Converge

In this week's market update, Alex Lawrence and Stephen Dooley discuss the significant movements in the FX markets over the past week, particularly the Japanese yen's weakness against the US dollar. They explore the potential for coordinated intervention by central banks, historical precedents like the Plaza Accord, and the current fiscal pressures facing Japan. The conversation highlights the complexities of currency interventions and the broader economic implications for the US dollar and global markets.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

This week we're sharing a conversation from last month's The PIE webinar featuring Convera's Head of Content Alex Lawrence and the University of Denver's Janet Burkhardt. They delve into the escalating cyber threats faced by higher education institutions, particularly focusing on the rise of sophisticated fraud tactics such as ghost students and identity theft. They also discuss the vulnerabilities in international payment systems and the importance of robust data protection strategies. They emphasize the need for comprehensive staff training, collaboration across departments, and the role of technology providers in enhancing cybersecurity measures. Lastly, the discussion highlights quick wins that institutions can implement to bolster their defenses and the critical importance of governance in creating resilient institutions.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

2026 has started with a bang. Geopolitical risks are piling up - from US military intervention in Venezuela to fresh threats across the Americas, Iran, and even Greenland. And if that wasn’t enough, the US administration’s globally destabilising attack on the Federal Reserve has added another layer of chaos to the start of the year. Yet markets remain remarkably calm. And that’s the real danger. The quieter things look on the surface, especially with this many flashpoints building underneath, the more violent the eventual break tends to be.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

To kick off 2026, host Alex Lawrence discusses the challenges ahead in navigating cross border payments and global business growth with UK-based small business leaders Colin Watton and Nalin Perera of LSP Group and Sunrise Products, Ltd. They explore the significance of FX risk for small businesses going in to the new year, the impact of geopolitical shifts on profitability, and strategies for managing currency volatility in yet another year of widespread uncertainty. Both guests share their experiences and insights on navigating international payments in these environments, emphasizing the importance of hedging and maintaining strong relationships with FX providers. If you're a new businesses entering or considering entering the global market, you won't want to miss it!Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

In this episode of the Converge, Steven Dooley and Shier Lee Lim discuss the current state of currency markets, focusing on the US dollar's recent performance and its implications for global finance. They explore the breakdown of the dollar as a safe haven, the slow evolution of de-dollarization, and the impact of US policy on Asian currencies. The conversation highlights the complexities of risk management in today's financial landscape and the ongoing relevance of the dollar smile framework.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

This conversation, hosted by Steven Dooley and featuring Kevin Ford as the speaker, explores how monetary policy is evolving, with growing attention on fiscal dominance and its impact on interest rates and foreign exchange markets. It also looks at how geopolitical tensions and shifts in central bank independence are adding new layers of complexity, making it increasingly difficult to forecast currency values in today’s fragmented global economy.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

This week, host Alex Lawrence sat down with Sarah Madden, CISO at Convera, and fintech advisor and Voalyre founder, Ted Huff, to discuss the implications of AI in the financial sector, particularly in the context of cybersecurity and fraud prevention. They reflect on their experiences at Money 2020, emphasizing the rapid adoption of AI technologies and the challenges that come with it. The discussion highlights the need for businesses to understand their use cases for AI, the importance of trust in technology, and the potential future of artificial general intelligence (AGI) in financial services. Both Sara and Tedd actionable insights for leaders looking to navigate the evolving landscape of AI and its impact on their organizations.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

George Vessey and Antonio Ruggiero discuss the evolving nature of geopolitical risk, emphasizing its expansion beyond traditional armed conflict to include populism, protectionism, and anti-globalization narratives. They highlight the implications of these changes on the global economic landscape, From tariff-driven central bank dilemmas to the erosion of traditional fiscal anchors.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

This week, we're bringing you a panel discussion recorded live at Money2020 USA on Oct. 27th, 2025. The conversation is hosted by David Savage of the Tech Talks podcasts, and features Sudipto Das, VP of Engineering at Convera, Nilesh Dusane, Head of Institutional Payments at AWS, and Shawnna DelHierro, Chief Information Officer of SoundHound AI. They explore the intersection of AI and cross-border payments, highlighting the importance of generative AI, risk management, and the evolving role of humans in financial services. They also cover the challenges of implementing AI, including explainability and governance, while emphasizing the need for organizations to set clear goals and metrics for success. Lastly, they address the transformative potential of AI in enhancing customer experiences and the necessity of balancing innovation with safety and privacy concerns.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

In this episode of the Converge podcast, Steven Dooley and George Vessey discuss the insights from the 'Are You Ready for 2026' research report, reflecting on the past year's market influences and looking ahead to the key themes shaping the FX landscape in 2026. They explore the impact of tariffs, monetary policy, and geopolitical factors on global growth and currency forecasting, focusing on the outlook for the British pound towards the end.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

