From Unicorns to Open Banking Innovations | Nordic Fintech Highlights September 2023

In this very special episode of Fintech Daydreaming, Pål and Ville take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, answering the burning question that fans have pondered over countless episodes: Why did they start this podcast, and what fuels their fintech fires even after nearly four thrilling years? By popular demand, it's time to peel back the curtain on the backstory and ethos of your favorite fintech podcast. The episode kicks off with a candid reflection on the early days, the initial sparks of inspiration that led two fintech aficionados to turn their daydreams into digital dialogue. Pål and Ville share the unfiltered tales of successes and the stumbles along the way, giving listeners a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world that shapes each episode. As the conversation unfolds, the mystery of the podcast's intriguing name is finally resolved. Where did "Fintech Daydreaming" come from? The answer is as whimsical as it is profound, reflecting both the aspirational and the grounded spirit that the podcast embodies. Listeners will also get an insider look at what keeps the show evolving, from the relentless pace of fintech innovation to the vibrant community of listeners and experts who contribute their insights and stories. It’s a heartwarming reminder of how a simple idea can grow into something as diverse and surprising as the fintech world itself. So, whether you're a longtime listener or just stumbled upon this fintech fest, this episode promises to enrich your understanding of the podcast and maybe even inspire you to follow your own daydreams. Tune in, relax, and let Pål and Ville guide you through the story of "Fintech Daydreaming" – because sometimes, the best adventures begin with a simple question and a bold step into the unknown. - Email us on [email protected] - Fintech Daydreaming home page - https://www.FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming on Twitter - https://twitter.com/FintechDaydream - Fintech Daydreaming on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintech-daydreaming - Pål Krogdahl - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krogdahl/ - Ville Sointu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ville-sointu-54682b/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fintech-daydreaming/message

Strap in for a whirlwind tour of fintech's latest Nordic novelties in another riveting episode of Fintech Daydreaming. In this month’s edition of Nordic Fintech Highlights, our fearless trio Pål, Ville, and Janne don their explorer hats to dissect a smorgasbord of financial innovation that's as diverse as a Nordic buffet—and just as intriguing. First up, Pål dives into the tech-marriage of the century between Neonomics and Bislab, heralding the dawn of the next generation of embedded finance offerings. It's the kind of partnership that makes you wonder if finance is getting too cozy with tech, or if they're just moving in together for the tax benefits. Janne then shifts gears to something that sounds like a plot twist in a Scandinavian noir—IKEA's financial arm, Ingka Investments, swooping in to take full control of Ikano Bank. Yes, you heard it right: the same folks who've mastered the art of flat-pack furniture are now assembling their financial services empire. Brace yourself for savings accounts with names you can't pronounce and interest rates as complex as their assembly instructions. Ville rounds off the discussion with a tale of German innovation as N26 rolls out instant savings accounts across 13 new markets. Because when it comes to banking, nothing says "innovation" quite like being able to stash away money with the same ease as ordering a Bratwurst in Berlin. Join us as we navigate through these financial fjords, armed with nothing but wit and a healthy dose of skepticism. Whether you're a fintech aficionado, a banking guru, or just someone who enjoys a good financial frolic, this episode of Fintech Daydreaming promises insights, laughs, and perhaps a sudden urge to invest in a Billy bookcase. Tune in, and let's decode whether these fintech developments are the northern lights of innovation or just the headlights of an oncoming regulation reindeer. Either way, it's going to be a fascinating ride. Finally, we’d like to do a post recording CORRECTION to the segment where we cover the N26 story: While Revolut flexible accounts don’t have the traditional deposit insurance of a regular savings account, they do have a private investment insurance that covers the account balances up to a limit. Please refer to terms and conditions of the products and services in question for accurate information. We apologise for this oversight in the recording. - Email us on [email protected] - Fintech Daydreaming home page - https://www.FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming on Twitter - https://twitter.com/FintechDaydream - Fintech Daydreaming on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintech-daydreaming - Pål Krogdahl - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krogdahl/ - Ville Sointu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ville-sointu-54682b/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fintech-daydreaming/message

