Fintechfun with Chris Titley
One part fintech – one part fun!
A one:one interview style with Australian fintech founders and exec management, whilst at the same time having some fun gaining insights about the person behind the brand. funtechfun was founded by Chris Titley and Sub11 and aims to amplify the voice of Australian fintechs using audio as the catalyst for building connections, networks and outcomes.
fintechfun is produced by Day One® - the podcast network dedicated to founders, operators and investors.
Hosted by Chris Titley
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Trent Daniel – Azupay’s Big Move with NAB
Episode Summary In this episode of FintechFun, Chris Titley talks with Trent Daniel, Chief Customer Officer at Azupay, about the company’s landmark partnership with National Australia Bank. Trent explains how Azupay went from being first to market with Dynamic PayID and PayTo to now powering NAB’s enterprise customers with real-time payment solutions. The conversation covers: Why NAB’s endorsement is a game-changer for credibility and adoption How Azupay is rewriting direct debit with PayTo The role of trust, user experience, and regulation in scaling payments What’s next for innovation, from portability to omni-channel payments And for a lighter finish, Trent shares his unusual past as a competitive axe thrower and his current love of spearfishing.
Mastering Money Management: Jason Leong on Bootstrapping PocketSmith and Empowering the Home CFO
In this episode of the Fintech Fun podcast, Chris Titley sits down with Jason Leong, CEO and co-founder of PocketSmith, a bootstrapped New Zealand fintech helping households worldwide take control of their finances. Jason shares the 17-year journey of transforming PocketSmith from a simple cash flow calendar into a global platform used in 190 countries. He explains the concept of the “home CFO,” why true financial data ownership matters, and how Consumer Data Right (CDR) in Australia is reshaping open banking. From handling unexpected expenses to tackling bill shock, Jason discusses practical budgeting approaches, the psychology of money management, and how PocketSmith adapts to the evolving needs of budget planners, investors, and digital nomads. He also opens up about the role AI should play in personal finance, cultural differences in money mindsets, and his personal passions for travel hacks and sneaker collecting. Tune in to discover how you can become your own “pocket smith,” crafting a financially confident future for yourself and your household.
Diminishing Wealth Inequality: Michael Ragavan on Transforming Home Ownership with Our Leg Up
In this episode of the Fintech Fun podcast, Chris Titley chats with Michael Ragavan, founder of Our Leg Up, a revolutionary financial service aiming to tackle wealth inequality by making homeownership more accessible. Michael shares how Our Leg Up enables aspiring homeowners to purchase properties with just a 5% deposit, eliminating the need for lenders' mortgage insurance and providing competitive interest rates. He discusses the platform’s unique partnership model that connects equity-rich investors, banks, and aspiring homeowners, all while mitigating financial risks. Michael also touches on the challenges of educating the market, the role of partnerships in scaling, and the company’s global aspirations. Tune in to hear how Michael’s innovative approach is redefining the Australian dream of homeownership and how AI is playing a role in streamlining the process.
How Beforepay is Disrupting Lending with Jamie Twiss, CEO of Before Pay Group
In this episode of the FinTech Fun podcast, Chris Titley interviews Jamie Twiss, CEO of Before Pay Group. Jamie dives into Beforepay’s innovative approach to short-term lending and its mission-driven model that offers Australians a transparent, ethical alternative to predatory payday loans. He also discusses the company’s enterprise software arm, Carrington Labs, and its expansion into the U.S. market. Jamie shares insights on the role of AI and machine learning in credit decisions, the challenges of scaling automation, and how Beforepay has become a lifeline for Australians facing unexpected expenses. Tune in for a mix of fintech innovation, personal stories, and a touch of Russian literature!
From Coffee Shop to Global Fintech: The Airwallex Journey with Matthew Sek
In this episode of the Fintech Fun podcast, host Chris Titley sits down with Matthew Sek, Vice President for Airwallex ANZ, to explore the origins and rapid growth of Airwallex. Matt shares the unique story of how Airwallex was founded in a Melbourne coffee shop, driven by the founders’ challenges with paying overseas suppliers, and evolved into a leading fintech company providing a range of financial products aimed at small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The discussion covers Airwallex’s expansion of services, including foreign currency exchanges, global payouts, corporate cards, and potential future ventures into lending. Matt delves into the importance of serving a global market, the ongoing need for business education, and how Airwallex aims to solve traditional financial management issues faced by SMBs. Additionally, the episode touches on Matt's personal life, including his hobbies and the balance of work and downtime.
