Revolutionising Housing Finance: Tim Buskens of HOPE Housing
In Episode 191 of the Fintech Chatter Podcast, Dexter Cousins is joined by Tim Buskens CEO of Hope Housing a not-for-profit initiative assisting Essential Service Workers. Dexter and Tim chat about the very real issue of home ownership in Australia for essential workers, as they battle to afford housing closer to where they work.
Revolutionising Housing Finance: HOPE Housing
About Hope Housing
Tim has witnessed first-hand the issues faced by our essential workers in their fight to afford home ownership. He was struck by the stress many of our essential workers face on a daily basis. Observing how they are often forced to move away from their community in order to buy a home, resulting in long journeys to get to work.
Mainstream banks view essential workers as too high risk for the traditional mortgage route and Tim felt there could be a better way.
From this Hope Housing materialised. An innovative way for people to finance their home purchase through alternative investment, not just the bank route. Now in its 4th year, they are working with great partners who are helping make this happen.
They've assembled an experienced team of financial and technology experts, culminating in a group of people who continue to innovate the solution and deliver the mission to help Australia's unsung heroes buy a home.
About Tim Buskens
Tim is Chief Executive Officer and a Founding Director of HOPE Housing. Tim brings over 25 years’ experience in financial services across both private and public sectors to the role at Hope Housing. Most recently as COO of the Australian Superannuation Funds Association, Tim has also held executive positions in Link Group, Oasis Asset Management and ASIC. Tim has a Bachelor of Business from Victoria University and a Masters of Applied Finance from Macquarie University.
Chad West - How Did Revolut Grow To 20 Million Customers?
In episode 190 of Fintech Chatter Dexter Cousins is joined by Chad West, VP of Marketing for Argent.
Dexter and Chad first met in 2018 when Chad was VP of Marketing for Revolut. Tune in as they talk about how Chad grew Revolut from 50K to 20 MILLION customers in 5 years
About Argent
Argent is the world's most simple and secure smart wallet for Ethereum. It puts the power of crypto into the hands of anyone with a phone. Empowering users to control and prosper from their digital assets and identity.
Store, save and send; borrow, earn interest and invest. No-nonsense and non-custodial. Combining beautiful design and bulletproof security. Without borders or boundaries.
Launched in 2018 Argent is backed by Silicon Valley and Europe's top investors, including Paradigm, Index Ventures, Creandum and firstminute capital.
Chad and Dexter talk about the early days of Revolut. When Chad joined as their first marketing leader, he was employee no25. Revolut had amassed a fairly impressive 50,000 customers at this stage.
Chad shares some of the strategies and processes he implemented to take the company to 20 MILLION customers just 5 years later.
Dexter also talks to Chad about his career post Revolut. And Chad shares why he believes the world of digital assets has even more potential to fulfil the early promise of Fintech.
And as one of the most accomplished marketers on the planet, Chad shares his tips for founders and gives some career advice to marketeers concerned about the rapid shake up in the industry by AI.
About Chad West
Chad was an early employee and Director of Global Marketing & Communications at Revolut. He helped transform the company from a fintech app that no one had heard of, into one of the fastest-growing technology companies in the world.
Chad's marketing philosophy is a little different. He doesn't believe in blowing money on expensive Super Bowl ads, but instead by bringing customer's as close to the business as possible, and scaling through advocacy.
From product marketing and community building, to referral campaigns and engagement, Chad has seen it all.
Chad began his career in Public Affairs supporting at the the time UK Prime Minister, David Cameron.
He then joined renowned Internet giant Rocket Internet, where he really cut his teeth in growth marketing, before joining Revolut as their first senior marketing hire in 2017.
Chad is now VP of Marketing for Argent and holds an advisory role with Sorare.
PropHero - Pablo Gil Brusola Ep 189
In episode 189 of Fintech Chatter Dexter Cousins is joined by Pablo Gil Brusola, CEO of PropHero.
