Fintech Speakers

A fintech speaker is someone who specializes in communicating ideas, trends, and innovations within the financial technology space to a live or virtual audience. But they're not just presenters - they're translators of complex systems into digestible, actionable insights.

Fintech itself is a broad field, covering everything from mobile payments and robo-advisors to blockchain infrastructure and digital identity. A fintech speaker might be a founder, investor, regulator, or academic who has deep experience in one or more of these areas. Their job is to make these topics accessible, whether they're speaking to a room full of developers or a general business audience.

There's a big difference between someone who works in fintech and someone who can speak about it effectively. A fintech speaker understands how to frame their message for different audiences. For example, explaining open banking to a group of compliance officers requires a different tone and depth than introducing it to high school students in a financial literacy workshop.

These speakers are often featured at conferences like Finovate, MoneyConf, or regional events like Singapore FinTech Festival. They may also appear on podcasts, webinars, or corporate training sessions. Their role is to educate, inspire, and sometimes challenge the status quo.

In short, a fintech speaker is a communicator who bridges the gap between technology and finance - and between innovation and understanding.

When financial systems evolve faster than most people can keep up, fintech speakers become essential guides through the noise. They help demystify the innovations that shape how we save, spend, borrow, and invest.

Fintech is no longer a niche topic. From QR code payments in rural India to AI-driven credit scoring in Latin America, financial technology is reshaping economies at every level. But without clear, credible voices explaining what's happening and why it matters, the gap between innovation and adoption widens. That's where fintech speakers step in.

They bring context to complexity. For example, when a central bank launches a digital currency, a fintech speaker can explain the implications for consumers, banks, and regulators - not just in theory, but with real-world examples. They also help businesses understand how to adapt. A small business owner in Canada might not know how open banking affects their accounting software, but a good speaker can break it down in minutes.

Fintech speakers also play a role in shaping public discourse. By speaking at events, appearing in media, or contributing to policy roundtables, they influence how society thinks about financial access, data privacy, and digital inclusion.

In a world where trust in institutions is fragile and change is constant, fintech speakers help people make sense of the future. They don't just inform - they empower.

Fintech speakers educate, inspire, and challenge audiences by sharing insights on the intersection of finance and technology. But their role goes far beyond giving talks. Here's a breakdown of what fintech speakers actually do:

1. Deliver Keynotes and Presentations.
- They speak at conferences, summits, and corporate events, often covering topics like digital banking, blockchain, AI in finance, or regulatory tech.
- Their presentations are tailored to the audience - from high-level overviews for general business leaders to deep dives for technical teams.

2. Participate in Panels and Fireside Chats.
- Fintech speakers often join discussions with other experts to debate trends, share predictions, or offer contrasting viewpoints.
- These formats allow for more dynamic, unscripted insights and audience interaction.

3. Educate and Train.
- Some fintech speakers provide workshops or internal training sessions for banks, startups, or regulators.
- They help teams understand emerging technologies, compliance changes, or market opportunities.

4. Advise and Consult.
- Many speakers also work as consultants or advisors, helping organizations navigate fintech strategy, partnerships, or product development.
- Their speaking engagements often lead to deeper collaborations.

5. Contribute to Public Dialogue.
- Through podcasts, webinars, articles, and media appearances, fintech speakers shape how the public and industry stakeholders understand financial innovation.
- They often advocate for ethical tech, financial inclusion, or better regulation.

Whether they're on stage at a global summit or leading a Zoom workshop for a local credit union, fintech speakers are connectors. They bring together ideas, people, and possibilities - and help others see what's next.

Becoming a fintech speaker isn't just about knowing finance or tech. It's about knowing how to communicate complex ideas in a way that clicks with your audience. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Define Your Niche
- Fintech is broad. Are you into blockchain, digital banking, payments, AI in finance, or financial inclusion?
- Pick a lane that aligns with your expertise and passion. For example, if you've worked in mobile payments in Africa, that's a powerful niche.

2. Build Your Authority
- Start publishing content: write LinkedIn posts, Medium articles, or even a newsletter.
- Host webinars or virtual summits. Tools like Talks.co can help you connect with hosts looking for fintech experts.
- Create a speaker page that outlines your topics, credentials, and testimonials. This is your digital resume.

