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Curiosity Code Podcast

Alex Khomyakov

Discover the fintech podcast "Curiosity Code", featuring exclusive interviews on fintech innovation and financial technology. Hosted by Alex, founder of the digital agency Productera, with a background in B2B and SaaS companies, the podcast brings together founders, CEOs, visionaries, and fintech leaders driving financial innovation, AI, open banking, and digital transformation.Each episode offers success stories, challenges, and groundbreaking ideas about the future of blockchain, AI agents, digital payments, wealth management, and other related financial technologies.

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  • 26 episodes
  • Avg 28 min
  • English

Episodes 26

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  • S3 · E12
    Oct 29, 2025 · 38 min

    Smart Contract Security Mistakes | João Andrade

    Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! João Andrade, Head of Cybersecurity at Hacken, reveals the costly smart contract vulnerabilities and blockchain security mistakes that have drained millions from Web3 projects. Learn how MiCA and DORA regulations are reshaping crypto compliance and why prevention-first security frameworks matter more than ever. João shares his 12-year blockchain journey from accidentally mining Bitcoin in 2012 (and losing 5 BTC) to building enterprise-grade security and compliance frameworks for decentralized systems. This deep dive covers smart contract attack surfaces, the difference between startup and enterprise security approaches, real-world asset tokenization reality checks, and how aviation safety principles apply to blockchain cybersecurity. ⏱️ KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction 4:08 At what point did you realize that crypto is becoming more than a hobby 7:18 What are the biggest milestones or growing pains in the cryptocurrency industry today 14:05 Security is the biggest concern for Hacken. It's our biggest concern 18:15 Joao has worked in startups and large scale organizations on security issues 23:32 I'd like to get your take on what's happening with regulations regarding cryptocurrencies 27:07 Another topic I'd like to get your opinion on is real world asset tokenization 33:06 Being a pilot impacts your perspective on security and cybersecurity and blockchain 35:27 Alex says he has some advice for people in 2012 about bitcoin mining 👤 ABOUT THE GUEST João Andrade is Head of Cybersecurity & Compliance at Hacken, a blockchain security veteran since 2012, and a licensed pilot. He brings over a decade of experience helping shape blockchain compliance frameworks and securing decentralized systems across Europe and the U.S. Connect with João on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joaoblockandrade/ #BlockchainSecurity #SmartContractSecurity #CryptoRegulation #Web3Cybersecurity #FintechPodcast 🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation 🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/ 📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/ 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

  • S3 · E11
    Oct 21, 2025 · 26 min

    Stablecoins & DeFi: Banking's Future | Elena Shiltseva

    Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! DeFi is reshaping how money moves across borders — without banks. Elena Shiltseva, Web3 & Fintech CPO who raised $9M+ in token sales, explains how decentralized finance, stablecoins, and blockchain will transform banking in the next decade. Discover why DeFi is more than crypto speculation, how stablecoins drive real-world adoption for freelancers and businesses, and what happens when code replaces traditional financial intermediaries. Elena shares ground-level insights on self-custody, CBDCs, algorithmic stablecoins, and the invisible infrastructure making borderless payments possible today. 🕐 KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction 2:26 DeFi is the short for decentralized finance — What it really means 12:58 Stablecoins: The bridge between crypto and everyday finance 20:00 How blockchain will change finance for the average person in 10 years 25:43 Making DeFi clear: Practical takeaways for founders and builders 👤 GUEST Elena Shiltseva is a Web3 & Fintech CPO and advisor with product leadership experience at Rarible and Tinkoff. She has helped raise over $9M in token sales and advises startups on decentralized finance, tokenomics, and Web3 product strategy. 🔗 linkedin.com/in/elenashiltseva #DeFi #Stablecoins #DecentralizedFinance #FintechInnovation #Web3 🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation 🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/ 📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/ 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

  • S3 · E10
    Oct 1, 2025 · 26 min

    AI in Fintech Hiring: Compliance Talent Crisis | Owen Dearn

    Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! AI is transforming fintech hiring—but not in the way you think. Owen Dearn, founder of Find and fintech talent strategist, reveals why compliance and risk roles are the biggest bottleneck for startups, how AI is eliminating junior positions, and why human trust still matters more than automation. Discover the hidden talent crisis facing fintech companies, the rise of "AI gatekeepers" in every role, and which jobs will survive the automation wave. If you're building a fintech company, scaling a team, or navigating AI transformation, this conversation reveals what really matters when regulation, compliance, and artificial intelligence collide. 📌 KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction 2:15 The biggest issue facing fintech startups right now is compliance and risk talent 5:47 Traditional first line defense roles are increasingly becoming automated 15:05 Let's talk about the hiring process. I've seen many founders eager to use AI 20:28 Mind says AI may create new jobs but humans will remain central to business 👤 GUEST Owen Dearn is the founder of Find, a specialized talent firm focused on fintech, payments, and Web3. He works with some of the world's fastest-growing financial technology companies to solve critical hiring challenges in compliance, risk, and technical roles. Connect with Owen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owendearn/ 🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation 🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/ 📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/ 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092 #FintechHiring #AIinFintech #ComplianceTalent #FintechRecruitment #FutureOfWork 🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation 🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/ 📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/ 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

