In this episode of Banking Uncovered, host Charles Green is joined by Rishi Lalwani, currently Global Head of Lending for SME Banking at Standard Chartered, to explore the evolving landscape of SME banking across Asia and the Middle East.

With over 17 years of experience in business banking and a focus on digital transformation, Rishi discusses his views on why now is a pivotal moment for SME bankers and how banks can better serve this dynamic segment.

• SME credit cards: Why 40% of SME owners use retail credit cards instead of business credit cards and the benefits of switching.
• The pain points for SMEs in APAC: From digitization to cybersecurity, to accessing finance, and how banks can help solve them.
• Digital-first solutions: Why digital innovation is the main driver for switching banks and how to meet the rising demand for digital offers at all stages of delivery, including onboarding, online banking and using alternate data for credit assessment.
• The future of bank branches: Rishi speculates on the future of bank branches in a digital economy, envisioning virtual and digital branches with personalised services.
• Foreign Exchange (FX): The role of FX in SME banking, highlighting the importance of a client-led approach, transparency and security.

And much more.

Join us for an insightful conversation as we uncover the intricacies of SME banking and the digital transformation shaping the future of the industry.

In this episode of Banking Uncovered, we explore how Square is transforming the payments landscape for merchants and small businesses and redefining the future of banking. As digital transactions become increasingly prevalent, what implications does this have for traditional banking models and financial accessibility?

Banking Uncovered host Chloe James speaks to Jess Aloi, Australian Go-to-Market Lead at Square, winner of the prestigious Most Recommended Merchant Services Award at the RFI Global Australian Banking and Finance Awards 2025. They discuss how the needs of small businesses, technological advancements and regulatory developments are influencing the banking industry, as well as a central theme around customer-centricity and a passion for supporting businesses.

Topics discussed include:

• Banking & Finance Awards: Jess’s thoughts on how Square achieved the Most Recommended Merchant Services Award, and the importance of putting customer-centricity at the heart of everything they do.
• Net Promoter Score (NPS): How Square achieved a high NPS of +42.5 in March 2025, up from +23.8 in May 2024, driven by simplicity, peer recommendations and strong customer advocacy.
• Achieving customer-centricity: How Square builds its tools and services around seller feedback, ensuring that every product update is designed to make business easier and more successful for its users.
• Technology and innovation: How Square’s innovations are shaping the way consumers and businesses handle transactions, and leading the charge in innovation. The importance of adapting global products for specific local market needs.
• Company culture: The team culture is collaborative, mission-driven, and seller-obsessed, with many employees bringing firsthand small business experience.
• The future: Predictions on how digital systems will continue to evolve and their potential impact on the global financial ecosystem.

And much more.

Tune in to this Banking Uncovered episode for valuable insights into the world of merchant banking and stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving industry.

The US financial landscape is evolving fast. While fintech adoption lagged behind other markets, a rapid shift is underway—31% of US households now hold accounts with a digital-only bank. What does this mean for traditional banks, mobile banking, and the future of financial services?

In this data-packed episode of Banking Uncovered, host Charles Green sits down with Jim Langston, Commercial VP, and Luke Allchin, Research Director at RFI Global, to break down the key US consumer trends driving change in 2025 and beyond. Backed by insights from the largest survey of US financial behavior, they explore how banking, fintech, and investing are transforming—and what financial institutions need to do next.

Topics discussed include:

• The year of the fintech: After a slow start in the US, digital-only providers are surging, with 31% of US households now holding accounts with one.
• Mobile banking takes over: Mobile is surpassing desktop usage for banking and this trend is projected to happen for investing too.
• How traditional banks are responding: Big banks are innovating with personalized services, financial wellness tools, and expanded branch networks to stay competitive.  
• The growing wealth divide: The data shows that while overall wealth has increased, many struggle to keep up with their finances.
• The new era of investing: Demand for financial advice is at its highest level in a decade, with social media, gamification, and AI-driven robo-advisors changing the landscape.

Listen to the podcast to understand the consumer trends reshaping US financial services.