Innovation is a, if not the key to sustaining success in financial technology and the digital space in general. Whether as a means to continue meeting the ever-evolving needs of the market or to have products and services be able to keep up with the emerging technologies (like operating system updates), it is what spells the difference between being a leader in the market or a brand that eventually fizzles out.

Earning the patronage of over 33 million customers and counting in the last decade, Black Banx is undoubtedly among those at the forefront of fintech. The Toronto-based global digital bank continues to maintain its rapid growth trajectory, thanks largely to a commitment to innovating for the benefit of customers, a commitment driven by a leader who himself has had extensive experience in innovating in the financial space. 

As of June 2023, Gastauer’s net worth stands at US$11.4 billion, placing him among the ten richest individuals in Germany. His journey from a university graduate to a billionaire is a testament to his unwavering commitment to reshaping the financial industry.

The Early Days in Finance

Michael Gastauer’s career took flight after completing his university studies in 1999. Back then, he was offered enticing positions at prestigious institutions like Deutsche Bank, ABN Amro, and Andersen Consulting. However, he chose to take a different path, opting to work at Gorilla Park, a startup incubator that nurtured emerging companies, steering them toward the IPO stage. The adventure had only just begun.

In 2001, Gastauer co-founded an asset management company based in Zurich, and within a mere three years, this venture became a hot commodity. It was partly acquired by a German Hedge fund manager and later sold for an impressive US$15 million (CHF 16 million) to a Swiss Investment firm. Gastauer’s Midas touch was undeniable, and he was just getting started.

Pioneering Payment Solutions

In 2003, Gastauer set his sights on an ambitious goal – to revolutionize the payment solutions industry for e-commerce and other internet-based businesses. He envisioned a global platform that could seamlessly accept card payments. This venture was groundbreaking, as it catered not only to conventional industries but also to fast-growing, high-risk sectors such as gambling and adult entertainment. It was a risky move, but it paid off handsomely.

The business’s success was not only substantial but also rapid, and it quickly expanded its operations, opening offices in North America and Asia. By 2008, the business had achieved a staggering valuation of US$480 million. However, Gastauer was not one to rest on his laurels.

The Innovation of Innovations

After selling his previous venture, Gastauer founded his private family office, GFO (Gastauer Family Office), in 2008, where he took on the role of President. The experience of dealing with cross-border banking, foreign account openings, and international wire transfers had given Gastauer a unique perspective. In mid-2013, he embarked on a new mission – to disrupt the traditional banking industry with an online banking solution.

Gastauer assembled a team of seasoned software experts and shared his vision with them. He tasked them with developing an online platform with core functionality that offered instant account openings for both private and business clients worldwide, along with real-time fund transfers in multiple FIAT and cryptocurrency options. 

Named Black Banx, the digital bank was launched in 2015. The stage was set for a fintech revolution, and the world was about to witness the power of innovation.

A Stellar Debut

In its first year, Black Banx gained over 200,000 customers.

A year later, Black Banx embarked on the first of its many innovations as a working digital bank, offering crypto currency as a deposit method, which subsequently helped it increase its customer base to 1 million customers. 

Michael Gastauer’s prior entrepreneurial successes provided him with the financial backing required to fuel Black Banx’s growth. According to various public sources, between 2014 and 2018, Gastauer, through GFO, invested a staggering US$380 million in Black Banx. It was a calculated investment that paid off in dividends.

In the first three quarters of 2023, Black Banx has continued to grow. The company has welcomed over 11 million new customers this year, bringing its total customer base to 33 million. 

Black Banx has also reported a 72% year-on-year revenue growth, surpassing its original target of 55% in compound annual growth from 2022. 

“In the first nine months of 2023, we have demonstrated good growth momentum across a diversified business portfolio, underlying earnings power, and balance sheet resilience. This puts us on a good track towards our 2023 financial targets. We are determined to continue on this path while accelerating the execution of our global customer acquisition strategy,” Gastauer shares. 

Innovating Cross-Border Payments

One of Gastauer’s most significant achievements is his transformative impact on cross-border payments. Through the Black Banx platform, he leveraged and connected local real-time settlement systems in various countries. This innovation has paved the way for quick, cost-effective international money transfers, setting a new standard in the industry. The days of cumbersome cross-border transactions are fading into oblivion.

Gastauer’s commitment to financial inclusion has also been unwavering. He aims to provide essential financial tools to the unbanked population through fintech solutions, bridging the gap between them and traditional banking. This endeavor has the potential to bolster economic prospects, especially in areas with limited access to banking services.

Gastauer’s relentless pursuit of innovation continues to drive Black Banx’s success. He continues to study emerging technologies that can revolutionize the financial sector’s current state. His dedication to being on top of key developments in financial technology is demonstrated in his concentration on integrating blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning into financial services.

With this at the core of his vision, Gastauer’s influence in the financial sector continues to grow, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and those it serves. As the world looks ahead to the future of fintech, one thing is certain – Michael Gastauer and Black Banx will continue to solidify their place as key players in driving innovation and reshaping the financial world.