  • S3 · E9
    Oct 1, 2025 · 38 min

    Human AI Collaboration: 5 Pillars Framework | Manuj

    Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! AI adoption fails when companies focus only on technology. Manuj Aggarwal shares his 5-pillar framework for aligning AI with human potential, enterprise adoption strategies, and the skills that will matter most in an AI-first world. From earning $2 a day in India to advising Fortune 500 companies, Manuj Aggarwal (AI Pioneer & Founder of TetraNoodle Technologies) reveals why most enterprises miss AI's real value, how startups can compete without massive budgets, and which human skills will become irreplaceable as AI handles coding and driving. 📍 KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction 11:35 Relationships: Why most people fail to cultivate meaningful connections 17:16 Enterprise AI adoption: Where big companies go wrong 26:18 AI bias, governance & regulation: Optimism vs concern 31:00 Doing less, achieving more: The productivity paradox with AI 35:24 Essential skills to thrive in an AI-driven future 💡 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN — The Digital Twin Framework: 5 pillars for personal and professional growth with AI — Enterprise AI mistakes that waste millions and how to avoid them — Startup strategies for competing against big tech in narrow AI niches — Why emotional intelligence and creativity will outlast technical skills — The next 10 years of human-AI collaboration and what disappears first — Daily practices for mindset and productivity in an AI-accelerated world — How AI bias and regulation will shape innovation vs. safety balance 👤 ABOUT OUR GUEST Manuj Aggarwal is an AI Pioneer, Entrepreneur, and Founder of TetraNoodle Technologies. He advises Fortune 500 companies on AI strategy and has built a career bridging deep technology with human development, mindset, and innovation. Connect with Manuj on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manujaggarwal/ #AIAdoption #EnterpriseAI #FutureOfWork #AIStrategy #DigitalTransformation 🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation 🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/ 📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/ 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

  • S3 · E8
    Sep 2, 2025 · 48 min

    Expert Network Technology & AI | Daniel Entrup

    Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! AI is transforming expert networks—but the human element still defines success. Daniel Entrup, expert network veteran and strategist, reveals what technology can't replace and how to build trust-driven marketplaces that blend automation with relationship management. From fraud prevention to AI coaching for analysts, this episode explores the invisible infrastructure behind professional knowledge sharing. Learn why early automation failed, how data gaps hold back AI adoption, and which use cases will reshape the industry in the next 5 years. 📍 KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction 3:26 Data management service purpose-built for knowledge networks 6:40 Why experts aren't always "expert experts" in traditional networks 10:11 How expert networks identify the right candidates for project requests 14:51 Why recruiting and executive search markets are ripe for AI disruption 20:18 AI applications beyond recruitment in expert networks 22:28 Voice AI conducting expert research at unprecedented scale 30:31 LinkedIn prediction: 40% of entry-level professional services jobs disappearing 36:22 Using AI to help analysts improve interviewing skills 44:04 Building a brand new expert network from scratch today 👤 GUEST Daniel Entrup is an expert network leader and strategist with extensive experience building technology-driven knowledge marketplaces. He specializes in balancing automation with human-centered client service in two-sided professional networks. Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielentrup/ #ExpertNetworks #AIinBusiness #FutureOfWork #ProfessionalServices #KnowledgeWork 🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation 🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/ 📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/ 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

  • S3 · E7
    Aug 19, 2025 · 35 min

    Pension Innovation with AI: Legacy Systems & Trust | Matt Gosden

    Lovely listener, share with us your thoughts! AI in financial services isn't failing because of the technology—it's failing because of integration, data challenges, and legacy infrastructure that nobody wants to replace. Matt Gosden reveals what truly blocks AI adoption in pensions and wealth management. Matt Gosden—strategist, enterprise architect, and advisor on AI in highly regulated financial services—joins Alex Khomyakov to explore why meaningful innovation in pensions and wealth requires more than just new technology. Discover how AI-driven customer guidance (not advice) can prevent costly mistakes, why agent-ready infrastructure matters now, and what the industry would look like if redesigned from scratch today. 📍 What You'll Learn: 0:00 Introduction 3:04 Why AI companies carry heavy technical debt from legacy systems that still work 6:11 Hypothetical providers that could overtake the traditional pension industry 9:58 Responsible rollout of AI in financial services and regulatory challenges 14:46 When AI responds to users: managing accuracy and trust issues 17:48 The critical difference between AI guidance vs. financial advice 26:06 Overlooked innovation opportunities in pensions and wealth space 28:39 Redesigning pensions and long-term investments from the ground up 34:40 Closing thoughts and key takeaways 👤 About Matt Gosden: Matt Gosden is a strategist and enterprise architect specializing in AI, data, and innovation within financial services. He advises regulated institutions on responsible AI implementation, modernizing legacy infrastructure, and building agent-ready systems for the future of wealth and pensions. Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-gosden-ins/ #AIinFinance #WealthManagement #PensionInnovation #FinTech #GenAI 🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on fintech, AI, and innovation 🌐 Website: https://curiositycodepodcast.com/ 📱 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhomyakov/ 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/curiosity-code 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-curiosity-code-podcast/id1748596092

Showing 21–26 of 26 episodes