In this episode of The Issuer Academy podcast, host Merusha Naidu is joined by Adam Battersby, a Partner at Apis Partners, and Joy Macknight, a Financial Journalist, Editor, and Presenter. Together, they unpack how global investing is reshaping financial inclusion, from Buy-Now-Pay-Later innovations to AI-driven personalization.

What You’ll Learn:

How digital identity systems are revolutionizing financial inclusion for billions
Why Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) needs balanced regulation to serve as an effective financial inclusion tool
The role of AI in reducing costs and enabling hyper-personalized financial services
How partnerships between banks and fintechs are transforming SME financing and trade
Why embedded finance is becoming crucial for democratizing financial access
How global investors are bridging innovation between emerging and developed markets

Adam Battersby is a Partner at Apis Partners, specializing in financial services and fintech investments across emerging and developed markets. With a background at Bank of America, running principal investments, he brings deep expertise in identifying transformative financial inclusion opportunities globally. His work at Apis Partners focuses on combining commercial returns with social impact, particularly through investments in payment technologies, digital banking, and embedded finance solutions.

Joy Macknight is a leading journalist and commentator on the global banking industry, known for her in-depth coverage of financial technology trends and innovation. As a veteran industry observer, she has produced extensive coverage of fintech developments, including five years of Tech Talk videos, highlighting emerging solutions for banks. Her expertise spans regulatory developments, digital transformation, and financial inclusion initiatives across global markets.

Episode Resources:

Adam Battersby on LinkedIn
Joy Macknight on LinkedIn
Trade Treasury Payments (TTP) Website
Apis Partners Website
Merusha Naidu on LinkedIn
Paymentology Website

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