THE BANKERS' BOOKSHELF

In this episode, Paolo Sironi dives into “Beyond Resilience: Patterns of Success in Fintech and Digital Transformation” with author Leda Glyptis. At the heart of the conversation are probing questions: Is success in fintech truly pattern-based? Can the journey of building new banks or digital services, whether from scratch or within established organizations, be predictable enough to replicate? And if patterns exist, are they within our reach to emulate? Drawing from candid interviews with leading fintech entrepreneurs and innovators, Leda uncovers the raw realities of creating groundbreaking ventures. This isn’t a glorified montage of founder grit set to triumphant anthems, nor a collection of polished vendor success stories that skim the surface. Instead, it’s an honest exploration of the messiness: the lessons learned, the inevitable mistakes, the constant course-corrections, and the profound personal and professional growth required. Leading fintech transformations demands more than sheer resilience: it’s about wielding control amid chaos, maintaining unwavering consistency and integrity, and standing firm, whether solo or with a team. Join us in this conversation,  perfect for entrepreneurs, innovators, and anyone navigating digital change. LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/leda-glyptis-phd-272492 TWITTER https://twitter.com/LedaGlyptis

In this episode, Paolo Sironi interviews Aiden McCullen to explore his book UNDISRIPTABLE, a book that brings order to the chaos we are experiencing in personal and corporate lofe to the acceleration of the innovation life cycle. While we cannot see into the future, there are repeatable patterns we can understand learning from homo sapiens to CEOs, from hunters to the jelly fish as a way to master the infinite loop of reinvention. Aiden demystifies the principles of change through a blend of analogies, innovation frameworks and the challenges we face whenever we lead change at a personal or organizational level. LINKEDINhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/aidanmccullen/https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-innovation-show/ INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/the_innovation_show/ TWITTERhttps://x.com/AidanMcCullenhttps://x.com/TheInnoShow

In this episode, Paolo Sironi interviews April Rudin and Nick Rice to explore their new book Wealth Management with a Difference, an essential guide for advisors and firms navigating an era of unprecedented wealth transfer, where millennials, Gen Z, and women are poised to inherit trillions while technology revolutionizes financial services. From understanding demographic trends, like serving tech-savvy younger clients and empowered women, to mastering retirement planning, wealthtech tools, and digital marketing, April and Nick explore how to build deeper connections between wealth managers and clients and how to drive business efficiency. Whether you’re an advisor seeking to elevate client engagement or a firm leader aiming for sustainable growth, this conversation provides actionable frameworks to thrive amid disruption. LINKEDINhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilrudin/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-rice-028b1948/ INSTAGRAM@aprilrudin@brunswickgroup TWITTER@TheRudinGroup@BrunswickGroup

In this episode, Paolo Sironi interviews Ritavan to explore his book Data Impact: How legacy businesses Save, Leverage, Align, Simplify, Optimize, and Grow to WIN. The SLASOG framework is a methodology designed to empower non-digital native businesses in harnessing their unique strengths for scalable, data-driven growth. Drawing from first-principles and empirically validated strategies, they discuss actionable insights to align teams on value creation, streamline processes, and accelerate innovation. You will gain practical guidance on: avoiding expensive groupthink pitfalls to save costs and enhance decision-making; identifying and capitalizing on core strengths and high-impact opportunities; fostering alignment across people, processes, and goals for unified progress; simplifying operations to reduce complexity costs while boosting leveraged returns: optimizing learning through empirical evidence for measurable impact; and cultivating an abundance mindset to drive demand-focused expansion and overcome scarcity thinking. Paolo’s and Ritavan’s conversation demystifies data-driven transformation and equips leaders with tools for sustainable success. GUEST SOCIAL MEDIAhttps://slasog.substack.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rritavan/https://mavenmaverick.substack.com/

In this episode, Paolo Sironi interviews Sangeet Paul Choudary, author of Reshuffle: Who Wins When AI Restacks the Knowledge Economy. They discuss how AI is set to transform the global economy and company operations by redistributing power among key players. Sangeet’s research delves into four central tensions: workers versus their software tools, tool providers versus the companies that purchase them, consolidating businesses versus the industries they disrupt, and empowered individuals versus established incumbents. Drawing on compelling examples, historical parallels, and innovative perspectives, this conversation uncoves the opportunities and challenges AI presents—and reveals who stands to succeed or struggle in this reshuffled landscape. GUEST SOCIAL MEDIA Sangeet Choudary – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sangeetpaul/

