A Primer on US Fintech Expansion with Klaros' Andy Kampf

Welcome to Fintech Layer Cake, the fintech podcast where industry leaders break down complex financial technology topics into digestible, actionable insights. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just curious about the world of fintech, we make it easy to understand—one layer at a time. Tune in for expert interviews, market trends, and insider tips that make fintech a piece of cake for everyone!

What actually breaks when a fintech expands to the U.S. — product, licensing, hiring, or assumptions?

In this episode, host Reggie Young sits down with Andy Kampf, Partner at Klaros Group and former Klarna US legal lead, to unpack the real framework behind cross-border fintech expansion. Andy breaks down the four pillars every foreign fintech must get right — product, bank partnerships, hiring, and budget — and the hidden pitfalls that derail U.S. launches. From misconceptions about European e-money licenses to choosing the wrong bank partner, Andy shares practical insights drawn from advising global fintechs entering the U.S. The conversation also dives into cultural underwriting differences, lessons from Klarna’s speed-first model, and what Europe’s proposed “28th regime” could mean for startup migration and capital flow. A must-listen for fintech leaders thinking seriously about international expansion.

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