From Idea to Market Leader: The Easy Crypto Journey with Janine Grainger
In this episode of the Fintechfun Podcast, Chris Titley interviews Janine Grainger, founder and CEO of Easy Crypto. Janine shares the story of how Easy Crypto was founded in 2017 by her and her brother in New Zealand, aiming to simplify access to cryptocurrencies. She discusses the challenges they faced, including the regulatory landscape, rapid market changes, and the integration of new technologies. Janine also talks about the company’s growth trajectory, pivotal moments like their record-setting capital raise in 2021, and their expansion into Australia. With insights into their product development strategy and the complexities of the cryptocurrency market, Janine also delves into the importance of customer education and protection against scams. The episode provides a comprehensive look into the founding and growth of Easy Crypto and Janine’s perspectives on cryptocurrency trends and market dynamics.
Andrew Butt Discusses Enable's Global Growth and Rebate Management
In this engaging episode of Fintech Fun, host Chris Titley sits down with Andrew Butt, co-founder and CEO of Enable, a leading B2B SaaS platform in the supply chain sector. Andrew shares his journey from the initial conceptualisation of Enable to becoming a globally recognised software solution, highlighting the company's unique approach to managing incentive agreements and rebates for retailers, distributors, and manufacturers. As Enable continues to expand its footprint in the Australian market, this episode delves into the company's history, growth, and future plans. Enable has created a new software category through innovative rebate management solutions, capturing significant global market share. Andrew discusses how the company bootstrapped its way to securing initial clients and subsequently raised series A through D funding from prestigious venture capital firms like Menlo Ventures, Norwest Venture Partners, and Lightspeed. He explains the role of rebates in driving revenue and margin improvement within supply chains, emphasising the vast potential and ROI Enable provides to its clients. Andrew also touches on developing AI features to enhance the platform, ensuring Enable maintains its cutting-edge position in the industry.
Caroline Bowler Discusses BTC Markets and Crypto Trends
In this episode, Chris Titley is joined by Caroline Bowler, the CEO of BTC Markets, to discuss the evolution and current status of Australia's leading crypto exchange. They dive into Caroline's extensive background in traditional finance and how it has shaped her approach to driving innovative solutions in the digital assets space. BTC Markets, which has been pioneering the Australian cryptocurrency space for over eleven years, distinguishes itself by prioritizing security and localized solutions for the Australian market. The conversation highlights BTC Markets' stability and reliability, especially during turbulent times like the FTX collapse. Caroline emphasizes the importance of staying ahead in the rapidly converging fields of traditional finance and digital assets, highlighting the role of major financial institutions in adopting blockchain technologies globally. BTC Markets continues to innovate, with plans to offer staking and expand into international markets like the UAE.
Anton Phillips-Chantelois Discusses Delay Pay's Impact on Farming Finance
In this episode of the Fintech Fun podcast series, host Chris Titley engages in an enlightening discussion with Anton Phillips-Chantelois, CFO of DelayPay, about the unique challenges and opportunities in providing financial services to the agricultural sector. Broadcasting live from New Zealand, Anton shares insightful details about DelayPay’s innovative approach to addressing the seasonal financial needs of farmers through a customized buy now, pay later platform. Throughout the episode, Anton delves into the specifics of DelayPay's offerings, the market size, and its competitive landscape. He describes how DelayPay facilitates transactions ranging from $10,000 to $500,000 with a swift and straightforward process, emphasizing the solution's versatility and the high user retention rate among its clients. Anton also discusses the significant $16 million capital raise aimed at expanding DelayPay’s reach and enhancing its offerings. By highlighting key industry trends and potential areas for technological integration, Anton paints a comprehensive picture of the future of agricultural finance.
Vakul Talwar Discusses Crypto.com's Growth and Innovations in Australia
In this episode of Fintechfun, host Chris Titley speaks with Vakul Talwar, General Manager of Australia and Head of Product for Trading at Crypto.com. This insightful discussion covers Vakul's professional journey, his experiences at notable fintech companies such as General Electric, PayPal, and Afterpay, and his current initiatives at Crypto.com. Vakul elaborates on the importance of the Australian market for Crypto.com and highlights the ways the company is fostering crypto adoption locally. The conversation delves into the burgeoning adoption of cryptocurrencies, with Vakul sharing fascinating insights on trends, market growth, and emerging products like staking and ETFs. He touches upon Crypto.com's innovative solutions, such as their integration with local merchants and stadiums to enable cryptocurrency payments. Towards the end, Vakul shares a bit about his personal life, underlining the balance between his professional responsibilities and personal interests, particularly his fondness for footy and quality time with his family.
