Building an API Services Hub for Fintechs

By Dexter Cousins on 31/03/2025

Julian Fayad of LoanOptions.ai chats about Synapses, an API services hub for Fintechs

In this episode of Fintech Chatter, Dexter Cousins interviews Julian Fayad, CEO of LoanOptions.ai about the challenges and advantages of bootstrapping a fintech company from the ground up. 

Having experienced the challenges first hand, Julian has built Synapses, an API Services Hub for Fintechs.

LoanOptions.ai aims to revolutionise the loan application process. Julian shares insights into how they’re using AI to build a mobile first loan application process.

Julian first appeared on the show in 2023. We chat about his progress and the lessons he has learned over the past two years. Julian also talks about the transition from a broking business to a technology-focused company, and the launch of Synapses, the API services hub for Fintech! 

We also discuss the launch of HAILO and LoanOptions.ai, expansion into New Zealand and future plans for market expansion into the US and UAE.

Find out more: https://loanoptions.ai

Chapters

00:00 The Bootstrap Journey of a Fintech Founder

02:12 Innovating the Loan Application Process

10:45 Transitioning from Broking to Technology

18:04 Launching New Products and Partnerships

25:49 Building an API Services Hub for Fintechs

26:48 Navigating B2B Partnerships and SaaS Pricing Strategies

32:05 Transitioning from Brokerage to Tech: Lessons Learned

35:21 Building a Cohesive Team and Company Culture

39:47 Innovative Talent Acquisition Strategies

41:45 Valuable Lessons in Business Partnerships

46:22 Expanding Horizons: New Markets and Future Plans

Article written by Dexter Cousins
Founder of Tier One People and host of the Fintech Chatter Podcast.

Latest Episodes

23/02/2026
Checkbox AI CEO Evan Wong: How to Build Enterprise Software That Scales

How Checkbox AI CEO Evan Wong Built a $100M Legal AI Company in 9 Years Checkbox AI CEO Evan Wong just closed a $23 million Series A at a $100 million valuation. The journey from bootstrapped startup to serving over 100 enterprise organizations—including SAP, PepsiCo, Telstra, and Woolworths—took nine years, three funding rounds, and a […]

09/02/2026
Inside Revolut's Growth Strategy With CEO Matt Baxby

Revolut Australia CEO Matt Baxby just crossed a milestone that most Australian neobanks never reached: 1 million customers and profitability. In the latest Fintech Chatter episode, the Revolut Australia CEO breaks down how they went from three employees in February 2020 to 100 employees, $250 million saved for Australians, and $4.4 million in profit while […]

27/10/2025
Dan Jowett - OpenMarkets Group

Where Defi Meets Tradfi In this episode of Fintech Chatter, host Dexter Cousins speaks with Dan Jowett, CEO of OpenMarkets Group, about the rapid convergence of Tradfi and DeFi About This Episode Tune in as Dan and Dexter discuss how OpenMarkets has transformed from a traditional stockbroker to a technology-focused fintech, the regulatory hurdles facing […]

08/09/2025
Nuj Super - Matt McKenzie. From Beancounter to Fintech Founder.

In this episode of Fintech Chatter, host Dexter Cousins speaks with Matt McKenzie, CEO and co-founder of Nuj, a Regtech company making serious strides in the Aus$ 4trn Superannuation sector. Nuj’s plug-and-play solution streamlines workflows while ensuring compliance with all current and upcoming regulations. The platform enables quick integration, with automated workflows, audit trails, and […]

Find your Favourite episode

"Dex does a great job at bringing FinTech founders and thought leaders onto the podcast while providing valuable insights into the industry. An informal atmosphere allows genuine chats."
Wagner Camarao
"My No1 go-to podcast to get access to an amazing roll call of Founders and Fintech leaders. Dexter does a great job getting his interviewees to share frank points of view and great insights."
Alt Bankin for all
"What I love about this show is the breadth of people and their experience that Dexter is able to tap into. Not so long ago people paid to hear for this kind of advice- now you can get it for free!"
Rob Hoxton
"The definitive Fintech podcast in Australia. Top insights and always current on the challenges and thinking in the Fintech industry. Subscribe for anyone interested in tech and entrepreneurialism."
Boscoe Tan
cross