Authors
Gottfried Leibbrandt
Gottfried Leibbrandt is a renowned expert in payment systems with a deep passion for the subject. Formerly the CEO of SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication), he managed the world’s most trusted interbank payment network. Before SWIFT, he was a partner at McKinsey & Company, leading payment operations across Europe.
Education:
- Stanford Graduate School of Business (MBA)
- Maastricht University (PhD in Economics)
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Contributions:
- Specialized in economics, network theory, and payment standards.
- Authored research on network effects in payment systems.
- Advised the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and fintech startups post-retirement.
👉 Explore his insights on payments
Natasha de Terán
Natasha de Terán is a financial journalist-turned-payment-industry leader. She served as SWIFT’s Head of Public Affairs (2012–2019) and has written for:
- The Wall Street Journal
- Financial Times
- Time Magazine
Background:
- Former derivatives and bond trader with a decade of market experience.
- Transitioned to journalism, covering financial regulation and market structures.
Current Roles:
- Non-resident scholar at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
- Member of the UK Financial Services Consumer Panel.
Key Takeaways
- FinTech and crypto are revolutionizing payments globally.
- SWIFT’s legacy systems face challenges from decentralized alternatives.
- Regulatory frameworks must evolve to address digital finance risks.
FAQs
Q1: How does cryptocurrency impact traditional banking?
A1: Cryptocurrencies bypass intermediaries like SWIFT, enabling faster, cheaper cross-border transactions but raising concerns about regulation and security.
Q2: What role does SWIFT play in modern finance?
A2: SWIFT remains critical for interbank communications but competes with blockchain-based solutions like Ripple.
Q3: Are digital payments secure?
A3: While FinTech enhances convenience, cybersecurity threats require robust encryption and user education.
👉 Discover more about payment innovations
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