Jens Podewski, CEO & Co-Founder of FinXP Ltd

Today we're meeting Jens Podewski, CEO & Co-Founder of FinXP Ltd.. They are the leading provider of B2B project and payment solutions in the FinTech space.

Over to you Jens - my questions are in bold:

Who are you and what's your background?

I'm Jens Podewski, co-founder and CEO of FinXP, a Malta-based electronic money institution I established in 2014. With over 25 years in the financial sector - and 15 years as Head of Trade Finance for the Otto Group - I've built my expertise around the international credit card market and diverse payment processes. My expertise encompasses the international credit card market and various payment processes. At FinXP, I lead our team in delivering a suite of innovative payment and banking solutions, from IBAN accounts and payment gateways to SEPA processing and crypto integrations.

My passion for financial inclusion and disruptive innovation is what propelled me into FinTech. I was captivated by the idea of democratising banking services, especially for underbanked regions. Throughout my career, I've worked on everything from mobile payment solutions and API-driven platforms to crypto-based remittance services, collaborating with startups and established institutions alike. This journey has deepened my appreciation for the dynamic intersection of regulation, technology, and user experience in reshaping how we interact with money.

What is your job title and what are your general responsibilities?

As CEO of FinXP, I'm at the helm of both strategic leadership and day-to-day operational oversight, driving our growth in the fast-paced FinTech sector. I set our long-term vision and hunt for new market opportunities, especially in the dynamic realms of payments and crypto. I also build strong partnerships with banks, regulatory bodies, and crypto exchanges to expand our network and influence, while ensuring FinXP meets all legal and regulatory standards in Europe.

I lead our executive team with a focus on innovation and talent, manage our financial health through careful budgeting and forecasting, and work closely with our product teams to fine-tune product and service offerings.

In essence, I balance high-level strategic planning with the practical realities of running a fast-growing FinTech company.

Can you give us an overview of your business?

FinXP is a Malta-based, award-winning FinTech company that specialises in providing seamless, secure, and innovative payment and banking solutions tailored to both businesses and individuals. Founded in 2014, the company has rapidly positioned itself as a trusted electronic money institution, offering a diverse portfolio of services designed to meet the evolving needs of the global financial landscape.

We offer dedicated Euro IBAN accounts that enable efficient cross-border payments within the SEPA framework, a robust and customisable payment gateway that secures online transactions, and prepaid and debit card solutions that streamline expense management. We simplify recurring payments with automated SEPA Direct Debit services, facilitate international transactions with competitive FX rates, and integrate with the crypto world by collaborating with exchanges and by supporting FIAT on/off payments.

What truly sets us apart is our comprehensive, one-stop-shop approach for both payment processing and banking services, combined with a tailored, customer-centric mindset. As a licensed electronic money institution in the EU, we ensure strong regulatory compliance, offering our clients peace of mind, while our crypto-friendly stance allows us to innovate where many traditional players hesitate.

Operating on a B2B model, we provide payment and banking infrastructure to merchants, financial institutions, and digital businesses, generating revenue through transaction fees, subscription services, and bespoke enterprise solutions. The market has recognised us as an innovative leader, especially in key sectors like e-commerce, iGaming, and SaaS.

In short, I'm proud to say that FinXP is redefining how businesses manage payments and banking, effectively bridging the gap between traditional finance and the digital future.

Tell us how you are funded?

We are a 100% self--funded company. This approach has given us complete control over our strategic direction and operations, allowing us to steer the company without external pressures. By focusing on delivering tailored payment solutions and prioritising customer satisfaction, we've driven significant growth and established FinXP as a strong contender in the competitive European PayTech industry.

What's the origin story? Why did you start the company? To solve what problems?

We founded FinXP with a clear mission: to simplify complex payment processes and bridge the gap between traditional finance and emerging technologies. We recognised early on that businesses - especially in sectors like iGaming, SaaS, and crypto - were struggling with outdated systems that made cross-border payments slow, expensive, and inefficient. Traditional banks offered rigid solutions that simply didn't cater to the unique needs of these dynamic industries, and the labyrinth of European regulatory requirements only compounded the problem.

Seeing this gap, we built FinXP to deliver tailored, modern payment and banking solutions. Our platform offers seamless Euro IBAN accounts for efficient SEPA transactions, flexible payment gateways that support multiple payment methods, and crypto-friendly banking solutions that enable businesses to integrate digital currencies while staying compliant. We also simplify recurring payments with automated SEPA Direct Debit services, perfect for subscription-based models.

By combining agility, deep regulatory expertise, and a customer-centric approach, we've created a solution that not only resolves these long-standing pain points but also empowers our clients to thrive in the fast-evolving digital economy.

Who are your target customers? What's your revenue model?

At FinXP, we serve a diverse range of business clients spanning e-commerce, iGaming, SaaS, and financial services. Our approach is deeply rooted in understanding the unique challenges each sector faces and tailoring our solutions accordingly. For instance, our iGaming partners benefit from streamlined payment processes that allow them to focus on creating engaging experiences, while our SaaS clients appreciate how our solutions integrate seamlessly into their recurring billing models.

