Market Infrastructure, Modernised: Nasdaq’s Valerie Bannert-Thurner on the Future of Finance

The financial system was built for a world with office hours. Today, markets run around the clock, assets are being tokenised, regulations are tightening, and institutions of every size are being asked to change everything at once. In this episode of Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, Valerie Bannert-Thurner — Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer of Nasdaq Financial Technology — takes us inside the transformation of one of the world’s most recognised names in markets. She shares what she's learned over the last fifteen years, unpacks the three converging waves we’re experiencing today, and why trust matters more than ever. Discussion Highlights: Fifteen Years of Waves: How Nasdaq’s technology business evolved from a niche unit into a global fintech platform, and how the pace of change now feels categorically different. The Foundation of Trust: Why integrity is a prerequisite, not a differentiator, and what Valerie has learned about the limits of technology as a substitute for human trust. Always-On Markets and the Collateral Challenge: How the shift to 24/5 trading is forcing a rethink in collateral management, and why tokenisation is the missing piece. Modernising the Exchange: What it looks like to help a regulated exchange transform across operating models, asset classes, and cloud-native infrastructure. Agentic AI in Financial Services: The automation opportunity nobody wants to miss, and what it takes to get there responsibly. Choosing the Right Partner: How client conversations have shifted from transactional to strategic, and the qualities that define the most valuable relationships. About Fintech Files: Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion as we explore the cutting-edge trends disrupting Fintech today. From NeoBanks to cryptocurrency, we delve into the dynamic landscape of financial technology through insightful conversations with global disruptors. We’ll uncover the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech and examine their impact on the financial world. We focus on real-world examples, making financial technology relatable and accessible to both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals alike. Hosted by Annika Melchert , a Principal currently based at BCG Platinion in the Middle East, and Nora Hocke , a Principal currently based at BCG Platinion in Sydney, our hosts bring expertise in tech transformations, platform architecture, and digital innovation. Annika and Nora work with Fintechs and incumbent banks, and together they offer unique insights into the evolving financial landscape, drawing on their wealth of experience with leading organizations. Bianca Lopes is an entrepreneur and economist from Brazil with a background in digital identity and biometrics. Having supported over 40 financial institutions and eight governments, Bianca’s work reshapes technology, reimagines identity, and drives innovation.