Episodes

  • The Geoeconomics of Money in the Digital Age

    The Geoeconomics of Money in the Digital Age
    Jan 2 2025
    Paolo Sironi meets Nicola Bilotta, coordinator of the EU-Supervisory Digital Finance Academy and author of "The Geoeconomics of Money in the Digital Age". In a more contentious world economy, where trade and finance are increasingly interlinked with economic security and geopolitical considerations, questions arise about the underpinnings of the US dollar’s global leadership. For decades, the US dollar has reigned supreme, serving as a powerful tool of US foreign policy. However, history shows that currency dominance can shift with global power dynamics. Will China or another power rise to challenge the US-led system? Will the international monetary system experience a process of fragmentation, or will a new global order emerge? Will financial technology ease such a change? In this conversation, Paolo and Nicola delve into the intricate web of how three forces – economic dislocation, evolving geopolitical relations, and technology – could potentially foster transformations in the international monetary system.
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    27 mins
  • One Stop – Unlocking the Power of Super Apps

    One Stop – Unlocking the Power of Super Apps
    Dec 2 2024
    Host Paolo Sironi welcomes listeners to another special segment of The Bankers' Bookshelf, which highlights significant publications for bankers and fintech professionals. For this episode, Paolo introduces Neha Mehta, author of the book One Stop: Unlocking the Power of Super Apps. The book delves into the transformative role super apps are playing in reshaping economies, particularly in Asia, and how they impact finance, commerce, and daily life. Paolo emphasizes that the episode will provide deep insights into the potential of super apps, making it an essential listen for fintech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and financial professionals. ‌ Connect with Neha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neha-mehta-fintech/ Neha Mehta is the CEO & Founder of FemTech Partners and a renowned advocate for financial inclusion and sustainable finance. With over 19 years of experience as a lawyer, diplomat, and professor, she has led transformative initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on bridging the financial gap for underbanked populations. She is the author of One Stop, a book that explores the power of super apps in transforming financial ecosystems. A yoga and archery enthusiast, Neha is passionate about fostering sustainable solutions for future generations. Book link: https://www.amazon.com/One-Stop-Neha-Mehta/dp/9815127888 ‌ Paolo Sironi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepsironi/
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    32 mins
  • Banking for small medium enterprises

    Banking for small medium enterprises
    Nov 4 2024
    In this episode of The Banker's Bookshelf, host Paolo Sironi and guest Khrystyna Kushnir discuss insights from the IBM report, Banking for Small and Medium Enterprises: Serving the World Economy. The report highlights the evolving needs of SMEs, including access to finance, market entry, and business support, with a notable focus on technology integration. While bankers emphasize branch accessibility and app usability, SMEs seek personalized solutions, ecosystem integration, and super apps that address both banking and business needs. Key differences across regions are highlighted, such as the U.S. focus on branch access versus India’s emphasis on mobile apps, influenced by government-led digital adoption. Both bankers and SMEs agree on the value of instant payments and cash flow forecasting, while SMEs also prioritize fraud monitoring and regulatory support. The episode underscores the role of AI in risk management and invites listeners to read the report, available at: https://www.ibm.com/downloads/documents/us-en/10c31775c8d402bb ‌ Khrystyna Kushnir is an Operations Officer with the International Finance Corporation's Corporate Strategic Initiatives, Analytics, Learning, and Knowledge Management group. She initially joined IFC in 2018 as the Knowledge Management and Content Lead for the SME Finance Forum, focusing on small business research. Previously, Khrystyna held research positions at the World Bank Group, which she joined in 2010. Her earlier professional experience includes roles with the European Union, a Japanese consulting firm, and a Washington, D.C.-based think tank. Khrystyna holds an M.A. in International Economic Relations from American University, where she studied as a Fulbright scholar. Connect now: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khrystyna-kushnir/ ‌ Paolo Sironi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepsironi/
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    34 mins
  • Banks and Fintech on Platform Economies: Contextual and Conscious Banking

