FinHub

Hosted by FinHub: A Canadian Founders Podcast

Technology

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Episodes

Latest episode

Apr 2025

Language

EN-US

About the show

Welcome to the Finhub! Our goal is to promote and inform students, educators, and industry professionals in the Fintech industry. We aim to raise visibility with the broad financial and technological ecosystem bringing in experts and founders to share their experiences.

Listen to episodes

23 recent

April 30, 2025Episode 127 min

Rob Khazzam - Float

In this episode we talk with Rob Khazzam, the CEO and founder of Float, an all-in-one card and spend management solution for Canadian businesses. We discuss Rob’s journey from launching Uber across Europe to founding Float, the challenges of building a startup, and the critical lessons learned along the way. We also delve into the core elements needed for success in FinTech and Float’s recent $17 million series B financing round. Don’t miss Rob's valuable insights on culture, product market fit, and trends in the FinTech industry!

December 21, 202420 min

Rainbow Chik - Data-driven Investing

In this episode, we interviewed Rainbow Chik, a Rotman Commerce alumna who has spent the past decade at the forefront of data-driven investing, alternative data, and ESG analytics. We discussed how data collection has evolved, the innovative approaches investment firms are using to gather insights, and the challenges they face along the way. Rainbow shared her unique perspective on the transformative role of data in reshaping the financial industry.

October 8, 202425 min

Danish Yusuf - Zensurance

In this episode, we spoke with Danish Yusuf, founder of Zensurance, Canada's biggest Insurtech that provides innovative insurance solutions for Canadian small businesses, offering amazing rates that can be up to 35% less than what competitors offer, giving their customers the confidence they need at the best possible price. We explore Danish's journey from McKinsey to being a founder, his strategy for company growth, his persistent vision on the market, and four of Zensurance's competitive advantages against competitors. Lastly, Danish also talks about future trends in the financial industry. Check out Zensurance

September 2, 202419 min

David Excell - Featurespace

In this episode, we spoke with David Excell, founder of Featurespace, a leading company in the field of adaptive behavioral analytics. We explore Featurespace’s journey in revolutionizing fraud prevention and risk management, delve into their innovative use of machine learning, and discuss key industry topics such as the evolution of real-time fraud detection and the challenges of implementing AI-driven solutions in financial services.

August 7, 202425 min

Mahima Poddar - EQ Bank

In this episode, we sit down with Mahima Poddar, SVP and Group Head of Personal Banking at EQ Bank. We dive into EQ Bank's challenger-bank approach, explore their innovative product development process, and discuss hot topics such as Open Banking and the consolidation trends in Canadian banking.

June 14, 2024Episode 1125 min

Jad Yaghi - Baselane

In this episode, Jad discusses how Baselane is revolutionizing the banking and real estate industry, helping landlords have tailored financial services, automated tools, and actionable data to save time, increase returns, and grow their investment portfolios. Jad walks us through the process of data consolidation, how his software works, and also the importance of partnerships. We also discuss retention strategies, data privacy, and product creation and growth. Lastly, Jad talks about the upcoming trends for the Fintech ecosystem.Check out Baselane here

May 16, 2024Episode 922 min

Hamed Arbabi - Vopay

In this episode, we talked with Hamed, the founder and CEO of VoPay, a company revolutionizing the fintech landscape by offering data-driven API payment infrastructure and financial solutions across North America. Hamed shares his journey from the telecom industry to founding VoPay, emphasizing the challenges of money movement that led him to create a fintech solution. Overcoming hurdles such as regulatory compliance and financial risk, VoPay has distinguished itself by not merely processing payments but enabling businesses to become fintech providers. The episode explores VoPay's impact across various industries, their approach to leveraging AI and machine learning, and thoughts on trends such as open banking and the rise of financial services integration within different sectors. Hamed also discusses the company's bootstrap funding strategy, customer-driven product development, and future expansion plans. The conversation concludes with insights on entrepreneurship in the competitive fintech industry.00:00 Welcome and Introduction to VoPay00:51 The Genesis of VoPay: Hamed's Journey02:04 Overcoming Challenges in Building VoPay03:18 Differentiating VoPay in the FinTech Space04:22 Impactful Customer Stories and Industry Influence06:02 Exploring AI and Machine Learning in Financial Services08:14 The Future of FinTech: Open Banking and Beyond13:17 Raising Capital and the Bootstrapping Journey17:46 Product Development: Customer-Driven Innovation19:08 VoPay's Expansion Plans and Future Projects20:15 Entrepreneurial Lessons from VoPay's Journey22:12 Closing Remarks and Podcast Information

April 29, 2024Episode 822 min

Lawrence Wan - BMO Financial Group

In this episode, we dive into the world of how tech is driving changes in enterprise architecture and fostering innovation within a large financial institution's customer strategy. Our guest, Lawrence, serves as the Chief Architect & Innovation Officer at BMO Financial Group, where his primary focus is not just on nurturing a culture of tech innovation across the bank but also on discovering emerging technological trends beneficial to the BMO's strategy. Join us as we explore how Lawrence and his team are driving innovation forward, embedding it into the core of the organization's culture, and staying ahead of emerging technologies that could shape the future of banking, helping customers make real financial progress.

March 28, 2024Episode 722 min

Cato Pastoll - Loop Financial

In this episode, Cato discusses how Loop is enabling businesses to seamlessly manage money around the world. He also talks about the opportunities within the current financial system and how Loop has found ways to leverage them. Cato emphasizes the significance of partnering with existing financial institutions to build technology that works seamlessly and is interoperable with existing financial services. Lastly, Cato sheds light on the future vision for Loop. Listen in to uncover the transformative potential of Loop in the world of fintech!Go and check out LoopLoop's LinkedInCato's LinkedInCato's Twitter

February 13, 2024Episode 621 min

Jesse Abrams - Homewise

In this episode, Jesse discusses how Homewise is enhancing the ownership process for its customers. Jeff also talks about the challenges faced during this entrepreneurial journey and how they were able to mitigate them. He also emphasizes the significance of partnerships in creating value. Lastly, Jesse sheds light on open banking and the upcoming trends for the Fintech ecosystem.Go and check out ⁠Homewise Homewise's LinkedIn