Must-reads for FinTech enthusiasts: Finyard CEO, Dmitrij Pruglo’s bookshelf

The FinTech world is a vast ocean of innovation and Dmitrij Pruglo, CEO of Finyard, stands as a beacon of knowledge in this ever-changing landscape. This article is a voyage through the books and TED Talks that have shaped his understanding and vision in FinTech.

Influential FinTech Books

"The Innovator's Dilemma" by Clayton M. Christensen

Pruglo's Insight: This book's exploration of how successful companies can fail to adapt to disruptive technologies resonates deeply with Pruglo. He values its lesson on the necessity of embracing innovation, mirroring Finyard's ethos of continuous evolution in the FinTech space.

"Bank 4.0" by Brett King

Pruglo's Insight: Pruglo sees King's discussion on the future of banking in the digital era as a blueprint for Finyard's vision. The book's alignment with digital transformation and staying ahead of technology trends is a cornerstone of Finyard's strategy.

"Blockchain Revolution" by Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott

Pruglo's Insight: Essential for understanding the transformative potential of blockchain, this book is a keystone in Pruglo's library. Its insights into blockchain's impact across industries echo Finyard's commitment to this revolutionary technology.

"The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries

Pruglo's Insight: Ries' methodology for rapid and iterative product development strikes a chord with Pruglo. He endorses its approach to agility and responsiveness, reflecting Finyard's agile and dynamic development process.

"Digital Bank" by Chris Skinner

Pruglo's Insight: Pruglo values Skinner's strategies for digital banking as a roadmap for both traditional banks and FinTech firms navigating the digital age. The book offers a comprehensive view of the evolving landscape that Finyard aims to shape.

"The Bitcoin Standard" by Saifedean Ammous

Pruglo's Insight: Ammous' analysis of Bitcoin's role in the financial world is a topic of great interest at Finyard. Pruglo highlights the book's insights into the revolutionary potential of cryptocurrencies.

"The Fintech Book" by Susanne Chishti and Janos Barberis

Pruglo's Insight: Offering a collective wisdom of FinTech innovators, this book is recommended by Pruglo for its broad perspectives on FinTech innovation, aligning with Finyard's diverse approach to technology.

"Machine, Platform, Crowd: Harnessing Our Digital Future" by Andrew McAfee and Erik Brynjolfsson

Pruglo's Insight: Pruglo considers this book critical for understanding the balance of power in the digital economy. Its insights into the roles of machines, platforms, and crowds are integral to Finyard's strategic approach.

"Fintech in a Flash: Financial Technology Made Easy" by Agustin Rubini

Pruglo's Insight: A comprehensive primer for those new to FinTech, Pruglo finds Rubini's book an invaluable encapsulation of the industry's key concepts and trends, perfect for those embarking on a FinTech journey.

"The End of Banking: Money, Credit, and the Digital Revolution" by Jonathan McMillan

Pruglo's Insight: This visionary take on the future of finance resonates with Pruglo's belief in innovation. The book's discussion on the shift away from traditional banking systems aligns with Finyard's mission to redefine financial services.

TED Talks for FinTech enthusiasts

"How the Blockchain is Changing Money and Business" by Don Tapscott

Pruglo's Insight: Pruglo regards this talk as a pivotal guide to understanding blockchain's far-reaching capabilities. He believes Tapscott's insights into blockchain’s transformative role in finance are essential for anyone in FinTech, reflecting Finyard's deep commitment to exploring blockchain applications.

"The Future of Money" by Neha Narula

Pruglo's Insight: Pruglo finds Narula's exploration of digital currencies and their impact on the future of finance particularly enlightening. He views this talk as crucial for understanding the evolving landscape of digital finance, resonating with Finyard's vision for leveraging digital currencies.

"What's Wrong with Our Monetary System and How to Fix It" by Simon Dixon

Pruglo's Insight: Pruglo values Dixon's critique of the current financial system and the exploration of FinTech's role in rectifying its flaws. He believes this talk is instrumental in understanding the challenges and opportunities facing the financial industry, aligning with Finyard's mission to innovate within the financial sector.

"The Power of Financial Inclusion" by Ami Dalal

Pruglo's Insight: Pruglo sees Dalal's talk on financial inclusion as a cornerstone in understanding FinTech's potential to bridge service gaps for underserved communities. This aligns with Finyard's goal of creating inclusive financial solutions that cater to a broader demographic.

"Building Trust in a Digital Age" by Rachel Botsman

Pruglo's Insight: Trust in the digital economy, as discussed by Botsman, resonates strongly with Pruglo's philosophy. He considers this talk essential for anyone in FinTech, highlighting the crucial role of trust in building sustainable digital financial services, a principle that is central to Finyard's approach.

Blending insights with recommendations: a holistic approach to knowledge

Dmitrij Pruglo’s book and TED Talk selections are more than just a list; they are a mosaic of insights and wisdom. Each selection is chosen not only for its subject matter expertise but for the broader lessons they impart about the societal impacts and ethical considerations of financial technology. 

Pruglo's approach in recommending these works is deeply intertwined with his philosophy: understanding the technology is just the beginning; grasping its potential to reshape societies, economies, and lives is where the true journey begins. 

He encourages budding professionals and seasoned experts alike to look beyond the surface of FinTech innovation and explore its deeper implications.

Fostering a culture of curiosity and lifelong learning

At Finyard, the cultivation of a learning culture goes beyond mere encouragement; it is an intrinsic part of the company's DNA. 

Pruglo's leadership style is a testament to this ethos. He doesn't just advocate for continuous learning; he embodies it, actively participating in discussions on the latest industry reads and thought-provoking talks. 

This culture of curiosity extends across the organisation, where knowledge sharing isn't just a practice but a norm that drives innovation. 

In Pruglo's vision, every team member is both a learner and a teacher, contributing to a vibrant ecosystem of ideas and insights.

Embracing the unending journey of learning in FinTech

Dmitrij Pruglo's extended list of books and TED Talks is not just a resource; it's a roadmap for anyone seeking to navigate the complex world of FinTech. 

In Pruglo's words, "In the dynamic world of FinTech, one must continually evolve to lead." This mantra resonates through Finyard’s corridors, reminding us that the journey of learning is endless, and those who embrace this path will not only lead but also illuminate the way for others in the ever-evolving FinTech landscape.