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FinTech Focus TV Unpacks Innovation, Regulation, and Talent Strategy

For FinTech professionals, Pay360 is one of the most anticipated events of the year, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries to discuss the future of finance. Harrington Starr, as a specialist in FinTech recruitment, understands the value of staying ahead of the curve. That’s why this special episode of FinTech Focus TV, recorded live from the floor of London’s ExCeL Centre, is a must-watch. Hosted by Toby Babb and Ian Bailey, the episode features an all-star line-up of experts: Peter Theunis, Gabriele Zuliani, James Johansen, Stephen Winyard, Aron Alexander, Sara Cass, Wasim Mushtaq, Sean Forward, Gary Palmer, Subramaniam, and Jesper Domargård.

The episode showcases conversations across themes including digital currency, payments infrastructure, financial inclusion, compliance, smart data, embedded finance, and the changing face of FinTech talent. Below, we break down the key insights shared in this rich discussion, which reflect the evolving FinTech recruitment landscape and highlight the pressing topics driving business transformation in 2025 and beyond.

Smart Data and Open Banking: Unlocking Value from Financial Information

A dominant topic at Pay360 2025 was the potential of smart data—how financial institutions can leverage open banking data to enhance service offerings. Stephen Winyard, Chief Sales Officer at Salt Edge, spoke about how smart data is perhaps the most significant by-product of open banking. But the key question is: are companies doing enough with it?

He argued that data enables businesses to generate new revenue streams, provided they operate within regulatory boundaries. With the presence of the FCA and SCA in the discussion, the emphasis on compliance was unmistakable. Stephen highlighted the role of FinTechs in taking consumer data and transforming it into personalised, innovative products—while ensuring transparency and user consent.

From a regulatory and implementation point of view, Sean Forward of ClearBank moderated a panel discussion that furthered this topic. He stressed the need for FinTech businesses to focus less on theoretical models and more on practical value delivery. According to Sean, open banking is already being overtaken by “smart data streams” that are touching not just financial services but broader sectors like energy and government. The result? More intersection, more innovation, and more demand for data-literate FinTech professionals.

Embedded Finance as a Strategic Growth Tool

Aron Alexander, Founder and CEO of Runa, explored how embedded finance is becoming a crucial part of any growth-focused FinTech strategy. In an era of increasing competition, embedded finance allows companies to avoid the time-consuming process of building or buying functionality. Instead, they can ‘borrow’ it—integrating third-party APIs for specific services such as lending, BNPL, or payments.

This flexibility means companies can deliver faster, more powerful value propositions to their customers without overextending internal resources. Aron positioned embedded finance as the “golden opportunity” of FinTech, helping businesses attract customers, retain them, and unlock new channels of monetisation. From a FinTech hiring perspective, this surge in embedded solutions is creating demand for product managers, API integration specialists, and UX experts who can drive adoption.

Financial Inclusion in Emerging Markets: A Global FinTech Imperative

Financial inclusion remains one of the most critical areas of focus within FinTech. Gabriele Zuliani, Executive Director at Bitso Business, spoke from the perspective of an organisation rooted in Latin America. He explained how financial inclusion in emerging markets isn’t a buzzword—it’s a real-world challenge.

Millions of people in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia still lack access to basic financial services. Bitso addresses this gap by using prepaid cards and digital wallets to bring unbanked populations into the formal economy. Gabriele’s insight reinforced the importance of culturally informed FinTech solutions and localised recruitment strategies. Building inclusive financial ecosystems requires talent that understands both technology and the nuances of the local market.

Cross-Border Payments: Blockchain and Stablecoins Reshaping Global Finance

The conversation then turned to one of the most disruptive forces in FinTech—cross-border payments powered by blockchain and stablecoins. Gary Palmer, CEO and Founder of Payall, explained how blockchain infrastructure is replacing traditional correspondent banking networks. With the use of stablecoins backed by fiat currencies, payments can now be executed instantly and traceably across borders.

Bitso’s Gabriele Zuliani supported this, explaining that in markets like Colombia, Mexico, and Argentina, access to US dollars is often restricted. Through Bitso Business, companies can convert local currency into dollar-backed stablecoins, send the value internationally, and make payouts in the destination country—all in real time.

This innovation is revolutionising international business, particularly in the Global South, and it’s creating opportunities for FinTech talent with blockchain experience. Product developers, crypto compliance officers, and payment infrastructure engineers are all in high demand as this technology becomes mainstream.

The Role of Generative AI in Financial Services

AI’s evolution in FinTech was another headline theme. Subramaniam, Head of Solutions Management at Pismo, highlighted how some AI models are already becoming legacy technologies due to the rapid pace of change. He believes that the next milestone is consumer-facing AI—virtual agents capable of helping users manage finances, make decisions, and personalise experiences.

