One more thing – financial services, tech & human intersection
In this series, One more thing, Theodora (Theo) Lau, a prominent speaker on all things fintech and innovation, writes about the intersection of financial services, technology, and the human element.
She discusses how fintech can promote change and innovation to create a more fair and inclusive system globally and shape a better future for all humankind.
Financial services can play a more crucial role in lifting people out of poverty and help break the cycle of inequality, and with focus and intention, more inclusive economic growth can finally be within reach.
Theo is the founder of Unconventional Ventures, a public speaker, and an advisor with extensive experience in tech and start-up ecosystems. She is the co-author of Beyond Good, and host of One Vision, a podcast on fintech and innovation.
Connect with Theo on LinkedIn, X @psb_dc, and Mastodon @[email protected].
Human connection in the age of AI
Even in the age of an AI arms race, we can still reclaim what is uniquely human: our empathy.
Forget the accolades and the pleasantries and pay us
For this International Women’s Day, and for all the days that follow, my message is simple: pay us.
When goals become aspirations, where does that leave us?
Fundamentally, I believe that businesses can be an important force to drive societal change.
If 2023 was the year of AI hype, will 2024 be the year of AI governance and responsibility?
In 2024, we must ensure that issues around privacy, fairness, and biases in AI are addressed.
Building a world for the 99%
We have the technology to create a more supportive ecosystem for millions of SMEs worldwide.
Are we AI ready?
As we continue to layer AI technology into our day-to-day lives, the risks continue to multiply.
Can you seek out the line that we cannot see?
If you have the power of the pen but you choose to look the other way, then what hope do the rest of the people have?
What we don’t dare talk about
The financial services industry and society in general needs to do more to support women going through the menopause.
Sibos 2023: Empathy and AI – banking’s duty of care
Ultimately, the responsibility lies with humans to decide where, when, and how AI is deployed.
You’ve checked the DEI box. Now what?
To truly transform is to have DEI values infused in the DNA of your company.
On the evolution of work
The future of work is human — and tech can help create new economic opportunities for more people.
The trust that binds us
What will become of the trust that binds us when people misplace their faith in faceless algorithms?
The future of work is a story of data and empathy
The future is not about using technology to displace humans, but leveraging technology to be more human.
A tale of two worlds
We have a responsibility as an industry to do more to improve financial security and create a more equal society.
ChatGPT and generative AI – what does banking have to do with it?
Ready or not, the generative AI genie is out of the bottle and there is no going back.
Diversity of socks is our future
Awareness does not always translate into action, unfortunately. It’s intention that we need.
Reasons to be hopeful for 2023
Perhaps, the universe has a plan hiding in plain sight. The glimmers of hope that are just around the corner...
Being an entrepreneur: from A to Z
It’s easy to start a company, but it’s much harder to sustain it.
Sibos 2022: Food, shelter, water – what does banking have to do with it?
Banks can play a crucial role in lifting people out of poverty.
Video: Theo Lau at Finovate Europe 2022 – the future of AI in finance
FinTech Futures chats with Theo Lau about the use of AI in finance and future tech trends.
Digital makes the world go round: a reflection
We have the tools and resources to do more, and to do better, but more action is needed.
A jar of hope
We might be from different backgrounds, but we are all part of the universe.
It’s time to put our heart back into our ecosystem – and build what matters
Access to financial services is a crucial tool to help our most marginalised citizens escape poverty.
Just do it?
How can we, as an industry, be more empathetic and create solutions that matter?
My dollars matter
Branch closures hurt not only consumers, but also small businesses and their local communities.
A voyage of optimism from the city of angels to mountains of clouds
Entrepreneurs, local governments and socially minded enterprises spark innovation in their communities.
Is voice the next UI?
Theodora Lau discusses what the future might look like for fintech and brands.
Celebrating Finovate’s #WomeninFinTech
For fintech to be for everyone, it needs to be from everyone.
The empathy deficit
As the cost of living continues to rise, what will banks do? What should they do?
The forgotten faces of diversity: the invisibles
To be successful, diversity and inclusion must start from within – and it must be built into the culture.
The forgotten generation: driving digital adoption with older customers
Everyone - regardless of their age, would like a good user experience.
True diversity or tokenism
It is not only time for us to say: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. It is now time for us to hold ourselves accountable.
We were all beginners once
Be intentional in finding new voices. And be intentional in elevating them.
What the Fintech? Episode 10 | Diversity & inclusion: AI bias
Theodora Lau, founder of Unconventional Ventures provides her take on artificial intelligence.
Equals Money to power Chorus TM’s new financial management platform for the music industry
Chorus TM’s next step is a full US launch, which is scheduled for the coming months.
Ecology Building Society set for 2025 core banking overhaul with Monument Technology
Ecology Building Society says technology modernisation will help “attract future customers at pace and scale”.
Sweden’s Mitigram names Pedram Tadayon as new CEO
Mitigram has also refreshed its C-Suite with recent CSO and CPO additions.
Monzo secures additional $190m funding from new and existing investors
The digital challenger had previously raised $430 million in March.
FinTech Founders Video: ensuring data security in fintech partnerships
This new episode in our FinTech Founders series examines data sharing security in fintech partnerships.
South African fintech Lesaka snaps up Adumo in $86m deal
The acquisition is expected to be finalised in the third quarter of 2024.
Demystify Podcast: BaaS in the USA with Arcady Lapiro of Agora
In this podcast episode, Dave and Dharm chat with Arcady Lapiro, founder and CEO of Agora.
Mangopay appoints Meta product lead Ariel Shoham as VP of risk product
The European payment infrastructure provider is seeking to expand its fraud prevention solutions.
New Peoples Bank taps Jack Henry for core processing
The bank is to adopt Jack Henry’s core processing solution and digital banking platform Banno.
PayTech Awards USA 2024 nominations are now open!
Submissions for the PayTech Awards USA 2024 are now open, with the entry deadline set for 12 July 2024.