading specialist in performance marketing technology for the financial industry. Nicky is a 20-year pioneer and entrepreneur in performance marketing, building and exiting her first SaaS marketing tech company in 2016. Having started her career in PR and marketing, Nicky is highly invested in seeing brands successfully leverage a multi-channel marketing approach that encompasses all facets of digital, in particular social media and influencer marketing. She and her team are on a mission to create contribution and growth for the financial industry by developing scalable, secure, marketing intelligence solutions that drive breakthrough results.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickysenyard/

https://www.fintelconnect.com/