In this episode, Paolo Sironi interviews Kevin Govender, author of “The Rise of the Sharing Economy”. Together, they discuss the sharing economy—a concept that Time magazine named one of the “Ten ideas that will change the world” in 2011, and which has since grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry. Kevin breaks down the evolution of sharing platforms, key consumer trends, and alternative business models. These insights empower us to view access as a powerful cultural and socio-economic force that creates savings in time, money, and space. Filled with real-world business examples, the conversation reveals how the sharing economy is fundamentally transforming the way we live, work, learn, and consume. GUEST SOCIAL MEDIA Kevin Govender – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevingovender/

In this episode, Paolo Sironi sits down with Rik Coeckelbergs, author of “A New Ethos in Banking”. They discuss how change is impacting banking and the industry’s reputation, exploring what a new ethos in banking should look like, and, more importantly, the needed contributions from the industry to the road ahead. Rik’s book guides decision-makers in a new direction, a positive alternative to the status quo. It’s an urgent call to action, with practical and relevant insights to improve a bank’s societal footprint beyond the required compliance and regulatory efforts into sustainability, transparency, and ethics in banking. This conversation will inspire those that look for successful stakeholder models without ignoring shareholder interests, putting people and society first, and understanding this can only work with a healthy financial model. GUEST SOCIAL MEDIA Rik Coeckelbergs – https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikcoeckelbergs/

In this episode, Paolo Sironi sits down with Patrick McConnell, author of “Digital Money: Operational Risks and the Threats to Operational Resilience”. They discuss the far-reaching impacts of emerging types of digital money upon financial institutions’ operational risk and resilience profiles. Many new operational risks could potentially arise as digital money innovations are integrated with existing systems. In addition to helping to manage existing risks, operational risk management (ORM) groups will have to become experts in technology and cryptography. Patrick’s comprehensive analysis of how the digital financial ecosystem is adapting covers: emerging types of digital money, evolving global and instant payments, cryptocurrencies, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and stablecoins. They also discuss other financial and technology innovations, such as post-quantum computing. GUEST SOCIAL MEDIA Patrick McConnell – https://www.linkedin.com/in/pjmcconnell/

In this episode, Paolo Sironi sits down with Cindy Anderson and Anthony Marshsall, the authors of the “The ROI of Thoughts Leadership” to discuss how business research can help financial institutions to navigate the thought leadership world and make the best informed business decisions. And it’s a good read for all companies willing to invest in thought leadership but looking for the most compelling rational to build their business case. GUEST SOCIAL MEDIA Cindy Anderson – https://www.linkedin.com/in/clwanderson480/ Anthony Marshall – https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyejmarshall/ IBM Institute for Business Value

There is no lack of hype around artificial intelligence. We have only begun to scratch the surface of what this powerful technology can do. While tech and financial services become more intertwined, cutting through the noise has become more difficult but also more crucial. In this episode, Paolo Sironi sits down with Theodora Lau, the author of the “Banking on (Artificial) Intelligence” to discuss how AI is poised to advancing innovation, to creating efficiencies, and enhancing productivity while capturing opportunities by both incumbent financial institutions as well as fintechs. But AI also comes with risks and potential for biases and disinformation, that can deepen inequalities and erode trust in our society. Responsible innovation must become part of our DNA and not as an afterthought. Thodora’s book will help spark dialogue and collaboration as we journey into the future. GUEST SOCIAL MEDIA Linkedin Elisa – https://www.linkedin.com/in/theodoralau/ Instagram – @psb_dc X – @psb_dc

Generative AI is revolutionizing the workplace, but how can managers harness its full potential beyond just automation? In this episode, Paolo Sironi sits down with Elisa Farri and Gabriele Rosani, the authors of the “Harvard Business Review Guide to Generative AI for Managers”. They explore how leaders can use AI as a strategic partner in problem-solving, innovation, and decision-making. They discuss practical applications and real-world case studies about how to leverage AI as a co-thinker to enhance your managerial productivity and business leadership. 

