List of lectures:

• The History of Money and Banking: From Barter to Digital Payments
• This session introduces the evolution of money and banking, from barter systems to the development of fiat currencies and digital payments. It sets the foundation for understanding modern financial systems.
  
  
• The Role of Central Banks and Their Impact on Payments
• This lecture examines the role of central banks in monetary policy, financial stability, and the regulation of banking systems. It discusses their influence on payments, interest rates, and currency control, highlighting their pivotal role in the financial ecosystem.
  
  
• How Banks Think: Compliance, Risk, and Decision-Making
• Building on the central bank discussion, this session explains how commercial banks operate, focusing on risk management, compliance requirements, and their decision-making processes when dealing with businesses.
  
  
• Crypto and CBDCs: Disruption or Evolution in Banking?
• This session explores how cryptocurrencies and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are transforming financial transactions. It covers risks, compliance challenges, and opportunities, along with how banks view and adapt to these technologies.
  
  
• Technology and Innovation in Banking and Payments
• This lecture discusses the role of technology in reshaping banking and payments, with topics like open banking, instant payments, artificial intelligence, and automation. It also touches on how businesses can leverage these tools to optimize operations.
  
  
• Managing Costs, Risks, and Timelines in Payments
• This session addresses the practical elements of payment strategies, including cost optimization, managing risks, and ensuring proper liquidity and cash flow timelines. The importance of aligning operations with business goals is highlighted.
  
  
• The Soltesz Payment Framework: Building a Comprehensive Strategy
• The final lecture ties all the topics together, introducing the Soltesz Payment Framework as a holistic approach to creating effective banking and payment strategies. It covers compliance, technology, provider selection, and long-term planning for operational efficiency, risk management, and financial stability, ensuring that businesses can manage payment and banking operations effectively while optimising costs and enhancing customer experience.