Our VIP guest for this month’s Insights Interview has over 25 years of experience in financial technology, initially starting out at the United Nations and then taking executive roles at a number of large venture-backed firms. Mike Laven, the CEO of Currencycloud speaks with Tony to share his entrepreneurial journey as well as some success secrets that all aspiring fintech entrepreneurs need to know.
Last year, Currencycloud made a unicorn-sized exit and was acquired by Visa in a deal that valued the company at £700 million. Mike explains why Visa was chosen as the ultimate partner and discusses the next steps for him and the company. As a Trustee and Director of the Aurora Orchestra, and as a board member and treasurer of a New York charity, RxArt, he talks about the importance of working outside of corporate roles to enable self-development and to heighten success with new skills and perspectives.
You can also hear his exclusive insights on how he thinks CBDCs will change the financial landscape in the next five years, whether payment schemes are becoming too powerful and what needs to be done to get the UK on track to lead the world of fintech.