    Banks and Fintech on Platform Economies: Contextual and Conscious Banking
    Oct 7 2024
    In this installment of The Bankers' Bookshelf - guest and host roles mix in a discussion exploring the transformation of banking in the platform economy, focusing on embedded finance and conscious banking. Banks are shifting from traditional product-centric models to value-added services, leveraging data to offer personalized, outcome-driven solutions, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The conversation with Panagiotis Kriaris also highlights the importance of advisory platforms, where banks help clients make informed decisions, shifting value from products to relationships. Examples like Amazon show how transparency and data enablement can drive trust and engagement, shaping the future of banking through technology and customer-centric strategies. “Banks and Fintech on Platform Economies: Contextual and Conscious Banking” is the chosen work of the month, written by #BBE’s resident host, Paolo Sironi. Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/-/pt/dp/1119756979/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.J9gh56H_DWuXjGWWUkdSYHU1M7BnvSKemankVx-6P4Fn7blQ6B19gyxjKT1gydTuzxr-en7ZdiYzkRvghKHhgN5H5IIlVfjGcPxtlc7O5QtqaMQNMrGJx2it0K3oodj9GsRbev3iKd4p32y16gwyWd5zwBdk4wJEEZq1oTYO6KNuabGfYpuNfO7clbUbSXLp.IzbK2jMEGiYQ3myvD_U9UdkOrkbV4Ej6oJs_gof4wRw&dib_tag=se&qid=1728041542&refinements=p_27%3APaolo+Sironi&s=books&sr=1-1 About our guest: Panagiotis Kriaris https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkriaris https://www.unzer.com/en Panagiotis has spent his career on the borderline between business and technology with a leadership background at an international level. Panagiotis brings senior expertise across Financial Services, Banking, Payments, FinTech, Retail and E-Commerce. Innovation, strategy, business development, strategic partnerships and building businesses and products from scratch have been at the center of his work and attention throughout his career. Being a recognized voice in the financial services industry, Panagiotis has contributed to various publications and podcasts and is often invited as a public speaker at events around the globe. Paolo Sironi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepsironi/ IBM FinTech Strategy and Author
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    43 mins
  • Going Cashless with Digital Currencies

    Going Cashless with Digital Currencies
    Sep 23 2024
    In this episode of The Bankers' Bookshelf, Paolo Sironi hosts Richard Turrin, author of "Cashless," as part of the Bankers’ Bookshelf series. They discuss the shift towards a cashless society driven by Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and fintech innovations. Turrin explains how CBDCs could reduce reliance on credit cards, lower transaction fees, and streamline commercial payments, while also benefiting financial stability. They also explore the risks and opportunities for banks, and how countries like China are leading in this transformation. Turrin highlights the future of less cash, improved payment systems, and the societal impact of digital currencies. ‌ About the Author: Rich Turrin is an international best-selling author and a leading expert on China’s digital yuan. He is a leading voice in the international central bank digital currency dialogue. His books “Cashless - China’s Digital Currency Revolution” and “Innovation Lab Excellence” highlight the good financial innovation can do and established him as a leading voice in Asia’s fast paced fintech community. He is rated number 4 globally on Onalytica’s prestigious Fintech Influencer list and an award-winning executive previously heading fintech teams at IBM following a twenty year career in investment banking. Living in Shanghai for the last decade, Rich experienced China going cashless first-hand and has a unique combination of banking and technology skills that allow him to bring the exciting story of China going “Cashless” to life in his book and keynotes. Rich is an independent consultant whose views on China’s astounding fintech developments are widely sought by international media and private clients. ‌ Connect here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/turrin/ Official Website: https://richturrin.com/videos-and-interviews/ -Learn more about the bestseller "Cashless" the first book about China's new digital currency now with over 200 5 star reviews: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0925JY69H -Best seller "Innovation Lab Excellence" fixes "innovation theater.": https://www.amazon.com/Innovation-Lab-Excellence-Digital-Transformation/dp/1949642070/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= -Subscribe to the Cashless newsletter!: https://richturrin.substack.com/ ‌ Paolo Sironi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepsironi/ IBM FinTech Strategy and Author
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    35 mins
  • “Branch Today, Gone Tomorrow”

    “Branch Today, Gone Tomorrow”
    Sep 2 2024
    In the latest episode of "The Bankers' Bookshelf," host Paolo Sironi converses with Brett King, the originator of the Breaking Banks brand, about King's upcoming book "Branch Today, Gone Tomorrow." This book, a refreshed edition of his 2011 release, examines the dramatic reduction in physical bank branches over the past decade, driven by the rise of digital and mobile banking. King discusses the predictions he made in 2011, such as the halving of U.S. bank branches by 2030, which appear to be on track. The conversation explores the global trends in branch closures, highlighting significant decreases in countries like Italy and Germany, while noting exceptions such as India. King emphasizes the shift towards digital banking and the increasing role of AI, predicting that future banking will be largely autonomous. The episode underscores the need for a balanced transition to ensure financial inclusion, particularly in regions with aging populations and limited digital access. About the Author: Brett King is an International Bestselling Author, a world- renowned futurist and media personality. President Xi Jinping cited his book Augmented. He has spoken in over 50 countries, given keynotes for TEDx, Wired, Techsauce, Singularity Universi-ty, Web Summit, The Economist, IBM's World of Watson, CES, SIBOS and more. He has appeared on CNBC, BBC, ABC, Fox, and Bloomberg. He advised the Obama administration on Fintech.King hosts the world's #1 Fintech Radio Show/Podcast called Breaking Banks (180 countries, 6.5 million listeners). He is the founder of Moven, a globally recognized mobile start-up, which has raised over US$40 million to date, and launched the first in-app mobile bank account offered anywhere in the world.Banking Exchange named him the King of the Disruptors, he was nominated as American Banker's Innovator of the Year, voted the world's #1 Financial Services Influencer by The Financial Brand and listed by Bank Innovation as one of the top 10 "coolest brands in banking". King was shortlisted for the Advance Global Australian of the Year for being one of the most influential Australians offshore. His book Aug-mented: Life in the Smart Lane, was a top-10 non-fiction book in North America. Bank 4.0 remained a global bestseller in banking more than 12 months after release. The Rise of Technosocialism, his 7th book was released November 2021.
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    27 mins
  • Why Machines Will Never Rule the World: Artificial Intelligence without Fear

