In Check with Fintech

S07E11: Redefining Leadership in Fintech with Emma Hagan – CEO at ClearBank

What does it take to move from a risk-focused career to the CEO seat at one of the UK’s most influential fintechs? And why is having a female CEO in fintech still seen as “unusual” in 2025?
In this episode of In Check with Fintech, Emma Hagan, CEO at ClearBank, joins Rogier for a wide-ranging conversation that goes beyond her impressive career. From leading innovation in embedded banking and digital assets to advocating for inclusion in fintech, Emma shares the experiences, challenges, and decisions that shaped her path, and how she’s helping shape the industry.
With over 20 years in commercial and corporate banking, Emma reflects on everything from early-career uncertainty to her current role driving ClearBank’s UK and European expansion. She also addresses the weight of being a visible woman in leadership, the importance of authentic mentorship, and why DEI must be treated as a core value and not a temporary initiative.
Whether you're leading a team, navigating your next step, or pushing for greater representation in fintech, this episode offers real insight into growth, resilience, and leadership that sticks.
Tune in to hear: 💼 How Emma built her career without a set roadmap and why that mattered 🧠 The mental shifts required to move from expert to executive 🏦 Why ClearBank is doubling down on embedded banking and digital assets 🌍 What Emma sees as the most overlooked opportunities in fintech today 🤝 Her take on mentorship, representation, and making DEI sustainable
This episode is for anyone looking to grow in their career, challenge limiting beliefs, or lead with purpose in fintech.
Tune in now to learn how fintech’s fastest movers stay ahead of the curve. 🎧

S07E10: Fintech’s Secret Weapon - Modular IT & Smart Scaling with Felipe Peñacoba Martinez – CIO at Revolut Bank

Scaling a fintech to 50M+ users isn’t just about speed—it’s about security, agility, and building IT infrastructure that won’t crack under pressure. In this episode of In Check with Fintech, host Rogier Rouppe van der Voort sits down with Felipe Peñacoba Martinez, CIO at Revolut Bank, to unpack how modular IT, AI-driven automation, and compliance-first strategies are shaping the future of fintech.
Key topics covered: 🤖 The AI Advantage in Fintech – How artificial intelligence is transforming fraud detection, customer service, and IT automation  🔐 Fintech’s Biggest Risk? Security & Compliance – Why fintech leaders must shift their mindset from prevention to fast response and containment  🏗️ Modular IT & Scalability – How fintechs can avoid legacy tech traps and build infrastructure that supports rapid global expansion ⚖️ Agility Without Chaos – Lessons from Revolut’s high-velocity development cycle and how fintechs can ship fast without breaking everything  🏦 What Traditional Banks Can (and Can’t) Learn From Fintechs – Why speed isn’t the only differentiator, and what legacy institutions get wrong about innovation
📈 Leadership in high-growth fintechs – the mindset shift needed to scale without micromanaging
Felipe shares first-hand insights from leading IT at Revolut Bank, navigating complex regulatory environments, and making the right tech choices to future-proof fintech operations. Whether you’re a fintech executive, product leader, or IT strategist, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways on how to scale smarter, innovate faster, and stay secure in an industry that never slows down.
Tune in now to learn how fintech’s fastest movers stay ahead of the curve. 🎧

S07E09: The Reality of Digital Currencies with Clement Jozwiak – Chief Product Officer at Worldline

The Digital Euro and Wero are being positioned as the future of European payments - but will consumers and businesses actually adopt them?
In this episode of In Check with Fintech, Clement Jozwiak, Chief Product Officer at Worldline, joins Rogier, our host and CEO at PCN, to discuss whether new payment schemes are solving real problems or just adding complexity to an already crowded payments landscape.
With years of experience in issuing, acquiring, open banking, and digital banking, Clement shares his insights on the challenges of driving payment innovation in a market that’s already saturated with options.
Key Topics Covered:
Do we need both the Digital Euro and Wero, or is Europe overcomplicating payments?
Why consumer behavior is the biggest hurdle for new payment methods.
The regulatory landscape and what financial institutions need to consider.
How AI, open banking, and new payment rails are shaping the future.
Why businesses hesitate to adopt new payment systems and what would change that.
As regulators, banks, and fintechs push for new ways to pay, the biggest question remains: will people actually use them?
Listen now to get the full breakdown of what’s really happening in European payments!

