Cash, Crashes, and Callbacks | Nordic Fintech Highlights September 2024

We’re back with another Nordic Fintech Highlights episode, where Pål, Ville, and our regular guest co-host Janne Salminen from Helsinki Fintech Farm unpack the latest from the Nordics—and this week, it’s all about tech innovations, top fintech picks, and payment upgrades! First up, Pål takes us through Lunar’s big news: they’re launching GenAI, Europe’s first AI-native voice assistant for banking. Imagine a future where your bank not only listens but actually “gets” you—no more endless tapping or navigating through menus. But can AI really deliver that seamless experience, or are we still a few updates away from our banking chatbot dreams? Next, Janne dives into the Helsinki Fintech Farm’s latest “Top 20 Nordic Fintechs” list. Who’s in, who’s out, and which trends are setting the pace this year? Janne also covers the recent news that Mastercard has acquired Minna Technologies, a game-changing move that could bring subscription management to the fingertips of millions globally. Finally, Ville wraps things up with an update on tap-to-pay, with Adyen, SumUp, myPOS, and Viva rolling out this feature across European markets. From tap-to-pay iPhones to terminal-free transactions, the payment space just keeps getting easier and more digital. But are we inching closer to a cashless society, or will it all be canceled because people will start using their phones to steal contactless card information in crowded places? Tune in for all the latest insights on how AI, acquisitions, and new payment solutions are shaping the future of Nordic 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/

This week, Ville and Pål sit down with Elisabeth Prager, co-founder of Aila Money, to tackle a topic that deserves way more airtime—the gender wealth gap. Spoiler alert: it’s still very much a thing, and the numbers aren’t pretty. But fear not, because Elisabeth and her team at Aila Money are stepping up to be part of the solution. We explore how Aila Money is empowering women financially, with tools and insights designed to help close the gap once and for all. From practical steps to the challenge of addressing a systemic issue that could take up to seven generations to fix, we break down what it’ll take to make financial equality more than just a dream—and why it’s a win for everyone (yes, even the men). Whether you're a fintech junkie, equality advocate, or just curious about the future of finance, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for a conversation that’s both enlightening and, dare we say, a little inspiring—because the future is all about equal opportunities, driven by financial empowerment! P.S. The book Elisabeth recommends in this episode is Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men—available at all good bookstores. - 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/

We’re back with another Nordic Fintech Highlights episode, kicking things off with a nod to the Mobey Forum member meeting’s epic "Fight Club" debate earlier that week. Two of our former guests, Monika Liikamaa and Anders Olofsson, went head-to-head—and let’s just say, the fintech gloves were off! As always, Pål and Ville are joined by Janne Salminen from Helsinki Fintech Farm to break down the latest from the Nordic fintech scene: Ville opens with Sweden's central bank issuing a stark warning to banks about protecting access to cash. Could this ironic twist in the cashless story lead to new legislation? In a world moving away from cash, is it still essential? Janne follows up with the latest on the DDoS attacks that hit Nordic banks in September. What does this mean for the region’s digital infrastructure, and how vulnerable are we to future cyber threats? Pål closes by exploring Alisa Bank’s renewed strategic focus on embedded finance and Banking-as-a-Service. With their sights set on SMEs, partners, and deposit customers, are they poised for a fintech glow-up, or is it just another pivot in an already crowded Nordic banking space? Tune in for a no-holds-barred discussion, covering everything from cash flow dilemmas to cyber chaos and strategic shake-ups. Let us guide you through the twists and turns of the Nordic fintech world! - 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/

