The BIGCast: Recent Episodes
Best Innovation Group, John Best
Things are changing fast in the world of financial technology. The BIG Podcast explores the impact of financial technology innovations on the every day person. Top financial industry guests will give us exciting insights into technologies that will shape the way we manage and spend our money.
Glen speaks with Rapid Finance's Patrick Lord about Zombie Business Fraud and other threat vectors given a bump by AI. Also, Stripe ponders a big play in AI routing, and new Velera data reveals SMBs sending mixed messages to their multiple (banking) partners.
Links related to this episode: Rapid Finance (for FIs and other SMB lenders): https://enterprise.rapidfinance.com/ Rapid Finance (for SMBs): https://www.rapidfinance.com/ Patrick Lord's LinkedIn (he loves to talk fraud!): https://www.linkedin.com/in/lordpcarl/ Velera's SMB report: https://www.velera.com/insights/market-research/cu-growth-outlook-2026 Stripe's reported $10 billion level of interest in OpenRouter: https://www.wellesleyhillsfinancial.com/2026/08/02/stripes-10-billion-bet-on-the-ai-economy-why-openrouter-matters/ Which begs the question, "What about PayPal?": https://www.big-fintech.com/looking-for-the-x-factor-in-stripes-paypal-bid/ Fintech South, Tuesday August 18 at Truist Park in Atlanta: https://www.fintechsouth.com/ USE CODE BEYO15 for a 15% REGISTRATION DISCOUNT
Mark your calendar to join us Wednesday August 19 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for our next CU Town Hall. It's free to attend but advance registration is required. Come prepared for a lively discussion! https://www.cutownhall.com/ Check out the Innovation Club- a curated group of credit union tech, data and strategy leaders that meets virtually each month- and twice a year in person- to extend their Learn more to see if this is for you and if so, request a guest pass: https://www.big-fintech.com/innovation-club/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/n/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with author and Finavator CEO Michelle Beyo about her forthcoming book, her takes on the power of data and "trust as the new currency," and her open banking sessions at August's Fintech South Conference. Also, US instant payment volumes spike (relatively speaking) and Samsung/Barclays aim to take a bite of the Apple. Links related to this episode: Fintech South, Tuesday August 18 at Truist Park in Atlanta: https://www.fintechsouth.com/ USE CODE BEYO15 for a 15% REGISTRATION DISCOUNT Michelle's forthcoming book: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Future-Finance-Reshaping-Economy/dp/1394402074/ref=sr_1_1 Michelle's podcast: "Step into the Future of Finance": https://open.spotify.com/show/6tfflOY52ClLkLxgJEJSmo?si=49ac079afb1845de&nd=1&dlsi=b67da683833b4461 Finavator: https://www.finavator.com/ Speaking of trust, here's our recent interview with Deidre Campbell on the Edelman Trust Barometer: https://www.big-fintech.com/is-trust-now-the-most-precious-metal/ Fintech Futures on the Samsung's new credit card collab with Barclays: https://www.fintechfutures.com/partnerships/samsung-credit-card-us-launch-barclays Glen's blog on PayPal's acquisition intrigue: https://www.big-fintech.com/looking-for-the-x-factor-in-stripes-paypal-bid/ Mark your calendar to join us Wednesday August 19 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for our next CU Town Hall. It's free to attend but advance registration is required. Come prepared for a lively discussion! https://www.cutownhall.com/ Check out the Innovation Club- a curated group of credit union tech, data and strategy leaders that meets virtually each month- and twice a year in person- to extend their Learn more to see if this is for you and if so, request a guest pass: https://www.big-fintech.com/innovation-club/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/n/glensarvady/
Glen checks in with CUltivate co-founder Anthony Volpe for an update on his CUSO's progress in bringing practical AI to the back offices of a broad base of credit unions. Plus, ruminations on lesser covered aspects of the Stripe/PayPal intrigue. Links related to this episode: CUltivate AI: https://getcultivate.ai/ Our interview with CUltivate's three founders immediately after its March launch at GAC: https://www.big-fintech.com/chicken-wings-not-sharp-elbows/ Glen's blog on PayPal's acquisition intrigue: https://www.big-fintech.com/looking-for-the-x-factor-in-stripes-paypal-bid/ Glen's blog on the latest Federal Reserve Payments data: https://www.big-fintech.com/christmas-in-july-the-fed-delivers-new-2024-payments-data/ Coming soon to a Wednesday near you: the CU Town Hall! https://www.cutownhall.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/n/glensarvady/
John and Glen discuss the latest maneuvers in the stablecoin world- particularly the newly announced Open USD initiative spearheaded by Bridge, bringing its parent company Stripe into the game. Is it a game changer or a press release destined for Libra-land? Also, new Fed data finds credit cards in overdrive.