Get ready to dive headfirst into the blockchain rabbit hole with the latest episode of "Fintech Daydreaming," where the waters are murky, the regulations tangled, and the future as clear as mud. This time around, Pål and Ville are joined by none other than Erwin Voloder, who is the Head of Policy at the European Blockchain Association. EU's labyrinthine policy developments are a tall order for anyone, but who better to guide as through it all than someone with "policy" literally in his title? Together, they embark on a thrilling (and slightly dizzying) journey through the ever-evolving world of blockchain technologies and digital currencies within the EU. The conversation kicks off with the kind of policy and regulation chit-chat that could make even a seasoned bureaucrat's head spin. From the cryptic depths of blockchain regulation to the looming specter of the Digital Euro project, no stone is left unturned. Then, because why stop at confusing, our intrepid hosts delve into the murky waters of private versus public digital currencies. Spoiler alert: predicting the future of digital currencies based on today's information is like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded—in a hurricane. But fear not, dear listener! Despite the convoluted subject matter, our hosts and their esteemed guest manage to inject a healthy dose of clear examples and perhaps a smidge of enlightenment into the discussion. If you've ever found yourself lying awake at night, pondering the fate of digital currencies or the EU's blockchain policy (and really, who hasn't?), this episode is like a lullaby sung by a choir of fintech angels. So, tune in, buckle up, and prepare to be mildly bemused, moderately enlightened, and thoroughly entertained as "Fintech Daydreaming" tackles the EU's blockchain and digital currency conundrum. It's going to be a wild ride, with more twists and turns than a blockchain ledger. - Email us on [email protected] - Fintech Daydreaming home page - https://www.FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming on Twitter - https://twitter.com/FintechDaydream - Fintech Daydreaming on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintech-daydreaming - Pål Krogdahl - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krogdahl/ - Ville Sointu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ville-sointu-54682b/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fintech-daydreaming/message

Strap in for a fintech merry-go-round with the Fintech Daydreaming squad, where the latest episode cuts through the February frost with hot takes that could melt even the iciest Nordic winter. Janne, Pål, and Ville are at it again, dissecting the month's juiciest fintech drama from the comfort of their virtual studio. First, Pål waxes poetic about TUUM's latest cash infusion. Because, apparently, what the world needs is yet another cloud banking platform to save us from the tyranny of traditional banking. Then, Janne gushes over Saxo Bank cozying up to MasterCard like it's the fintech version of a royal wedding. Open banking payments for investment accounts? Groundbreaking, if you've been living under a rock for the past five years. Ville can't resist joining the hype train, flaunting Enfuce's shiny new e-money license in the UK. Move over, Beatles and fish & chips—there's a new British invasion in town, and it's all about cards - from Finland. All this boils down to a no-holds-barred brawl over the fate of physical payment cards. Are they destined for the museum, or is there life in the old dog yet? Opinions fly faster than unfriended credit cards, and consensus is as elusive as a fee-free ATM. If you love your fintech news served with a side of dry Nordic humor and aren't afraid of a little debate, this episode is your spirit animal. Tune in to witness our hosts joust over whether fintech's future is "game on" or "game over" for the humble payment card. Spoiler alert: They agree on nothing. - Email us on [email protected] - Fintech Daydreaming home page - https://www.FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming on Twitter - https://twitter.com/FintechDaydream - Fintech Daydreaming on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintech-daydreaming - Pål Krogdahl - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krogdahl/ - Ville Sointu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ville-sointu-54682b/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fintech-daydreaming/message

