ABOUT THIS EPISODE
How much has fintech changed in just five years? From neobanks to AI-powered banking, the transformation of financial services has been amazing to be part of. After five years, five seasons, microphones shipped all over the world, and more than 50 episodes, Fintech Files comes to a close with a look back on this incredible journey.
We rewind to 2020, when the podcast first began. Hosts Nora Hocke and Annika Melchert reflect on the fintech shifts that shaped the show, from the neobank boom of 2020 to today’s AI-driven financial landscape. They also reflect on what the podcast meant for their own careers: the projects it connected to, the leaders they learned from, and the confidence they built along the way. From neobank builds to customer experience, AI, interoperability, career growth in tech consulting, and moving all over the world, this episode explores how the industry has evolved and where it may be headed next.
Discussion Highlights:
- Building Neobanks from Scratch: Nora and Annika reflect on their early neobank projects in 2020, around the time the podcast began.
- Fintech Files Origin Story: Our hosts share how they pitched the podcast internally and the support they received from BCG Platinion.
- Favorite Guests and Conversations: From Solaris and Mambu to Microsoft, ABN AMRO, and BCG experts, including Kirsten Rulf and Akram Awad, we revisit standout guests and takeaways.
- Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Nora and Annika reflect on building confidence throughout the podcast journey and the impact it had on their career growth.
- Technology Is Not Enough: A major lesson from the podcast: modern tech stacks matter, but great fintechs still begin with strong customer value propositions.
- The Rise of AI in Finance: AI has moved from an emerging topic to a core part of digital and IT strategy in banking.
- The Future of Banking: Looking ahead, the hosts predict more seamless cross-border banking, integrated wealth management, and AI agents reshaping customer interfaces.
We’re grateful to have had Fintech Files recognized with multiple podcast award wins over the past five seasons:
2025 Signal Awards — Gold — Money & Finance
2025 W3 Awards — Gold — Finance & Wealth Building
2024 W3 Awards — Silver — Financial Services
Thank you for joining us on this journey. If you are interested in growing your own career with BCG, head to bcgplatinion.com/careers to learn more about current opportunities.
About Fintech Files:
Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion as we explore the cutting-edge trends disrupting Fintech today.
From NeoBanks to cryptocurrency, we delve into the dynamic landscape of financial technology through insightful conversations with global disruptors. We’ll uncover the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech and examine their impact on the financial world. We focus on real-world examples, making financial technology relatable and accessible to both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Hosted by Annika Melchert, a Principal currently based at BCG Platinion in the Middle East, and Nora Hocke, a Principal currently based at BCG Platinion in Sydney, our hosts bring expertise in tech transformations, platform architecture, and digital innovation. Annika and Nora work with Fintechs and incumbent banks, and together they offer unique insights into the evolving financial landscape, drawing on their wealth of experience with leading organizations. Bianca Lopes is an entrepreneur and economist from Brazil with a background in digital identity and biometrics. Having supported over 40 financial institutions and eight governments, Bianca’s work reshapes technology, reimagines identity, and drives innovation.
