Shows
A2Z FintechThe Last Family Portrait: Schroders, Nuveen & the Death of Mid-Sized Active Management | £9.9bn Deal AutopsyThe Schroder family survived Napoleon, two World Wars, the fall of merchant banking, and the rise of passive investing. On February 12, 2026, they said "cash me out" — agreeing to sell their 222-year-old firm to Nuveen (TIAA) for £9.9 billion. The Financial Times called it "the defining deal of a glass half-empty UK." Philip Augar, who worked at Schroders in the 1990s and wrote The Death of Gentlemanly Capitalism, says history is repeating itself — just as the City's merchant banks fell to Wall Street in the 1990s, active fund management at scale is becoming a US-dominated industry. John Gapper calls it th...
2026-02-1529 min
A2Z FintechHealthy Money: How to Build a "Moat of Convenience" in Modern BankingEver wondered if banks are just giant dodos stuck in legacy land, or could they actually get hip and healthy? Well, Alastair Campbell is here to dish out the secrets of making money healthy again, minus the boring behind-the-scenes. Buckle up, it’s a juicy ride through data, archetypes, and the ultimate goal: banks that actually get you.In this episode:Why 63% of industry value growth is flowing outside incumbentsRethinking archetypes: digital natives, modern families, and the kid pocket money revolutionThe three core levers of banking transformation: Customers, Architecture, and LeadershipHow to build a bank for th...
2026-02-1148 min
A2Z FintechNuBank’s US License: The Purple Revolution ArrivesThe US banking fortress just got a new neighbor. NuBank—the Latin American titan with 127M+ customers—has officially announced its US National Bank License.In this minisode, Aman and Zubin break down why this isn't just another fintech launch. We explore the "Wayne-dependent" reality of US regional banks stuck on 1980s COBOL code and why NuBank’s $1 cost-to-serve makes them a lethal competitor to the "Hollow Middle" of American finance.Highlights include:The COBOL Crisis: Why US regional banks are being held hostage by 40-year-old software.Hard Mode Mastery: How NuBank conquered Brazil and wh...
2026-02-0209 min
A2Z FintechCapital One Acquires Brex: The $5.15B Exit AnalysisIn this A2Z Fintech minisode / hot take, we break down the shockwave acquisition of Brex by Capital One for $5.15 billion. Is this just a bank buying a startup, or is it the "Original Disruptor" reminding the world that while software is the wedge, the balance sheet is the wall?Key Discussion Points:The Deal Breakdown: Analyzing the $5.15B, 50-50 cash and stock exit for the darling of Silicon Valley.The "Cap One Mafia" Full Circle: How the founders of Ramp once sold Paribus to Capital One, and what this means for the remaining "Titans" like...
2026-01-2503 min
A2Z FintechS2 E2: NRF 2026 – The Agentic AfterpartyThe "Buy Button" is moving from the screen to the conversation. > In this episode of A to Z Fintech, Aman Narain and Zubin Vandrevala report from NRF 2026. We move beyond the hype to the "Next Now"—the moment retail got an autonomous brain.Key Moments:(00:00) Cold Open: The Future of Shopping(00:45) Why Sundar Pichai Headlined NRF(04:00) Trend 1: Agentic Commerce & Google's UCP(06:12) Trend 2: Physical Intelligence & Robotics(08:15) Trend 3: "Searchless" Discovery (Keywords are Dead)(10:10) Trend 4: The End of the Frankenstein Stack(12:00) Trend 5: Human-Centered AI (Dick's Sporting Goods)(18:00) Major Announcements: Drones & E-PaperResources Mentioned:NRF 2026 Highlights: https://nrf.co...
