Web3 Crossroads Newsletter

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Is Web3 the future of finance?
Web3 Rita Martins Web3 Rita Martins

Is Web3 the future of finance?

Web3 is an umbrella term for the vision of a new version of the internet, in which services are decentralised and users control their own data and identity.   

In the past few years, Web3 has come to mainstream attention due to bitcoin’s price volatility, the recent popularity of non-fungible tokens and the rebrand of Facebook to ‘Meta’.

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Looking outside your network
FinTech Rita Martins FinTech Rita Martins

Looking outside your network

If you are not part of the industry, you might be surprised to hear that a big portion of Fintech scouting is done via an individual’s network.

For that reason I believe that it is important that I ensure that my own network is diverse and inclusive.

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MIT Sloan FinTech Conference
FinTech Rita Martins FinTech Rita Martins

MIT Sloan FinTech Conference

The MIT Sloan FinTech conference took place last Friday, 05th February. Organised by MIT students, the conference was fantastic, with keynotes from Mastercard, Square, Robinhood and Blackrock, and opportunities to network throughout the day.

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Advice to FinTechs: Find your Business Sponsor
FinTech Rita Martins FinTech Rita Martins

Advice to FinTechs: Find your Business Sponsor

Navigating big organisations can be a daunting job, especially for a small FinTech that is keen to find its first partner.

In this journey, FinTech SMEs can get lost with big corporations, demoing and presenting their solution to countless teams as they try to get the deal closed.

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Should Innovation teams adopt a FinTech or a TechFin approach?
FinTech, Innovation Rita Martins FinTech, Innovation Rita Martins

Should Innovation teams adopt a FinTech or a TechFin approach?

The term FinTech refers to a company in which financial services experience is improved by leveraging digital technologies. FinTechs leverage approach 1. They start by understanding the problem and then identify the technology.

While TechFin refers to a technology company that aims to improve financial services experience. TechFins leverage approach 2. Technology is at the heart and starting point.

Now, let’s look at innovation teams within incumbent banks.

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Fintech vs Incumbents: From competition to partnerships
FinTech Rita Martins FinTech Rita Martins

Fintech vs Incumbents: From competition to partnerships

This article was originally published on FintechTalents.

Fintechs have been created to transform the banking industry. Digital-centric, they started with a small niche — payment offerings, they then quickly moved onto the backend of financial services, providing a multitude of new solutions.

Throughout the years, some have moved from being a standalone proposition to partner with incumbents.

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