Nicholas Halpern
Chief Credit Officer Square Financial Services
Nicholas Halpern is the Chief Credit Officer of Square Financial Services, Block, Inc.’s industrial bank. In his role he oversees the underwriting and credit strategy for small business loans made through Square and consumer loans made through Cash App Borrow. Before joining Block in 2017, Nicholas held roles in Risk Management at Bank of America and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.
2026 Agenda Sessions
Is SMB lending the biggest missed opportunity in fintech?
SMBs make up the majority of businesses globally, yet still struggle to access credit that fits their needs. Traditional lenders cite high servicing costs and lack of data, while many fintechs focus elsewhere. The result? A massive market gap with underserved demand and clunky user journeys.
That’s changing fast. Fintechs and vertical platforms are now embedding credit directly into the tools SMBs already use, like POS, payroll, and invoicing systems. This session explores how contextual underwriting, real-time cash flow models, and flexible repayment terms are helping SMBs access smarter, faster credit, without leaving their workflows.
Takeaways:
• Understand why SMB lending has been historically overlooked—and why it matters now.
• Learn how fintechs and platforms are embedding credit into real business tools.
• Explore how modern data models are reshaping underwriting and risk.
Monday 30 March 16:15 - 16:55 Lending
Alternative Capital & Investment
Data & Personalization
Embedded Finance
That’s changing fast. Fintechs and vertical platforms are now embedding credit directly into the tools SMBs already use, like POS, payroll, and invoicing systems. This session explores how contextual underwriting, real-time cash flow models, and flexible repayment terms are helping SMBs access smarter, faster credit, without leaving their workflows.
Takeaways:
• Understand why SMB lending has been historically overlooked—and why it matters now.
• Learn how fintechs and platforms are embedding credit into real business tools.
• Explore how modern data models are reshaping underwriting and risk. Lending US/Pacific