About PropHero
PropHero, founded in July 2021, is Australia’s leading PropTech platform redefining property investment through cutting-edge data & AI technologies. The platform empowers over 1000 clients worldwide to craft high-return, low-risk property portfolios.
PropHero simplifies the entire investment journey by connecting clients with trusted partners and handling everything from market research to property management. As we fast forward to today, the PropHero team has grown to over 100 dedicated members and expanded to property markets in Sydney, Spain, Bali, and Ireland.
Prophero has sought minimal investment from Jelix and Afterwork ventures as it continues its global expansion.
About This Episode
Pablo dials in from Barcelona to share his secrets on building a global Fintech/Proptech.
Dexter goes in depth with Pablo to understand how he, and his co-founder Mikael Roger, have built a global business with over 100 people across Australia, Spain, Bali and Ireland.
Dexter digs deeper to understand Pablo’s values, principles and motivations that drive him towards success.
Tune in as we discuss:
How to expand an Aussie Fintech globally
Seeking the right investors and the right amount of capital
Why a Bootstrap mindset is essential for success
The secrets to hiring executive talent
Understanding the different stages of growth and the people required for each stage
How to commercialise an idea and find paying customers
Recognising your strengths and what to look for in a co-founder
About Pablo Gil Brusola
As a native Spaniard Pablo moved to Australia to study in 2009. He instantly fell in love with the country and decided he had to come back. Starting his career in a Big 4 consulting firm, he quickly realised he was an entrepreneur and started his first company Growpro. After a successful exit, Pablo teamed up with a friend and fellow co-founder Mikael Roger to launch PropHero.
We know what you're thinking, This is a Fintech Podcast, why are you featuring a Community Bank?
Back in 2020 Dexter made a bold prediction that talent would move from Fintech and Big banks to the community banking space, as they looked to make an impact on community.
So we were not as surprised as others when Beyond Bank managed to attract one of NAB's rising star executives in Stevie-Ann.
Tune in as Dexter chats to Stevie-Ann about her motivations for joining a community bank, the synergies with Fintech and how Fintech founders can work in partnership with community banks to solve BIG societal problems like affordable housing.
About Beyond Bank
Beyond Bank is one of Australia's largest, 100% customer-owned mutual banks with a credit union heritage.
Founded over 60 years ago by those who felt left behind by a traditional banking system that failed to meet their needs or expectations. Beyond Bank has a vision to be the best bank for relationships. Striving to create and return value for their customers and communities helping to change lives.
Stevie-Ann talks about how Beyond Bank proudly attained B Corp Certification in Australia, showing their commitment to the social and environmental impact their business has on the community.
About Stevie-Ann Dovico
Stevie-Ann is a dynamic and visionary Information Technology and Digital Executive with over 15 years of experience in Financial Services across Asia Pacific.
She has proven success in leading large (600+), cross-functional, global teams across Technology, Digital, Strategy and Innovation, Product and Distribution, Risk and Compliance and Enterprise Transformation.
At Westpac, Stevie-Ann experienced the growth of the Australian Fintech scene through the partnership with Re-Inventure fund and her involvement with Stone and Chalk.
In 2022 Stevie was awarded Executive Leader of the Year by Women in Digital. She holds an MBA from the University of Sydney in addition to B.Business and B.Information Technology.
Stevie is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Erica Xie - Tanggram
Erica Xie joins Dexter Cousins to chat about Tanggram, a smart wealth-creating App that integrates investment with shopping rewards.
Congratulations to Erica who has just been announced as Emerging Fintech Leader of the Year at the 2024 Finnies Awards.
About Tanggram
Co-founded with CEO Nick Tang in 2017, Tanggram is unique in that it serves a massively underserved segment of Australia's community, Asian immigrants.
The app provides a seamless wealth building journey to well-educated, young people who have stable income streams and financial goals.
Erica is a results-oriented leader with extensive experience in business management and operations, particularly in startups and the Fintech industry. As the Co-founder of Tanggram, Erica has played a key role in building a cohesive and goal-oriented team, and has contributed to the successful partnerships and market position of the business.
