Get smarter about CBDC, Fintech, AI, Asia, and China

Imagine having someone combing through thousands of articles, over 50 RSS feeds, and 25 meticulously crafted Google searches—all to handpick the absolute best reports just for you.

Hi, I’m Rich Turrin. Every week, I distill this ocean of information into five concise, high-value reports that I then send directly to your inbox every Sunday.

These reports contain long-form analysis and essential knowledge you need to stay ahead in a world that is increasingly Asia-centric and influenced by fintech and AI.

But that’s not all. I also collect additional exclusive, hard-to-find gems, which I put in a special section for premium paid subscribers—all in PDF format with my brief expert commentary.

What all subscribers get:

• Expert insight on our shared “cashless” future that focuses on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC), AI, China, Payments, and Financial Inclusion, all delivered directly to your inbox weekly;

• A unique point of view directly from Asia focuses on how the region is “leapfrogging” the West in payments, AI, and digital services. It’s a message that’s often controversial and does not conform with mainstream outlets;

• All of the latest “digital dollar” and “digital euro” developments are analyzed in detail. CBDCs are no longer theoretical but are coming soon even if the US bans the US CBDC;

• In-depth analysis of how our AI revolution impacts finance and will change how we interact with financial services.

• Original fintech analysis direct from Shanghai, all with an emphasis on using top PDFs as a learning tool;

• Perspective on how the world of finance is bifurcating into US and Chinese systems right before our eyes and what this means;

• Trusted by over 60,000 executives, innovators, investors, policymakers, journalists, academics & open-minded crypto-holders daily!

Who am I?

Thanks for visiting! I’m proud to be the world’s No. 4 fintech influencer on the prestigious Onalytica rankings and No. 16 for AI! I got here “one click at a time” because people like you enjoyed my writing and unique Asia-focused point of view.

I am also the author of two No. 1 international bestsellers, "Cashless: China's Digital Currency Revolution." and “Innovation Lab Excellence.” So, writing is more than a passing hobby for me!

Why should you trust me?

I became an expert on fintech and Asia the hard way, with no shortcuts! I spent 18 years as an investment banker, five years at IBM working on AI and financial software, and fifteen years living in Shanghai.

For most of my career, I was a banking innovator using math and computers. That background inspired me to write two books, “Innovation Lab Excellence,” about bringing innovation cultures to life, and “Cashless,” after I experienced China going cashless firsthand in an incredible payment revolution.

Superapps, central bank digital currency payments, and innovation aren’t theoretical to me; I live them daily! So, as I like to say, “I write and speak about what I know.” My books are inseparable from real-life experience, the ultimate proof of credibility.

Why do people follow me?

My opinions are sought after because they are practical, gritty, and real-world, just as they are here in this substack newsletter. I no longer work for big companies, and my take on fintech is often irreverent and provocative. I also live in China, giving me a special window into our cashless future and the bigger geopolitical picture.

My views on China’s digital yuan and tech scene are widely quoted in major media, such as CNBC, The Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, The South China Morning Post, The Business Standard, and CGTN. My latest media appearances can be viewed on my website, RichTurrin.com. See a few examples in the media section below.

While I never told my mother that I would grow up to become an “influencer,” I take pride in the accolades I’ve received over the years. The term “influencer” still bothers me a bit, but the awards listed below all correspond with people clicking on and engaging with quality writing.

What PREMIUM subscribers get

In addition to the five in-depth reports available to all subscribers each week, I offer a premium paid subscription for those seeking even more, including direct access to me.

This premium service provides access to exclusive, hard-to-find insights, which I only include in a paid section—all in PDF format with my brief expert commentary.

These reports are based on my extensive research or provided by trusted sources and may be from the grey market or have limited distribution.

To download them, no corporate email is needed, and there is no searching or linking to other sites involved.

With a paid subscription, these high-quality insights are all just a click away.

If that interests you and you want to support independent news sources like mine, do us both a favor and opt for a premium subscription.

Check out the screenshots below of recent premium content below the paywall.

Premium subscribers get more:

What they say

Media:

CNBC Squawk Box: Richard Turrin, fintech consultant and author, says "the last thing that China wants to do with its … new baby of a currency is to get it put into the mud while in the sanction-busting game."

CGTN - The mBridge project in Hong Kong is key infrastructure for cross-border currency transactions with CBDCs that will lead to the birth of the petro-yuan.

Subscribe to Cashless!

If you’ve read this far, join the community by subscribing! You’ll be glad you did!

Get in touch with me

The easiest way to reach me is in on LinkedIn: HERE