2026-01-2113 min
A2Z FintechCES 2026: Top 10 Gadgets & The Physical AI Era (S02 E01)Welcome back to Season 2 of A to Z Fintech! Aman and Zubin are back from the holidays, but their brains are still in Vegas. This isn't just a gadget review; it’s a look at the "Re-Materialization" of technology.We are moving from a decade of "software eating the world" to "AI moving the world." From Nvidia’s shift into the laws of physics with Project Cosmos to the "Bot-naissance" of humanoid robotics, we break down the three mega-trends redefining hardware.Plus, we review the Top 10 pieces of tech from CES 2026, including shape-shifting phones, stair-climbing vacu...
2026-01-1317 min
A2Z FintechEp 17: The Grand Prix Finale of Fin + TechLights out and away we go! For the Season One finale of A2Z Fintech, Aman and Zubin take you to the "Post-Race Press Conference" of 2025. This year, the tech and fintech worlds didn't just move fast—they behaved exactly like a Formula One championship season. From Nvidia lapping the field to Apple’s "curated pacing" and the internal engine fires at OpenAI, we break down the Constructors' Standings across Tech, Fintech, and Banking.
2025-12-2227 min
A2Z FintechEp 16: The Rise of the Indy WorkerIs your career an album or a playlist? 🎶We are moving from the Industrial Age (factories, pensions, 9-to-5s) to the Intelligence Age (feeds, algorithms, gigs), but our money is still stuck in the past.On this episode of A to Z Fintech, Aman and Zubin break down the "One-Person Enterprise" and the new Money OS needed to support it.We discuss:📼 The 80s Paradox: Why the era of stability was actually the start of the unraveling.💥 The WHAM Framework: Walls, Human Agency, Automation, and Modularity.🏦 The Unbankable Millionaire: Why banks can't underwrite c...
2025-12-0135 min
A2Z FintechNeobanks 2.0: Challengers to CornerstonesIn this episode, Zubin and Aman explore the transformative journey of Neobanks, tracing their evolution from early models to the current Neobank 2.0 era. They discuss the historical context of banking, the rise of digital finance, and the emergence of the Neobank Mag7, a group of successful neobanks that have mastered profitability and customer acquisition. The conversation delves into the Neobank flywheel strategy, the impact of AI, regulatory changes, and the shift towards embedded banking. They conclude with a framework for future-proofing banks, emphasizing the importance of efficiency and adaptability in the rapidly changing financial landscape.
2025-11-1033 min
A2Z FintechOpen AI Dev Day: The House of Altman RisesIn this edition of A to Z Fintech, Aman and Zubin decode OpenAI’s audacious DevDay 2025 — and frame it as the ultimate Game of Thrones for the tech world.From Sam Altman’s meteoric rise and billion-dollar alliances with Microsoft and Nvidia to whispers of a new Jony Ive–designed hardware empire, this episode explores the four great provocations defining the next decade of technology:1️⃣ The House of Altman Rises — From lab to empire.2️⃣ From Chat to Chaos (and Cash) — Agents, apps, and ambition.3️⃣ The Price of Ambition — The trillion-dollar burn rate and the “circular trade.”4...
2025-10-1527 min
A2Z FintechThe 100-Year Career: Reinventing yourself in the Age of AIIn this episode of A to Z Fintech, Aman Narain sits down with Aneace Haddad — executive coach, author, and former fintech CEO — to explore what it really means to live (and lead) a hundred-year career in the age of AI."🔥 You’ll hear about:Why midlife isn’t decline — it’s halftimeHow leaders can engineer “mini-crises” to stay alive and relevantWhat a corporate midlife looks like (and how to reinvent before the decline)How AI becomes the Yoda companion of modern leadershipWhat humans can teach 100-year companies — and what they can learn in return🧭...
2025-10-0854 min
A2Z FintechAuthentication: Passwords to PasskeysThis conversation explores the evolution of authentication, the impact of AI and quantum computing on security, and the shift towards passwordless security through passkeys. The speakers discuss the historical context of authentication, the challenges posed by modern technology, and the importance of establishing trust in digital transactions.takeawaysA common language for agents to transact securely is essential.Authentication has evolved from personal identity verification to agent verification.Two-factor authentication is becoming a standard requirement.The rise of AI and quantum computing presents both threats and opportunities for security.Continuous validation is the...