In this episode of Fintech Daydreaming, Pål and Ville are joined by Jani Ristimäki from BearingPoint to dive deep into one of the buzzwords of the moment—embedded finance. Spoiler alert: it’s already here, and it’s changing the game for banks, fintechs, and consumers alike. From payments baked seamlessly into apps to financial services appearing in places you’d never expect, we break down what embedded finance really means and why it’s the future. Will banks survive this shift, or are fintechs taking over the new customer touchpoints? And how does it all impact you—the everyday user who just wants to sustainably and intelligently finance your next purchase without thinking about it too much? If you find yourself sometimes wondering whether banking will become entirely invisible or if banks are going to lose touch with their customers as a result - this might be an episode for you. Tune in for a lively discussion packed with smart insights, terrible humor, and plenty of speculation about what’s next in the world of 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/

We’re back with another Nordic Fintech Highlights episode, and this time it’s practically drenched in pink, thanks to Klarna's dominant presence! Pål and Ville, along with the ever-insightful Janne Salminen from Helsinki Fintech Farm, dive into the latest Nordic fintech stories making waves. First, Pål kicks off with IKEA’s intriguing foray into the second-hand market with IKEA Preowned. A marketplace for upcycled furniture? It’s sustainability meets e-commerce, with IKEA finding clever new ways to make us assemble our lives—again. Next, Janne unpacks Klarna’s big news: after years of massive spending and headline-making drama, they’ve finally turned a profit. It’s like watching a fintech unicorn finally come of age—but don’t worry, they’re still as stylish as ever. Ville wraps things up with Klarna’s latest move—offering full-on payment accounts for customers. Channeling some serious African mobile money vibes, Klarna is now aiming to go beyond “buy now, pay later” and take on the banks at their own game. But will this bold move succeed, or is it just another flex from the fintech giant? Tune in for this “fifty shades of pink” episode of Fintech Daydreaming, where we break down the Nordic fintech scene with a heavy Swedish twist. If you're into Nordic fintech and aren’t afraid of a little disruption, this one’s for you! - 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/

Fintech Daydreaming continues season ten with an anticipated comeback —welcoming back Chris Skinner, the legendary fintech thinker, for the first time in five years! Pål and Ville sit down with Chris to dive into his latest book, “Intelligent Money: When Money Thinks for You.” In true Skinner style, we’re exploring a future where money isn’t just a tool—it’s an intelligent partner, anticipating your needs before you even ask. From automating everyday transactions to revolutionizing global finance, programmable money could transform everything we know about how money moves. But can money really be programmable and how does all of this relate to what central banks are working on with their digital currency plans? We unpack all of this and the big ideas behind the book, diving into how intelligent networks and AI are reshaping finance, and why Chris believes the future lies in smarter, more personalized, and maybe even self-aware money. (Yes, the robots are eyeing your wallet—but don’t worry, it’s a good thing!) ‌If you’re curious about the future of finance, eager to see where fintech is headed, or just want to hear Chris Skinner drop some fintech wisdom, this episode is for you. Plug in and join us as we explore the next frontier—where money doesn’t just talk, it thinks. - 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/

After a well-deserved summer break, Fintech Daydreaming is back and ready to dive into the latest buzz from the Nordic fintech world! Pål and Ville, alongside our trusty guest co-host Janne Salminen from Helsinki Fintech Farm, are kicking off the new season with a roundup of stories that are making waves in the industry. First up, Pål breaks down the exciting news of Gimi partnering with Nordea. It’s like the fintech equivalent of a summer fling turning into something serious—a partnership designed to teach the next generation about financial literacy, with a side of cutting-edge tech. Janne then takes us into the world of AI with AlphaSense, who just closed a whopping $650 million investment round. With a valuation hotter than a midsummer sauna and a deal to acquire rival Tegus, this AI startup is definitely not taking a vacation from making headlines. Ville wraps things up by diving into the retro-steampunk(ish) world of biometrics in payment cards. Swedish biometrics company Fingerprints and IN Groupe have teamed up to launch a biometric payment card with a fingerprint sensor built in. Imagine paying for your morning coffee with just a tap of your thumb—no PIN, no hassle, no phone, no watch, just the card. So, dust off the sand from your shoes and tune in for this season premiere of Fintech Daydreaming. We’re back with fresh insights and a little bit of that Nordic flair to keep you ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of fintech. Grab your headphones, settle in, and let’s dive back into the deep end! - 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/

