Overheard at Fintech Meetup: The Conversations Shaping the Future of Finance

Fintech Meetup brought together industry leaders to discuss the future of financial services, and one thing was clear: fintech is evolving at an unprecedented pace. AI, embedded finance, and smarter lending are no longer just innovations—they're necessities. Here’s what we overheard in the halls of one of the industry's most dynamic gatherings.

The conversation around AI has shifted from if it should be used to how it should be implemented effectively. Fintechs are using AI to streamline risk assessment, automate workflows, and enhance customer interactions. However, the real challenge is balancing automation with human oversight to ensure fair and transparent decision-making.

One of the most exciting applications of AI is in testing financial technology within regulatory constraints. Instead of waiting months—or even years—to deploy new AI-powered solutions, fintechs are leveraging digital sandboxes to trial vendors in a matter of weeks. Additionally, behavioral science is playing a crucial role in refining AI-driven interactions. Subtle design tweaks, such as well-placed friction in user journeys, can significantly improve fraud prevention and data accuracy.

Scott Sambucci (NayaOne):

“With a sandbox, banks can test five AI vendors in six weeks instead of waiting six years for regulatory approval.”​

Payments are undergoing a transformation, driven by the need for flexibility, speed, and user control. The fragmented nature of the U.S. payments system remains a challenge, with businesses navigating multiple payment options—ACH, checks, RTP, Venmo, and Zelle—each with different compliance requirements. Fintechs are addressing this issue by consolidating these disparate systems into single APIs that offer seamless integration.

The shift toward real-time payments is also reshaping the way businesses handle disbursements. Instead of relying on outdated processes, companies are giving customers and employees the ability to choose how they receive funds—whether it’s a direct bank transfer, a digital wallet, or even an instant virtual card.

Aditya Raikar (Checkbook):

“You have ACH, checks, RTP, Venmo, Zelle—all requiring different setups. We said, ‘Why not put it all under one API?’”​

Embedded finance is no longer a niche concept—it’s becoming the standard way financial products are delivered. Instead of requiring businesses to seek out financing or payment solutions separately, fintechs are integrating these services directly into the platforms where customers already operate.

Small business lending, in particular, is benefiting from this shift. Traditional lenders often avoid loans under $100,000 due to high processing costs, but fintechs are proving that by embedding lending within e-commerce and accounting platforms, they can offer seamless access to capital.

Payments are also following suit. Virtual credit cards and embedded expense management tools are streamlining business operations, allowing organizations to issue digital payment methods on demand. The key to success in embedded finance is not just offering financial services but making them feel like a natural extension of the customer’s workflow.

Rob Straathof (Liberis):

“A seller on eBay logs in, sees their sales data, and gets a funding offer right there in their dashboard. No paperwork, no waiting—just four clicks, and money is in their account.”​

Access to capital remains a major challenge for small businesses, but fintech is solving this problem with alternative data and intelligent underwriting. Traditional banks rely heavily on credit scores, which often fail to capture the financial health of small businesses. Fintech lenders, however, are using real-time revenue data, transaction histories, and industry-specific insights to offer more accurate financing options.

One of the biggest innovations in small business lending is the ability to approve and fund loans in minutes rather than weeks. By automating the application process and integrating financing directly into platforms small businesses already use, fintechs are removing friction and ensuring entrepreneurs get the capital they need when they need it.

Dana Kim (Orum):

“Small businesses don’t just need credit—they need credit that aligns with their cash flow. Real-time payments and alternative underwriting models are making that possible.”​

The best fintech products are no longer just functional—they’re intuitive, engaging, and even delightful. Small business owners expect the same seamless experiences they get from consumer apps, and fintech companies that deliver on this expectation are winning customer loyalty.

One major focus is reducing friction in banking and lending applications. Many businesses abandon financial services applications due to overly complex processes or unclear requirements. Fintechs that prioritize intuitive design—such as pre-filling forms, providing real-time feedback, and using plain-language explanations—are seeing higher conversion rates and stronger customer engagement.

Beyond usability, the role of customer success is evolving. It’s no longer just about answering support tickets; it’s about proactively guiding customers toward the right financial solutions, monitoring engagement, and resolving friction points before they become deal-breakers.

Tomer London (Gusto):

“The best business software should feel like the best consumer apps. It should be intuitive, end-to-end, and even delightful—like making payday feel like a celebration, not a chore.”​

Fintech is moving beyond disruption for disruption’s sake. The next wave of innovation is focused on seamlessness, intelligence, and real-world impact. AI-driven lending, embedded payments, and hyper-personalized financial services are making finance more accessible and efficient than ever before.

The fintechs that succeed won’t just be the ones offering the best technology—they’ll be the ones solving real problems with real solutions. As these conversations at Fintech Meetup made clear, the future of financial services will be defined not just by what’s possible, but by what’s truly useful.