In the world of fintech, where innovation and disruption are the norm, even the most mundane aspects of life can be affected. A recent episode of the podcast “Inside Fintech” shed light on one such incident, as host Phil Hobden shared his frustrating experience of having his phone number spoofed.

Hobden revealed that his phone had been bombarded with a staggering 150 calls in just two minutes. Understandably, this rendered his phone unusable for incoming calls, forcing him to deal with the aftermath of this unfortunate incident. Not only did he have to field angry phone calls from confused recipients, but he also received abusive text messages accusing him of making spam calls. This frustrating ordeal has effectively rendered his phone number, which he has had for a remarkable 22 years, useless.

The issue of phone number spoofing is not a new one, but it continues to plague individuals and businesses alike. In Hobden’s case, his number has been registered on a spoof “who called me” numbers list for a staggering 800 spam calls. It is disheartening to see that even in today’s technologically advanced world, network providers have yet to come up with effective solutions to combat this growing problem.

Aside from this phone number spoofing incident, the podcast episode delved into other pressing matters in the fintech industry. One topic of discussion was the recent Accountex North event, which was deemed well-organized with good attendance. However, there were no major announcements or standout moments to speak of. This begs the question of whether such events are becoming less necessary or impactful in the rapidly evolving fintech landscape.

The abundance of events in a short period of time is also presenting challenges for vendors and accountancy firms. Budget constraints are making it increasingly difficult for them to justify attending all these events, potentially leading to a reduction in vendor spend and even the demise of some events. This could have a significant impact on the industry as a whole, as it may limit opportunities for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

Furthermore, the podcast touched upon the issue of diversity in talks and presentations within the industry. With limited topics to discuss and a seemingly repetitive cycle of speakers, there is a concern that the industry might be stifling fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. This calls for a greater effort to encourage new voices and diverse viewpoints, ensuring that the fintech industry remains at the forefront of innovation.

The conversation also briefly touched on the Luca Awards, a well-promoted and exciting event in the industry. While popularity may play a role in determining the winners, it is important to remember that recognition should be based on merit and the impact these companies and individuals have had on the fintech landscape.

The discussion then shifted to various news topics, such as a financial wellbeing startup raising funds, Starling Bank increasing its interest rate, Lloyds Bank closing branches, and Apple launching integrations with open banking. These developments highlight the ever-evolving nature of the fintech industry and the need for constant adaptation and innovation.

In conclusion, the podcast episode of “Inside Fintech” provided valuable insights into the challenges and developments within the fintech industry. From the frustrating experience of phone number spoofing to the impact of budget constraints on events and the importance of diversity in talks, it is clear that the industry is not without its hurdles. However, it is through discussions and knowledge sharing that the industry can continue to grow and push the boundaries of innovation.

Listen to the episode here