Links related to this episode:
- Open Standard's Open USD announcement: https://joinopenstandard.com/blog/introducing-open-usd
- Glen's blog on the newly released Fed payments data: https://www.big-fintech.com/christmas-in-july-the-fed-delivers-new-2024-payments-data/
- Andreesen Horowitz's take on stablecoins' outlook (from before the Open USD announcement: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/p/why-stablecoins-wont-age-well
Follow us on LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/
- https://www.linkedin.com/n/glensarvady/
Glen meets with Edelman Smithfield Managing Director Deidre Campbell to break down the annual Edelman Trust Barometer, the public's "retreat into insularity," and the resulting action items for banks and credit unions. Also- Illinois turns its focus to BNPL while JD Power highlights an FI opportunity, X Money broadens its reach, and the murky NCUA waters begin to clear.
Links related to this episode:
- Edelman Smithfield's Financial Services Trust Barometer: https://www.edelmansmithfield.com/2026-Edelman-Trust-Barometer-Key-Insights-for-Financial-Services
- Edelman's 2026 Global Trust Barometer: https://www.edelman.com/trust/2026/trust-barometer
- Illinois' newly signed BNPL law: https://www.paymentsdive.com/news/illinois-enacts-bnpl-law-pritzker-consumer-crypto/823835/
- JD Power's Buy Now Pay Later customer satisfaction study (good news for FIs): https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2026-us-buy-now-pay-later-satisfaction-study
- PYMNTS.com on X Money's latest move toward general availability: https://www.pymnts.com/commerce/social-commerce/2026/x-opens-x-money-to-premium-subscribers-ahead-of-broader-launch
Mark your calendar to join the next CU Town Hall- Wednesday July 15 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- our live and lively interactive monthly conversation where credit union leaders tackle the biggest issues facing the sector today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/n/glensarvady/
Laura Gibson-Lamothe, the Georgia Fintech Academy's Executive Director, provides firsthand coverage of the key takeaways from Money 20/20 Europe. Laura and Glen also discuss broader trends in talent development/demand and regional differences in banking (and smoking! ) regulation. Plus- process reflections spurred by the passing of longtime Fed Chair Alan Greenspan, and the Bank of England sets a new stablecoin standard.
Links related to this episode:
- The Georgia Fintech Academy: https://georgiafintechacademy.org/
- Laura's recent post pondering A Tale of Two Georgias: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/tale-two-georgias-stablecoins-financial-future-laura-gibson-lamothe-0t7bc/
- One of Laura's Money 20/20 interviews onsite in Amsterdam, with The Fintech Accord's West Richards on Stablecoins, AI & Global Fintech Policy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYNAZKFEcy0
- Fintech Futures' coverage of the Bank of England's new stablecoin policy: https://www.fintechfutures.com/regulatory-actions/bank-of-england-stablecoins-policy-draft-regulation-uk
- Glen's blog on a VERY eventful month for interchange: https://www.big-fintech.com/a-remarkable-month-for-interchange-but-what-has-really-changed/
Mark your calendar to join the next CU Town Hall- Wednesday July 15 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- our monthly live and lively interactive conversation where credit union leaders tackle the major issues facing the sector today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/n/glensarvady/
Our second batch of interviews stemming from the Financial Health Network's EMERGE conference, both with founders of compelling fintech startups: ROX CEO Lara Hodgson (breaking down barriers to SMB credit/liquidity) and Poncho CEO John Brown (financial wellness for military families). Also- the sudden twist in Fiserv's turnaround story.
