Episode 239: News From The FinTech Front (July 2024)

In this month's episode of News From The FinTech Front, host and industry extraordinaire Don Ginsel unmutes Micky Tesfaye, and Grant Easterbrook discuss the latest fintech headlines from July 2024. They explore the upcoming integration of ChatGPT into Apple devices and its potential to revolutionize personal finance by serving as a voice-based advisor. This development could lead to outcomes ranging from tech companies disintermediating traditional financial firms to strengthening big banks' dominance or even having minimal impact on market dynamics. The episode also covers presidential candidate President Donald Trump's recent move to embrace cryptocurrency, including a promise to create a "national Bitcoin stockpile" and replace SEC chair Gary Gensler if re-elected. The hosts discuss Revolut's successful acquisition of a UK banking license after a prolonged delay due to regulatory hurdles. Additionally, they highlight MNT Halan's achievement of unicorn status with a $150 million funding round, marking its expansion beyond Africa into the Turkish SME lending market. ‌ Learn more about our guests: Micky Tesfaye - Content Manager, Money20/20 Fintech enthusiast and content strategist bridging innovation and engagement. As Content Manager for Money20/20, I curate thought-provoking content that shapes industry dialogue. Subscribe to his newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7221690904741376000/?displayConfirmation=true Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micky-tesfaye/ Join Money2020: https://www.money2020.com/ ‌ Grant Easterbrook - Longtime Fintech Consultant Grant is a longtime fintech expert based in Amsterdam. Over the course of 13 years in the industry, Grant has been cited in the media over 200 times. He co-founded the fintech startup Dream Forward, which was acquired in 2020. Dream Forward built a specialized AI chatbot designed to help people navigate saving for retirement and other long-term financial goals. Grant also organizes the AI on the Amstel meetup in Amsterdam. Check Grant on media: https://granteasterbrook.wordpress.com/in-the-news/ Join AI on the Amstel: https://www.aiontheamstel.nl/ Connect with Grant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/granteasterbrook/