Alex: Hi everyone, and welcome to The Curiosity Code podcast. Today, we're joined by Veronica Maria Glab, a fintech strategist and former Head of Partnerships at Innovate Finance. Veronica, it's a pleasure to have you with us.

Veronica: Thank you, Alex. I'm excited to be here and discuss the dynamic world of fintech with you.

Alex: To start, could you share a bit about your background and your journey in the fintech industry?

Veronica: Certainly. My career began in international trade, focusing on markets across the US, Latin America, and EMEA regions. Over time, I developed a keen interest in financial technology, which led me to Innovate Finance. There, I served as the Head of Partnerships and Investment Lead, overseeing initiatives like the Annual FinTech Landscape Report that tracks global venture funding in the fintech sector. This role allowed me to collaborate with founders, venture capitalists, and regulators, providing a comprehensive view of the fintech ecosystem.

Alex: That's impressive. Given your extensive experience, what significant trends have you observed in fintech investments over recent years?

Veronica: The fintech investment landscape has evolved notably. Initially, there was a surge in digitizing traditional financial services. More recently, we've seen a shift towards embedded finance, where financial services are seamlessly integrated into non-financial platforms. Additionally, macroeconomic factors have influenced venture capital strategies, prompting investors to prioritize startups with clear paths to profitability. Regulatory developments have also played a crucial role, affecting how and where fintechs choose to operate.

Alex: Speaking of regulation, how do global regulatory dynamics impact fintech startups looking to enter new markets?

Veronica: Regulation is a pivotal factor for fintechs expanding internationally. Each market has its own regulatory framework, which can either facilitate or hinder entry. Successful startups invest time in understanding local regulations and often engage with regulators early to ensure compliance. This proactive approach not only smooths the entry process but can also provide a competitive advantage.

Alex: That makes sense. With the rise of fintech hubs worldwide, which regions do you see as emerging hotspots for fintech innovation?

Veronica: Beyond the established centers like London and New York, regions such as the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, and parts of Africa are gaining momentum. These areas offer unique opportunities due to supportive regulatory environments and underserved markets eager for innovative financial solutions.

Alex: Let’s talk about some of the big shifts post-COVID. How have founder and investor behaviors changed since the boom in 2021?

Veronica: Great question. The 2021 period saw record-breaking fintech funding globally. Post-COVID, we’ve seen a recalibration. Investors are more focused on fundamentals—things like unit economics, actual user engagement, and sustainable growth. Founders have also become more strategic. There’s less emphasis on rapid blitzscaling and more on building resilient business models. Also, there’s a heightened appreciation for regulatory alignment from day one, not as an afterthought.

Alex: That’s a healthy correction. You've also worked closely with VCs and accelerators. What advice would you give to early-stage fintech founders fundraising right now?

Veronica: Be prepared to explain why your business matters right now and in the long term. Investors are looking for clear articulation of the problem, evidence of traction, and signs you can adapt to change. And increasingly, they want to know how your solution fits into broader ecosystem shifts—whether that’s open banking, AI in compliance, or cross-border finance infrastructure. Clarity, adaptability, and relevance are key.

Alex: Let’s switch gears. What role do you see wealthtech playing in the next wave of fintech innovation, especially with the rise of generational wealth transfer?

Veronica: Wealthtech is poised for major growth. We’re entering a period where trillions of dollars will move from baby boomers to millennials and Gen Z. These younger generations have very different expectations around digital experiences, values-driven investing, and financial education. Startups that can offer accessible, intuitive, and personalized wealth management tools—especially those integrating ESG or financial literacy—will be extremely well-positioned.

Alex: That’s such a timely insight. As we look ahead, what are the macro or tech trends you think will define the future of fintech?

Veronica: First, agentic AI. We're moving from AI as a backend optimization tool to AI that’s more autonomous—handling workflows, regulatory filings, and even client communications. Second, quantum computing, which is still early but could radically shift security and risk modeling. And finally, geopolitics. Fintechs need to be more globally aware. We’re seeing regulatory shifts, new trade alliances, and sovereign digital currencies—all of which impact how fintechs build and scale.

Alex: Powerful trends. You’ve had such a global perspective through your work. As we wrap up this season, what’s one thing you think founders or fintech leaders should reflect on going into the next year?

Veronica: Think beyond product. Fintech today is about ecosystems—policy, partnerships, people. The founders who succeed will be the ones who can connect those dots. Ask yourself: Am I building a product, or am I building a platform for impact? The latter is where long-term value lies.

Alex: Veronica, what a great way to close out this season. Thank you for joining us, and thank you for such a thoughtful conversation.

Veronica: Thank you, Alex. It’s been a pleasure—and I’m excited to see how this space continues to evolve.

Alex: And to our listeners—thanks for being with us. Don’t forget to subscribe and share. We’ll see you next time on The Curiosity Code.