Pål Krogdahl

I am a banking and technology executive with over 30 years of experience leading digital transformation in the financial sector. My career has focused on bridging the gap between innovative tech and real-world banking needs, from open banking and embedded finance to core banking modernisation. I’ve always been passionate about leveraging ecosystem partnerships and platform strategies to drive tangible business outcomes for banks, while carefully managing risk and complexity.

Currently, I serve as the Director of Advisory Services at Samlink, where I was brought on to build a new consulting division from the ground up. This practice has become a key growth engine for the company, expanding Samlink’s reach beyond its traditional core services into broader digital and business transformation advisory. In this role I lead a team of senior consultants and technical experts to deliver innovative banking transformation initiatives that create new revenue streams and measurable results for our clients.

Previously, I was the Chief Technology Officer for Core Banking & Payments at IBM, where I helped establish a global banking practice that grew to over $500 million in annual revenue. I led a global team of professionals delivering large-scale core banking implementations and pioneering cloud-native banking solutions across Europe. During my time at IBM, I played a pivotal role in developing award-winning Embedded Finance strategies and launching fintech accelerator programs for leading global banks. These initiatives enabled banks to accelerate their digital transformation journeys and adopt new business models with confidence.

Beyond my corporate roles, I stay deeply engaged in the fintech community. I serve as a board advisor and mentor to fintech startups, for example, through initiatives like Helsinki FinTech Farm and helping new ventures scale and refine their strategies.

I also co-founded and co-host the Fintech Daydreaming podcast, where we discuss emerging trends in financial services with industry leaders. Started in 2020 now with listeners in over 100 countries, the podcast has grown into a recognised platform for thought leadership on banking innovation.

As a recognized industry thought leader and keynote speaker, I frequently share insights at global conferences and in media interviews. I love demystifying the future of banking and have delivered keynote talks on topics ranging from digital banking transformation to fintech disruption.

I am also authoring a forthcoming book (Rip Out the Core: A Practical Path to Coreless Banking) that captures my experiences and lessons from decades of driving change in banking and aiming to help organisations navigate the next wave of financial innovation. If you’re looking for a speaker who can bring firsthand insight into the intersection of banking and technology, I’d be delighted to explore speaking opportunities.

You can reach me via:
LinkedIn
Fintech Daydreaming Podcast