Aman Narain

The "Buy Button" is moving from the screen to the conversation. > In this episode of A to Z Fintech, Aman Narain and Zubin Vandrevala report from NRF 2026. We move beyond the hype to the "Next Now"—the moment retail got an autonomous brain.Key Moments:(00:00) Cold Open: The Future of Shopping(00:45) Why Sundar Pichai Headlined NRF(04:00) Trend 1: Agentic Commerce & Google's UCP(06:12) Trend 2: Physical Intelligence & Robotics(08:15) Trend 3: "Searchless" Discovery (Keywords are Dead)(10:10) Trend 4: The End of the Frankenstein Stack(12:00) Trend 5: Human-Centered AI (Dick's Sporting Goods)(18:00) Major Announcements: Drones & E-PaperResources Mentioned:NRF 2026 Highlights: https://nrf.com/events/retails-big-showGoogle UCP Announcement: https://blog.google/retail-nrf-2026Simbe Robotics Tally 4.0: https://www.simberobotics.com/tally4NRF 2026, Agentic Commerce, Fintech, AI Agents, Retail Tech, Google UCP.

Welcome back to Season 2 of A to Z Fintech! Aman and Zubin are back from the holidays, but their brains are still in Vegas. This isn't just a gadget review; it’s a look at the "Re-Materialization" of technology.We are moving from a decade of "software eating the world" to "AI moving the world." From Nvidia’s shift into the laws of physics with Project Cosmos to the "Bot-naissance" of humanoid robotics, we break down the three mega-trends redefining hardware.Plus, we review the Top 10 pieces of tech from CES 2026, including shape-shifting phones, stair-climbing vacuums, and the lollipop that vibrates music into your jawbone.In this episode, we cover:The Macro View: Why Nvidia is no longer just a chip company.The Shift: How Chinese manufacturers (Roborock, XREAL) flipped the script from "Factory" to "Innovator."The Top 10: Foldables, rollables, wearables, and the ultimate smart fridge.Featured Gadgets:Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold & Lenovo Rollable: When hardware adapts to your workflow.XREAL "Project Aura": The death of the physical monitor?Withings Body Scan 2: The $600 "Health-is-Wealth" station.Lego Smart Bricks: Screen-free magic for the next generation.2026 Bespoke AI Family Hub: The fridge acting as your kitchen’s CFO.Roborock Saros Rover: The vacuum that finally learned to climb stairs.Uber/Lucid Robotaxi: The "Passenger-as-Guest" economy.German Bionic Exia: "Physical AI" you can wear.Samsung Micro RGB TV: 130 inches of digital art.HP EliteBoard G1a: The PC inside a keyboard.Timestamps:(00:00) Cold Open: The CES Fever Dream(00:45) Season 2 Kickoff & Banter(03:00) The "Don't Sell Your 401(k)" Disclaimer(04:00) Trend 1: Nvidia & The Era of Physical AI(06:15) Trend 2: The Bot-naissance (Robots get legs)(08:00) Trend 3: China’s "Front-of-House" Flip(10:00) Gadget Review: The Shape-Shifters(12:00) AR Breakthroughs: XREAL(14:00) Health Tech: Withings Body Scan(16:00) Future of Play: Lego Smart Bricks(18:00) The AI Supply Chain Fridge(20:00) Robotics: Roborock Saros(22:00) Autonomous Living: The Lucid Robotaxi(24:00) Wearable AI: Exoskeletons(26:00) The 130-inch Window: Samsung Micro RGB(28:00) The Wacky: Hologram Waifus & Musical Lollipops(29:00) The Mic Drop: The Re-Materialization of Tech

Lights out and away we go! For the Season One finale of A2Z Fintech, Aman and Zubin take you to the "Post-Race Press Conference" of 2025. This year, the tech and fintech worlds didn't just move fast—they behaved exactly like a Formula One championship season. From Nvidia lapping the field to Apple’s "curated pacing" and the internal engine fires at OpenAI, we break down the Constructors' Standings across Tech, Fintech, and Banking.