Paolo Sironi meets Jason Mikula, author of “Banking as a Service: Opportunities, Challenges and Risks of New Banking Business Models”. BaaS is a game changer in the financial services sector, radically transforming both how consumers experience financial products and the business models delivering them. In this conversation, Jason cuts through the hype to provide a measured overview of BaaS, helping us to demystify a complex evolving field and understand its key opportunities, challenges and risks. There is a difference between BaaS, embedded finance and open banking. And Jason provides a framework for understanding where BaaS came from, how BaaS changes the economics and business models of banking products and services, its impact on key stakeholders, and its key regulatory implications.  GUEST SOCIAL MEDIA Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmikula/ Twitter – https://x.com/mikulaja

Paolo Sironi meets Ronit Ghose, who runs the Future of Finance team in Citi’s thought leadership unit “Citi Global Insights”, and is the author of “Future Money: Fintech, AI and Web 3”. The world of money is rapidly changing, but what does it all really mean? Paolo discusses some book insights with Ronit, who brings technical topics to vivid life via narrative deep dives into selected founders and their companies. Spanning multiple geographies from London to Lagos, via Ahmedabad, Dubai, Hong Kong, Karachi and more, Future Money pulls together the story of how money is changing in the internet era.

Paolo Sironi meets Nicola Bilotta, coordinator of the EU-Supervisory Digital Finance Academy and author of “The Geoeconomics of Money in the Digital Age”. In a more contentious world economy, where trade and finance are increasingly interlinked with economic security and geopolitical considerations, questions arise about the underpinnings of the US dollar’s global leadership. For decades, the US dollar has reigned supreme, serving as a powerful tool of US foreign policy. However, history shows that currency dominance can shift with global power dynamics. Will China or another power rise to challenge the US-led system? Will the international monetary system experience a process of fragmentation, or will a new global order emerge? Will financial technology ease such a change? In this conversation, Paolo and Nicola delve into the intricate web of how three forces – economic dislocation, evolving geopolitical relations, and technology – could potentially foster transformations in the international monetary system.

Host Paolo Sironi welcomes listeners to another special segment of The Bankers’ Bookshelf, which highlights significant publications for bankers and fintech professionals. For this episode, Paolo introduces Neha Mehta, author of the book One Stop: Unlocking the Power of Super Apps. The book delves into the transformative role super apps are playing in reshaping economies, particularly in Asia, and how they impact finance, commerce, and daily life. Paolo emphasizes that the episode will provide deep insights into the potential of super apps, making it an essential listen for fintech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and financial professionals. ‌ Connect with Neha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neha-mehta-fintech/ Neha Mehta is the CEO & Founder of FemTech Partners and a renowned advocate for financial inclusion and sustainable finance. With over 19 years of experience as a lawyer, diplomat, and professor, she has led transformative initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on bridging the financial gap for underbanked populations. She is the author of One Stop, a book that explores the power of super apps in transforming financial ecosystems. A yoga and archery enthusiast, Neha is passionate about fostering sustainable solutions for future generations. Book link: https://www.amazon.com/One-Stop-Neha-Mehta/dp/9815127888 ‌ Paolo Sironi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepsironi/

In this episode of The Banker’s Bookshelf, host Paolo Sironi and guest Khrystyna Kushnir discuss insights from the IBM report, Banking for Small and Medium Enterprises: Serving the World Economy. The report highlights the evolving needs of SMEs, including access to finance, market entry, and business support, with a notable focus on technology integration. While bankers emphasize branch accessibility and app usability, SMEs seek personalized solutions, ecosystem integration, and super apps that address both banking and business needs. Key differences across regions are highlighted, such as the U.S. focus on branch access versus India’s emphasis on mobile apps, influenced by government-led digital adoption. Both bankers and SMEs agree on the value of instant payments and cash flow forecasting, while SMEs also prioritize fraud monitoring and regulatory support. The episode underscores the role of AI in risk management and invites listeners to read the report, available at: https://www.ibm.com/downloads/documents/us-en/10c31775c8d402bb ‌ Khrystyna Kushnir is an Operations Officer with the International Finance Corporation’s Corporate Strategic Initiatives, Analytics, Learning, and Knowledge Management group. She initially joined IFC in 2018 as the Knowledge Management and Content Lead for the SME Finance Forum, focusing on small business research. Previously, Khrystyna held research positions at the World Bank Group, which she joined in 2010. Her earlier professional experience includes roles with the European Union, a Japanese consulting firm, and a Washington, D.C.-based think tank. Khrystyna holds an M.A. in International Economic Relations from American University, where she studied as a Fulbright scholar. Connect now: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khrystyna-kushnir/ ‌ Paolo Sironi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepsironi/

