Estonia has the plan, resources and attitude to become the leading fintech hub in the Baltic region. But can it deliver on its dream?
Latest articles from Dan Barnes

Uncovering the real value in fintech
January 2, 2017To offer real value to investors, clients and partners, fintech companies need to balance opportunity, solution maturity and a sustainable business model, writes Dan Barnes.

What can a post-Brexit UK can learn from Switzerland?
November 1, 2016At Sibos 2016 in late September, The Banker chaired a frank discussion of the challenges and options faced by the UK as it prepares to leave the EU, and whether it could take a leaf from the Swiss book. Dan Barnes reports.
Three lines of defence rebuilt for cyber threat
January 4, 2016The UK's Senior Managers Regime seeks to formalise responsibility for risk, yet the threat of cyber attack sits outside of traditional risk governance standards, and means that protecting against such attacks will require a rethink of the traditional 'three lines of defence' model.

Deutsche Bank replaces capital with information
August 1, 2015Dominic Holland, head of credit e-trading at Deutsche Bank, explains how technology is filling a liquidity gap between broker-dealers and investment managers.

How BNP Paribas Securities Services stays ahead of the game
July 1, 2015Philippe Denis, the chief digital officer of BNP Paribas Securities Services, built his first computer in 1978 at the age of 18, and it is this commitment to embracing new technology that is driving his work at the French company, from his innovative use of big data to hosting brainstorming sessions on blockchain technology.

Blockchain manoeuvres: applying Bitcoin's technology to banking
May 14, 2015Bitcoin’s blockchain is being hailed as revolutionary. But will the likes of UBS, ING and Nasdaq, who are exploring the potential of the technology, be able to overcome the challenges that remain, not least security and regulatory issues?

Start-ups prepare to face the Sibos test
September 1, 2014At Sibos 2014, finalists in the fifth Innotribe Startup Challenge will throw themselves into a sea of financial services expertise and see who can swim. Dan Barnes reports.

No trading please, we’re brokers
April 1, 2014Brokers are outsourcing their dealing desks to other sell-side firms. Dan Barnes investigates what is left of a broker that does not trade.

Euclid nurtures the seeds of opportunity
February 3, 2014Euclid Opportunities has been created to fund and nurture financial technology start-ups, specifically those creating new tools and platforms in the post-trade space. The hope is, according to managing director Steve Gibson, that this growing portfolio of innovative companies will play a crucial part in the future financial technology environment.