Is your career an album or a playlist? 🎶We are moving from the Industrial Age (factories, pensions, 9-to-5s) to the Intelligence Age (feeds, algorithms, gigs), but our money is still stuck in the past.On this episode of A to Z Fintech, Aman and Zubin break down the "One-Person Enterprise" and the new Money OS needed to support it.We discuss:📼 The 80s Paradox: Why the era of stability was actually the start of the unraveling.💥 The WHAM Framework: Walls, Human Agency, Automation, and Modularity.🏦 The Unbankable Millionaire: Why banks can't underwrite creators (and how that changes).🤖 The New C-Suite: How Uber, Shopify, and YouTube are acting as your Sales, Ops, and Finance departments.🔮 The Future: 5 Financial Primitives for the independent worker.Quotes from the Ep:"The industrial revolution created the employee. The intelligence age is creating the entrepreneur—whether they want to be one or not.""You didn't even lose to a person. You lost to a vibe-checking spreadsheet with commitment issues."Listen now to find out why the future of work looks less like a ladder and more like a mixtape.

In this episode, Zubin and Aman explore the transformative journey of Neobanks, tracing their evolution from early models to the current Neobank 2.0 era. They discuss the historical context of banking, the rise of digital finance, and the emergence of the Neobank Mag7, a group of successful neobanks that have mastered profitability and customer acquisition. The conversation delves into the Neobank flywheel strategy, the impact of AI, regulatory changes, and the shift towards embedded banking. They conclude with a framework for future-proofing banks, emphasizing the importance of efficiency and adaptability in the rapidly changing financial landscape.TakeawaysNeobanks are redefining the consumer relationship in finance.The evolution of banking can be divided into three mega eras.Neobanks initially struggled with weak unit economics.The Neobank Mag7 represents successful digital banking models.AI provides a structural advantage for neobanks over traditional banks.Embedded banking is transforming how financial services are delivered.The 6P OS framework is essential for future-proofing banks.Efficiency and adaptability are crucial for survival in banking.Regulatory changes are fostering competition in the financial sector.The battle between neobanks and traditional banks is far from over.Chapters00:00 The Rise of Neobanks 2.002:41 A Brief History of Banking06:48 The Evolution of Neobanks10:14 The Neobank Mag7: Champions of the Digital Era14:11 The Neobank Flywheel: A New Approach to Banking17:35 Disruption Forces in Neobanking21:21 The Emergence of Embedded Banking24:06 The 6P OS Framework for Future-Proofing Banks29:36 Conclusion: The Future of Banking

In this edition of A to Z Fintech, Aman and Zubin decode OpenAI’s audacious DevDay 2025 — and frame it as the ultimate Game of Thrones for the tech world.From Sam Altman’s meteoric rise and billion-dollar alliances with Microsoft and Nvidia to whispers of a new Jony Ive–designed hardware empire, this episode explores the four great provocations defining the next decade of technology:1️⃣ The House of Altman Rises — From lab to empire.2️⃣ From Chat to Chaos (and Cash) — Agents, apps, and ambition.3️⃣ The Price of Ambition — The trillion-dollar burn rate and the “circular trade.”4️⃣ The Post-Smartphone Prophecy — Jony Ive’s hardware revolution and the fall of Apple.💬 Featuring analogies from Westeros, market data from Wall Street, and a closing “Red Wedding” mic drop that every tech leader needs to hear.🎙️ Hosted by Aman Narain & Zubin DaruwallaFollow the hosts on LinkedIn and subscribe for weekly episodes at the intersection of Finance, Tech, and Power.

