The Payment Expert Podcast
The Payment Expert Podcast is a weekly show from SBC Media that examines the news shaping the global payments industry. Each episode covers the innovation, infrastructure, and behind-the-scenes work that keeps payments moving forward. It looks at the developments and technologies driving change across the sector. The podcast is aimed at listeners who want concise analysis of what is happening in payments and why it matters.
Episodes
The Agentic Regulator: Who Rules the AI Financial Frontier? | Ep. 032
In this episode, we explore the latest developments in AI regulation within the financial industry, including the FSB's final AI guidance, the EU AI Act, and the FCA's plans to become an agentic regulator. We discuss the implications for payment firms, fraud prevention, and the need for standardised AI practices.Key TopicsFSB's 12 AI practices for financial firmsThe role of human oversigh
Payments in Motion: AI, Tokenization, and Financial Infrastructure with Sulabh Agarwal | Ep. 031
In this episode, Sulabh Agarwal from Accenture shares insights from Sibos on AI, risk resilience, tokenisation, and the future of money movement, highlighting how these trends are shaping the payments industry.Key TopicsAI-driven finance and risk managementRisk and resilience in financial infrastructureAI applications in banking and paymentsTransaction foundation models and semantic layer
Beyond the Hype: Stablecoins, Real-World Payments, and AI Risk | Ep. 030
In this episode, Erica Stanford discusses the evolving landscape of stablecoins, crypto payments, and the impact of AI on fraud and cybersecurity. She shares insights on regulatory challenges, ethical AI use, and practical steps for payment firms to stay ahead in a rapidly changing environment.Key TopicsStablecoin transaction volumes and use casesCrypto's role in real-world payments and r
Transforming Cross-Border Money Movement with Claire Gates | Ep. 029
In this episode, Claire Gates, Global Head of Payments and Solutions at Crown Agents Bank, shares insights on cross-border payments in Africa, the role of stablecoins, and the future of AI in payments. Discover how innovative solutions are transforming money movement and the importance of regulation and diversity in the industry.Key TopicsChallenges in African cross-border paymentsRole of
Data, AI, and 'No Ticket, No Release': Payment IQ’s Next-Gen Cashier | Ep. 028
In this episode, Kaivalya Paluskar from Payment IQ discusses innovations in cashier management, including the introduction of Cashier Plus, and how these tools streamline the onboarding and deposit process for operators. Learn how data-driven decisions and AI are shaping the future of payment experiences in iGaming.Key TopicsCashier management challenges in iGamingIntroduction of Cashier
Crypto’s Dark Side: Scams, Sanctions and State-Backed Crime | Ep. 27
From sophisticated investment scams to sanctions evasion and state-backed cybercrime, crypto has become an increasingly important part of the global financial crime conversation.In this episode of the Payment Expert Podcast, Louis Thompsett is joined by Senior Business Journalist Kieran O’Connor to examine some of the darkest corners of the digital asset economy.The pair look at how so-ca
Industrialised Financial Crime: AI's Impact on Fraud Sophistication| Ep. 026
In this episode, Benjamin David from the Payments Association discusses the rapid evolution of financial crime, especially with AI's role in increasing fraud sophistication. We explore how firms can respond effectively through collaboration, better intelligence sharing, and responsible AI governance.Key TopicsThe impact of AI on fraud tempo and sophisticationThe importance of collaboratio
Digital Cash Unleashed: Regulation, Innovation, and Interoperability | Ep. 025
In this episode, Vikram Bharwani, CTO banking at NTT Data for UK and Ireland, discusses the future of digital money, interoperability, and the impact of new payment rails on the industry. He shares insights on CBDCs, stablecoins, tokenised deposits, and the strategic role of the UK in digital currency development.Key TopicsDigital money forms and their coexistenceCustomer behaviour and in
Proactive Compliance in AI Payments | Ep. 024
In this episode, Ignas Dovidonis, Chief AML and CTF Compliance Officer at myTU, discusses the current state and future of agentic payments, AI's role in automating transactions, regulatory challenges, and the importance of compliance and infrastructure modernisation.Key TopicsAgentic payments and AI capabilitiesRegulatory and compliance challengesTrust and verification in AI systemsRegul
Is the UK Ready for the Digital Pound?| Ep. 023
In this episode, we explore the UK's digital pound lab phase two, focusing on the integration of stablecoins and CBDCs, and what it means for the future of digital payments and regulation.Key topicsDigital pound and stablecoin integrationRegulatory environment for digital currenciesInteroperability between CBDCs and stablecoinsBlockchain and payment infrastructureOwnership and control of
