Douglas Blakey

Edinburgh, Romford

Editor at Retail Banker International

Editor of Retail Banker Intl & Electronic Payments Intl at GlobalData plc fan of dated sitcoms, Rangers FC, pro-European, Unionist, work tweets @retailbanker

Articles

the need for cross-industry collaboration

2 weeks ago | electronicpaymentsinternational.com | Douglas Blakey

With fraud now the most prevalent crime in the UK, and attempts continuing to increase, as reported by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) with a 19% surge over the last year, the urgency for immediate action is apparent. Yet, despite UK Finance recording 3.31 million instances of fraud in 2024, the UK remains a global leader in reducing fraud losses.
Revolut’s €1bn bet on France signals waning UK fintech appeal

2 weeks ago | electronicpaymentsinternational.com | Douglas Blakey

Revolut’s decision to anchor its Western European operations in Paris as part of a €1bn investment drive is a seismic moment for European FinTech and a wake-up call for the UK’s financial services sector. The British-born neobank’s move to establish dual headquarters in Paris and Vilnius, alongside plans to create over 200 jobs in France and to apply for a local banking licence, marks more than a simple geographic shift.
The overlooked double-act driving innovation in fintech

3 weeks ago | electronicpaymentsinternational.com | Douglas Blakey

Scroll any industry leaderboard and you’ll find founders and CTOs soaking up the glory. Yet venture-capital veterans know that flashy demos and big personalities alone rarely turn a start-up into a scale-up. Lurking just outside the camera frame sit the chief financial officer who protects cashflow, and the chief human resources officer, who safeguards culture.
The overlooked double-act driving innovation in fintech

3 weeks ago | privatebankerinternational.com | Douglas Blakey

Scroll any industry leaderboard and you'll find founders and CTOs soaking up the glory. Yet venture-capital veterans know that flashy demos and big personalities alone rarely turn a start-up into a scale-up. Lurking just outside the camera frame sit the chief financial officer who protects cashflow, and the chief human resources officer, who safeguards culture.
In stressful times, working with customers as they prefer builds connection and drives profit

1 month ago | electronicpaymentsinternational.com | Douglas Blakey

As the world braces for a period of global instability, exacerbated by the ongoing trade and tariff issues, it stands to reason, as a supplier, you’re scrambling to figure out how to support your customers who may soon face significant price hikes across their supply chains. Yes, these are challenging times. But you’ve already weathered crises like 9/11, the credit crunch, Brexit and COVID. Now is the time to double down.
The future of banking: Advice for modern leaders

1 month ago | electronicpaymentsinternational.com | Douglas Blakey

Technology is fundamentally changing how banks operate and serve customers. Customers now expect seamless digital interactions with their banks. They want instant access to their accounts, easy-to-use interfaces and fast customer service. The American Bankers Association recently reported that 55% of US bank customers are using apps or phones as their top options for managing their banking needs. This marks the highest percentage of mobile users since the group began polling Americans in 2017.
How protectionist shift is reshaping global trade finance

1 month ago | finance.einnews.com | Douglas Blakey

Although the current tariff environment presents immediate challenges, it also presents a chance to rethink traditional approaches to trade finance. Indeed, both businesses and financial institutions can build greater resilience against future disruptions by embracing digital transformation and developing more agile financial solutions. The road ahead may be uncertain, but the evolution of trade finance provides a roadmap for navigating protectionist waters. And the waters are getting murkier.
Uninterested? Over half of Brits don’t know the interest rate on their savings account – Accenture

1 month ago | finance.yahoo.com | Douglas Blakey

Despite a more dynamic financial landscape, most UK consumers still have a passive relationship with their banks. Moreover, ramping up consumers’ financial literacy remains a work in progress. On a positive note, there is an opportunity for banks to win market share if they can improve current disappointing levels of customer engagement. These are just three takeaways from research released by Accenture.
Scaramucci and Kinzinger assess Trump 2.0

2 months ago | offshore-technology.com | Douglas Blakey

Former White House Communications Director, Anthony Scaramucci, is rarely lost for words. But ask him to set out the positives to date of the second Trump presidential term and you get close to a short answer. He manages the grand total of just two such examples of Trump policy wins. “There is going to be crypto-friendly, pro-crypto regulation. I see that as very positive. I think they’ve done a good job on the border.” And that is about it.
Scaramucci and Kinzinger mark president's card

2 months ago | privatebankerinternational.com | Douglas Blakey

Former White House Communications Director, Anthony Scaramucci, is rarely lost for words. But ask him to set out the positives to date of the second Trump presidential term and you get close to a short answer. He manages the grand total of just two such examples of Trump policy wins. "There is going to be crypto-friendly, pro-crypto regulation. I see that as very positive. I think they've done a good job on the border." And that is about it.