Links related to this episode:
- ROX: https://www.roxwrite.com/
- Poncho: https://www.poncho.us/
- Poncho CEO John Brown on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnprestonbrown/
- The Financial Health Network: https://finhealthnetwork.org/
- Glen's blog on a VERY eventful month in interchange: https://www.big-fintech.com/a-remarkable-month-for-interchange-but-what-has-really-changed/
- A replay of Glen's favorite EMERGE session, featuring Alex Johnson posing "lightning round" questions to a panel including former OCC head Michael Hsu: https://finhealthnetwork.org/event-session/hard-questions-for-the-future-of-finance
- Sister publications Banking Dive and Payments Dive publish differing perspectives on Fiserv CEO Mike Lyon's surprise departure: https://www.paymentsdive.com/news/fiserv-ceo-exits-after-rocky-year/822882/ https://www.bankingdive.com/news/truist-ceo-lyons-rogers-fiserv/822878/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/n/glensarvady/
Glen shares highlights from the Financial Health Network's EMERGE conference, including interviews with a pair of trailblazing co-founders: Debbie Rewards' Frida Leibowitz and Prosprous.ai's Ted Leung. Also- Illinois kicks the interchange can down the road (again), Pope Leo pleads for humanity in AI, and a campaign to repurpose dopamine hits for financial wellness. Links related to this episode:
- Debbie: https://www.joindebbie.com/
- Prosprous.AI: https://prosprous.ai/
- The Financial Health Network: https://finhealthnetwork.org/
- Our interview with the Financial Health Network's Andrew Warren on a reconsideration of the definitions of un- and underbanked: https://www.big-fintech.com/is-the-underbanked-concept-ripe-for-a-rethink/
- Our interview with co-founder Eric Berg of Duome, the belatedly crowned winner of NACUSO's Next Big Idea Competition: https://www.big-fintech.com/two-conferences-two-coasts-one-exhausted-fintech-geek/
- Illinois has now double-punted on its interchange legislation and Colorado's governor vetoed its similar version; nonetheless, here's a savvy take on the underlying flaws that other states should consider before mimicking: https://www.rstreet.org/commentary/colorados-new-bill-on-interchange-is-a-test-case-for-unintended-consequences/
- Here's Colorado Governor Jared Polis' three-page letter explaining why he vetoed the bill: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s7NlfmaHRIArKyKg1ShBplEIgarJiXIV/view
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/n/glensarvady/
Glen and John dissect a recent online airing of grievances regarding AI's perceived shortcomings. To Glen's surprise, John finds validity to some of these criticisms. Also- the Pope weighs in, robots close the human gap, the term "neuro-symbolic AI" emerges, and the green shoots of a "slow tech" movement may be emerging. Links related to this episode:
- The Reddit thread- from the AGI community- that prompted this discussion: https://www.reddit.com/r/agi/comments/1t73hw7/i_was_once_an_ai_true_believer_now_i_think_the/
- YouTube video on translating Claude's AI thoughts into language: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQgMCXPJRHXjjZvVNCqcswtpNNr?projector=1
- JB dissects ChatGPT's new personal finance features on our recent CU Town Hall: https://www.big-fintech.com/cu-town-hall-episode-147-the-chatgpt-finance-era/
- Last week's interview with Jack Henry's Lee Wetherington, including data on AI as a bank/credit union strategic priority: https://www.big-fintech.com/what-keeps-you-up-at-night-may-depend-on-your-charter/
- The assembly line video of a package sorting robot (which may outperform a human, depending on your yardstick): https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=luU57hMhkak&ra=m
- The Associated Press on Pope Leo's AI encyclical: https://apnews.com/article/pope-ai-tech-trump-vatican-anthropic-d92d0108730d146baa46da041b8523da
- A precursor to "slow tech"? The AP's obit for Slow Food Movement founder Carlo Petrini https://apnews.com/article/slow-food-petrini-founder-italy-85cde4ee84168207a3354281202720b1
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/n/glensarvady/