In this installment of The Bankers’ Bookshelf – guest and host roles mix in a discussion exploring the transformation of banking in the platform economy, focusing on embedded finance and conscious banking. Banks are shifting from traditional product-centric models to value-added services, leveraging data to offer personalized, outcome-driven solutions, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The conversation with Panagiotis Kriaris also highlights the importance of advisory platforms, where banks help clients make informed decisions, shifting value from products to relationships. Examples like Amazon show how transparency and data enablement can drive trust and engagement, shaping the future of banking through technology and customer-centric strategies. “Banks and Fintech on Platform Economies: Contextual and Conscious Banking” is the chosen work of the month, written by #BBE’s resident host, Paolo Sironi. Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/-/pt/dp/1119756979/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.J9gh56H_DWuXjGWWUkdSYHU1M7BnvSKemankVx-6P4Fn7blQ6B19gyxjKT1gydTuzxr-en7ZdiYzkRvghKHhgN5H5IIlVfjGcPxtlc7O5QtqaMQNMrGJx2it0K3oodj9GsRbev3iKd4p32y16gwyWd5zwBdk4wJEEZq1oTYO6KNuabGfYpuNfO7clbUbSXLp.IzbK2jMEGiYQ3myvD_U9UdkOrkbV4Ej6oJs_gof4wRw&dib_tag=se&qid=1728041542&refinements=p_27%3APaolo+Sironi&s=books&sr=1-1 About our guest: Panagiotis Kriaris https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkriaris https://www.unzer.com/en Panagiotis has spent his career on the borderline between business and technology with a leadership background at an international level. Panagiotis brings senior expertise across Financial Services, Banking, Payments, FinTech, Retail and E-Commerce. Innovation, strategy, business development, strategic partnerships and building businesses and products from scratch have been at the center of his work and attention throughout his career. Being a recognized voice in the financial services industry, Panagiotis has contributed to various publications and podcasts and is often invited as a public speaker at events around the globe. Paolo Sironi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepsironi/ IBM FinTech Strategy and Author

In this episode of The Bankers’ Bookshelf, Paolo Sironi hosts Richard Turrin, author of “Cashless,” as part of the Bankers’ Bookshelf series. They discuss the shift towards a cashless society driven by Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and fintech innovations. Turrin explains how CBDCs could reduce reliance on credit cards, lower transaction fees, and streamline commercial payments, while also benefiting financial stability. They also explore the risks and opportunities for banks, and how countries like China are leading in this transformation. Turrin highlights the future of less cash, improved payment systems, and the societal impact of digital currencies. ‌ About the Author: Rich Turrin is an international best-selling author and a leading expert on China’s digital yuan. He is a leading voice in the international central bank digital currency dialogue. His books “Cashless – China’s Digital Currency Revolution” and “Innovation Lab Excellence” highlight the good financial innovation can do and established him as a leading voice in Asia’s fast paced fintech community. He is rated number 4 globally on Onalytica’s prestigious Fintech Influencer list and an award-winning executive previously heading fintech teams at IBM following a twenty year career in investment banking. Living in Shanghai for the last decade, Rich experienced China going cashless first-hand and has a unique combination of banking and technology skills that allow him to bring the exciting story of China going “Cashless” to life in his book and keynotes. Rich is an independent consultant whose views on China’s astounding fintech developments are widely sought by international media and private clients. ‌ Connect here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/turrin/ Official Website: https://richturrin.com/videos-and-interviews/ -Learn more about the bestseller “Cashless” the first book about China’s new digital currency now with over 200 5 star reviews: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0925JY69H -Best seller “Innovation Lab Excellence” fixes “innovation theater.”: https://www.amazon.com/Innovation-Lab-Excellence-Digital-Transformation/dp/1949642070/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= -Subscribe to the Cashless newsletter!: https://richturrin.substack.com/ ‌ Paolo Sironi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepsironi/ IBM FinTech Strategy and Author