3. Get Speaking Experience
- Start small. Look for local meetups, university panels, or industry webinars.
- Record your talks. Even a 10-minute talk on Zoom can become a portfolio piece.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to find virtual events and pitch yourself to hosts.

4. Network Strategically
- Join fintech communities on Slack, Discord, or LinkedIn.
- Attend events as a participant first. Engage with speakers and organizers.
- Offer to moderate panels or co-host sessions. It's a great way to get visibility.

5. Pitch Like a Pro
- Craft a compelling speaker pitch: who you are, what you speak about, and why it matters.
- Tailor your pitch to each event. Highlight how your topic fits their audience.
- Follow up. Organizers are busy, and persistence often pays off.

Once you've got a few talks under your belt, momentum builds. Keep refining your message, updating your speaker page, and building relationships. That's how you grow from a guest to a go-to fintech speaker.

To be a fintech speaker, you need more than just knowledge of finance and technology. You need a blend of expertise, communication skills, credibility, and visibility. Let's break it down:

1. Subject Matter Expertise
You don't need to be a PhD in finance or a Silicon Valley founder, but you do need a solid grasp of your topic. Whether it's decentralized finance, neobanks, or AI-driven credit scoring, you should be able to explain it clearly and answer questions with confidence.

2. Communication Skills
Being a fintech speaker means translating complex topics into digestible insights. You should be able to:
- Tell stories that illustrate your points.
- Use analogies that make tech relatable.
- Adjust your tone for different audiences, from regulators to startup founders.

3. A Personal Brand
Your online presence matters. A speaker page is essential-it should include your bio, speaking topics, past events, and testimonials. Platforms like Talks.co make it easy to connect with event hosts and showcase your profile.

4. Experience or Case Studies
Real-world examples give you credibility. Maybe you led a fintech product launch, advised a startup, or researched digital currencies. These stories make your talks more engaging and trustworthy.

5. A Network and Platform
You'll need to be visible to get booked. That means:
- Engaging on LinkedIn or Twitter.
- Joining fintech communities.
- Using platforms like Talks.co to find speaking gigs and connect with event organizers.

You don't need to check every box perfectly. But the more of these elements you have, the more likely you are to land speaking opportunities and make an impact.

Yes, fintech speakers do get paid-but how much and how often depends on several factors. Let's look at the landscape.
Paid vs. Unpaid Gigs
- Free Talks: Common for beginners or when speaking at high-profile events for exposure.
- Paid Talks: More common for experienced speakers, especially those with a strong personal brand or niche expertise.
Factors That Influence Payment
- Experience: A speaker with 10+ years in fintech or a published author will command higher fees.
- Audience Size: Speaking at a global fintech summit pays more than a local meetup.
- Event Type: Corporate keynotes usually pay more than academic panels or webinars.
- Region: Speakers in the US, UK, and Singapore often see higher rates than those in emerging markets, though this is changing.
Typical Payment Ranges

Experience Level	Event Type	Payment Range
Beginner	Online Meetup	$0 - $500
Mid-Level	Industry Webinar	$500 - $2,000
Expert	Corporate Keynote	$5,000 - $20,000+

Other Forms of Compensation
- Travel and accommodation.
- Event passes or promotional opportunities.
- Leads or business exposure.
So yes, fintech speakers do get paid-but the path to consistent income usually involves building authority, networking, and leveraging platforms like Talks.co to connect with the right events.

Fintech speakers don't just earn from speaking fees. Many diversify their income streams to build a sustainable business. Here's how they do it:

1. Paid Speaking Engagements
This is the most direct method. Speakers charge for keynotes, panels, and workshops. Rates vary based on experience, topic, and event size.

2. Consulting and Advisory Roles
After a talk, companies often approach speakers for deeper insights. This can lead to:
- Short-term consulting gigs.
- Long-term advisory board positions.
- Product or strategy workshops.

3. Courses and Digital Products
Many fintech speakers package their knowledge into:
- Online courses (e.g., on Udemy or Teachable).
- Ebooks or whitepapers.
- Paid newsletters or membership communities.