Glen chats with Lee Wetherington about Jack Henry's newly minted survey of nearly 200 credit union and bank CEOs, exploring how strategic priorities and top concerns differ by group and how they've shifted over time. Also, a treasure trove of new industry data- on consumer payment choice, household economics, crypto/stablecoin usage, and a breezy 269-page NCUA stroke of GENIUS for your holiday reading pleasure. Links related to this episode:
- Jack Henry's 2026 Strategy Benchmark Study: https://discover.jackhenry.com/strategy-benchmark-study-2026
- FRB Services' Diary of Consumer Payment Choice: https://www.frbservices.org/news/research/2026-findings-diary-consumer-payment-choice
- The Kansas City Fed's paper on stablecoin use: https://www.kansascityfed.org/documents/15703/PaymentsSystemResearchBriefing26Noll0410.pdf
- The Federal Reserve Board's 2025 Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking (SHED): https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/files/2025-report-economic-well-being-us-households-202605.pdf
- CU Today on the NCUA's proposed approach to implementing the GENIUS Act: https://www.cutoday.info/THE-feature/NCUA-s-New-Stablecoin-Framework-Sparks-Debate-Over-CUs-Best-Digital-Dollar-Strategy
Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday May 20 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. In this session, John will dissect OpenAI's new personal finance offering. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/n/glensarvady/
Our continuing coverage of the NACUSO Reimagine and Nacha Smarter Faster Payments conferences features a pair of interviews: NACUSO's advocacy lead Zach Pfister on modernizing investment rules to match 2026 realities, and Dykema's Lauren Quigley on FIs' role as open banking realists, creating a safe environment for the inevitable. Links related to this episode:
- Lauren Quigley/Dykema's Fintech/Payments practice: https://www.dykema.com/services/industries/financial-services/fintech-payments-and-digital-commerce.html
- NACUSO CEO Randy Salser's Interview with the Credit Union Connection re: the 1% investment cap: https://thecreditunionconnection.com/cusos-nacuso-ceo-randy-salser-interview/
- Security expert (and Friend of BIG) Roger Grimes voices his AI concerns: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rogeragrimes_share-7458496907447971840-n2hX
- Our recent CU Town Hall "AI Fear Factory" session: https://www.big-fintech.com/cu-town-hall-episode-146-credit-union-ai-fear-factory/
- Prominent tech VC investor a16z explains why it believes the term "stablecoin" may soon be obsolete: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/p/why-stablecoins-wont-age-well
- Nacha: https://www.nacha.org/
- NACUSO Reimagine: https://reimagine.nacuso.org/
Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday May 20 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Next on the conference calendar: The Financial Health Network's EMERGE, May 19-21 in Atlanta: https://finhealthnetwork.org/event/emerge-financial-health-2026/ USE CODE "JOINME-GLEN" FOR A DISCOUNTED RATE Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/
https://www.linkedin.com/n/glensarvady/
Glen gathers highlights from the annual conferences for both Nacha in San Diego and NACUSO in Orlando, including conversations with Nacha CEO Jane Larimer on Same Day ACH milestones, Duome Co-Founder Eric Berg on a Next Big Idea for housing, and the Digital Sovereignty Alliance's Molly Woodman on the state of stablecoin. Links related to this episode:
- Nacha: https://www.nacha.org/
- Duome: https://www.myduome.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericberg-dntblnk/
- The Digital Sovereignty Alliance: https://dsaf.org/ and https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-sovereignty-alliance/
- NACUSO Reimagine: https://reimagine.nacuso.org/
- Next on the conference calendar: The Financial Health Network's EMERGE, May 19-21 in Atlanta: https://finhealthnetwork.org/event/emerge-financial-health-2026/ (USE CODE "JOINME-GLEN" FOR A DISCOUNTED RATE)
Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday May 20 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/n/glensarvady/