Strap in, fintech enthusiasts! This episode of "Fintech Daydreaming" is tailored for every fintech startup wrestling with the age-old dilemma: How do we sell to banks? Whether it's peddling services, cutting-edge technology, or simply trying to get banks to sign you up as a customer, navigating the labyrinth to the decision-makers' hearts (and wallets) in banks is no small feat. Join your favorite fintech whisperers, Pål Krogdahl and Ville Sointu, as they tackle this behemoth of a question head-on. And who better to guide us through this maze than our good friend and Ville’s former colleague, Ewan MacLeod? Ewan brings to the table a treasure trove of insights, drawing from his rich experience on both sides of the fintech-banking divide. In this heart-to-heart, Ewan spills the beans on what really gets a bank's attention, the do's and don'ts of fintech pitches, and how to align your shiny fintech solution with the banks' often elusive needs. Expect stories from the trenches, laughter at the absurdities, and, most importantly, actionable wisdom that could very well be the Rosetta Stone for fintechs aiming to make their mark in the banking world. If you've ever found yourself puzzling over the secret handshake to win over banks, this episode is your not-so-secret map. Tune in, soak up the insights, and get ready to take notes - because "Banking on It" might just be the breakthrough moment your fintech has been waiting for. - Email us on [email protected] - Fintech Daydreaming home page - https://www.FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming on Twitter - https://twitter.com/FintechDaydream - Fintech Daydreaming on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintech-daydreaming - Pål Krogdahl - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krogdahl/ - Ville Sointu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ville-sointu-54682b/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fintech-daydreaming/message

Buckle up, fintech aficionados! Our monthly "Nordic Fintech Highlights" episode has arrived, and it's a whirlwind tour through January's most electrifying developments in the Nordic fintech scene. Our dynamic duo, Pål Krogdahl and Ville Sointu, are joined by the ever-insightful Janne Salminen, the mastermind CEO of Helsinki Fintech Farm and purveyor of many a bad joke, to unpack the juicy details. First on our agenda, we delve into Danske Bank's latest venture with Backbase—a partnership less about romantic candlelit dinners and more about a dynamic duo set to revolutionize digital banking like never before. But the question lingers: is this a case of too little, too late? Next, we dart over to Finland, where MobilePay is making a grand re-entrance, poised to sprinkle some magic on mobile payments. It's akin to reconnecting with an old friend who's just got a fabulous new makeover—you just know things are about to get thrilling. And just when you thought our fintech feast couldn't get any richer, we explore how Januar and Fireblocks are joining forces to create a digital Fort Knox for digital assets. This is the kind of top-tier security that could make even the most skeptical crypto asset manager sleep soundly. So, if you're in the mood for a hearty serving of fintech fun with a dash of Nordic flair, you've struck gold. Tune in, crank up the volume, and let's navigate the waves of January's fintech frenzy with grins all around. - Email us on [email protected] - Fintech Daydreaming home page - https://www.FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming on Twitter - https://twitter.com/FintechDaydream - Fintech Daydreaming on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintech-daydreaming - Pål Krogdahl - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krogdahl/ - Ville Sointu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ville-sointu-54682b/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fintech-daydreaming/message

🌟 Welcome to another episode of Fintech Daydreaming, where we navigate the winds of change in 2024! 🚀 This year like every year for many of us begins with a common theme of renewal and transitions, not just in personal lives but also in professional landscapes. As we've noticed, a significant shift happens every year at this time in job markets and career choices – but what's driving this change? 🔍 A staggering 40% of the global workforce is consistently on the lookout for new opportunities, a statistic that paints a vivid picture of the current employment climate. While this level of employee turnover challenges employers' desire for stability, it also opens up a conversation about the importance of employee experience. 📘 In this episode, we're thrilled to have Joey Coleman, a celebrated user experience specialist and the author of “How to Never Lose a Customer Again.” Joey brings his expertise to a new dimension in his latest book, “How to Never Lose an Employee Again.” This thought-provoking publication serves as the foundation of our discussion, providing rich insights into the world of employee experience. 🎧 Join us as we delve into Joey's profound understanding of user experience and its far-reaching impacts – insights so powerful, they might even save your marriage (watch out for his next book, you heard it on Fintech Daydreaming first 😉)! This episode is packed with intriguing ideas and strategies that will transform how you view employee engagement in the fintech sector and beyond. 👉 Tune in now to discover the secrets to retaining top talent and fostering a thriving workplace environment in this ever-evolving industry. Don't miss this casual and fun conversation on Fintech Daydreaming! - Email us on [email protected] - Fintech Daydreaming home page - https://www.FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming on Twitter - https://twitter.com/FintechDaydream - Fintech Daydreaming on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintech-daydreaming - Pål Krogdahl - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krogdahl/ - Ville Sointu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ville-sointu-54682b/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fintech-daydreaming/message