Erica was honored as the "Emerging Fintech Leader of the Year" at Fintech Australia's Finnies Awards and "Young Leader of the Year" at the Women in Finance 2022. Erica has also been nominated for the "Female Fintech Leader of the Year" in both the 2023 and 2024 Fintech Australia Finnies Awards.
Liquidise - Solving the Equity Problem for Startups and Private Companies
In episode 185 of Fintech Chatter Dexter Cousins is joined by Andrew Ward, CEO and Founder of Liquidise.
Hi, Dexter here with another great episode with another great Aussie Fintech founder. This week I chat with Andrew Ward about the launch of his latest venture, Liquidise. I'm excited to bring you this chat as Andrew has developed a solution that almost all of our listeners will benefit from!
And as this isn't Andrew's first Rodeo, he shares some honest and candid advice for founders earlier in the journey.
Key Learning from this Interview
Every episode I take a key learning from my guest. And it helps me create a profile of founders, with qualities they all share.
What stands out to me in this interview with Andrew is the moment he decides to launch Selfwealth (his first ever startup. Andrew explains how he was working at CBA at the time when he rather cheekily organised a meeting with a potential client, only he decided to pitch his start up idea NOT CBA's services.
The worries Andrew had of this move backfired were quickly replaced with worries of how he was going to tell his wife. The person he pitched to loved the idea but insisted Andrew had to quit his job in two weeks. Andrew and his wife went on to make SelfWealth the 3rd largest retail trading platform in Australia and listing on the ASX.
Look, if you had one shot or one opportunity To seize everything you ever wanted in one moment Would you capture it or just let it slip?
Eminem
What strikes me about this story is every founder has a moment in their life - like the Eminem song 'Lose Yourself' you've got one shot, one moment and your life changes forever once you make that choice.
For some founders it may be a life event, a birth, marriage, health scare, job loss that acts as that moment. For others (like myself) it was not being able to live with themselves if they didn't follow their dreams. And for others like Andrew it may be a golden opportunity, a chance meeting or encounter.
Whatever that moment is every startup begins with that choice, that decision. It's one of the most powerful aspects of business/venture building that goes overlooked. We tend to focus on the problem we are trying to solve as the genesis of a business, rather than the emotions that are driving us to risk everything in search of a dream or vision.
About Liquidise
Recorded in the week Liquidise launched into the Aussie market, Andrew shares how he is unlocking private equity for company owners, investors and employees.
Liquidise is a unique platform, giving shareholders and investors access to guaranteed cash and equity with instant cash settlements.
With Liquidise, company owners retain complete control over their cap table and can reward employees meaningfully. Investors get access to pre-vetted unlisted company opportunities, with direct ownership on the Liquidise share registry.
Using blockchain technology, Liquidise is revolutionising the way founders and private companies can grow their companies, attract the best talent and keep control of their business.
About Andrew Ward
The inspiration for Liquidise came from Andrew's own experience of launching, growing and listing SelfWealth.
His shareholders, like those in all unlisted companies, had to wait for either a public listing, company sale or change of control, or transact at a buyer’s set price – if a buyer could be found.
These options for private shareholders can be expensive and value destroying. In founding Liquidise, Andrew and his team are intent on solving this problem to unlock the value in private companies.
Find out more - https://liquidise.com/
Or watch Andrew tell you all about Liquidise in this promo video - https://youtu.be/QbqOklgComM?si=PWZZ4t2oj_88TxCX
Peita Piper - Avenue Bank
Meet Australia's newest bank CEO, Peita Piper of Avenue Bank.
Avenue Bank were recently granted a full ADI banking license and Dexter Cousins chats to Peita about their journey.
In this episode Peita shares the strategy of Avenue and their focus on a niche business banking product neglected by banks, the bank guarantee.
Avenue have digitised this paper process which takes up to 60 days to offer a bank guarantee in 24 hours!
