GENERAL INTERVIEW

Fintech Files: Making cutting-edge financial topics accessible

Published on July 9, 2024

Rarely does the world of fintech remain constant from one month to the next. With new trends and innovations regularly reshaping the industry, there’s a lot to know. Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, is a podcast dedicated to exploring the dynamic scene of fintech, neobanks, and digital banking. Hosted by Nora Hocke and Annika Melchert, this podcast sparks insightful conversations with industry disruptors from around the globe.

Nora and Annika break down complex modern banking topics, ensuring that their guests explain them in a relatable “explain it to your grandma” style. They bring you stories that capture the essence of the evolving fintech landscape, offering a unique blend of tech expertise and passion.

We had the chance to speak with co-host Annika Melchert. She’s a Principal at BCG Platinion based in Dubai, with a passion for modern banking. Annika has worked with several fintechs and incumbent banks on their technology builds, integration strategies, and digital transformations. Her expertise in IT strategy, modern tech architecture, and state-of-the-art banking, combined with her experience supporting generative AI use cases, makes her a key voice in the fintech revolution.

We were eager to learn more about the inspiration behind the podcast, and the exciting future of fintech. Read on for our conversation with Annika Melchert, where she shares insights on the podcast, her work, and what’s next in the world of digital banking.

Can you introduce yourself and give us an overview of your podcast?

Annika: I’m Annika Melchert, Principal at BCG Platinion based in Riyadh, KSA.
Nora: I’m Nora Hocke, project leader at BCG Platinion based in Munich, Germany.

What was the first podcast you ever listened to, and how did it influence your interest in becoming a podcast host?

Annika: I think it was the Morning Briefing from Handelsblatt. It made me realize the value of a podcast, so I started to fall in love with it and listen very regularly.

To the best of your knowledge, what motivated BCG Plantinion to start a podcast focused on fintech?

Annika: I remember very well when Nora and I pitched the podcast to our former lead of Banking at Platinion at that time. We did a few cool cases in the Neobanking and technology cases in Banking, but we wanted to get closer to the world of fintech outside of our direct work. Three seasons, 34 episodes, and 155,000 downloads later – here we are.

Which podcasts do you draw inspiration from, particularly in the fintech space?

Annika: My favourite general one is The Intelligence by Economist and for the fintech space Fintech Insider by 11:FS.

What are the most exciting guests and topics covered in this latest series?

Annika: Alfred Mukudu from AWS (Cloud and fintech in Africa), Jacqueline O’Flanagan (Breaking Barrier: Women in FinTech) and Kirsten Rulf from BCG (AI and how to responsibly use it).

If readers can start on one episode of Fintech Files where should they start?

Annika: It depends on the area of interest. We’ve had amazing German-based guests from Mambu, Solaris or Raisin, but also a strong lineup of international experts from leading companies like Microsoft or Google, up to local fintechs from KSA or Nordics.

Which future fintech trends discussed in your series are you most eager to see come to life?

Annika: Technology enables change for good, and we’ve had the chance to discuss these positive changes based on the complexities and opportunities – for instance for Africa. I am looking forward to more episodes that show how the social impact fintechs enable make the world a better place. And of course: more female founders and women in leadership positions! As we observed in this season, there are already female role models out there!