This week, we sat down with Brian Hamilton, President of Origence Lending, to discuss the evolution of the lending landscape, the impact of technology, AI, automation, and the importance of compliance as the lending sector evolves. We cover how Origence has adapted to changes in consumer behavior and economic conditions, emphasizing the need for a frictionless experience in lending. We also chat about the role of alternative data in loan origination and the future of lending, including predictions about automation, AI, and consumer behavior.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

This week, Frances Zelazny, CEO of Anonybit, sat down to discuss all things authentication in financial services, including how biometrics are revolutionizing identity verification, tackling fraud, and enhancing security. Frances shares her expertise on the challenges faced by small banks and the transformative power of privacy-preserving technologies. We cover the future of digital identity and the role of biometrics in creating a safer financial ecosystem.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

In this week's Market Update, Alex Lawrence and Steven Dooley discuss the recent movements in global currency markets, driven by central bank decisions. They analyze the impact of the Federal Reserve's rate cut on market sentiment, the performance of major currencies like the US dollar, euro, and pound, and highlight resilient currencies such as the Swiss franc and Mexican peso. The conversation also touches on the Australian dollar and the strength of the Chinese yuan and Japanese yen amidst ongoing economic challenges.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

In this episode of the Converge Podcast, Travis Mottershead from Very Good Security (VGS) discusses the intersection of compliance and payment infrastructure. He shares insights on how VGS differentiates itself in the fintech space by embedding compliance as a strategic asset rather than a mere checkbox. The conversation explores Travis's background, the unique implementation strategies at VGS, and the role of AI in shaping future payment flows. The episode concludes with predictions for the future of fintech and the importance of adapting to new challenges in the payment landscape.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

In this conversation, Alex Lawrence and Kevin Ford discuss the recent political interference in the Federal Reserve, particularly focusing on the implications of Trump's actions and the potential reactions from foreign investors. They explore how these political dynamics are affecting market stability and investor sentiment, especially in light of upcoming economic data releases. The discussion also touches on inflation trends, the strength of the USD, and the impact of AI on market productivity, particularly with Nvidia's earnings on the horizon.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

This week, George Vessey and Alex Lawrence discuss the current state of global markets, focusing on the impact of tariffs, labor market dynamics, and the influence of political events on economic data. They explore how recent tariff announcements have affected trade flows and inflation, the Federal Reserve's response to labor market data, and the Bank of England's recent decisions regarding interest rates. The discussion highlights the complexities and uncertainties facing investors in today's economic landscape.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

This week, we sat down with Dave Trier, VP of Product at ModelOp to discuss the critical importance of AI governance in financial services. We cover the challenges enterprises face in moving AI initiatives from ideation to production, the complexities of compliance in regulated industries, the impact of fragmented systems on operational efficiency, and the significance and surprising lack of AI assurance at the enterprise level. Our chat also highlighted the need for organizations to adapt to global regulations, balance innovation with governance investments, and establish a minimum viable governance framework to enable effective AI deployment. We close out with actionable opportunities for financial services firms to differentiate themselves through robust governance practices.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

For this week's Market Update, Alex Lawrence and Steven Dooley discuss the current state of global markets, highlighting the positive mood in equity markets, the divergence in central bank policies, and the implications of recent global PMI data. They delve into the performance of the US dollar and other major currencies, as well as the key risks and uncertainties that lie ahead, particularly regarding trade tariffs and economic indicators.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

What is "rational privacy," and how would it apply to our financial lives?This week, we sat down with Fahmi Syed, president of the Midnight Foundation, to discuss the importance of privacy in blockchain technology. He shared his journey from the finance world to the blockchain space, emphasizing the need for "rational privacy" that allows individuals to selectively disclose information. We also covered the challenges of transparency in blockchain, the concept of selective disclosure, and how Midnight differentiates itself from other privacy chains. Hear about the unique tokenomics of Midnight and its potential applications across various sectors, including finance and healthcare.

This week, Alex Lawrence and Alanna Frost welcomed Tedd Huff - consultant, media maven and curator of the popular Fintech Confidential channel. In this episode, Tedd shares his extensive background in the industry, discussing the evolution of payment systems and the current landscape of digital assets. The conversation delves into key themes such as the impact of AI on fraud detection, the significance of regulatory changes for stablecoins, and the emerging trends in B2B payments. Tedd emphasizes the importance of having a stablecoin strategy and the potential of credit unions to play a pivotal role in the future of finance. The episode also covers insights on how businesses can adapt to the rapidly changing financial environment.Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.