Get smarter about CBDC, Fintech, AI, Asia, and China
Who am I, and why should you trust me?
Thanks for visiting! I’m proud to be the world’s No. 4 fintech influencer on the prestigious Onalytica rankings! I got here “one click at a time” because people like you enjoyed my writing and unique point of view, which focuses on Asia.
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!
“I write and speak about what I know, and my opinions are sought after because they are practical, gritty, and real-world.”
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 my latest book, “Cashless,” after I experienced China’s payment revolution when it went “cashless” firsthand.
Superapps and central bank digital currency payment aren’t theoretical for me; I live them daily! So, as I like to say, “I write and speak about what I know.”
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 below.
What’s in it for you if you subscribe?
Expert insight on our shared “cashless” future that focuses on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC), 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 coming soon;
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 50,000 executives, innovators, investors, policymakers, journalists, academics & open-minded crypto-holders daily!
Paid subscribers
I’m an author; I make my living selling books and getting paid for consulting, advisory, keynotes, or corporate gigs surrounding my books.
The only way I can get these gigs is if people know about me and my work.
That’s why I write on substack. I love the exposure and flow of ideas with my readers, some of whom have become fast friends or clients.
That said, I’m honored to have a number of readers who love my content and have opted for paid subscriptions.
If you want to become a paid subscriber and support my independent writing you have my heartfelt thanks!
Sponsors!
Corporate sponsors who want to reach a targetted group of fintech aficionados are welcome. Anything from a logo at the bottom of the newsletter to sponsored articles is possible.
What they say
“Richard Turrin has had the unique experience of watching China’s fintech, payments and digital currency revolution from ground zero.”
—Brett King, Bestselling Author of The Rise of Technosocialism, Bank 4.0, CEO of Moven
“Rich’s social media posts and analysis on China’s AI, fintech, and digital currency trends provide me always with great business insights.”
—Spiros Margaris/Margaris Ventures, Ranked Global No. 1 Finance Influencer by Refinitiv & Ranked Global No. 1 Fintech, AI, Blockchain Influencer by Onalytica
“Your survey of the global CBC/fintech scene is a best-in-class resource for anyone interested in this dynamic field.”
—Name withheld by request, Award-winning journalist currently a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering financial services.
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.
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