2025-10-0116 min
A2Z FintechGoogle's AP2 & a preview of the Future of Agentic PaymentsIn this A2Z Fintech mini-sode, Aman and Zubin break down one of the most exciting drops from Google Cloud: the Agentic Payments Protocol (AP2). What does it mean for the future of payments, banks, and fintechs when agents—not humans—initiate and complete financial transactions?We unpack:What AP2 actually is, and why it mattersHow it builds on the API revolution to create agent-to-payments flowsPotential use cases, from autonomous vehicles paying for charging to AI assistants managing subscriptionsWhat banks and fintechs need to prepare for in this agentic worldThe risks, regulatory questions, and opportunities aheadTh...
2025-09-1705 min
A2Z FintechFintech Playmakers: National RailsIn this episode, Aman and Zubin explore the evolution and impact of national payment rails, focusing on UPI in India and PIX in Brazil. They discuss the significance of these systems in enhancing financial inclusion, reducing transaction costs, and fostering innovation. The conversation also delves into global payment systems, highlighting the unique approaches taken by different regions, including Europe and Asia, and the challenges faced by the U.S. in establishing a cohesive payment infrastructure. The episode concludes with insights on the future of payments and the geopolitical implications of payment systems.
2025-09-0919 min
A2Z FintechThe Future is TokenizedIn this episode of A2Z FinTech, Aman Narain and Zubin Vandrevala unpack the rise of tokenization—from its early use in card payments to its expansion into NFTs and real-world assets. They explore how tokenization is reshaping payments, banking, and crypto, making transactions smarter, safer, and more connected. From stablecoins and tokenized deposits to the role of Japan and regulators in driving adoption, the conversation bridges traditional finance and digital innovation, offering a sharp look at the future of money.Top TakeawaysTokenization started in payments and is now everywhere—from art to real estate.The...
2025-08-2021 min
A2Z FintechPeople, Purpose, and Power Skills in the Age of AIIn this conversation, Aman Narain, Sunil Setlur, and Roger Grant discuss the evolving landscape of careers in the age of AI. They explore how individuals can stay relevant, the importance of human judgment in AI decision-making, and the need for accountability. The discussion also touches on the challenges of AI implementation, the role of leadership, and the cultivation of taste makers in organizations. They emphasize the importance of creating safe environments for learning and the division of labor between humans and AI. The conversation concludes with insights on the future of work and the necessity of adapting to the...
2025-08-1135 min
A2Z FintechBanking on AIAman and Zubin reveal how AI is revolutionizing banking, moving far beyond simple chatbots to a total system overhaul. They track AI's journey from its "Good Old-Fashioned" roots to today's powerful Generative and Agentic AI, and even gaze into the future of Superintelligence!🚧 The 3 Traps Holding Banks Back:Discover the "Three Legacy Traps" hindering AI adoption in banking: outdated business models, clunky old tech infrastructure, and a mindset stuck in the past. It's not just about tech, it's about trust!🚀 4 Ways AI is Reshaping Finance NOW:Learn about the game-changing applications of AI in:Fraud...
2025-07-2425 min
A2Z FintechThe Hidden World of Interchange FeesIn this episode, Aman Narain and Zubin Vandrevala explore significant shifts in finance and technology, focusing on the hidden world of interchange fees. They discuss the escalating AI talent wars, the frenzy in fintech public markets, and the ongoing consolidation in the UK banking sector. The conversation delves into the history and mechanics of interchange fees, highlighting macro trends that could reshape the payment landscape, including the rise of fintechs, Capital One's acquisition of Discover, and the emergence of stablecoins. The hosts conclude with insights on the future of payments and the concept of 'new interchange' that could redefine...