We also talk about the challenges of dealing with regulators in the aftermath of failed digital banks Xinja and Volt, while also looking at the big successes like Judo.
Peita also shares her personal experience as we talk about the 'glass cliff'. Peita shares her own inspiring story of backing herself and taking on the CEO role at a very difficult time in the business.
I also get the chance to ask Peita about what I believe is the hardest part of being a scale up CEO, taking the reigns from founders whilst they remain in the business.
Finally I just want to say a MASSIVE well done to everyone involved in the Avenue journey. There is no tougher startup challenge than building a bank - it's the Everest of startup mountains to climb.
You can find out more about Avenue Bank and careers https://www.avenuebank.com.au/careers
Until the next episode, keep well!
Dexter.
Fintech In The Nordics - Pål Krogdahl
In episode 182 of Fintech Chatter Podcast Dexter Cousins is joined by Pål Krogdahl, Director of Advisory at Samlink and co-host of Fintech Daydreaming Podcast.
In this episode, Dexter chats with Pål Krogdahl about the Fintech scene in the Nordics. They talk through Navigating the Transformative Trends in Banking, a report highlighting the latest customer trends and research based on 40-plus banks, revealing the key themes and areas for innovation.
Covering everything from AI to Open Banking, Banking as a Service to Embedded Finance, and everything in between the research reveals where customers are shifting their focus and expectations from their bank.
Pål also shares some key findings on the major issues keeping banking execs awake at night, giving some clear indications on where the next wave of Fintech entrepreneurs should focus their energy.
The Nordics is the birthplace of Fintech OG's like Klarna and Tink. It is a region with a rich history of innovation and Pål gives a rundown on the Fintech scene in his native Finland. There are some startling similarities to the Fintech scene down under and lessons can be learned from our European cousins.
You can follow Pål on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krogdahl/
Download the report - https://samlink.fi/news/the-samlink-equation-2024-navigating-the-transformative-trends-in-banking/
Listen to Fintech Daydreaming - https://fintechdaydreaming.com/
Stake's Co-Founders on Raising $93.5M and Scaling Globally
Stake Co-Founders Matt Leibowitz and Dan Silver join Dexter Cousins in episode 182 of Fintech Chatter Podcast.
How Stake Raised $93.5M With Tiger Global
In another one of our 'Origin Stories' Matt and Dan share their incredible journey from becoming friends to becoming business partners. Stake is one of Australia's most successful Fintech. They have raised US $93.5m to date with Tiger Global investing in their $50m Series A in March 2022.
Their international success and growth has led Matt and Dan to believe the opportunity ahead of them is much bigger than they first envisaged back in 2017 when they launched the business.
When Co-Founders Should Step Back From the CEO Role
Entrepreneurs are often known for their adaptability in driving scaleups, but many find it difficult adapting to someone else at the helm. For many scaleups, the CEO shuffle is a key part of long term success, but why?
Stake is the latest scaleup to appoint a new CEO, Jon Howie, seeing Matt return to his roots in product and business strategy.
For many founders, the thought of letting go of their baby is unfathomable.
Dexter chats to Matt and Dan about their thinking in bringing in Jon and their appointment last year of Chair, Geoff Lloyd.
Tune in for an honest, thoughtful and candid discussion on life as co-founders and 'letting go of the baby' as we celebrate the first seven years of Stake.
Dan and Matt share lessons they've learned, the decisions they've made and the people they've brought on board as they Stake a market leading position in the next seven years.
In episode 181 of Fintech Chatter Podcast Dexter Cousins is joined by Chris Jewell, CEO and Co-Founder of Aussie payments Fintech, Zepto.
Making his Fintech Chatter debut, Chris shares the HUGE opportunity in the global payments landscape as the US and Europe embrace real-time account to account payments.