Subba pointed out that while banks are using generative AI for internal efficiencies, the goal should be direct consumer benefit. He envisioned AI tools acting as digital assistants for everything from managing cash flow to comparing financial products. He also addressed the convergence of digital and traditional payment rails, showing how FinTech firms need to stay versatile.

From a FinTech recruitment angle, this area is exploding with opportunity. Demand is rising for AI specialists, data scientists, ethical AI professionals, and engineers who can work at the intersection of finance and machine learning.

The Psychology of Payment Products: Premium Cards Still Matter

Wasim Mushtaq, Founder and CEO of 1CG, brought a unique perspective to the conversation with his focus on premium payment cards. While some see metal cards as a legacy product, Wasim explained how they continue to drive acquisition, engagement, and retention. He referenced extensive global research which showed that humans are still psychologically drawn to metal—associating it with value, trust, and prestige.

Jesper Domargård, Marketing Director at CompoSecure, supported this argument. He noted that metal cards appeal to the senses in a way plastic never could. The sound, weight, and visual identity all contribute to a sense of premium service, reinforcing brand loyalty. In a FinTech space obsessed with the digital, this reminder of tangible user experience is timely and valuable.

Global Compliance and Regulation: The Tipping Point for AI and Innovation

Sara Cass, Chief Compliance Officer at IFX Payments, addressed how global regulation is shaping everything from AI deployment to political influence on compliance. She participated in a session with her General Counsel discussing how shifts in US politics may impact international financial systems.

Sara’s focus was on anti-bribery, corruption, and how AI can be used to enhance compliance. She emphasised the importance of having safeguards in place, especially when decision-making is automated. The rise of digital policy and regulation is creating new roles in FinTech, particularly for those who understand the intersection of law, AI, and payment systems.

Her point about education was especially relevant—podcasts and visual content are now key sources of knowledge for professionals across the FinTech space. That also reflects a shift in how FinTech businesses can engage and train talent.

The Future of Identity and Cross-Border Access

James Johansen, Lead Service Architect at Tietoevry, discussed the critical issue of digital identity and authentication. As part of a cross-functional team working with MasterCard and other partners, he highlighted how identity verification technologies are going to be pivotal over the next two years.

His work includes enabling financial institutions that currently don’t have access to SWIFT or robust cross-border capabilities to enter the space. This democratisation of infrastructure represents a massive opportunity for FinTech startups and scaling organisations. For recruiters, it’s a call to seek out talent with experience in digital identity, biometrics, and authentication.

Culture, Leadership, and the Talent Behind the Innovation

Throughout the episode, one theme echoed louder than all others: the importance of talent. At Harrington Starr, we know that people are the real differentiator in FinTech, and the guests on this episode confirmed it. Subramaniam explained that top developers want to work on meaningful projects where they can see the impact quickly. They don’t want to spend years developing in isolation—they want results, innovation, and purpose.

Jesper Domargård added that a healthy work-life balance is crucial. The Nordic approach at Tietoevry allows employees to prioritise family without compromising on career progression. He shared how being able to take his daughter to football practice while still attending industry events has enriched his experience and made him more committed to the company.

Stephen Winyard from Salt Edge described the importance of creating a psychologically safe space where ideas are welcomed from everyone—regardless of title or background. Innovation, he said, comes from turning blue ideas into orange ones with pink spots and then green ones with yellow triangles. That’s how great teams operate.

Sean Forward noted that having a clear strategy is the best way to attract A-players. Clarity at the top filters down into culture and eventually becomes a magnet for the right people. ClearBank’s focus on digital currency and regulated banking is sharp, and that’s why talent is flocking to them.

Sara Cass provided a final word on learning and development. She emphasised that the best way for candidates to break into FinTech is to immerse themselves in current discussions—especially around AI, compliance, and global regulation. Whether it’s Project Nexus or safeguarding policies, today’s FinTech professionals need to be informed, adaptable, and collaborative.

FinTech Focus TV and the Future of Financial Technology Recruitment

This special edition of FinTech Focus TV is more than just a panel discussion—it’s a snapshot of where the industry is heading. From blockchain innovation and embedded finance to the transformative potential of AI and the role of global regulation, Pay360 2025 captured the pulse of FinTech today.

At Harrington Starr, we see these themes play out daily in the hiring trends of our clients and candidates. Companies need people who are not only technically skilled but culturally aligned, ethically grounded, and innovation-minded. Whether it’s smart data analysts, compliance strategists, or embedded finance architects, the future of FinTech depends on talent.

As the demand for FinTech jobs grows and the pace of innovation accelerates, partnering with a FinTech recruitment expert who understands the nuances of the sector has never been more important. Our role is to help businesses build teams that can take on the challenges explored in this episode—and win.