Fintech founder discusses launching Instantia and managing FX market risks
In this episode of Fintechfun, host Chris Titley chats with Danny Pezeshki about the origins of Instantia, the challenges in the foreign exchange market, and the innovative technology they have developed to help clients manage FX volatility risk. Danny shares insights into the impact of options in the market, the launch of their platform, and their plans for expanding globally. Danny Pezeshki discusses the importance of technology in revolutionising the way clients manage their FX portfolios and the visual tools Instantia has developed to provide clients with a better understanding of their positions. With a focus on transparency and risk management, Instantia aims to empower businesses to navigate the complexities of the foreign exchange market.
Anson Parker discusses the innovative journey of Upbank's products
In this episode of Fintechfun, Chris Titley chats with Anson Parker, the Chief Product Officer at Upbank, about his journey in the fintech industry and the evolution of Upbank as a leading digital banking platform. From the early days of conceptualizing a new kind of banking experience to the current focus on innovative features like “pull to save” and the upcoming subscription offering “Up High,” Anson shares insights on how Upbank is redefining the future of banking. Key themes discussed • Anson’s background in software development and the founding of Upbank. • The importance of user feedback and balancing creativity in product development. • The introduction of unique features like “pull to save” and “Maybuy” to enhance the banking experience. • The upcoming subscription offering “Up High” and its potential to revolutionize banking fees and customer benefits.
Hutly: Solving Real Estate Challenges with Smart Contracts with Jeremy Hastings
In this episode of Fintechfun, host Chris Titley delves into Jeremy Hasting's journey from the food industry to the founding of Hutly, a fintech company revolutionising real estate transactions. From tackling the challenges of property management to implementing smart contracts for more efficient processes, Jeremy shares insights on navigating the dynamic landscape of the real estate market. The discussion also touches on Hutly's strategic partnerships and plans for future growth, including the integration of new technologies and services. Key themes explored include the impact of COVID-19 on the real estate market, the role of Hutly in streamlining real estate transactions, and the intersection of prop-tech and fintech in driving innovation and efficiency in the industry.
Co-Operty Co-Founder Linda Cocker Discusses Co-Ownership and Housing Affordability
In this engaging episode of Fintechfun, Chris Titley welcomes Linda Coker, the innovative co-founder of Co-Operty, to discuss the evolution of her career and the inception of her groundbreaking venture. Linda offers a glimpse into her journey, detailing her transition from the structured world of corporate finance to the dynamic realm of startups. Following her return to Australia and a trip around the world's vibrant startup hubs, Linda sheds light on the significance of co-ownership in today's housing market. Co-Operty, her venture co-founded with Liz Roche, embodies a solution that grants people collaborative pathways to property ownership. Linda describes the legal and fractional aspects of co-ownership, tenancy in common, and the importance of having flexible property investment strategies.
Daniel Kniaz, Founder of Weel, Discusses the Journey and Future of the Fintech Startup
In this engaging episode of Fintech Fun, host Chris Titley invites Daniel Kniaz to take us through the genesis and evolution of his company Weel, formerly DiviPay. The discussion begins with an exploration of the early days, underscoring the iterative process that led to their current business model. The show offers listeners a glimpse into the world of Australian fintech innovation, capturing both the struggles and triumphs of a startup journey. Daniel shares valuable insights into the initial concept of DiviPay and the subsequent pivot due to scalability and monetization challenges. The narrative shifts focus to Weel's current mission: resolving SMB spending-related inefficiencies and facilitating seamless expense management. Chris and Daniel's conversation provides a look into the ethos of a fintech founder, the strategic thinking behind pivots in business models, and the shaping of a tech product amidst a changing financial landscape.
Volt: Connecting Real-Time Payments Around the World in One Integration with Jordan Lawrence
In this episode of the Fintechfun podcast series, Chris Titley hosts Jordan Lawrence, co-founder of Volt, to discuss the revolutionary platform that is poised to streamline real-time account-to-account payments across the globe. Jordan shares the origins of Volt, its mission, and the impact it has in various international markets. Volt’s inception coincided with the advent of open banking in Europe, tackling the challenge of integrating diverse payment methods under one umbrella. Jordan Lawrence exemplifies this by detailing Volt's progress in Brazil with the payment method PiCs, which has significantly sped up transaction times for merchants. Moreover, Lawrence provides insight into the nuances of payment adoption in Australia, highlighting the hurdles and potential for merchant-driven push towards real-time payments. Key themes in this conversation revolve around the influence of worldwide monetary systems, the emergence of innovative payment solutions, and Volt's ambitious plans for expansion. Lawrence expertly weaves through the intricacies of financial transactions, merchant benefits, consumer transparency, and Volt's visions for the future—including the potential issuance of local bank accounts across 50 countries.
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