S07E08: From Teen Entrepreneur to FinTech Leader with Max Linden - Founder & CEO at lemon.markets

At just 19 years old, Max Linden founded lemon.markets with a bold vision: to make capital markets truly accessible to everyone. In this episode of In Check with FinTech, we dive into Max's inspiring journey from a teenage entrepreneur to the CEO of a thriving FinTech company that has raised €28 million in funding from investors like Lakestar, Creandum, and Lightspeed.
Discover how Lemon.markets is disrupting the investment landscape, the challenges Max faced in scaling a FinTech at such a young age, and the insights he’s gained as a leader committed to empowering his team and partners. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a FinTech enthusiast, or someone interested in innovation in the financial sector, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and transforming industries.
Key topics:
The founding story of Lemon.markets
Max Linden’s leadership philosophy as a "Chief Enablement Officer"
The challenges and opportunities in democratizing capital markets
Insights into obtaining BaFin licenses and launching with major partners
Tune in to learn how youth, innovation, and determination are reshaping FinTech!
 

S07E07: Demystifying AI in Banking with Bahadir Yilmaz - Chief Analytics Officer at ING

What role will AI play in shaping the future of banking?
In this episode of In Check with Fintech, PCN CEO and podcast host Rogier Rouppe van der Voort sits down with Bahadir Yilmaz, Chief Analytics Officer at ING, to explore the transformative power of AI in financial services. Together, they explore the transformative potential of AI in financial services and its impact on banking, payments, and customer experiences.
Key topics include:
Practical applications of AI in banking and how ING is leading innovation.
Challenges of AI governance, regulation, and compliance in fintech.
Generative AI in financial services: balancing innovation with risk management.
Predictions for the future of AI and its role in reshaping financial services.
Whether you're a fintech professional, banking executive, or someone curious about the future of finance, this episode delivers actionable insights and in-depth perspectives.
Tune in to the full episode now 🎧  on your favorite podcast platform for insights into AI, banking, and fintech innovation.
Keywords: AI in banking, fintech trends 2025, generative AI in finance, ING AI strategy, fintech innovation, banking technology, AI governance, financial services, fintech podcast, In Check with Fintech

S07E06: Staying Ahead in Fintech Hiring with Shanone Kurca-Lopes & Calum Peacock - PCN Fintech Recruitment Experts

What does 2025 hold for fintech recruitment?
In this episode of In Check with Fintech, Rogier Rouppe van der Voort is joined by Shanone Kurca-Lopes, Senior Recruitment Consultant at PCN, and Calum Peacock, Director of PCN Projects, to explore the key trends shaping the year ahead.
They dive into:
 How AI in fintech recruitment is revolutionizing the hiring process.
The challenges of finding talent for specialized roles in payments and compliance.
How fintech companies can adapt to evolving candidate expectations.
Why flexible work models are becoming a game-changer in the industry.
Whether you're a fintech founder, recruiter, or professional looking to stay ahead, this episode offers actionable insights and predictions to help you navigate the fast-paced world of fintech hiring in 2025.
Keywords: fintech hiring trends, AI in recruitment, fintech recruitment 2025, payments talent, compliance hiring, fintech job market, flexible work models, fintech recruitment insights, candidate expectations, hiring strategies.

S07E05: Unpacking 2024 in Fintech with Nathan Southerton & Kevin Daul - PCN Fintech Recruitment Experts

What went wrong, what we learned, and what’s next?
In this reflective episode of In Check with Fintech, Rogier sits down with two of PCN’s top recruiters, Nathan Southerton & Kevin Daul, to break down the key challenges, trends, and lessons from 2024’s fintech and fintech hiring landscapes.
This year brought a perfect storm: slower hiring processes, skills gaps, layoffs, and shifting talent demands, leaving recruiters and founders asking, “How do we find the right people to drive our businesses forward?”
In this episode, we cover:
- Major industry shifts: The rise of embedded finance, AI advancements, and regulatory changes.
- Hiring realities in 2024: Layoffs, leadership gaps, and the growing demand for niche skills.
- How freelance talent bridged gaps and changed the hiring landscape.
- What fintech companies and candidates can do to succeed in 2025.
Whether you’re interested in fintech innovation, recruitment strategies, or building a career in this dynamic space, this episode offers insights you can’t afford to miss.
Keywords: fintech recruitment, embedded finance, AI in fintech, regulatory challenges, fintech trends, hiring strategies, freelance talent, leadership roles, compliance skills.

