The Connector Podcast - FinanceX #14 - Summer Edition

The Connector.

Finance is undergoing a radical transformation that's redefining how we think about money, technology, and trust. The latest edition of Finance X Magazine pulls back the curtain on these changes, revealing a landscape where artificial intelligence has moved from experimental to essential.
The numbers tell a compelling story: 85% of Belgian financial institutions now maintain dedicated AI units—a staggering jump from just 37% last year. This isn't superficial adoption; it's a fundamental strategic pivot affecting everything from talent development to organizational structure. Graph LLMs are emerging as particularly powerful tools, connecting complex data points to detect fraud patterns and personalize customer experiences with unprecedented precision.
Beyond AI, we explore how geography and regulation are reshaping global fintech. Europe has become a magnetic destination for Asian fintech expansion thanks to its passporting system—one license unlocks an entire continent. Meanwhile, in Turkey, a startup called Midas achieved the seemingly impossible: doubling the country's investor base in just three years by slashing trade fees from $25 to $1.50 and eliminating minimum balances. Their story demonstrates how technological innovation can create "financial armor" against economic instability.
For established players, adaptation is essential but complex. AXA Partners shows how embedding insurance directly into partner journeys creates seamless customer experiences. Yet Solaris serves as a cautionary tale of growth outpacing operational controls, resulting in regulatory fines and reputational damage. The striking parallel drawn between legacy banks and Yellowstone's John Dutton perfectly captures their challenge: leveraging valuable existing assets while avoiding obsolescence.
As technology accelerates and regulations tighten—from NIS2 cybersecurity requirements to comprehensive crypto frameworks—financial institutions face a profound question: How do we balance innovation with stability, and ultimately, how do we maintain trust at the center of everything we do? Join us as we navigate these crucial questions reshaping the future of finance.

Thank you for tuning into our podcast about global trends in the FinTech industry.
Check out our podcast channel.
Learn more about The Connector.
Follow us on LinkedIn.
Cheers
Koen Vanderhoydonk
[email protected]
#FinTech #RegTech #Scaleup #WealthTech

Chapters

1. Introduction to Finance X Magazine (00:00:00)

2. AI Transformation in Financial Sector (00:01:28)

3. Asian Fintech Expanding to Europe (00:04:07)

4. Turkish Investment Revolution: Midas Story (00:05:16)

5. Insurance Evolution and BaaS Challenges (00:07:12)

6. Regulatory Changes and Industry Events (00:09:08)

7. Future Balance of Innovation and Trust (00:12:20)