The continuous shift in regulation, combined with the always-on race for innovation and disruption, is changing the fintech landscape at breakneck speed. With fintech investment rounds down 61% in H2 2022 and a significant shift in investors’ focus from growth to profitability, fintechs are working harder than ever to keep ahead of the curve and thrive, not just survive.
We looked at the most effective tactics for fintech businesses to build and protect their reputation, drive brand awareness and accelerate their go-to-market roadmaps.
We also examined the various spheres of influence in fintech and discussed what wins the attention of fintech journalists, analysts and investors, with Ellie Duncan (Head of Content at Open Banking Expo), Nick Maynard (Head of Research with Juniper Research) and Michael Fanfant (General Partner at Runa Capital).
Hosted by Babel director Cristina Hlinschi, our expert panel of speakers dived into the latest trends and regulations shaping the fintech sector today.
Topics under discussion included:
- Open banking
- Cross-border payments
- Fraud and identity challenges
- Regulatory updates in the UK, EU and US.
Ellie Duncan
Head of Editorial & Broadcast, Open Banking Expo
Open Banking Expo brings together the global Open Banking and Open Finance community through its award-winning events and content.
Ellie hosts the Open Banking Expo Unplugged podcast series, which has featured guests from across the global Open Banking and fintech ecosystem. She can also be seen on stage at Open Banking Expo’s UK and Canada flagship events, moderating panel sessions and hosting fireside chats.
Ellie is a financial journalist, with more than a decade of experience, including at the Financial Times Group, where she headed up the features and broadcast content for FTAdviser.com.
Nick Maynard
Head of Research,
Juniper Research
Leading the Financial Markets team, Nick focuses on analysing the latest developments within the fintech and payments market; helping stakeholders understand future market outlooks and sizing.
His recent research reports include AI in Financial Fraud Detection, B2B Payments and Online Payment Fraud.
Nick has appeared on stage at events such as Money 20/20 Europe and Cybersecurity Live, and has been interviewed by outlets including the BBC, The Telegraph, Forbes, the Wall Street Journal and many others.
Michael Fanfant
General Partner,
Runa Capital
Michael manages Runa’s presence in Palo Alto and since 2017, he has honed his investments and portfolio towards fintech, digital health, edutech and other software for regulated markets. He actively advises AnyRoad, Method Financial, Reelgood and Hubuc.
Michael co-founded Octane Lending in 2014 and, as COO, he helped drive the company towards a Series D valuation of more than $900 million. He currently serves on the company’s Board of Directors. Before Octane Lending, he worked in corporate strategy for Capital One.
He has a BA in economics from Stanford University. In his spare time, he is a mentor and volunteer for Defy Ventures, a nonprofit that connects entrepreneurs with formerly incarcerated individuals to help them launch their own businesses.
Cristina Hlinschi
Director,
Babel
Cristina has a breadth of experience with over two decades in B2B PR, communications and marketing in the UK and globally.
As a director with Babel PR, she lives and breathes B2B PR and marcomms in tech and fintech.
A builder of bridges, partnerships, ideas and teams, she’s deeply passionate about fintech, open banking and open finance.
