Key takeaways from webinar: Global Crypto Trends & Taxes
Date: 18 February 2025
Author: FINTECH Circle
On February 18th, 2025, FINTECH Circle hosted an insightful webinar titled, “Cracking the Fintech Code: 20 Lessons for Sustainable Growth & Innovation” The session was led by Glenn P Burgess, Fractional CMO & Head of Marketing & Partnerships of FINTECH Circle, alongside guest speaker Wasim Mushtaq, Founder and CEO of 1CG.
The fintech industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with startups and established players navigating complexities of funding, regulation, technology & customer expectations.
In a recent webinar,Wasim Mushtaq shared invaluable lessons on building a sustainable and innovative fintech business. From securing investment to leveraging AI and competing with traditional banks, here are the 20 lessons for Sustainable Growth & Innovation.
1. Getting on the Radar of Family Offices & Investors
Family offices and angel investors operate within distinct ecosystems. Networking with advisors and industry insiders is key to securing funding. Investors are actively seeking viable fintech solutions, and platforms like Fintech Circle’s investor evenings provide valuable opportunities to connect with them.
2. Fundraising Isn’t as Hard as It Seems—If You Have the Right Offer
Many fintech founders believe raising capital is difficult, but investors are eager to fund innovative and scalable ideas. The challenge isn’t the availability of money; it’s ensuring that your fintech solution is compelling enough to attract investmen
3. AI Can Drive Efficiency, But Data is the Real Game-Changer
AI is not a silver bullet. The true differentiator lies in how well fintechs structure and utilise their data. Companies with strong data strategies will be the ones to succeed in AI-driven automation and customer experience.
4. AI Shouldn’t Be Confined to the CTO’s Office
AI must be embedded across all departments, from marketing to operations. Companies should experiment with AI-driven tools and integrate them into everyday workflows rather than treating AI as a standalone function.
5. Traditional Banks Are Becoming Digital-Native
Fintechs can no longer rely on being more agile or digital than banks—traditional financial institutions are rapidly adopting technology. To stay competitive, fintechs must focus on creativity, innovation, and customer-centric solutions rather than trying to outspend banks on technology.
6. Agility is the Biggest Advantage Over Banks
Large banks can throw money at solutions, but fintechs can move faster, iterate quickly, and personalise services in ways that big institutions cannot. Playing to these strengths is essential for success.
7. Governance Should Enable, Not Hinder, Growth
While governance is crucial for compliance, it should not slow down innovation. Fintechs should implement strategic governance frameworks that protect the company while facilitating efficient execution.
8. Focus on Execution & Delivery
Ideas are only as valuable as their execution. Fintech startups must prioritise delivering on their promises, iterating based on customer feedback, and ensuring that their products solve real problems.
9. Selling to Banks Requires Patience
Selling fintech solutions to banks can be a lengthy process, often taking 9-12 months. Founders should plan for extended procurement cycles and align their offerings with long-term banking needs.
10. Understand the Pain Points of Banks
Banks struggle with legacy systems, slow innovation cycles, and complex regulatory frameworks. Fintechs that identify and solve these specific challenges will find easier paths to collaboration.
11. AI in Fintech: Beyond the Buzzwords
Many companies claim to be AI-driven, but investors and customers want to see real implementations. Fintechs should be prepared to demonstrate their AI capabilities beyond just marketing claims.
12. Investor Relations Matter More Than Just Funding
Building strong relationships with investors extends beyond securing capital. Investors can provide strategic guidance, open doors to key industry players, and offer insights that can shape the company’s growth trajectory.
13. Experimentation is Key to Innovation
Fintech startups should continuously test new ideas, technologies, and business models. A culture of experimentation leads to breakthroughs that can set a company apart.
14. Learn from Failures Quickly
Failure is part of innovation. The key is to recognise missteps early, pivot where necessary, and apply learnings to future strategies.
15. Customer Experience is the Ultimate Differentiator
With numerous fintech options available, customers expect seamless, intuitive, and personalised experiences. Fintechs must prioritise user experience (UX) as a core business function.
16. Regulation Should Be Seen as a Competitive Advantage
Rather than viewing compliance as a burden, fintechs that proactively engage with regulators and build compliant solutions can gain trust and a competitive edge.
17. Community & Network Building Strengthens Growth
Strong industry networks can unlock new opportunities, from partnerships to customer acquisition. Fintech leaders should actively engage in industry events, mentoring, and collaborations.
18. Sustainable Growth Over Hyper-Growth
Scaling too quickly without the right foundation can lead to instability. Sustainable fintech growth is achieved through strategic expansion, solid infrastructure, and a focus on long-term value creation.
19. Banks & Fintechs Can (and Should) Collaborate
Fintechs shouldn’t always view banks as competitors. Many successful fintechs partner with banks to leverage their customer base, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure.
20. The Power of Mentorship & Giving Back
Successful fintech leaders should invest in mentoring others, whether through formal programs like Women in Open Banking or informal industry conversations. A strong ecosystem benefits everyone involved.
Final Thoughts: Where to Go From Here?
The fintech landscape is filled with both opportunities and challenges. Those who embrace agility, data-driven strategies, and strong execution will be best positioned for success.
If you’d like to continue the conversation or seek mentorship, feel free to connect via LinkedIn or at Barclays Rise, where mentorship programs and networking opportunities await.
The journey to fintech success is complex, but with the right insights and strategies, sustainable growth and innovation are within reach.
Here are the key takeaways:
Getting on the Radar of Family Offices Requires Strategic Networking
Family offices operate within their own ecosystem, separate from traditional VC and angel networks. Building relationships with advisors and key supporters is crucial to gaining access to these investment groups.Raising Capital Is Easier with the Right Value Proposition
Despite common perceptions, capital is available for fintechs with viable solutions. Investor events, like Fintech Circle’s big investor evenings, highlight how investors are eager to fund the right ideas.AI Is a Powerful Tool—But Only If Your Data Makes Sense
AI alone is not a silver bullet; fintechs need well-structured and segmented data to leverage it effectively. AI should not be confined to the CTO’s office—it must be integrated across all departments.Fintechs Must Play to Their Strengths Against Traditional Banks
Large banks are becoming more digitally savvy and can outspend fintechs on solutions. Fintechs must focus on agility, creativity, and solving specific pain points that banks struggle with.Governance Should Enable, Not Hinder, Growth
Traditional banks often slow innovation with excessive governance and bureaucracy. Fintechs should implement governance frameworks that protect and enable innovation rather than delay it.
Watch the Full Webinar On-Demand below 👇👇👇
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