The Thing About FinTech Podcast

Leading FinTechs Through Volatility - People, Process & Product | Brad Levy, CEO at ThetaRay

In this episode of The Thing About FinTech, Toby and Anvar sit down with Brad Levy from ThetaRay to explore the forces reshaping financial services, from AI and cybersecurity to digital assets and quantum computing.Brad shares his unique “diamond” framework for understanding how these technologies converge, alongside insights from a career spanning Wall Street, Goldman Sachs, Symphony, and now financial crime prevention.The conversation goes beyond technology, diving into leadership, collaboration, and what it really takes to innovate in times of volatility. From building trust and navigating uncertainty to empowering the next generation through AI, this episode is a powerful look at where FinTech is heading, and what it means for the people driving it.

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Scaling a 30 Year FinTech Into a Global Multi Asset Platform | Justin Llewellyn-Jones, Chief Executive Officer at Trading Technologies

Feb 2000:36:05Tap to summarize

On this month’s The Thing About FinTech, Anvar and Toby are joined by Justin Llewellyn-Jones, Chief Executive Officer at Trading Technologies.They explore how a 30-year trading technology firm doubled in size in three years, expanded into multi-asset markets, and is navigating platform strategy, partnerships and AI in capital markets.A sharp, practical conversation on scaling fintech infrastructure, culture, and the future of trading.

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The Hidden Realities of Scaling a FinTech Business | Bernie Thurston, Chief Executive Officer at Ultumus

Jan 2000:36:08Tap to summarize

What does success actually cost a FinTech founder?In this episode of The Thing About FinTech, Bernie Thurston shares an unfiltered look at building and selling a FinTech business, from the early technical grind to life after acquisition.Hosted by Toby Babb with Anvar Karimson, the conversation dives into founder identity, navigating corporate structures, surviving due diligence, and why growth often means letting go of the very things you loved building.If you’re a founder, operator, or leader in FinTech, this episode offers rare insight into what happens beyond the pitch deck and product roadmap.

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Culture, Leadership & Adaptability - A Fintech Blueprint | Matt Barrett, CEO and Co-Founder of Adaptive

Jul 2800:38:06Tap to summarize

Toby Babb and Anvar Karimson sit down with Matt Barrett, CEO and Co-Founder of Adaptive, to explore what it really takes to scale a FinTech consultancy into a global technology business.From origin stories and engineering culture to open source innovation and US expansion, Matt shares an honest, thoughtful view of Adaptive’s incredible journey.

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There is no innovation in Fintech | Tim Grant, CEO at Deus X Capital

May 2900:36:49Tap to summarize

What’s the difference between innovation and evolution in financial services?In this thought-provoking episode, Tim Grant, CEO at Deus X Capital, joins hosts Toby Babb, CEO of Harrington Starr, and Anvar Karimson, Group CTO at Kepler Cheuvreux, for a refreshingly honest conversation about building real change in FinTech.From disrupting digital assets to redefining operating models, Tim unpacks what it truly takes to create meaningful growth—and why most firms are chasing innovation without truly understanding it.

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Lessons from Europe’s Biggest Series B Raise | Thomas McHugh, CEO and Co-Founder of FINBOURNE Technology

Apr 1, 202500:41:58Tap to summarize

What does it really take to scale a FinTech that’s changing the way the world invests?In this episode, Thomas McHugh, CEO and Co-Founder of FINBOURNE Technology, sits down with Toby Babb (Founder & CEO at Harrington Starr) and Anvar Karimson (CTO at Kepler Cheuvreux) to explore the journey from kitchen-table beginnings to a global platform backed by Europe’s largest Series B raise.They dive into the realities of startup life, the power of being truly customer-led, and why integrity and resilience are non-negotiables when building at scale.This is an honest, inspiring, and essential listen for anyone in the world of financial technology.

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Growing a FinTech Powerhouse | Paul Humphrey, CEO of BMLL

Feb 25, 202500:32:31Tap to summarize

From Market Data to Market Dominance: The BMLL Growth StoryIn the latest episode of The Thing About FinTech, Paul Humphrey, CEO of BMLL, joins Toby Babb, CEO of Harrington Starr, and Anvar Karimson, CTO at Kepler Cheuvreux, to dive deep into the transformative power of data in financial markets. Paul shares his journey from banking and broking to leading one of the most innovative firms in market data analytics. He reveals how BMLL is deomcratising access to Level 3 order book data, the challenges of scaling a FinTech, and why discipline, vision and fearless execution are critical to success.- How is data reshaping trading strategies?- What does it take to scale a FinTech in today’s market?- Why are the biggest players investing in BMLL?

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A Blueprint for Growth in the Financial Sector | Alasdair Haynes, CEO of Aquis Exchange PLC

Jan 28, 202500:30:34Tap to summarize

Is This the Bold Conversation FinTech Has Been Waiting For? We’re thrilled to share the first-ever episode of The Thing About FinTech!Join hosts Toby Babb, CEO of Harrington Starr, and Anvar Karimson, CTO of Kepler Cheuvreux, as they sit down with Alasdair Haynes, CEO of Aquis Exchange PLC.This exciting debut explores innovation, growth, and culture in financial technology. Alasdair shares insights from his 47 years in the industry, including how Aquis is revolutionising capital markets with cutting-edge technology, a unique subscription model, and a collaborative culture that inspires success.

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