AI and DeFi Shaping Future Banking Innovation

Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, particularly focusing on your expertise in the industry?

I have 30 years of professional experience in the banking industry, primarily as a consultant for major global companies such as Accenture, NTT Data, and IBM Consulting. In this role, I had the opportunity to participate in and lead large innovation and transformation projects in different domains, e.g., Sales and Distribution, M&A, Marketing and CRM, Digital Banking, Payments, Cybersecurity, Cloud Transformation, Data, and AI.

I have worked in different geographies, primarily in Italy but also in most other European countries, such as Spain, Germany, Austria, and CEE.

In my professional journey I was also an Executive in a large Italian Bank leading its Marketing Intelligence Unit for 5 years.

Q2. What untapped opportunities exist for banks and fintech companies in digital banking, such as unexplored geographic markets or customer demographics?

If I must remark on one single area of opportunity that I believe has been addressed only to some extent by banks and fintech, I would point out the SME segment.

It is a relevant business space as, depending on geographies, it ranges from 15% to 25% of…