2025-07-0927 min
A2Z FintechThe New Arms Race: AI, Fintech's Resurgence, and Apple's Next MoveIn this episode, Aman and Zubin dissect the biggest stories shaping the tech and finance landscape. They kick off by discussing the promising signs that the "Fintech IPO Winter" is finally over, with major players like Chime and Circle making successful market debuts. The conversation then shifts to Stripe's strategic moves in the crypto space, positioning itself as a core infrastructure for the future of Web3 commerce.The deep dive of the episode centers on Apple's high-stakes AI gamble at WWDC. Aman and Zubin debate whether Apple has lost its innovative edge, particularly in the race for...
2025-06-1719 min
A2Z FintechCapital One's Bold Move with Discover: A New Era in BankingIn this episode, Aman Narain and Zubin Vandrevala discuss Capital One's monumental acquisition of Discover, exploring its implications for the future of banking and financial technology. They delve into the strategic motivations behind the deal, the pressures it places on traditional financial institutions, and the potential to address systemic inefficiencies in the financial system. The conversation highlights the transformative potential of this acquisition in redefining the financial landscape, particularly in terms of data value and the evolution of interchange fees.TakeawaysCapital One's acquisition of Discover signals a major shift in banking.The deal is not...
2025-06-0913 min
A2Z FintechThe Future of Money? Stablecoins Unpacked.In this episode, Aman and Zubin explore the transformative potential of stablecoins in the financial landscape. They discuss the historical evolution of money, the current trends in stablecoin adoption, and the unique value propositions that stablecoins offer compared to traditional payment systems. The conversation also delves into the emerging business models around stablecoins, their role in the broader financial ecosystem, and the implications of the dollar's dominance in global commerce.TakeawaysStablecoins represent a significant shift in global payments infrastructure.The evolution of money has transitioned from traditional forms to digital assets.Stablecoins offer lower transaction costs compared to traditional...
2025-06-0120 min
A2Z FintechBest Google I/O ever? Non obvious insights and takeawaysIn this episode, Aman and Zubin discuss the highlights of Google I.O., emphasizing the significant advancements in AI, search technology, and wearable devices. They explore how Google's innovations are set to revolutionize content creation and e-commerce, while also touching on the potential of quantum computing and the future of hardware design. The conversation reflects on the competitive landscape and Google's strategic positioning in the tech industry.TakeawaysGoogle I.O. showcased a confident and ambitious vision for the future.The integration of AI into search represents a major shift in user interaction...
2025-05-2619 min
A2Z FintechReview of Stripe Sessions 2025: It just keeps getting bigger.In this episode of the A to Z of Payments, hosts Aman Narain and Zubin Vandrevala discuss the significant developments in the payments landscape, focusing on Stripe's recent announcements at Stripe Sessions. They explore Stripe's evolution from a startup to a major player in the financial infrastructure space, the integration of AI into their offerings, and the implications of their acquisition of Bridge. The conversation also touches on the competitive landscape with companies like Circle and the overall transformation of Stripe into an industry powerhouse.
2025-05-1418 min
PAYMENTS FMBenefits of Payment Orchestration: Zubin Vandrevala (Gr4vy)The Essential Guide to Payment Orchestration with Gr4vy's VP Commercial Zubin Vandrevala. Join us in this insightful episode as we delve into the world of payment orchestration with Zubin Vandrevala, VP Commercial at Gr4vy. Learn about the evolving needs of merchants in payment processing, the complexities they face, and how orchestration platforms can provide strategic advantages. Zubin shares his experiences and case studies, including a detailed look at how key merchants successfully integrated payments orchestration solutions. This episode is packed with valuable insights for any merchant or business looking to understand the potential of payment...
2025-03-2149 min
G+D SpotlightTokenization in paymentsPodcast: How to scale payments with network tokenization
The payments industry is evolving at a rapid pace – and it’s not always easy to keep up. In our latest Spotlight podcast, G+D’s Mark Van Horn, Digital Solutions Lead at G+D North America, is joined by Zubin Vandrevala, Vice President at Gr4vy, to discuss the challenges merchants face in an evolving payments landscape, as well as the increasingly critical role tokenization plays in the payments ecosystem.
2024-04-2231 min