In the latest episode of “The Bankers’ Bookshelf,” host Paolo Sironi converses with Brett King, the originator of the Breaking Banks brand, about King’s upcoming book “Branch Today, Gone Tomorrow.” This book, a refreshed edition of his 2011 release, examines the dramatic reduction in physical bank branches over the past decade, driven by the rise of digital and mobile banking. King discusses the predictions he made in 2011, such as the halving of U.S. bank branches by 2030, which appear to be on track. The conversation explores the global trends in branch closures, highlighting significant decreases in countries like Italy and Germany, while noting exceptions such as India. King emphasizes the shift towards digital banking and the increasing role of AI, predicting that future banking will be largely autonomous. The episode underscores the need for a balanced transition to ensure financial inclusion, particularly in regions with aging populations and limited digital access. About the Author: Brett King is an International Bestselling Author, a world- renowned futurist and media personality. President Xi Jinping cited his book Augmented. He has spoken in over 50 countries, given keynotes for TEDx, Wired, Techsauce, Singularity Universi-ty, Web Summit, The Economist, IBM’s World of Watson, CES, SIBOS and more. He has appeared on CNBC, BBC, ABC, Fox, and Bloomberg. He advised the Obama administration on Fintech.King hosts the world’s #1 Fintech Radio Show/Podcast called Breaking Banks (180 countries, 6.5 million listeners). He is the founder of Moven, a globally recognized mobile start-up, which has raised over US$40 million to date, and launched the first in-app mobile bank account offered anywhere in the world.Banking Exchange named him the King of the Disruptors, he was nominated as American Banker’s Innovator of the Year, voted the world’s #1 Financial Services Influencer by The Financial Brand and listed by Bank Innovation as one of the top 10 “coolest brands in banking”. King was shortlisted for the Advance Global Australian of the Year for being one of the most influential Australians offshore. His book Aug-mented: Life in the Smart Lane, was a top-10 non-fiction book in North America. Bank 4.0 remained a global bestseller in banking more than 12 months after release. The Rise of Technosocialism, his 7th book was released November 2021.

In this episode of The Bankers’ Bookshel, host Paolo Sironi speaks with Dr. Jobst Landgrebe and Professor Barry Smith about their book, “Why Machines Will Never Rule the World: Artificial Intelligence without Fear”. The guests argue that artificial intelligence (AI) cannot achieve true intelligence or consciousness due to fundamental mathematical and philosophical limitations. Dr. Landgrebe explains that AI, including models like ChatGPT, is unable to solve novel problems independently, as it relies on patterns from pre-existing data. Professor Smith adds that human intelligence involves both “knowing how” and “knowing that,” which AI lacks. They assert that AI’s current capabilities are limited to specific tasks and cannot replicate the complexity of human thought or active perception. The authors emphasize the importance of understanding AI’s limitations to prevent misuse and manage expectations. They encourage a realistic view of AI, focusing on its role as a tool rather than a threat. The episode challenges the hype around artificial general intelligence, advocating for a practical and informed approach to AI development and deployment. ‌ ‌ Dr. Jobst Landgrebe – Chief Technology Strategist, Indivumed TherapeuticsDr. Jobst Landgrebe obtained his MD/PhD in cell biology in 1998. He is a licensed physician and studied medicine, biochemistry and mathematics. He works as head of R&D in a cancer research biotech company based in Hamburg. His current research interests are theory of science (for which he is a visiting professor at the University of Italian Switzerland) and biomedical/biomathematical cancer research. Barry Smith – Professor of Philosophy, Computer Science, and Biomedical Informatics, University of Buffalo Barry Smith is one of the world’s most widely cited contemporary philosophers, known especially for his application of ideas derived from logic and ontology to the solution of problems in domains outside philosophy, including economics, biology and medicine. Most recently he has been working on extending this approach to the military and intelligence domains, where his proposals have been adopted as baseline standards by the US Department of Defense and by the US Intelligence Community. ‌ On the book:The main thesis of Why Machines Will Never Rule the World (Routledge 2023)’s main thesis is that so-called ‘Artificial General Intelligence’ – an AI with the level of intelligence achieved by human beings – is for mathematical reasons impossible. This means that many assumptions surrounding current AI, including assumptions concerning the future takeover of the planet by autonomous robots, are founded on hype. ‌