Following last week exciting announcement—a strategic partnership between The FR And Marcel van Oost—we sat down with Marcel to learn more about his journey in fintech, his unique perspective on the fintech space, and why he decided to partner with The FR through its newsletters “Connecting the dots in FinTech”.
The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Thanks for being here, Marcel! I wonder if you could briefly introduce yourself and tell us how you got started in the fintech world.
Absolutely! My name is Marcel van Oost and I am the owner of “Connecting the dots in FinTech”, one of the most recognized media in the world of financial technology, with 123,000 followers on LinkedIn and a growing daily newsletter with over 100,000 subscribers. My goal is to demystify the complex and ever-changing landscape of fintech.
My journey in fintech began almost 17 years ago when I realized the immense potential of technology to revolutionize the financial sector. Since 2007, I have evolved from consultant to founder of a payment startup, to investor and now in media. I have immersed myself in understanding and analyzing the emerging trends, technological advancements and regulatory landscape that shapes this dynamic fintech industry. My passion is to make the complex concepts of fintech accessible to a wider audience.
What sets your vision of fintech apart from others?
My newsletter is aimed at fintech enthusiasts as well as professionals looking for a concise yet comprehensive overview of the sector. It is designed to provide a daily 5-minute briefing that is informative and engaging. I combine in-depth analysis with a clear, jargon-free style, ensuring that it is not only informative but also enjoyable to read. In addition, I frequently include expert insights and exclusive interviews to add unique perspectives to the hottest topics. I also share many of these insights Linkedin updates to keep the fintech sector informed of the latest news and trends.
How do you stay up to date with fintech news, given how quickly it evolves?
I engage with a network of fintech leaders, attend key industry events, and keep a close eye on emerging startups. (I’m also an angel investor on the side.) This hands-on approach, combined with rigorous research, allows me to provide my readers with forward-looking insights.
Why did you decide to partner with The FR—and how do you think our partnership with “Connecting the dots” benefits The FRReaders of ?
I am inspired by the way The FR blends data, deep dives, and in-person events to create a connected and informed fintech community. The FRSubscribers are present both online and offline, which helps authors inform readers, but also vice versa.
FR subscribers can expect a weekly dose of the most important fintech news, trends and analysis. Whether it’s breaking news, regulatory changes, technological innovations or market shifts, I cover it all. The goal is to provide readers with knowledge that can inform their business decisions, investment strategies or simply satisfy their curiosity about the future of finance. Each week, FR readers can expect a short list of the top 5 fintech news stories that I will share, to make sure you don’t miss a thing.