Join hosts Zach Anderson Pettet and Micky Tesfaye as they sit down with Ali Niknam and Bianca Zwart, the Founder/CEO and Chief Strategy Officer of bunq, for an insightful conversation about building a revolutionary digital bank. Discover how bunq's unique merit-based culture and logical approach to problem-solving have created one of the most innovative fintech companies in Europe.

This episode dives deep into bunq's unconventional hiring practices, including their famous "Get Shit Done Day," how they've built a company culture focused on results rather than appearances, and why they believe logic is the foundation of their success. Learn how Bianca rose from customer support to Chief Strategy Officer, why Ali has never experienced imposter syndrome, and how their complementary leadership styles drive the company forward.

Whether you're interested in fintech innovation, building strong company cultures, or understanding what makes digital banking different, this candid conversation offers valuable insights into the minds behind one of the fastest-growing digital banks.

bunq: https://www.bunq.com/en-us/

Follow Ali: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-niknam-50253913/
Follow Bianca: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bianca-zwart/

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When the Money20/20 global content team gets together, you know it's going to be a good time nerding out about all things fintech.

In January 2025, they met to discuss their fintech predictions for the year, and now more than mid-way through the year, they are back to see what came true and what was way off.

Plus, they anticipate what's coming next, whether it's how fintechs will join forces and consolidate, the impact of the GENIUS Act on stablecoins, and how AI is reshaping financial decision-making.

And you can't miss the exclusive preview of the Money20/20 USA agenda, including conversations with industry titans like Bret Taylor (Sierra, OpenAI) and Robin Vince (BNY).

Hosted by:

• Zach Anderson Pettet, VP, Fintech Strategy
• Micky Tesfaye, Head of Audience Development
• Sheryl Chen, Head of Content
• Virginia Pereira Alvarez, Content Manager, USA
• Dhanum Nursigadoo, Content Manager, Europe

Get your pass to Money20/20 USA | Las Vegas | October 26-29 https://us.money2020.com/pass-picker

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On the latest episode of Everything is Fintech, recorded live at Money20/20 Europe, hosts Zach Anderson Pettet and Mickey Tesfaye sit down with David Sandstrom, the visionary CMO behind Klarna's distinctive brand identity.

Sandstrom reveals how Klarna deliberately broke away from traditional financial marketing, rejecting the "blue, boring, male, suited-up" aesthetic that dominates banking, to create something that resonates emotionally with consumers.

With refreshing honesty, he discusses the philosophy that beauty and aesthetics are fundamental to building consumer trust and loyalty, even in the seemingly mundane world of payments.

From Klarna's journey from Swedish startup to global financial powerhouse, to their strategic partnerships with Snoop Dogg and bold Super Bowl campaigns to establish American credibility, Sandstrom shares insights on how the company transformed the act of "splitting a payment in four" into a cultural phenomenon embraced by over 100 million users worldwide.

You don't want to miss this!

Klarna: https://www.klarna.com/us/
Follow David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsandstrom

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