S07E04: Solving Cross-Border Payment Challenges with Christian Pirkner - CEO of Bluecode

Can Europe create a unified solution to cross-border payments?
In this episode, Christian Pirkner, CEO of Bluecode, unpacks his ambitious vision for 'payment roaming,' a system designed to eliminate barriers in the fragmented European payments landscape. By leveraging partnerships and existing infrastructure, Bluecode aims to simplify payments across borders and redefine how we transact globally.
You can also watch the episode on YouTube!
PCN CEO and podcast host, Rogier Rouppe van der Voort, and Christian explore:
The obstacles preventing seamless cross-border payments.
How Bluecode is making interoperability a reality through strategic partnerships.
The role of existing infrastructure in scaling innovation efficiently.
The implications of Bluecode’s latest partnership for Europe and beyond.
What the future of payments could look like with global interoperability.
This episode takes a closer look at the challenges, innovations, and solutions shaping the future of payments. If you’re curious about how Europe can reclaim its position as a leader in financial technology, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Keywords: Cross-border payments, payment interoperability, fintech innovation, European fintech, global transactions, Bluecode technology, future of payments, payment roaming, seamless payments, fintech leadership, digital finance solutions.

S07E03: Why Convenience Isn’t Enough & The Next Big Shift in Payments with Christian Pirkner - CEO of Bluecode

Is Europe losing its place in the global fintech race? In this eye-opening episode, Christian Pirkner, CEO of Bluecode, discusses the pressing challenges facing the payment industry and what it takes to create smarter, more secure payment experiences.
PCN CEO and podcast host, Rogier Rouppe van der Voort, and Christian Pirkner dive into:
Why the systems we trust might be holding us back.
How Bluecode is simplifying rewards and creating a frictionless checkout experience.
The silent trade-off you’re making with your money and why it matters.
How Bluecode plans to reclaim Europe’s place in the global payment game.
What’s next for seamless, secure, and smarter transactions.
This episode tackles big questions about consumer habits, digital innovation, and the future of payments in Europe. If you’ve ever wondered whether payment systems could work better for you, tune in and discover how Bluecode is paving the way.
Keywords: Digital payments, payment systems, loyalty programs, data privacy, fintech innovation, European fintech, consumer behavior, seamless payments, Bluecode technology, future of payments, Bluecode’s technology, competitive payment system

S07E02: AI & the Future of Payments with Jan-Willem van der Schoot, Country Manager Netherlands at Mastercard

What does the future of payments look like at Mastercard? In this episode, Jan-Willem van der Schoot, Country Manager Netherlands at Mastercard, provides a closer look at Mastercard’s approach to innovation, from AI-driven solutions to advancing digital payments on a global scale.
In conversation with our CEO, Rogier Rouppe van der Voort, Jan-Willem discusses his journey in the payments industry, Mastercard’s focus on data security, and the company’s role in supporting fintech growth. They also touch on the evolving landscape of financial inclusion and how Mastercard is navigating the balance between customer privacy and technological advancement.
We hope you enjoy this insightful conversation!

S07E01: Driving Innovation in Payments with AI & Visa’s Vision with Jos van de Kerkhof Country Manager Netherlands at Visa

How is Visa driving innovation in the payments industry through AI and technology? In this episode, Jos van de Kerkhof, Country Manager Netherlands at Visa, discusses the changing landscape of payments and Visa’s role in shaping its future.
Our CEO, Rogier Rouppe van der Voort, sits down with Jos to explore his journey in the payments industry, Visa's approach to innovation, and the impact of AI on payments. They also discuss how Visa addresses customer consent and data privacy in today's regulatory environment, along with key trends shaping the future of payments.
This season, we also have a video uploads of our episodes on YouTube!
Enjoy the conversation!