    Why Machines Will Never Rule the World: Artificial Intelligence without Fear
    Aug 12 2024
    In this episode of The Bankers' Bookshel, host Paolo Sironi speaks with Dr. Jobst Landgrebe and Professor Barry Smith about their book, "Why Machines Will Never Rule the World: Artificial Intelligence without Fear". The guests argue that artificial intelligence (AI) cannot achieve true intelligence or consciousness due to fundamental mathematical and philosophical limitations. Dr. Landgrebe explains that AI, including models like ChatGPT, is unable to solve novel problems independently, as it relies on patterns from pre-existing data. Professor Smith adds that human intelligence involves both "knowing how" and "knowing that," which AI lacks. They assert that AI's current capabilities are limited to specific tasks and cannot replicate the complexity of human thought or active perception. The authors emphasize the importance of understanding AI's limitations to prevent misuse and manage expectations. They encourage a realistic view of AI, focusing on its role as a tool rather than a threat. The episode challenges the hype around artificial general intelligence, advocating for a practical and informed approach to AI development and deployment. ‌ ‌ Dr. Jobst Landgrebe - Chief Technology Strategist, Indivumed TherapeuticsDr. Jobst Landgrebe obtained his MD/PhD in cell biology in 1998. He is a licensed physician and studied medicine, biochemistry and mathematics. He works as head of R&D in a cancer research biotech company based in Hamburg. His current research interests are theory of science (for which he is a visiting professor at the University of Italian Switzerland) and biomedical/biomathematical cancer research. Barry Smith - Professor of Philosophy, Computer Science, and Biomedical Informatics, University of Buffalo Barry Smith is one of the world’s most widely cited contemporary philosophers, known especially for his application of ideas derived from logic and ontology to the solution of problems in domains outside philosophy, including economics, biology and medicine. Most recently he has been working on extending this approach to the military and intelligence domains, where his proposals have been adopted as baseline standards by the US Department of Defense and by the US Intelligence Community. ‌ On the book:The main thesis of Why Machines Will Never Rule the World (Routledge 2023)'s main thesis is that so-called ‘Artificial General Intelligence’ – an AI with the level of intelligence achieved by human beings – is for mathematical reasons impossible. This means that many assumptions surrounding current AI, including assumptions concerning the future takeover of the planet by autonomous robots, are founded on hype. ‌
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    36 mins
  • Intelligent Money

    Intelligent Money
    Jul 22 2024
    In the latest episode of Breaking Banks Europe's "The Bankers’ Bookshelf," host Paolo Sironi chats with renowned fintech author Chris Skinner about his book, Intelligent Money. Chris delves into the transformative impact of digital money and AI on financial services, predicting major changes by 2030. The conversation explores key themes like personalization, automation, and the tension between centralization and decentralization. Chris highlights how AI and blockchain are shaping the future of finance, emphasizing the need for smart data use. He also shares insights on the evolving role of fintech startups and traditional banks. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of money and technology, and get inspired by one of fintech's most influential voices. Don't miss this enlightening discussion on how intelligent money is set to revolutionize our lives! ‌ Follow Chris Skinner: https://thefinanser.com/ / https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmskinner/ Chris Skinner, a top fintech influencer and award-winning speaker, is the author of 18 books, including "Intelligent Money." He blogs daily at The http://finanser.com and co-founded one of the first mobile banks. Skinner advises global leaders and organizations like the UN and the World Economic Forum. He also writes children's books and co-founded The Portrait Foundation. In 2023, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Payments Association. ‌ Paolo Sironi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepsironi/ IBM FinTech Strategy and Author
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    31 mins