Urs Bolt
Expert Advisor at bolt.now
30+ years experience in wealth management, investment banking and related technology businesses. My core expertise is to develop and roll out new digital business platforms. My current focus is to help financial service providers and tech companies to review/refocus business strategies, advise on strategic projects, develop solutions and markets, and build business partnerships. Active as a speaker, moderator, micro-blogger and author; recognised as a global opinion leader and influencer in #WealthManagement, #WealthTech, #DigitalAssets. In addition I am a member of advisory boards and jury panels: FT PWM WealthTech Awards, Global Wealth & Society, WealthBriefing Editorial Board and Swiss Awards, Blockchain Competition for Finance.
How did you get to become an expert in your key topics?
In my early banking career I was a trader in treasury products incl. currencies and interest rate swaps. I then focussed on risk management technologies incl.
What sub-topics are you most passionate about?
Ecosystems and decentralisation of finance, the development of digital assets; WealthTech; Digital Banking
Who influences you within these topics?
My goal is to understand the market and its dynamics throughout based on own experience and a multitude of sources, many from Twitter and publications. The global community of experts, influencers and opinion leaders is very important for me. 10 years ago I wouldn’t have been able to absorb so many news, insights as I do nowadays. I believe my early career in currency trading is very beneficial to be able to crawl through all the sources efficiently to stay on top of the news.
What challenges are brands facing in this space?
As financial services cannot avoid following a similar trend towards platformification and ecosystems which lead to more fragmented landscape with new players incl. Fintech startups but also Big Tech as well as focussed service providers. This is a big opportunity for Fintech firms but also a formidable challenge as they have to compete against many other firms competing for market share. This will lead to consolidation with the strongest and fastest growing Fintechs taking over other firms, but also incumbents such as banks and technology firms are benefitting from the newly built value propositions. We can see this development already accelerating this year.
What do you think the future holds in this space?
Fintech brands face some challenges when it comes to branding. First of all they need to establish their brands from ground zero and cannot rely on an already existing footprint and reputation like incumbents. On the other hand, a new brand for a unique value proposition could also be an advantage compared to existing brand as it allows to build presence in a new and self-defined market segment.
As mentioned before, consolidation will accelerate. Also, the market environment will toughen given the continued and re-escalating pandemic measures. A worsening economic outlook could lead to a slow down of new startups and be a headwind for growth startups.
If a brand wanted to work with you, which activities would you be most interested in collaborating on?
Currently I would be happy if I can be quoted and contribute in interviews, panels, podcasts, webinars, articles, opinion pieces, co-contributing to studies, white papers, etc. All these I can share on my Twitter and LinkedIn channels. Depending on the situation, if no conflicts of interests, I might also be able to speak on a topic or act as a panelist.
What are your passions outside of work?
I am interested in geopolitics (for decades), societal developments, energy and evidence-based politics without ideology.
What would be the best way for a brand to contact you?
E-mail me.