4. Affiliate and Sponsorship Deals
Speakers with large audiences can:
- Promote fintech tools or platforms for a commission.
- Partner with brands for sponsored content or webinars.

5. Hosting Events or Summits
Some speakers flip the script and become hosts. Using platforms like Talks.co, they:
- Organize virtual summits.
- Invite other speakers.
- Monetize through ticket sales, sponsorships, or upsells.

6. Media and Content Licensing
High-quality talks can be repurposed:
- Licensed to training platforms.
- Used in corporate learning programs.
- Turned into podcast episodes or YouTube series.

So while speaking is the entry point, the real money often comes from what happens after the talk. Smart fintech speakers build ecosystems, not just events.

Fintech speakers can earn anywhere from nothing to six figures per engagement, depending on their profile, niche, and business model. Let's break it down with some real-world context.
Entry-Level Speakers
- Often speak for free or for low fees ($0-$500).
- May receive perks like travel, exposure, or leads.
- Common at local events, webinars, or university panels.
Mid-Tier Speakers
- Typically earn $1,000-$5,000 per talk.
- Have a strong niche (e.g., DeFi, regtech, embedded finance).
- Often speak at industry conferences or corporate training events.
Top-Tier Speakers
- Can command $10,000-$50,000+ per keynote.
- Usually authors, founders, or former executives.
- Speak at global summits, investor forums, or corporate retreats.
Annual Income Potential

Speaker Type	Talks per Year	Avg. Fee	Annual Income
Beginner	10	$300	$3,000
Mid-Level	20	$2,500	$50,000
Expert	30	$10,000	$300,000+

Variables That Affect Income
- Region (US and Europe tend to pay more).
- Language (English-speaking speakers often have more global reach).
- Platform (Talks.co and similar platforms help speakers scale faster).
So while not every fintech speaker makes a fortune, those who build authority and diversify income streams can earn a substantial living.

Hiring a fintech speaker can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on several key factors. Here's a breakdown to help you understand the pricing landscape.
1. Speaker Experience
- New Speakers: $0-$1,000. Often looking for exposure or portfolio-building.
- Established Experts: $2,000-$10,000. These speakers have a track record and niche authority.
- Celebrity-Level Speakers: $15,000-$50,000+. Think bestselling authors, former CEOs, or global influencers.
2. Event Type and Format
- Webinars or Virtual Panels: Typically cheaper. $500-$5,000 depending on audience size.
- In-Person Conferences: Higher cost due to travel, prep, and logistics.
- Workshops or Trainings: Often priced per day. $3,000-$20,000+ based on customization.
3. Location and Travel
- International events may require covering flights, hotels, and per diem.
- Some speakers bundle travel into their fee, others charge separately.
4. Customization and Deliverables
- A generic keynote is cheaper than a tailored workshop.
- Additional deliverables (slide decks, follow-up Q&A, recordings) may increase cost.
5. Booking Platform
- Booking through platforms like Talks.co can streamline the process and sometimes offer bundled pricing or discovery tools.
Sample Cost Table

Speaker Type	Virtual Talk	In-Person Keynote	Workshop (1 Day)
Beginner	$0-$500	$1,000-$2,000	$2,000-$3,000
Mid-Level	$1,000-$3,000	$3,000-$7,000	$5,000-$10,000
Expert	$5,000+	$10,000-$50,000+	$15,000-$25,000+

So the cost of a fintech speaker really depends on what you're looking for. A high-impact keynote from a global thought leader will cost more, but could be well worth the investment.