The Future of UK BNPL | Ep. 022
In this episode, we explore the recent UK regulations on buy now pay later (BNPL), their impact on the market, and how major players like Klarna are adapting. We discuss market timing, regulatory challenges, and future trends in BNPL and banking integration.Key TopicsUK BNPL regulation implementation and market impactKlarna's strategic move towards banking licensesThe timing of BNPL regul
X Money: Elon Musk’s Next Disruptor or Fleeting Gimmick? | Ep. 021
In this episode, we explore the launch of X Money by Elon Musk, its potential as a US super app, and the challenges it faces including security, regulation, and market competition. Our experts analyse whether X Money will succeed or just be a fleeting gimmick.Key TopicsLaunch of X Money and its featuresPotential as a US super app and market strategySecurity concerns and recent hacksRegula
BNY On The Future Of Global Payments | Ep. 20
Payments are changing faster than ever.New payment rails, tokenisation, AI and always-on banking are reshaping how money moves around the world, but can the financial system keep up?In this episode of the Payment Expert Podcast, Louis Thompsett is joined by Bana Akkad Azhari, Head of EMEA Global Payments & Trade at BNY, to discuss the biggest trends shaping global payments and financi
Overhyped vs. Underrated: Elixirr’s Keith Bear Breaks Down the Future of Digital Wallets | Ep. 019
In this episode, Keith Bear discusses the evolving landscape of digital payments, stablecoins, tokenised deposits, and the regulatory environment across the US and UK. Gain insights into how these innovations are shaping the future of digital finance and what banks and fintechs are doing to adapt.Key TopicsDigital payments evolutionStablecoin regulation in US and UKTokenised deposits and
How NVIDIA's Payment Foundation Models Are Reshaping Finance| Ep. 018
In this episode, Pahal Patangia from NVIDIA discusses the transformative impact of payment foundation models, AI, and data sharing in financial services. We explore how these innovations are shaping the future of autonomous finance, agentic commerce, and personalized customer experiences.Key TopicsPayment foundation models and their capabilitiesThe impact of transformer architecture on fi
The Future of Secure Agentic Transactions | Ep. 017
In this episode, David Birch discusses the security and trust challenges of agentic transactions as they move from concepts to pilots, exploring digital identity infrastructure, standardisation, and fraud mitigation in the evolving payments landscape.Key TopicsDigital identity infrastructure and its importanceSecurity challenges with agentic transactionsStandardisation needs for agentic
UK Stablecoin Regulation: Industry-Friendly or Cautious Approach? | Ep. 016
In this episode, we explore the latest developments in UK stablecoin regulation, comparing it with US and European models. We discuss the implications for industry growth, regulatory collaboration, and future prospects for digital currencies.Key TopicsUK stablecoin regulation and its industry impactComparison of US, EU, and UK stablecoin reserve requirementsRegulatory collaboration betwee
Open Banking's Biggest Problem: The FCA Has a Plan | Ep. 15
Open banking has a problem and the FCA finally has the statutory powers to fix it. We sit down with Andrew Self, Head of Open Banking & Finance at the Financial Conduct Authority, to find out what the new regulatory framework actually means for the UK's open finance future.From variable recurring payments to the 2028–2030 Open Finance roadmap, Andrew breaks down the real obstacles, co
Capgemini- Fraud Beyond The Banks| Ep. 014
In this episode, Oliver Hanmer, Managing Director of UK Financial Crime Compliance Advisory at Capgemini, shares insights from the global anti-scam summit, discusses the evolving landscape of financial fraud, the role of AI, and the importance of cross-sector collaboration in combating fraud.Key PointsGlobal Anti-Scam Summit insightsRole of AI in fraud detection and preventionCross-sector
The Future of Payment Automation with UK Payments Initiative (UKPI)| Ep. 013
This episode features insights from the launch of the UK Payments Initiative (UKPI) at Money20/20 Europe, focusing on how Commercial Variable Recurring Payments (cVRPs) are transforming the open banking landscape. Experts discuss the phased rollout of these payment methods, regulatory and pricing frameworks, and the ecosystem collaboration required for widespread consumer adoption.Key Top
Stablecoins and AI at Money20/20 Europe | Ep. 012
This episode features insights from the Money2020 Europe event, focusing on stablecoins, agentic AI, regulation, tokenisation, and fraud prevention in the payments industry. Experts discuss industry milestones, regulatory frameworks, and the future of payment innovations.Key TopicsStablecoins and their regulatory landscapeAgentic AI and its impact on paymentsTokenisation projects like Pro
Beyond the Rail: Pay.UK’s Vision for a Multi-Money World| Ep. 011
