What does it take to build a truly scalable embedded finance infrastructure? In this episode, we dive deep with Adyen CTO Tom Adams and Faire's Senior Director of Engineering, David Collie, to explore the critical technical foundations of embedded finance success. From the importance of reliable payment infrastructure to the strategic implementation of AI for enhanced user experiences, this conversation offers invaluable insights for SaaS platforms looking to embed financial services. Whether you're expanding globally or just starting your embedded finance journey, discover practical strategies for building robust, scalable solutions that meet both local and international demands. Learn how leading platforms balance technical complexity with user experience, and why choosing the right infrastructure partner is crucial for long-term success.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:00] Introduction to Embedded Finance Infrastructure
• [04:24] Engineering Priorities: Reliability and Integration in Platform Building
• [12:16] The Power of Owning Your Tech Stack: Adyen's Infrastructure Strategy
• [15:01] AI in Payments: Beyond the Hype to Practical Solutions
• [22:12] Faire: Building a Global B2B Marketplace Platform
• [26:07] Local Payment Methods: Lessons from International Expansion
• [33:18] Scaling Infrastructure Across Multiple Regions: Key Challenges
• [41:11] Leveraging Payment Data for Platform Growth
• [43:50] The Future of AI in Marketplace Discovery
• [46:47] Key Takeaways: Building Scalable Embedded Finance Solutions

In this episode of Adyen Presents: Embedded Finance, explore the evolving landscape of embedded financial services through two insightful conversations. First, McKinsey partner Blazej Karwowski shares strategic insights on market trends, discussing why some platforms succeed while others struggle in implementing embedded finance. Then, EPOS Now's SVP of Product Jason Downing reveals practical lessons from successfully embedding payments and financial products across 80,000 merchant locations worldwide. Whether you're considering embedding finance or looking to optimise your current offering, this episode delivers actionable insights on revenue opportunities, implementation strategies, and the future of platform-based financial services.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:00] Introduction: The Future of Embedded Finance for SaaS Platforms
• [01:53] Understanding the Role of Equity Research in Embedded Finance
• [02:33] Europe vs US: The Software-Led Payments Gap
• [08:24] Vertical-Specific Opportunities in Embedded Payments
• [20:12] The $500B Embedded Finance Opportunity Beyond Payments
• [40:43] Platform Perspective: RMS's Journey into Embedded Payments
• [43:54] The Rule of 40: Key Metrics Investors Look For
• [47:05] Expanding into Additional Financial Products
• [50:02] Essential Advice for Platforms Starting Their Payments Journey
• [52:26] Key Takeaways: Moving Fast on Embedded Finance Opportunities

Discover how embedded finance is revolutionizing the beauty and wellness industry through the lens of both platform and merchant. In this episode, host Hemmo Bosscher explores the transformation with Pawel Iwanow, Chief Payments Officer at Fresha, who shares how their platform evolved from a simple booking system to a comprehensive financial ecosystem serving hundreds of thousands of professionals worldwide. Then, get the merchant perspective from Scarlet Amies and Alice Vaughan, founders of MASAJ, who reveal how integrated payments and marketplace features have streamlined their operations and fueled their expansion across London. Whether you're a SaaS platform considering embedded finance or already offering financial products, this episode offers valuable insights into creating genuine value for small businesses while building new revenue streams.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:00] Introduction to Embedded Finance for SMBs
• [02:40] Building a Two-Sided Platform: Supply First Strategy
• [07:05] Embedding Payments: Transforming Beauty & Wellness Operations
• [10:18] Free Platform Model: Disrupting Traditional Software Pricing
• [15:45] Supply Chain Innovation: Revolutionizing Beauty Product Distribution
• [19:53] Leveraging Platform Data for SMB Financial Services
• [27:42] Vision for a Complete Financial Ecosystem
• [29:31] MASAJ: A Customer Success Story
• [34:22] The Impact of Unified Software Solutions
• [40:51] Balancing Platform Dependency with Business Growth
• [44:06] Future of SMB Financing and Expansion
• [47:01] Industry Advocacy and Growth Vision
• [48:28] Key Takeaways: Embedded Finance Empowering SMBs