Startup

How has Fintech transformed finance?

How has Fintech transformed finance?

The “Fintech” trend started 5 years ago.* Since then, we’ve heard about new startups, the emergence of tech competitors in finance, and also banks investing in technology. But what has been exactly the impact of technology in finance? Is there a real impact, is it too early to say, or is it just hype? My(…)

Alibaba becomes Top 10 Global Bank

Alibaba becomes Top 10 Global Bank

A few years ago, I wrote about the inexorable rise of Google and Amazon in finance. The conclusion from the piece was “if you prefer fast action and major Fintech disruption from tech powerhouses, then forget Amazon, Google or Apple, and watch Alibaba or Tencent…. Ant Financial, the finance arm of Alibaba, is valued $50bn.” This was 2.5 years ago, and(…)

Why SME Banking is a huge untapped market

Why SME Banking is a huge untapped market

When I started The Disruptive Group last year, one of my first tasks – like any entrepreneur – was to open a bank account. Being a fervent proponent of Fintech, I looked at the different options available in the UK, including the different Fintech startups. My requirements for the ideal bank? – Easy onboarding. We(…)

What are the skills for Finance 2.0? At the Singapore Fintech Festival

What are the skills for Finance 2.0? At the Singapore Fintech Festival

Skills for finance are changing. And this is happening today already: “NAB will make 6,000 job cuts over then next 3 years with its digital  banking revamp… NAB is hiring 2,000 people with different capabilities” says Banking Technology. After a very fast paced trip in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Vietnam (more on this later, but(…)

Why Fintech is an opportunity we might not see again…

Why Fintech is an opportunity we might not see again…

These are not my words, but those of Rob Frohwein, CEO of Kabbage. Read on to understand more about the context of the discussion that led to the topic of Fintech opportunities with Rob… But before, let’s start with a thought experiment: – It’s the year 2005. – You live in New York. – You’re(…)

The single most important quality to be an entrepreneur?

The single most important quality to be an entrepreneur?

Are entrepreneurs born or made? Are there any common traits shared by entrepreneurs? I was talking to a friend, and was wondering if there was any clear answer to these questions (at least the second one, I’m quite convinced entrepreneurs can be made…). After a quick search on the Internet, I wasn’t too convinced with the(…)

Fintech in 2016: why you need a different strategy

Fintech in 2016: why you need a different strategy

With the current volatility in the markets, some people are starting to question the viability of investments in Fintech – or technology in general. Although it’s not the majority, I suspect that we will hear more skepticism about the Fintech investment thesis over the next few months. However, I think it would be a mistake(…)

Five Legal Threats for Fintech Startups

Five Legal Threats for Fintech Startups

“Nearly 20 years ago, the launch of online payments giant PayPal shook the financial services industry. Now, a new generation of financial technology or “fintech” companies is once again breaking down the oversized doors of the conservative banking business…”

What lessons can we learn from Bondcube? [CEO Interview]

What lessons can we learn from Bondcube? [CEO Interview]

The growth in Fintech has been phenomenal during the last few years: 10 times more startups in London in 3 years, dozens of Fintech companies valued at more than $1bn, record breaking VC investments year after year. On the one hand, it is totally justifiable. Finance will be drastically different in 10 years, and the(…)

Startups, how to choose your co-founder ?

Startups, how to choose your co-founder ?

I had the pleasure to present to the students of the Master in Technology Innovation & Entrepreneurship at my alma mater, Ecole Polytechnique in France. Some people say that problems between co-founders is the first source of failure for startups. I don’t know if it’s true, but it’s clear that the “wrong” choice of a(…)