- Brett King: Author of 'Bank 4.0' and founder of Moven, he's one of the most recognized voices in fintech. His talks blend future trends with practical insights.
- Chris Skinner: Known for his blog The Finanser and books like 'Digital Bank', Skinner has been a go-to speaker on banking innovation for over a decade.
- Ghela Boskovich: A champion of diversity in fintech and founder of FemTechGlobal, Ghela brings a unique voice to topics like regulation, ethics, and inclusion.
- David Birch: A digital identity and payments expert, Birch has been speaking about fintech since before it was trendy. His historical perspective is unmatched.
- Claire Calmejane: Chief Innovation Officer at Société Générale, Claire is a powerful voice on corporate fintech strategy and digital transformation.
- Ron Shevlin: Director of Research at Cornerstone Advisors and a regular speaker on fintech trends, banking disruption, and customer behavior.
- Nina Mohanty: A rising star in the fintech speaking circuit, Nina brings sharp insights on financial inclusion, ethics, and user experience.
- Jim Marous: Co-publisher of The Financial Brand and host of the Banking Transformed podcast, Jim is a data-driven speaker with global reach.
- Neha Narula: Director of the Digital Currency Initiative at MIT Media Lab, Neha is a leading voice on blockchain and central bank digital currencies.
- Alex Tapscott: Co-author of 'Blockchain Revolution', Alex is a go-to speaker on Web3, tokenization, and the future of finance.

- Brett King (USA): A futurist and bestselling author, Brett has spoken in over 50 countries and is a regular at global fintech summits.
- Ghela Boskovich (UK): Based in London, Ghela is a powerful advocate for ethical fintech and regularly speaks at European and global events.
- Chris Skinner (UK): With a global following, Chris is often featured at events in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
- Neha Narula (USA): Her work at MIT has made her a sought-after speaker at international blockchain and central banking conferences.
- Claire Calmejane (France): As a corporate leader in fintech innovation, Claire speaks across Europe and at major banking forums.
- Ronit Ghose (Singapore/Global): Head of Future of Finance at Citi, Ronit is a frequent speaker in Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
- Ravi Menon (Singapore): Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Ravi is often featured at global policy and fintech events.
- Elizabeth Rossiello (Kenya/USA): CEO of AZA Finance, she brings a unique African fintech perspective to global stages.
- Alex Tapscott (Canada): A global voice on blockchain and digital assets, Alex speaks at Davos, Web Summit, and beyond.
- Jim Marous (USA): With a global podcast and speaking career, Jim is a fixture at fintech events worldwide.

Let's break down some of the most persistent misconceptions about fintech speakers. These myths can hold back aspiring voices from stepping onto the stage or mislead event organizers about what to expect.

1. Fintech speakers must be ex-bankers or Wall Street veterans.
Not true. While some fintech speakers do come from traditional finance, many come from tech, entrepreneurship, or even academia. For example, Chris Skinner, a globally recognized fintech speaker, started as a technologist and author. His insights come from research and analysis, not just banking experience. The fintech space values diverse perspectives-what matters is your ability to connect dots, not just your resume.

2. They only talk about cryptocurrency.
Crypto is hot, sure, but fintech is much broader. Fintech speakers cover topics like embedded finance, digital lending, mobile payments, regulatory tech, and even financial inclusion. For instance, speakers like Clara Shih focus on AI in financial services, while others like Brett King explore digital banking ecosystems. If you're only expecting Bitcoin talk, you're missing the bigger picture.

3. You need to be a tech genius to understand or become one.
Nope. Many fintech speakers are storytellers, strategists, or policy experts. They translate complex topics for general audiences. Think of someone like Ghela Boskovich, who speaks on ethics and inclusion in fintech-her talks are more about systems thinking than coding. The best speakers make fintech accessible, not more confusing.

4. Fintech speakers are only relevant at finance conferences.
This one's outdated. Fintech is now part of conversations in retail, healthcare, education, and even agriculture. A fintech speaker might be invited to a startup summit in Nairobi, a digital transformation event in Berlin, or an e-commerce expo in São Paulo. Why? Because financial technology touches every industry now.

5. They just pitch their startups.
The good ones don't. While some speakers are founders, the best fintech speakers know how to provide value beyond their product. They share frameworks, trends, and case studies. If someone's just selling from the stage, they won't get invited back. Organizers want thought leaders, not salespeople.

Picture this: a packed auditorium in Singapore, buzzing with startup founders, investors, and regulators. The keynote speaker? Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief Fintech Officer at the Monetary Authority of Singapore. He didn't just talk about policy. He told the story of how Singapore built a fintech ecosystem from scratch, weaving in anecdotes about early failures, cross-border collaborations, and the role of public-private partnerships. The audience left with a roadmap-not just inspiration.