As the Nordic sun lingers in the sky, signaling the start of summer, Fintech Daydreaming brings you a season finale packed with the latest and greatest from the financial technology front. Join Pål, Ville, and our beloved guest co-host Janne Salminen from Helsinki Fintech Farm for one last hurrah before we all take a well-deserved summer break. In this episode, Pål dives into the fresh collaboration between Aktia and Swedbank in Finland. This partnership is like the unexpected summer hit of the year—potentially game-changing and with a catchy tune of enhanced financial services that might just stick in your head (or your wallet). Janne brings to the table some exciting news from Doconomy, a climate fintech startup that's making waves faster than a midsummer lake. With new funding and big plans, they're the environmental warriors of the fintech world, and Janne's got the scoop on how they're planning to green our screens. Wrapping things up, Ville tackles the intricate and often murky waters of digital currencies. With Reltime enabling merchants to accept payments in digital currencies and central bank digital currencies globally, it's time to clear the air on all the misinformation floating around. It's a bit like trying to find the truth in a sea of tourist trap reviews. So, whether you're gearing up for a summer of adventures or just some peaceful nights under the Nordic sky, tune in for this episode of Fintech Daydreaming. It's your guide to the latest fintech trends and a perfect way to cap off the season. We'll be back after the break with more tales from the fintech frontier, but until then, enjoy the sunshine and stay savvy, fintech fans! - 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/

Fintech enthusiasts, get ready to elevate your payments knowledge! We're joined by the brilliant Monika Liikamaa, co-CEO and co-founder of Enfuce, the company making card payments as seamless as a winter sport on ice. Get ready to explore: Monika's Transformation: Discover how she traded her corporate banking attire for a startup founder's toolkit. What sparked the change – a rogue ATM? An Excel-induced revelation? Tune in to find out! Card World Confidential: We're unwrapping the mysteries of the card payments industry. That piece of plastic in your wallet is just the tip of the iceberg! Enfuce reveals the intricate network of players and processes behind every effortless tap and swipe. The Rulebook Remix: Hold onto your hats, because we're diving into the whirlwind of payments regulations! We'll discuss if new rules offer healthy disruption or compliance headaches. Can instant payments and account-to-account transfers revolutionize the game? This episode promises a smart, insightful, and delightfully geeky (we mean that as a compliment!) look into the captivating world of payments. Join us, fintech dreamers, and let's get Enfuced! - 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/

Welcome back to “Fintech Daydreaming,” where we’re still decompressing from the high-octane thrill ride that was the Nordic Fintech Summit in Helsinki! Join Pål, Ville, and our special guests, Janne Salminen and Ola Sundell from Helsinki Fintech Farm, as they spill the beans on orchestrating this fintech fiesta. We start with their fresh-off-the-press impressions—what popped, what flopped, and which moments are now etched in summit lore. Then, Janne and Ola pull back the curtain on the nitty-gritty of planning such an extravaganza. Think less “smooth sailing” and more “herding cats with a chance of paperwork.” ‌Get ready for tales of close shaves and epic saves, plus a couple of gaffes that prove even the slickest events have their ‘oops’ moments - one of which might or might not include a karaoke appearance by a familiar fintech podcast co-host. We also shine a spotlight on the summit’s MVPs—the themes and speakers who left the crowd buzzing. ‌But what happens when the last PowerPoint slides away? We have a nice chat about the science of feedback gathering—because nothing says “party’s over” like a hefty stack of comment cards waiting to be analyzed. ‌To cap it off, we look ahead to what’s next for Helsinki Fintech Farm after the confetti settles. ‌So tune in, lean back, and enjoy a cheeky peek behind the scenes of the biggest fintech shindig in the Nordics. It’s like a backstage pass to the nerdiest show on earth, and you’ve got front-row seats! - 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/