Alexia Yannopoulos

I learned hard work really pays off. I don’t think I’ve met anyone who’s exceptionally successful in any field who doesn’t work hard. I’ve also learned that this is a very relationship-driven business, so taking the time to make sure you build good relationships really makes a difference.

I’ve spent my career focused on fintech and financial services, and that’s my focus at SBIA as well. Within this vertical, I am currently excited about Open Banking, a global initiative that enables banks to share data. By centralizing customer’s financial data across providers, customers get a holistic view of their finances.

I think the biggest change is going to be what the consumer considers to be a financial services company. It's no longer just going to be your bank or insurance company. More and more retailers and marketplaces and other non-traditional financial services businesses, will integrate financial services products such as checking accounts, credit, insurance into their offering, resulting in a seamless experience for the customer and increased customer engagement and personalization. We have started to see successful examples of embedded finance (such as BNPL or “buy now pay later”) which I believe will only continue at an accelerated pace.

I am very focused on team work and I learn a lot from listening. I’m open and transparent, which is something I find most founders appreciate. I try to be collaborative and work towards win-win outcomes.

I really appreciate founders who are creative and flexible. The most successful founders I have met are able to pivot their business, product or distribution strategies quickly when faced with changing externalities. They don't get too scared of failure, will work with what they have, and will ask for help.

You can’t really compromise on honesty and integrity. I have two young kids, so family is also very important to me. That’s priority number one, even though work is quite time consuming.

I value people who are resilient, who are doers, and who will execute. There are many people out there who talk a big game, but rarely do you find people who get off the couch and execute on what they want to do.