Fintech is rapidly transforming the financial landscape across the globe—not only in developed markets, but even more strikingly in emerging economies. In regions where traditional banking infrastructure is limited or nonexistent, fintech is filling the gap, driving financial inclusion through fintech innovation. Two powerful examples—Latin America and Kazakhstan—demonstrate that starting from scratch can be an…

When Does a Fintech Become a Bank? It’s a question that’s gaining urgency as the line between disruptive innovation and traditional finance grows increasingly blurry. The original promise of fintech was clear: to disrupt traditional banking, upend outdated systems, and make financial services faster, cheaper, and more accessible. But as these companies mature, something intriguing…

Startup culture loves a good myth: work hard enough, believe big enough, and success will follow. But the truth behind a fintech founder journey is rarely so clean. Building a company in this space means navigating shifting markets, personal sacrifices, and decisions that carry real emotional weight—often with no playbook. Cokie Hasiotis, a serial entrepreneur…

Open banking is no longer confined to European regulations or experimental tech pilots—it’s actively reshaping the U.S. financial landscape. What’s driving this evolution isn’t top-down mandates but a fast-emerging, market-led open banking strategy that prioritizes data rights, consumer choice, and digital-first innovation. As banks and fintechs race to stay relevant, open banking is becoming a…

The world is entering a new digital epoch—one where ownership, value, and identity are being reshaped by the rise of Web3 and the future of money. Unlike previous waves of internet innovation, Web3 isn’t just about faster technology or sleeker platforms. It’s a paradigm shift that reimagines the very foundations of the global economy—from how…

When it comes to financial inclusion, one critical yet often-overlooked group is the military community. While fintech innovation has largely centered on unbanked or underbanked populations in urban areas, service members—particularly young recruits and those deployed overseas—continue to face major gaps in access to fair and flexible financial services. From predatory lenders operating near military…