Research, Funding, and Future Fintech - Ryan Christiansen

In this episode of the EYE ON: FINTECH Podcast, Nathan Mills interviews Ryan Christiansen, the Executive Director of the Stena Center for Financial Technology at the University of Utah. They discuss Ryan's background and how he ended up in the fintech industry. They also talk about the mission of the Stena Center, which is to expand fintech and make Utah a major fintech hub globally. The center focuses on four program areas: academics, partnerships, venture funding, and an annual conference called fintechXchange. They also discuss the Xstudio incubator and the talented students involved in the program.

The conversation explores the high engagement levels of students in fintech, the growth of Utah as a fintech hub, and the collaboration between banks and fintechs. The Stena Center is focused on building excellence in four programming areas: education, conferences, degree programs, and creating a fintech hub in Utah. Utah's financial services background, technological innovation, and collaborative approach contribute to its status as a fintech hub. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities in the collaboration between banks and fintechs, as well as the need for clarity from regulators.

Show links:

Stena Center for Financial Technology

fintechXstudio

Fintech xChange Conference

Stena Center on Linkedin

Takeaways

• The Stena Center for Financial Technology at the University of Utah aims to expand fintech and make Utah a major fintech hub globally.
• The center focuses on four program areas: academics, partnerships, venture funding, and an annual conference called fintechXchange. The Xstudio incubator provides office space and support for early-stage fintech companies.
• The center works closely with students, who are passionate and talented in the fintech space.
• The goal is to develop a strong fintech hub in Utah and provide students with job opportunities in the industry. Students in fintech show high levels of engagement and are eager to network and attend conferences.
• Utah is emerging as a fintech hub due to its financial services background, technological innovation, and collaborative approach.
• Collaboration between banks and fintechs is increasing, with some banks acquiring fintech companies.
• Challenges in the collaboration include compliance with bank regulations and the need for more clarity from regulators.