Then there's Dave Birch. He's not your typical fintech speaker. With a background in digital identity and a knack for humor, Dave blends deep technical insight with cultural commentary. At Money20/20 Europe, he once compared the future of digital wallets to medieval coinage systems-unexpected, but unforgettable. His talks are shared widely not because they're flashy, but because they're smart and sticky.

In Latin America, Marta Cruz stands out. As co-founder of NXTP Ventures, she speaks on fintech innovation in emerging markets. At a Buenos Aires summit, she broke down how fintech is solving real problems like inflation and underbanking. Her case studies weren't theoretical-they were about local startups using mobile-first solutions to reach rural populations. That grounded perspective made her talk resonate far beyond the region.

And let's not forget Ron Shevlin. Known for his data-driven approach, Ron uses research from Cornerstone Advisors to back up every point. At a recent virtual summit, he walked through survey results showing how consumer trust in fintech apps has shifted post-pandemic. No fluff, just facts-and a few well-timed jokes. That balance of credibility and charisma is what makes him a go-to speaker.

These speakers didn't follow a single formula. Some are regulators, others are founders, analysts, or investors. What they share is clarity, relevance, and the ability to make fintech feel personal-even when it's global.

Fintech speakers are evolving alongside the industry they represent. As the landscape shifts, so do the expectations for what these speakers bring to the table. Here's what's coming next:

- Localized narratives will gain traction. Global audiences are tired of Silicon Valley-centric stories. Speakers who can contextualize fintech in Africa, Southeast Asia, or Eastern Europe will be in demand. Think of someone like Elizabeth Rossiello, who speaks about fintech in Africa with real-world insights from her work at AZA Finance.

- Cross-industry expertise will be expected. Fintech is no longer siloed. Speakers who can connect dots between finance, healthcare, climate, or education will stand out. For example, embedded finance in e-commerce or micro-lending in agriculture are hot topics. The ability to speak across verticals will be a key differentiator.

- Interactive formats will become the norm. Forget 45-minute monologues. Audiences want panels, Q&A, live demos, and even co-creation sessions. Speakers who can facilitate dialogue, not just deliver slides, will thrive.

- AI fluency will be non-negotiable. Whether it's generative AI in underwriting or machine learning in fraud detection, fintech speakers will need to speak intelligently about AI's role. Not just the hype, but the practical applications and ethical implications.

- Authenticity will beat authority. Audiences are skeptical of polished pitches. Speakers who share failures, lessons learned, and real stories will connect better than those who just list achievements.

In short, the future of fintech speaking is more global, more interdisciplinary, and more human. If you're planning to step into this space, think less about impressing and more about connecting. That's where the real traction lies.

- Talks.co. A smart platform that matches speakers with podcast hosts. Great for building your voice and authority before hitting big stages. Tip: Use niche tags like 'regtech' or 'neobank' to find the right-fit shows.

- Finextra. A go-to hub for fintech news and events. Follow their editorial calendar to pitch yourself for upcoming webinars or panels. Bonus: Commenting on articles can get you noticed by editors.

- SpeakerHub. A directory where you can list your speaker profile. Add video clips, topics, and testimonials. Tip: Include keywords like 'fintech innovation' or 'digital banking' to show up in searches.

- Fintech Today. A newsletter and community that covers fintech trends. Stay current, and use their Slack group to network with other professionals who might recommend you for speaking gigs.

- Slidebean. If you're not a designer, this tool helps you create sleek, professional decks. Use their pitch deck templates and adapt them for your talks. Tip: Keep slides visual and use speaker notes for depth.

- LinkedIn Events. Don't underestimate this. Many fintech webinars and panels are organized here. Reach out to hosts directly or comment on event posts to show interest.

- Toastmasters International. Old-school but gold. If you're new to public speaking, this is a safe place to practice. Look for chapters in tech hubs or financial districts for relevant networking.

- Eventbrite. Search for fintech meetups or conferences in your region. Attend first, then pitch yourself for the next edition. Tip: Offer to moderate a panel-it's a great way to get stage time without needing a full keynote.