Our revenue model is built on a robust B2B framework. We generate income through transaction fees by processing payments via our gateway and cross-border services, and we also charge for specialised account services, such as our dedicated Euro IBAN accounts and automated SEPA Direct Debit collections. Additionally, we offer premium, subscription-based services that deliver tailored solutions for clients with specific needs. This diversified approach not only ensures a steady income stream but also enables us to provide comprehensive, secure, and flexible payment and banking solutions that truly empower our clients.

If you had a magic wand, what one thing would you change in the banking and/or FinTech sector?

If I had a magic wand, I'd eliminate the lack of transparency that pervades the banking and FinTech sectors. Too often, consumers face hidden fees, complex terms, and opaque practices that make it difficult to fully understand the products they're using. By making everything more transparent and user-friendly - whether it's loan terms, investment risks, or transaction fees - people could make better, more informed financial decisions. This would also foster greater trust in the industry, which is often lacking. Plus, it would push companies to compete more on value and service rather than on fine-print trickery.

What is your message for the larger players in the Financial Services marketplace?

My message to the larger players in the Financial Services marketplace would be this: Embrace innovation with the same vigour you apply to risk management, and prioritise customer-centricity over short-term profits.

In an era where FinTech disruptors are rapidly reshaping consumer expectations, legacy institutions have a unique advantage - trust, scale, and resources. But these advantages can quickly erode if you don't adapt. Leverage your position not just to digitise old processes but to truly rethink how you deliver value. Invest in technologies that enhance transparency, security, and accessibility. Foster a culture of agility, where innovation isn't stifled by bureaucracy but driven by a genuine desire to solve customer pain points.

Ultimately, the future belongs to those who balance technological advancement with ethical responsibility, creating financial ecosystems that are not only profitable but also inclusive and resilient.

Where do you get your Financial Services/FinTech industry news from?

I stay on top of the FinTech landscape by tuning into two key sources. Finextra is my go-to for breaking news, incisive analysis, and expert insights into banking technology, payments, and innovative FinTech trends. Their blend of global coverage and niche developments keeps me well-informed of the latest industry shifts. I also rely on The Financial Times, especially their FinTech and Banking sections, which offer in-depth reporting on how finance, technology, and regulation intersect.

This mix of detailed market analysis and thought leadership gives me the comprehensive view I need to stay ahead in the industry.

Can you list 3 people you rate from the FinTech and/or Financial Services sector that we should be following on LinkedIn, and why?

I'm constantly inspired by a few key voices on LinkedIn who are shaping the future of FinTech and financial services. First up is Brett King, the founder of Moven, renowned futurist, and best-selling author. His insights on digital transformation, disruptive innovation, and customer experience are invaluable for anyone looking to understand where financial services are headed.

Another influential figure is Anne Boden, the founder and former CEO of Starling Bank. Her remarkable journey in building one of the UK's leading digital challenger banks offers insights into digital banking, leadership, and innovation. Anne's perspectives consistently shed light on both the challenges and opportunities in modern finance, making her a must-follow thought leader.

Lastly, I'm a big fan of Chris Skinner, whose sharp commentary on banking, technology, and the future of finance continuously challenges the status quo. His thought-provoking posts and incisive analysis of industry trends provide a refreshing take on the financial landscape.

What FinTech services (and/or apps) do you personally use?

I personally rely on a couple of FinTech apps that have transformed the way I manage my money. One of my top choices is Trade Republic - a versatile platform that lets me handle everything from day-to-day spending to investing, all in one place. Whether I'm exploring crypto trading or diving into stock investments, Trade Republic delivers a seamless, efficient experience.

I also love using Plum - an AI-powered app that takes the hassle out of saving by analysing my spending habits and automating investments. It's a clever tool that helps me build my savings effortlessly, even on days when setting money aside isn't a priority.

Together, these apps have made my financial management more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly.

What's the best new FinTech product or service you've seen recently?

I'm really excited about Wero - a European mobile payment system that's redefining the way we handle transfers with its instant, account-to-account capabilities. What sets it apart is not just its speedy transactions, but an ambitious roadmap that promises even more innovative features in the near future. Check them out at wero-wallet.eu.

Finally, let's talk predictions. What trends do you think are going to define the next few years in the FinTech sector?

I believe that over the next few years, several key trends will fundamentally reshape the FinTech sector. Financial services will become so seamlessly embedded into everyday platforms that they'll be practically invisible - think in-app lending, automated insurance at checkout, and instant payments built directly into digital experiences. Meanwhile, decentralised finance (DeFi) will move from buzzword to reality as traditional institutions adopt blockchain while regulators push for clearer compliance frameworks.

AI will take personalisation to the next level, delivering hyper-intelligent financial tools that offer real-time investment advice and automated money management tailored to individual needs. Green and ethical FinTech will gain serious momentum as consumers demand more transparency around ESG investments, carbon tracking, and ethical banking. At the same time, digital innovation will continue breaking down financial barriers, bringing mobile banking, micro-lending, and digital wallets to unbanked populations worldwide.

And let's not forget security - cyber threats are evolving, and the winners in FinTech will be those that prioritise ironclad security and transparent data privacy. The future isn't just about new products; it's about reshaping how we interact with money, making financial services smarter, fairer, and more accessible than ever.

Thank you very much Jens!

Read more about Jens Podewski on LinkedIn and find out more about FinXP Ltd. at finxp.com.