S06E25: Exploring the impact of open banking on society with Stefano Vaccino, Founder & CEO of Yapily

How is open banking revolutionising our financial landscape? Find out in this enlightening episode with Stefano Vaccino, Founder and CEO of Yapily, an infrastructure platform addressing a fundamental problem in financial services today: access.
 
In this episode, our CEO, Rogier Rouppe van der Voort, has the pleasure of speaking with Stefano Vaccino, who shares his unique journey from academia to entrepreneurship, discussing the inspiration and pivotal moments that led him to start his own business.
 
The conversation dives into the challenges and rewards of being a solo founder, the initial struggles and breakthroughs in the early days of Yapily, balancing entrepreneurial ambitions with family life, the crucial role of family support in his journey, and much more.
 
Enjoy listening!

S06E24: Celebrating 150 episodes with host & PCN CEO Rogier Rouppe van der Voort

We’re celebrating 150 episodes of In Check with Fintech! 🎉
 
To mark this milestone, we’ve turned the tables this week by placing our host and PCN CEO, Rogier Rouppe van der Voort, in the guest seat with Ivan McConville stepping in as the host!
 
From early inspirations and industry challenges to balancing family life and leadership, this episode dives deep into Rogier’s journey so far. 
 
Throughout the conversation, we explore the origins of the podcast which started as a way to give back to the Fintech community, and how it has evolved within the past years to feature the personal stories of founders and executives. 
 
Tune in for some interesting personal anecdotes, insights and an overall candid conversation you don’t want to miss!

S06E23: Reflecting on Berlin as a Fintech hub with Malte Rau, Co-Founder & CEO at Pliant

What makes Berlin so special for entrepreneurs? Find out in this episode with Malte Rau from Pliant.
 
In this special episode of In Check with Fintech recorded live at FIBE 2024 in Berlin, our CEO, Rogier Rouppe van der Voort, has the pleasure of hosting Malte Rau, Co-Founder and CEO at Pliant.
 
Throughout the conversation, they discuss Pliant’s recent funding of over €50 million and Malte’s biggest learnings along the way. From the value of hands-on experience versus formal education to fundraising challenges and strategic growth decisions, tune in to discover the insights, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped Malte’s entrepreneurial journey.
 
Enjoy listening!

S06E22: Unveiling the potential of BaaS: Insights from Brian Lawlor, Group CCO at B4B Payments

How has the Fintech space evolved in the past years and what does the future look like for the market? Learn more about these in this episode of In Check with Fintech with Brian Lawlor from B4B Payments.
 
This week, our CEO, Rogier Rouppe van der Voort, has the pleasure of joining Brian Lawlor, Group Chief Commercial Officer at B4B Payments, at their picturesque London office for an exciting episode of In Check with Fintech!
 
Throughout the conversation, they discuss the evolution of the Fintech market, the different applications of Banking as a Service and the opportunities within the space. From regulatory challenges to scalability solutions, Brian shares invaluable insights into navigating the complexities of the industry and gives a glimpse into the exciting possibilities ahead.
 
Enjoy listening!

S06E21: Behind the scenes of Rabobank's AI journey with CITO Alexander Zwart

What challenges does the banking industry face when it comes to implementing AI technologies? Find out in this episode, as Alexander Zwart from Rabobank shares his expertise and firsthand experiences implementing AI solutions within the banking space.
 
This week, our CEO, Rogier Rouppe van der Voort, has the honour of hosting Alexander Zwart, Chief Innovation & Technology Officer at Rabobank on a live episode of In Check with Fintech recorded at the bank’s headquarters in Utrecht.
 
Throughout the episode, Alexander shares his career journey from selling soft drinks to leading innovation technology at one of the biggest banks in the Netherlands. He also speaks about the strategic focus areas at Rabobank, their approach to adopting GenAI, the importance of the team's psychological safety, and more.
 
From navigating regulatory landscapes to harnessing the power of data analytics, tune in to discover the key strategies driving innovation in the financial sector.