Travis Matthew, Co-Founder of the Emerging Fintech Forum, was born & raised in LA and has developed a notable capacity of translating strategic vision into high-value IP design, development, marketing, licensing & sales to drive maximum ROI for influential lifestyle brands and corporations from fashion to fintech, including VISA®, FluxCredit, Facebook, and more.
I expect to see a continued increase in technology-focused finance solutions, real-time API-driven integrations focused on business and end-user self-service options.
MEDIA 7: The Emerging Fintech Forum was established in Feb 2021. What inspired you to start the company?
TRAVIS MATTHEW: Well, it was actually an introductory video call with Patrick Faulkner-king (Co-Founder of the Emerging Fintech Forum) many years ago for work. I was in San Francisco, he was in Singapore and the call dropped, so I reached him on video. Seeing such incredible environments really humanized this first interaction and allowed a global business to flourish. At this point, I’m inspired by the Members and Advisors who have joined the EFF!
M7: Could you please share your opinion on the future of ‘Finance and Technology’?
TM: I expect to see a continued increase in technology-focused finance solutions, real-time API-driven integrations focused on business and end-user self-service options. Scheme and bank innovation is a logical next step.
If you are culturally connected and saying the right thing, in the right way, to the right person across all touchpoints, then the business will grow organically.
M7: The first Emerging Fintech Forum was held a month ago, and some truly innovative products were launched. Could you please give us an insight into the event?
TM: With 1,000’s of registered members, it was an extensive three-hour debut event with many amazing speakers discussing payments, compliance, crypto, and the future of FinTech. Personally, I think that McLEAR stole the show, with their innovative contactless payment rings from the UK that we showcased to the American market.
M7: The Emerging Fintech Forum’s debut USA event featured discussions about local cultures and the fintechs that serve them. Could you please elaborate on this?
TM: Fintech solutions are targeted at serving countries in different ways, this is to conform to local regulations and to accommodate for local market trends and use cases. The EFF USA event showcased global contributors who represented various FinTech solutions adapted to suit local market trends, needs, and cultures. Change is incremental, global tech adoption and roll-out require cross-border collaboration and coordination.
Whenever possible, select natural leaders, you can train people in management, but leaders are born.
M7: You have a strong marketing background. In your digital marketing approach, how do you balance inbound and outbound marketing?
TM: Thanks, I think that image matters more than ever before. As a graphic designer, the art + copy I create can be translated worldwide. I believe if you are culturally connected and saying the right thing, in the right way, to the right person across all touchpoints, then the business will grow organically.
M7: What is your advice to budding c-suite executives?
TM: Be clear on what functions the business needs and at what point in time. Appoint people who challenge you, push your boundaries and share your business values. Whenever possible select natural leaders, you can train people in management, but leaders are born and make decisions instinctively.
ABOUT THE EMERGING FINTECH FORUM
Supported by a global leadership team of industry experts focused on driving innovation and collaboration, the Emerging Fintech Forum was established to facilitate local and international business interactions within the fintech and payment sectors - and foster a truly global culture of financial inclusion and diversity. They’re building a unique platform to humanize the typical business interaction, where members are encouraged to submit a personalized ‘Pindrop’ video filmed out of office, introducing themselves, what they do and what type of collaboration they seek. EFF then matches these Pindrops with other members to facilitate introductions. Through their forum, industry experts, leaders, and peers can also learn from one another, share insights and build a network– while discovering the fintechs that are making a real difference in providing secure, reliable, sustainable, and accessible solutions in financial services.