Welcome to 2024 – a year promising fresh innovation and excitement in the fintech world! 🎉 We're thrilled to launch the new season of Fintech Daydreaming, and what better way to start than with a Nordic Fintech Highlights special, in collaboration with our good friends at Helsinki Fintech Farm? 📈 December 2023 was nothing short of extraordinary in the Nordics' fintech scene, brimming with interesting news and developments. With so many significant stories, it was a challenge to pick just a few, but here's a sneak peek of what we've covered: 🦄 ePassi's Milestone: ePassi's valuation has skyrocketed to a staggering one billion euros, marking its entry into the elite unicorn club. 🚗 Klarna's drive-now-pay-later move: Klarna extending its Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services to car rentals. Discover how this expansion is set to impact the automotive rental industry. 🤝 OP and Nordea's Joint Venture: Witness the future of instant payments in Finland, as OP and Nordea join forces in a joint venture, paving the way for seamless financial transactions and e-invoicing. 🔗 Keen to dive deeper? You'll find the complete December Nordic Fintech Highlights, along with a subscription link, at Helsinki Fintech Farm's Newsletter page - https://www.helsinkifintech.fi/news/nordic-fintech-highlights-december-2023/ - Email us on [email protected] - Fintech Daydreaming home page - https://www.FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming on Twitter - https://twitter.com/FintechDaydream - Fintech Daydreaming on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintech-daydreaming - Pål Krogdahl - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krogdahl/ - Ville Sointu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ville-sointu-54682b/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fintech-daydreaming/message

Many things are getting wrapped this Christmas week and one of them is season eight of Fintech Daydreaming. In our traditional end of season episode Pål and Ville reflect on season eight highlights and main takeaways from what we learned in 2023 overall. As we look forward to 2024, questions are abound: Will the new year be a mere repeat of its predecessor, or are we going to see new themes in the fintech landscape? In this episode we take a swing at some predictions, but we're eager to hear yours. Tune in, join the conversation, and share your thoughts on what 2024 might hold for fintech, as well as who you'd like to see as a guest in the upcoming season. Wishing all our listeners a joyous holiday season filled with wonder and inspiration. Happy Holidays from the Fintech Daydreaming team! 🎄💫🎆 - Email us on [email protected] - Fintech Daydreaming home page - https://www.FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming on Twitter - https://twitter.com/FintechDaydream - Fintech Daydreaming on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintech-daydreaming - Pål Krogdahl - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krogdahl/ - Ville Sointu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ville-sointu-54682b/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fintech-daydreaming/message

The holiday season is almost upon us, but that doesn’t mean that the world of Nordic fintech is slowing down - quite the opposite! The Slush conference swept through Helsinki just recently and with it came a lot of fintech goodness for us to discuss in this month’s edition of Nordic Fintech Highlights in collaboration with Helsinki Fintech Farm. Stories we covered in this episode: Enfuce secures a new round of funding Tink partners with Savings Bank Group Bank of Lithuania reveals five year strategy to become a leading country in fintech - Email us on [email protected] - Fintech Daydreaming home page - https://www.FintechDaydreaming.com - Fintech Daydreaming on Twitter - https://twitter.com/FintechDaydream - Fintech Daydreaming on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintech-daydreaming - Pål Krogdahl - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krogdahl/ - Ville Sointu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ville-sointu-54682b/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fintech-daydreaming/message