In this episode of A to Z Fintech, Aman Narain sits down with Aneace Haddad — executive coach, author, and former fintech CEO — to explore what it really means to live (and lead) a hundred-year career in the age of AI."🔥 You’ll hear about:Why midlife isn’t decline — it’s halftimeHow leaders can engineer “mini-crises” to stay alive and relevantWhat a corporate midlife looks like (and how to reinvent before the decline)How AI becomes the Yoda companion of modern leadershipWhat humans can teach 100-year companies — and what they can learn in return🧭 Themes: Reinvention | Midlife | Leadership | Longevity | AI | Fintech | Purpose👤 Guest:Aneace Haddad — Executive Coach & Author of The Eagle That Drank Hummingbird Nectar and Soaring Beyond Midlife🎙️ Host: Aman Narain — Fintech advisor, writer, and co-host of A to Z Fintech💡 Quote of the Episode: “Nobody died. Let’s get pizza.”🔗 Follow A to Z Fintech for more episodes decoding the future of money, technology, power & purpose.

This conversation explores the evolution of authentication, the impact of AI and quantum computing on security, and the shift towards passwordless security through passkeys. The speakers discuss the historical context of authentication, the challenges posed by modern technology, and the importance of establishing trust in digital transactions.takeawaysA common language for agents to transact securely is essential.Authentication has evolved from personal identity verification to agent verification.Two-factor authentication is becoming a standard requirement.The rise of AI and quantum computing presents both threats and opportunities for security.Continuous validation is the future of authentication.Passkeys eliminate the risks associated with traditional passwords.Phishing attacks can be rendered obsolete with passkeys.Trust remains a fundamental aspect of digital security.Education on security practices is crucial for everyone.The shift to passwordless security is a significant architectural change.

In this A2Z Fintech mini-sode, Aman and Zubin break down one of the most exciting drops from Google Cloud: the Agentic Payments Protocol (AP2). What does it mean for the future of payments, banks, and fintechs when agents—not humans—initiate and complete financial transactions?We unpack:What AP2 actually is, and why it mattersHow it builds on the API revolution to create agent-to-payments flowsPotential use cases, from autonomous vehicles paying for charging to AI assistants managing subscriptionsWhat banks and fintechs need to prepare for in this agentic worldThe risks, regulatory questions, and opportunities aheadThis is a quick but deep dive into the protocol that could reshape how money moves in the age of AI.

In this episode, Aman and Zubin explore the evolution and impact of national payment rails, focusing on UPI in India and PIX in Brazil. They discuss the significance of these systems in enhancing financial inclusion, reducing transaction costs, and fostering innovation. The conversation also delves into global payment systems, highlighting the unique approaches taken by different regions, including Europe and Asia, and the challenges faced by the U.S. in establishing a cohesive payment infrastructure. The episode concludes with insights on the future of payments and the geopolitical implications of payment systems.

In this episode of A2Z FinTech, Aman Narain and Zubin Vandrevala unpack the rise of tokenization—from its early use in card payments to its expansion into NFTs and real-world assets. They explore how tokenization is reshaping payments, banking, and crypto, making transactions smarter, safer, and more connected. From stablecoins and tokenized deposits to the role of Japan and regulators in driving adoption, the conversation bridges traditional finance and digital innovation, offering a sharp look at the future of money.Top TakeawaysTokenization started in payments and is now everywhere—from art to real estate.The first mainstream use case was card-payment security.NFTs prove tokenization goes beyond money.Real-world assets can be tokenized, widening access.Tokenized deposits connect banks with digital finance.Stablecoins bring stability to the crypto ecosystem.Decentralization boosts resilience and trust.Contextualization makes transactions smarter and authentic.The next phase of finance: smaller, smarter, and hyper-connected.

