Bank x fintech

Let's dive back into the world of finance and explore how banking catfish and fintech pikes coexist in the same pond. The former, as long-standing rulers of conquered and uncontested territories, realize that to survive, they must adopt an entrepreneurial spirit, a willingness to experiment, take more risks, and flexibly adapt to the latest trends. The latter usually master all of this but often lack the ability to keep the helm steady on a set course, not be swayed by every breeze, and convince and reach a sufficiently large audience about the advantages of their offer.

After years of initial disregard and minor skirmishes, it seems both worlds now fully recognize the potential not only for mutual inspiration but perhaps also for collaboration.

Together with Daniela Pešková, head of retail banking at Česká spořitelna, and Michal Šmída, founder of fintech Twisto, we will discuss the future of “banking” and whether we will still need banks going forward.

What will you take away from the episode?

• You’ll learn how banks differ from fintechs, how competition between them will intensify or, conversely, how cooperation might deepen.
• You’ll gain insight into what banks can do for you, what fintechs offer, and what you might miss out on if you close yourself off to either world.
• We’ll explain where new competition in the financial world is coming from and how banks and fintechs will withstand pressure from big tech companies and social platforms.
• We won’t overlook demographic shifts and how Generation Z entering the workforce will transform their financial needs.
• Those of you watching live will also have the chance to ask the guests questions directly, alongside me.

Who are the guests?

Daniela Pešková

Daniela Pešková is a board member at Česká spořitelna, responsible for retail banking. Over the past quarter-century, she has held various managerial positions in banks across the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, and the UK, but she also values her experiences with entrepreneurship, raising three children, and growing up in a scouting troop as equally important for her career. She considers the label “the highest-ranking Czech banker” to be a gross exaggeration but agrees with opinions calling Georgi “the smartest banking app on the market,” which helps Spořitelna strengthen its position as the country’s leading bank. She enjoys fintechs and their services (Revolut!), at least until she has to contact their customer support.

Michal Šmída

Michal Šmída studied at King’s College London, where he also worked for three years at Barclay’s. He decided to start his own business, returned to Prague, and under the guidance of investment groups Miton, Partners, and Enern (where his father Petr also works), launched the Twisto service. Today, besides the Czech market, he is expanding into Poland and Romania, offering eCommerce clients the option of deferred payments totaling over 2 billion CZK. “We finance people’s purchases and give them a sense of security online,” says Michal.