In conversation with Marcel van Oost

Following last week’s exciting announcement—a strategic partnership between The FR and Marcel van Oost—we sat down with Marcel to learn more about about his background in fintech, his unique perspective on the fintech space, and why he decided to partner with The FR through his “Connecting the dots in FinTech” newsletters.

The following interview has been edited for length and clarity

Thanks for being here, Marcel! I’m wondering if you can introduce yourself briefly, and share how you entered the world of fintech.

Absolutely! I'm Marcel van Oost, owner of “Connecting the dots in FinTech”—which is one of the most recognized media voices in the world of financial technology—with 123,000 followers on LinkedIn and a rapidly growing daily newsletter with over 100k subs. I aim to demystify the complex and ever-evolving fintech landscape. 

My journey into fintech began almost 17 years ago when I realized the immense potential that technology has to revolutionize the financial sector. Since 2007, I have been on several sides of the table: from consultant, to payments startup founder, to investor, and now in the media. I've immersed myself in understanding and analyzing emerging trends, technological advancements, and the regulatory landscape that shapes this dynamic fintech industry. My passion lies in making complex fintech concepts accessible to a broader audience.

What sets your take on fintech apart from others?

My newsletter is designed for fintech enthusiasts as well as professionals seeking a concise yet comprehensive overview of the industry. It's crafted to offer a 5-minute daily briefing that's informative and engaging. I blend in-depth analysis with a clear, jargon-free style, ensuring it's not just informative but also a pleasure to read. Plus, I frequently include expert insights and exclusive interviews to add unique perspectives to the hottest topics. I also share a lot of these updates on Linkedin in order to keep the fintech industry informed on the latest news and trends.

How do you stay up to date on fintech, given how quickly it changes?

I engage with a network of fintech leaders, attend key industry events, and keep a close eye on emerging startups. (I’m also an angel investor on the side.) This hands-on approach, combined with rigorous research, allows me to provide my readers with forward-looking insights.

Why did you decide to partner with The FR—and how do you think our partnership with “Connecting the dots” benefits The FR’s readers?

I’m inspired by how The FR mixes data, deep dives, and in-person events to build a connected and informed fintech community. The FR’s subscribers show up both online and offline, which helps authors inform readers—but also vice versa. 

FR subscribers can expect a weekly dose of the most important fintech news, trends, and analyses. Whether it's breaking news, regulatory changes, technological innovations, or market shifts, I cover it all. The goal is to equip readers with knowledge that can inform their professional decisions, investment strategies, or simply satisfy their curiosity about the future of finance. Every week, FR readers can expect a brief list of the 5 most important fintech news updates that I will share, to ensure you don’t miss a beat.