In this conversation, Aman Narain, Sunil Setlur, and Roger Grant discuss the evolving landscape of careers in the age of AI. They explore how individuals can stay relevant, the importance of human judgment in AI decision-making, and the need for accountability. The discussion also touches on the challenges of AI implementation, the role of leadership, and the cultivation of taste makers in organizations. They emphasize the importance of creating safe environments for learning and the division of labor between humans and AI. The conversation concludes with insights on the future of work and the necessity of adapting to the changes brought by AI.TakeawaysThe skill we all need to learn is how to learn.AI is blowing the doors off a lot of it.Accountability in AI decision-making is crucial.AI can help with pattern recognition but requires human discernment.The future of work is about doing more with less.Creating safe environments for learning is essential.Leadership is shifting towards orchestrating across teams.Cultivating taste makers is vital in the age of AI.The division of labor between humans and AI needs clear frameworks.AI is just a tool, similar to Excel.

Aman and Zubin reveal how AI is revolutionizing banking, moving far beyond simple chatbots to a total system overhaul. They track AI's journey from its "Good Old-Fashioned" roots to today's powerful Generative and Agentic AI, and even gaze into the future of Superintelligence!🚧 The 3 Traps Holding Banks Back:Discover the "Three Legacy Traps" hindering AI adoption in banking: outdated business models, clunky old tech infrastructure, and a mindset stuck in the past. It's not just about tech, it's about trust!🚀 4 Ways AI is Reshaping Finance NOW:Learn about the game-changing applications of AI in:Fraud Detection & SecurityOperational EfficiencyHyper-Personalized Customer ExperiencesNext-Gen Lending & Capital🧠 What is MCP? (The Secret Sauce of Scalable AI)Zubin breaks down the "Model Context Protocol" (MCP) – the foundational standard making secure, scalable AI integrations in banking possible. Think of it as the universal language allowing AI brains to seamlessly interact with all their tools.📈 Who's Winning the AI Race in Banking?Find out what forward-thinking banks are doing right: bold vision, transforming entire domains, looking to the future, and building robust AI "scaffolding."💥 The Tectonic Shift:This isn't just an update; it's a fundamental rewrite. Banking is moving from traditional "Palaces of Profitability" to dynamic "Protocols of Intelligence," where trust is currency and non-linear thinking wins.🔥 QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:"Culture eats co-pilots for breakfast, and no one has even served lunch to governance yet."🎧 Tune in and discover how AI is truly rewiring the future of money!

In this episode, Aman Narain and Zubin Vandrevala explore significant shifts in finance and technology, focusing on the hidden world of interchange fees. They discuss the escalating AI talent wars, the frenzy in fintech public markets, and the ongoing consolidation in the UK banking sector. The conversation delves into the history and mechanics of interchange fees, highlighting macro trends that could reshape the payment landscape, including the rise of fintechs, Capital One's acquisition of Discover, and the emergence of stablecoins. The hosts conclude with insights on the future of payments and the concept of 'new interchange' that could redefine commerce.You can find the book Zubin mentioned, "A Piece of the Action: How the Middle Class Joined the Money Class," on Amazon at https://a.co/d/bt5MEbuTakeawaysAI talent wars are intensifying, with companies offering massive signing bonuses.Fintech companies are preparing for public market entries, signaling a vibrant sector.UK bank consolidations are increasing, with major players acquiring smaller banks.Interchange fees have a rich history dating back to ancient trade practices.Understanding interchange mechanics is crucial for grasping the payment ecosystem.The Durbin Amendment has created a loophole benefiting smaller banks and fintechs.Capital One's acquisition of Discover transforms its role in the payment landscape.Stablecoins could disrupt traditional interchange revenue models.The future of payments may involve a shift from transaction fees to data monetization.New interchange models could revolutionize how commerce operates.