In this episode Host, Louis Thompsett is joined by Justin Jacobs, Chief Policy and Engagement Officer at Pay.UK, to discuss the future of digital money, interoperability of payment rails, trust, and security in a multi-money world. This episode explores opportunities, risks, and the evolving landscape of payments in the UK.Key TopicsMulti-money world and payment interoperabilityOpportuni
The Fintech Regulatory Revolution | Ep. 010
In today’s episode, Host Louis Thompsett is joined by Shaanil Senarath-Dassanayake, Associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, as the duo discuss the seismic shifts in the UK’s regulatory landscape and what the transition from "unregulated" to "fully authorised" actually means for the next generation of fintech innovators.Key Discussion PointsThe Crypto Authorization Gateway: Why the move fr
Cross-Industry Defense: GSMA’s Top 5 Mobile Security Innovations | Ep. 009
This episode explores how mobile network intelligence is transforming fraud prevention in the financial industry. Samantha Kight from GSMA discusses emerging threats, innovative API solutions, and the importance of cross-industry collaboration.Key TopicsEmerging mobile fraud threats and trendsGSMA's role in securing the mobile ecosystemInnovative API solutions for fraud detectionCross-ind
Swift’s Digital Asset Innovation: Future Payments | Ep. 008
In today's episode, Host Louis Thompsett is joined by Nick Kerigan, Managing Director and Head of Innovation at Swift, as the duo discuss the evolving landscape of global value transfer, focusing on how Swift is integrating blockchain technology and shared ledgers into its infrastructure to solve real-world payment friction.Tune in to today's episode to find out:How Swift’s new blockchain
UK Unified Payment Regulation Shifts | Ep. 007
In today's episode, Host Louis Thompsett is joined by Payment Expert Editor Rachael Kennedy and Senior Business Journalist Kieran O'Connor as the trio discuss the major regulatory shifts emerging from UK FinTech Week, specifically the government's push for a unified framework for digital money and the FCA's evolving stance on AI.Tune in to today's episode to find out:How the UK plans to b
Asia’s Fintech Revolution Unleashed | Ep. 006
In today's episode, Host Louis Thompsett is joined by Payment Expert Senior Business Journalists Kieran O'Connor and Callum Williams to discuss their key takeaways from the first day of the Money20/20 Asia conference in Bangkok, focusing on the evolution of digital payments and infrastructure across the Asian market.Tune in to today’s episode to find out:The rise of tokenized deposits: Wh
Instant Payments vs. Instant Fraud | Ep. 005
In today's episode, Payment Expert Editor & Host Louis Thompsett and Payment Expert Senior Journalists Kieran O'Connor & Callum Williams discuss the Reserve Bank of India’s radical proposal to introduce a one-hour pause on digital payments to combat the 10x rise in fraud cases, comparing this pragmatic approach to Brazil’s PICS system and the emerging regulations in the UK and EUT
The Cashless Future Is Failing? | Ep. 004
We explore:Why New York is legally protecting cash paymentsThe reality of unbanked and underbanked populationsWhether digital payments can truly replace cashThe risks of relying on digital infrastructureHow war, outages and crises expose payment vulnerabilitiesWhy central banks are still investing in physical moneyThis isn’t just about payments, it’s about access, resilience and the futur
Coinbase vs Congress: Why Stablecoin Bill Has Stalled | Ep.003
The CLARITY Act was supposed to bring order to US stablecoin regulation. Instead it's stalled – and Coinbase just rejected the latest draft for the second time. We break down why the yield ban is so specifically damaging to Coinbase's revenue model, what it means for the Circle-Coinbase relationship ahead of their August renegotiation, and whether Armstrong's opposition is a genuine veto
Wero vs Visa and Mastercard: The Stablecoin Pivot | Ep. 002
Wero is making its move – but can Europe's pan-European A2A scheme succeed where every previous attempt has failed? We break down the chargeback gamble, the ECB's interoperability doubts, and what it will take to achieve the scale Europe needs.Plus: Mastercard acquires stablecoin firm BVNK for $1.8bn – we speculate what's driving the deal, what it signals about where card networks see the
X Money, CBDCs & the Future of Digital Payments | Ep. 001
Elon Musk's X Money launches April 2026 – but is it a payments product or a revenue pivot? We break down the Visa Direct integration, the WeChat super app myth, and whether X can earn the trust financial services demands. Plus: a CBDC ban buried in a US housing bill, what a permanent digital dollar block means for stablecoin infrastructure, and how MiCA shapes X Money's global ambitions.H
The Payment Expert Podcast – Official Trailer
Welcome to The Payment Expert Podcast – a new podcast hosted by Payment Expert’s News Editor, Louis Thompsett, who will be joined by Payment Expert’s editorial team each week to dissect the breaking news throughout the global payments industry.
