25 – The Double-Edged Sword of AI in Financial Services

Your host Alex Shevelenko welcomes Luke Giancarlo, Director of the FinTech Innovation Lab in New York and an executive at Accenture, where he leads digital currency and AI initiatives. Luke brings a unique perspective, combining hands-on startup experience with deep insight into enterprise innovation, fintech, and emerging technologies.

In this conversation, Luke shares his view on corporate-startup collaboration, the future of AI and digital currency, and the evolving landscape of financial services. He explains how startups can succeed with tier-one financial institutions, why focus and clarity matter more than flashy technology, and how building a strong network—or “your army”—can accelerate growth. Luke also highlights the next wave of innovation, from agentic commerce to AI-enabled treasury and blockchain applications, and the human-centered opportunities these technologies create.

From guiding startups through the Lab’s competitive program to helping enterprises adopt emerging technologies responsibly, Luke illustrates how practical experience, experimentation, and a collaborative mindset can drive meaningful impact. This episode provides actionable insights for founders, innovators, and enterprise leaders navigating the fast-changing world of fintech.

To continue the conversation with Luke, connect with him via LinkedIn.

Want to be a guest on the show? Apply HERE.

To learn more about RELAYTO, visit: relayto.com.