In this episode, Aman and Zubin dissect the biggest stories shaping the tech and finance landscape. They kick off by discussing the promising signs that the "Fintech IPO Winter" is finally over, with major players like Chime and Circle making successful market debuts. The conversation then shifts to Stripe's strategic moves in the crypto space, positioning itself as a core infrastructure for the future of Web3 commerce.The deep dive of the episode centers on Apple's high-stakes AI gamble at WWDC. Aman and Zubin debate whether Apple has lost its innovative edge, particularly in the race for AI dominance. They explore two potential paths forward for Apple: a strategic partnership with Google or a bold series of acquisitions to build its own AI powerhouse.Finally, they unpack the return of tech oracle Mary Meeker after a six-year silence. Her latest 340-page report on AI provides a sobering yet brilliant analysis of the new tech landscape, highlighting the geopolitical significance of AI and the infrastructure that powers it. The key takeaway? The ground is shifting under tech and finance, and the race is on for relevance and survival in this new era.

In this episode, Aman Narain and Zubin Vandrevala discuss Capital One's monumental acquisition of Discover, exploring its implications for the future of banking and financial technology. They delve into the strategic motivations behind the deal, the pressures it places on traditional financial institutions, and the potential to address systemic inefficiencies in the financial system. The conversation highlights the transformative potential of this acquisition in redefining the financial landscape, particularly in terms of data value and the evolution of interchange fees.TakeawaysCapital One's acquisition of Discover signals a major shift in banking.The deal is not just about scale but a strategic overhaul.Financial infrastructure is outdated and needs a revolution.The acquisition allows Capital One to control the entire payment ecosystem.Hidden taxes in the financial system burden businesses significantly.The cost of acceptance and delayed settlements are critical issues.Capital One aims to lower transaction costs for merchants.The merger could redefine the concept of interchange fees.Data is becoming as valuable as the movement of money.This acquisition may inspire other banks to follow suit.

In this episode, Aman and Zubin explore the transformative potential of stablecoins in the financial landscape. They discuss the historical evolution of money, the current trends in stablecoin adoption, and the unique value propositions that stablecoins offer compared to traditional payment systems. The conversation also delves into the emerging business models around stablecoins, their role in the broader financial ecosystem, and the implications of the dollar's dominance in global commerce.TakeawaysStablecoins represent a significant shift in global payments infrastructure.The evolution of money has transitioned from traditional forms to digital assets.Stablecoins offer lower transaction costs compared to traditional payment methods.Programmable money can automate and enhance financial transactions.Regulatory clarity is crucial for the growth of stablecoins.Stablecoins are gaining traction among financial institutions.The future of money may involve a diversification of digital currencies.Stablecoins can provide solutions for businesses in high-inflation environments.The interplay between stablecoins and CBDCs will shape the future of finance.The dominance of the US dollar may be challenged by the rise of stablecoins.

In this episode, Aman and Zubin discuss the highlights of Google I.O., emphasizing the significant advancements in AI, search technology, and wearable devices. They explore how Google's innovations are set to revolutionize content creation and e-commerce, while also touching on the potential of quantum computing and the future of hardware design. The conversation reflects on the competitive landscape and Google's strategic positioning in the tech industry.TakeawaysGoogle I.O. showcased a confident and ambitious vision for the future.The integration of AI into search represents a major shift in user interaction.Wearable technology is evolving with the introduction of Android XR glasses.Content creation is being democratized through new tools and technologies.Google's approach to e-commerce is more integrated and user-focused than ever.Quantum computing is a long-term bet that could redefine technology.Sundar Pichai's leadership has significantly increased Google's annual recurring revenue.The partnership with Warby Parker highlights innovation in wearable tech.Google's advancements in AI are setting new standards in the industry.The future of hardware design is shifting towards more integrated and user-friendly devices.

In this episode of the A to Z of Payments, hosts Aman Narain and Zubin Vandrevala discuss the significant developments in the payments landscape, focusing on Stripe's recent announcements at Stripe Sessions. They explore Stripe's evolution from a startup to a major player in the financial infrastructure space, the integration of AI into their offerings, and the implications of their acquisition of Bridge. The conversation also touches on the competitive landscape with companies like Circle and the overall transformation of Stripe into an industry powerhouse.