Fintoc, a YC-backed fintech startup simplifying financial data access in Latin America, is seeking a Senior Software Engineer. They offer the unique opportunity to live rent-free in either Santiago, Chile or Mexico City, while contributing to a fast-growing company. The role involves designing, building, and maintaining Fintoc's core API and SDKs, working with technologies like Python, Node.js, and Postgres. Ideal candidates possess strong backend development experience, a passion for fintech, and a desire to work in a dynamic, remote-friendly environment. Fintoc emphasizes a collaborative culture and provides competitive compensation and benefits alongside the covered housing perk.
Karsa, a YC W25 startup, launched a platform for buying and saving stablecoins internationally. It aims to provide an easier way for people in emerging markets to access and hold USD-pegged stablecoins as a hedge against local currency volatility and inflation. The platform allows users to purchase stablecoins directly with their local currency through various payment methods, and then earn interest on their holdings. Karsa emphasizes a simple and accessible user experience, designed specifically for individuals in these markets who may be less familiar with cryptocurrencies.
Several commenters on Hacker News expressed skepticism about the need for Karsa, questioning whether the problem it solves is significant enough, especially given existing solutions like Wise and Revolut. Some doubted the claim of cheaper and faster transfers, citing personal experience with these alternatives. Others questioned the regulatory landscape and potential legal hurdles for operating in multiple jurisdictions. A few commenters requested clarification on Karsa's specific advantages, particularly concerning fees and exchange rates, while some expressed interest in using the service for specific use cases like paying international employees. Overall, the comments reflected a cautious but curious attitude towards Karsa, with many seeking more information to assess its true value proposition.
Lago's blog post details how their billing platform now supports custom SQL expressions for defining billable metrics. This allows businesses with complex pricing models greater flexibility and control over how they charge customers. Instead of relying on predefined metrics, users can now write SQL queries directly within Lago to calculate charges based on virtually any data they collect, including custom events and attributes. This simplifies the implementation of usage-based billing scenarios like charging per API call with specific parameters, tiered pricing based on aggregate usage, or dynamic pricing based on real-time data. The post emphasizes how this feature reduces development time and empowers product and finance teams to manage billing logic without extensive engineering involvement.
Hacker News users discuss Lago's approach to flexible billing using custom SQL expressions. Some express concerns about the potential complexity and debugging challenges of using SQL for this purpose, suggesting simpler alternatives like formula-based systems. Others highlight the power and flexibility SQL offers for handling complex billing scenarios, especially for businesses with intricate pricing models. A few commenters question the performance implications of using SQL queries for real-time billing calculations and suggest pre-aggregation or caching strategies. There's also discussion around the trade-off between flexibility and auditability, with concerns about the potential difficulty in understanding and verifying SQL-based billing logic. Some users share their experiences with similar systems, emphasizing the importance of thorough testing and validation.
Despite the hype, large banks remain largely undisrupted by fintech companies. While fintechs have innovated in specific areas like payments and lending, they haven't fundamentally changed how big banks operate or significantly eroded their market share. These established institutions benefit from robust regulatory frameworks, vast customer bases, and economies of scale, making them difficult to displace. Rather than disruption, the prevailing trend is collaboration, with banks integrating fintech innovations or acquiring them outright, ultimately strengthening their position. Genuine disruption, if it comes, will likely originate from outside the financial services sector, potentially driven by AI, blockchain, or a shift in consumer behavior.
Hacker News commenters largely agreed with the article's premise that true disruption of major banks hasn't happened. Several pointed out that fintech companies often partner with, rather than compete against, established banks, highlighting the difficulty of navigating regulations and acquiring customers. Some argued that "disruption" is often misused, and that fintechs are merely offering iterative improvements rather than fundamental changes. Others suggested that true disruption might come from unexpected sources like stablecoins or changes in consumer behavior, though even these are unlikely to completely displace traditional banks. A few commenters mentioned the difficulty in competing with banks' scale and existing infrastructure, while others questioned whether disruption is even desirable in such a crucial and regulated industry. Several users also pointed to the slow pace of change in banking and the challenges posed by legacy systems as significant barriers to entry.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43241689
HN commenters discuss Fintoc's offer of remote work in Chile or Mexico, with some expressing skepticism about the "rent-free" claim, suggesting it likely translates to a lower salary. Several highlight the importance of clarifying total compensation rather than focusing on a potentially misleading perk. Others question the long-term viability of such an arrangement, wondering if employees might be expected to relocate later. Some commenters note the appeal of Latin America for remote work due to the lower cost of living and vibrant culture. A few express interest in the position, while others share concerns about potential tax implications for US citizens working abroad. Overall, the comments reflect a cautious optimism tempered by a desire for more transparency regarding the compensation package.
The Hacker News post discussing Fintoc's hiring of senior software engineers and offer of rent-free living in Chile or Mexico generated a moderate number of comments, mostly focused on the specifics and implications of the offer.
Several commenters questioned the practicality and attractiveness of the "rent-free" proposition. One commenter pointed out the potential tax implications, suggesting that rent-free accommodation could be considered a taxable benefit in some jurisdictions, potentially offsetting the perceived advantage. Another user questioned whether "rent-free" truly meant covering all housing costs, including utilities, or just the basic rent, speculating that the specifics could significantly impact the overall value of the offer.
The discussion also touched on the broader implications of remote work and international hiring. Some commenters expressed concerns about potential difficulties in collaborating across time zones, while others highlighted the benefits of a distributed team. One user questioned Fintoc's long-term commitment to the rent-free offer, wondering if it was a temporary perk or a sustainable part of their compensation strategy.
Several comments delved into the specifics of the job requirements and the company itself. Some users inquired about the tech stack and development processes used at Fintoc. Others expressed interest in the company's mission and its focus on financial technology in Latin America. A few commenters shared their personal experiences with similar remote work arrangements, offering insights into both the advantages and challenges.
Finally, there was a brief discussion around the legal and logistical aspects of relocating to Chile or Mexico, including visa requirements and the ease of obtaining necessary permits. Some commenters also shared their perspectives on the quality of life and cost of living in these countries.
Overall, the comments on the Hacker News post reflect a mixture of curiosity, skepticism, and cautious optimism regarding Fintoc's hiring initiative. While some commenters expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, others raised practical questions and concerns about the details and long-term viability of the offer.