Chris shares his thoughts on this unique moment in Fintech history and how the Zepto product aims to be in the 'Top 1% of the Top 1%'
Tune in as Chris and Dexter discuss various topics including:
Chris' journey from Banking Exec to Fintech founder
The importance of putting equity into the business
Building a global Fintech from Byron Bay
Why current business owners often come up with the best ideas
Tapping into your creative energy to become a successful founder
How to juggle the challenges of being a CEO
Make sure to follow us on your favourite podcast player and leave a review, it really helps us promote the show and profile more Aussie Fintech companies to a global audience.
About Zepto
Zepto is a real-time, account-to-account payments infrastructure innovator, and Fintech Organisation of the Year 2023. Zepto's API opens a unique set of access points to Australia's payments infrastructure. Businesses can take, make and manage payments in real-time — all the time — between bank accounts. Zepto is a faster, data-rich payments solution that can transform business processes, customer experience and costs.
About Chris Jewell
As CEO of Zepto, Chris focuses on overall operational efficiency, balancing the design and implementation of strategy, objectives and processes to ensure we deliver the best outcome for our clients.
Fintech predictions for 2024! From Fintech leaders Greg Moshal of Prospa, Sebastian Watkins of Lendi and Patrick Coghlan of CreditorWatch.
Join us for this live recording of Fintech Chatter recorded at the CreditorWatch offices in Sydney.
In part one Dexter Cousins is joined by guests from the podcast to review 2023 as we look back at the key events and share the amazing stories of fintech founders.
Each guest shares their expert insights on consumer and business trends across trade finance, small business and the home loan market providing. Using the latest data they share accurate insights with predictions on what we can expect in 2024.
Will there be a rebound or is Fintech in for another tough year? What will happen to interest rates? And will the job market bounce back or are more redundancies in store?
Tune in as we celebrate the year that was 2023 and get set for another rollercoaster ride in 2024!
Thanks to CreditorWatch for making this live recording possible and a special thanks to the audience for making this such a great event.
Richard Joffe - Honey Insurance
Combining AI, Smart Sensors and Insurance to create Australia's fastest-growing Fintech!
In episode 179 of Fintech Chatter Podcast, Dexter Cousins chats to Honey Insurance CEO Richard Joffe
Making his Fintech Chatter debut is Richard Joffe, CEO and founder of Honey Insurance, arguably Australia's hottest early-stage Fintech!
Honey Insurance is the smarter way to protect your home and contents. Backed by RACQ, Honey uses sensors in the home to offer a new type of insurer whose focus is on helping avoid accidents and protect against damage rather than just paying out after events.
Dexter chats to Richard in the week he was awarded CEO magazines Entrepreneur of the year and Honey featured in the Deloitte Fast 50. Expect to see some massive announcements from Honey in 2024!
As a 3x founder, Richard shares his secrets on:
Building successful tech startups
The key differences between launching in the US and Aus
Attracting and retaining the best talent
Building a high-performance culture
Winning investment in a down market
Partnering with incumbents
Watch the 20 minute version on Fintech Chatter TV
About Honey Insurance
Honey is Smart Home Insurance, and they are on a mission to eliminate the 50% of avoidable accidents that happen to homes. Honey gives customers free technology and services from day 1 to keep homes safer, then rewards them with a lower price on their insurance.
Richard Joffe is the founder of 3 successful startups and currently the CEO of Honey Insurance. Previously, Richard founded Park Assist which automated the parking industry, and after expanding to 20 countries was acquired by TKH in 2012.
Then Stella.ai which automated the recruitment industry using AI, and was acquired as part of a $1.1 billion merger with Trustaff.
Formerly, Richard was a strategy consultant with McKinsey and an investment banker with Morgan Stanley.
Now with Honey Insurance, Richard has turned his attention to home insurance, where he is on a mission to give Australians free technology and services, to eliminate the 50% of avoidable accidents that happen to homes
Richard believes technology and automation can make everyone’s lives more efficient, so we can spend more time doing the things that matter most in life.
Manage Cookie Consent
We use cookies to optimize our website and our service.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.