In this episode of the FocusCore podcast, host David Sweet interviews Pieter Franken, a FinTech pioneer and innovator with a rich history in finance, technology, and regulation. Pieter outlines his journey from a trainee scientist in Holland to becoming a key figure in Japan's FinTech ecosystem. He shares his experiences and significant contributions, including his roles at Citigroup, Shinsei Bank, and the Monetary Authority of Singapore, as well as his co-founding of Safecast, a crucial citizen science project post-Fukushima. The conversation delves into the evolution of FinTech globally and in Japan, discussing the impact of cloud computing, APIs, and mobile technology, as well as governmental roles in stimulating innovation. Pieter also talks about the upcoming Global Finance and Technology Network Forum (GFTN) in Tokyo, highlighting its importance for FinTech discussion and networking. Additionally, he touches upon the complexity of integrating new technologies into human systems and stresses the need for adaptive, human-centric innovations.

The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2026 Salary Guide

In this episode you will hear:

1. Pieter Franken's journey from Holland to Japan and his pivotal role in the FinTech industry
2. The evolution of Japan's startup ecosystem and cultural shifts in recent decades
3. The role and impact of cloud computing and mobile technology in FinTech's growth
4. The establishment of Safecast and its significance in citizen science and data transparency
5. The importance and anticipation of the Global Finance and Technology Network Forum in fostering industry dialogue and innovation

About Pieter:

Pieter is a fintech pioneer, deep-tech innovator, and builder with over three decades at the intersection of finance, technology, regulation, and public good.

He’s held senior leadership roles at institutions like Citigroup, Shinsei Bank, Monex, and UnionDigital Bank; advised regulators including the Monetary Authority of Singapore; and helped build global platforms focused on financial inclusion, open data, and responsible innovation. He’s also a co-founder of Safecast, one of the most influential citizen-science projects in the world, and a driving force behind Japan’s fintech ecosystem through Elevandi and the Japan Fintech Festival.

Connect with Pieter:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pbfranken/

GFTN Japan: http://gftn.co/japan

GFTN Forum[Feb 24-27th 2026]: https://gftnforum.jp/?utm_medium=paid-search&utm_source=google&utm_term=gftn%20japan&utm_content=branded-insights-learning&utm_campaign=gfj_2026_jp_search_traffic_280126&_gl=1*1uvuohl*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7rDMBhCjARIsAGDBuEBY1bz21ngvAnJufNmlwr_Kxe4Ku6uz1R5I6beSQvq5Qiv7h2aZCHkaAmI3EALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAAAqxUcYm4HHIROSay5zHtoL9JyGrmm

Connect with David Sweet:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp

Facebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasia

Instagram:

In this episode of the FocusCore podcast, host David Sweet interviews Paul Beddie, a global business development executive and sustainability advocate with a 30-year career. Paul shares his accidental journey to Japan and his extensive experience working across various sectors, including management consulting and software. He provides insights on the challenges and nuances of leadership in Japan, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and adapting to cultural contexts. The discussion also delves into sustainability, where Paul highlights the need for a holistic approach in businesses and the urgent shift required from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Despite the complexities, Paul remains optimistic about the potential for profitability through sustainable practices.

The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2026 Salary Guide

In this episode you will hear:

1. How Paul pioneered his path from international affairs to global business leadership
2. What foreign leaders often misunderstand about Japan's business environment
3. Challenges and opportunities in promoting corporate sustainability within Japanese and global contexts
4. The critical importance of relationship building in Japan's business culture
5. The impact of personal belief and responsibility in achieving successful career outcomes

About Paul:

Paul is a global business development executive, a sustainability champion, and one of those rare leaders who can really talk through a purpose and proposal without sounding dull.

He's got a great 30 year career. He's delivered more than a hundred million in profit and helped create over a billion dollars in value. With leading multicultural teams across four continents. He's advised CXOs and boards on digital transformation, energy transition, and global expansion. He's launched businesses in China.

He's guided smart city innovation and taught some of Japan's top universities and built relationships at the highest levels of industry. And at his core, Paul is a connector of people, ideas and possibilities, and he carries a simple North Star: do the right thing.

Connect with Paul:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbeddie/

The FutureMax Institute: https://www.futuremaxinstitute.com/

Connect with David Sweet:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp

Facebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasia

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/

Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/

This podcast was proudly produced by Lisa Yasuda.

“Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and...

Welcome to the Year of the Horse, and to another episode of the FocusCore podcast. Kicking off 2026, David Sweet reflects on the last year for FocusCore. He discusses some highlights and some insights into what the organization has seen happen over 2025. David also predicts what he thinks might happen in 2026 in the recruitment and talent acquisition landscape in Japan.

The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here: INSERT Short Link => Attribution link Salary guide 202

In this episode you will hear:

1. The impact of FocusCore becoming a partner with IIC Partners for global recruitment solutions.
2. Key insights from Salary Guide 2026, highlighting the increasing importance of competitive salaries.
3. Strategies for SMEs in Japan to compete in talent acquisition.
4. The growing demand for CFOs with cross-border expertise.
5. How companies are leveraging interim executives for strategic advantage.
6. The impact of AI and tech advancements in Japan

Connect with David Sweet:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp

Facebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasia

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/

Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/

This podcast was proudly produced by Lisa Yasuda.

“Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.