Glen connects with Senso Co-Founder/CEO Saroop Bharwani about his firm's approach to addressing some of the greatest disruptions emerging from the Agentic AI explosion. Also- Gen Z perspectives continue to evolve and surprise, and behavioral science gets a sidecar. Links related to this episode:
- Senso: https://www.senso.ai/
- Saroop Bharwani's LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saroopbharwani/
- The near-classic Finovate debut Best of Show demo from Debbie (including a Noom reference): https://finovate.com/videos/finovatefall-2022-debbie/
- Debbie's recent $5.3 million fundraise: https://coverager.com/trustage-ventures-backs-debbie/
- Our recent episode on reevaluating the criteria of underbanked consumers: https://www.big-fintech.com/is-the-underbanked-concept-ripe-for-a-rethink/
Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday May 20 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/
https://www.linkedin.com/n/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with Andrew Warren about the Financial Health Network's new report which makes the case for modernizing the definition of underbanked consumers. Also- X Money makes its long-promised debut, and the OCC potentially rides to the rescue of interchange (and workable payment processes). Plus a discount code for May's fast-approaching EMERGE conference. Links related to this episode:
- The Financial Health Network's latest 26-page "brief": Unbanked, Underbanked, or Something Else Entirely
- The Financial Health Network's EMERGE conference, May 19-21 in Atlanta: https://finhealthnetwork.org/event/emerge-financial-health-2026/ USE CODE "JOINME-GLEN" FOR A DISCOUNTED RATE
- Ron Shevlin's take on the prospects for X Money- https://www.forbes.com/sites/ronshevlin/2026/04/17/musks-x-money-how-it-could-win-and-why-it-wont/
- Payments Dive on the OCC's move to short-circuit Illinois' Interchange Fee Prohibition Act: https://www.paymentsdive.com/news/occ-plans-to-preempt-illinois-interchange-law/817618/
- Our recent conversation with Ncontracts' Stephanie Lyon about the shifting regulatory environment, including interchange battles: https://www.big-fintech.com/the-states-of-financial-regulation/
If CU Unplugged's style of hands-on problem solving sounds like your cup of collaborative tea, check out our Innovation Club. This group of forward thinkers meets virtually each month, and our twice-annual in-person session is coming up in May. Reach out about a guest pass: https://www.big-fintech.com/innovation-club/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/
https://www.linkedin.com/n/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with the CEOs of two sub-$100 million CUs (Josh Urbick and Doug Wadsworth) about their respective efforts to advance the small credit union cause. Also, the latest developments at Anthropic and Coinbase highlight the perils facing CUs- and financial services in general. Links related to this episode:
- The NSCUA's LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-small-credit-union-association/
- The Endangered Small Credit Union Defense's LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14776042/
- CU Daily's coverage of the NSCUA's formation: https://thecudaily.com/new-group-for-cus-under-500-million-in-assets-unveils-its-name/
- Doug Wadsworth's Profitability Guidebook for Small CUs: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FP4D9FZM
- Doug's recent CU Daily article: https://thecudaily.com/you-cant-regulate-bad-managers-into-good-ones-but-you-can-do-this/
- Wellesley Hill's thoughtful analysis of Coinbase's new Federal Trust Charter: https://www.wellesleyhillsfinancial.com/2026/04/12/coinbase-wins-federal-trust-charter-what-it-means-for-crypto-custody/
- Reuters on the race for FIs to defend against threats posed by Anthropic's new capabilities: https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/bessent-powell-warn-bank-ceos-about-anthropic-model-risks-bloomberg-news-reports-2026-04-10/
- Our recent episode recapping CU Unplugged, including an interview with small CU CEO Maggie Sayer: https://www.big-fintech.com/mission-rock-accomplished/
Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday April 15 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ If CU Unplugged's style of hands-on problem solving sounds like your cup of collaborative tea, check out our Innovation Club. This group of forward thinkers meets virtually each month, and our twice-annual in-person session is coming up in May. Reach out about a guest pass: https://www.big-fintech.com/innovation-club/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/
https://www.linkedin.com/n/glensarvady/
Glen recaps an action-packed CU Unplugged "un-conference," featuring unique perspectives from leaders of three participating credit unions (Keys FCU, Mid Hudson Valley FCU, State Department FCU) and real-time reflections from Defense Credit Union Council President & CEO Tony Hernandez. Links related to this episode:
- Keys Federal Credit Union: https://www.keysfcu.org/
- State Department Federal Credit Union: https://www.sdfcu.org/
- Jonathan Cilley, CIO of Mid Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathancilley/
- The Defense Credit Union Council: https://www.dcuc.org/
- Visa's Innovation and Market Support Center in San Francisco's Mission Rock Neighborhood: https://corporate.visa.com/en/sites/visa-perspectives/company-news/mission-rock-market-support-center.html
- Our recent stablecoin conversation with TruStage Managing Director Brian Kaas: https://www.big-fintech.com/stablecoins-and-ai-need-we-say-more/
Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday April 15 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ If CU Unplugged's style of hands-on problem solving sounds like your cup of collaborative tea, check out our Innovation Club. This group of forward thinkers meets virtually each month, and our twice-annual in-person session is coming up in May. Reach out about a guest pass: https://www.big-fintech.com/innovation-club/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/
https://www.linkedin.com/n/glensarvady/
Our final batch of America's Credit Unions GAC coverage- Glen speaks with Ncontracts' Stephanie Lyon about the shifting yet inevitable regulatory/compliance landscape. Also- another Domino falls on Paze's roadmap, and Illinois' interchange debacle proves too geeky for prediction markets- but not for a punk rock reference. Links related to this episode:
- Ncontracts' blog: https://www.ncontracts.com/nsight-blog
- Stephanie Lyon via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-lyon-8a9b6257/
- Paze's addition of Citi and Domino's: https://www.digitaltransactions.net/dominos-and-payrange-add-the-paze-wallet-option/
- Taft Law's PayTech practice: https://www.taftlaw.com/services/practices/paytech-and-payment-systems/
- Our prior GAC coverage, featuring TruStage's Stablecoin and Glia https://www.big-fintech.com/stablecoins-and-ai-need-we-say-more/ and CUltivate AI/ ACU's Economics Team https://www.big-fintech.com/chicken-wings-not-sharp-elbows/
LAST CHANCE! Join us at CU Unplugged, an unscripted, participant-powered gathering designed to foster unfiltered conversation on the topics participants deem most critical. The event is open to all credit union leaders, but the group will be kept intentionally small for maximum impact. Join us March 30 – April 2 at Visa's Market Support Center in San Francisco- Visit https://www.cu-unplugged.com/ to learn more and register.
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Continuing our Americas Credit Unions Government Affairs Conference coverage, Managing Director Brian Kaas discusses TruStage's new stablecoin designed specifically for credit unions, and CEO/Co-Founder Dan Michaeli shares data-driven insights from Glia's new Banking AI Benchmarks Report. Also- fintech's answer to the NBA Slam Dunk Competition.
Links related to this episode:
- TruStage Stablecoin: https://www.trustage.com/business-solutions/stablecoin
- Glia's Banking AI Benchmarks Report: https://go.glia.com/banking-ai-benchmark-data-2026
- CU Broadcast's segment recorded in DC with Glen, Anne Legg and Lou Grilli sharing their key GAC takeaways: https://www.cubroadcast.com/episodes/gac26-credit-union-industry-thought-leaders-share-their-top-gac-reflections
- Glen's November 2023 interview with Penny Finance Founder Crissi Cole: https://www.big-fintech.com/venturing-further-into-venturetech/
- CU Broadcast's GAC interview with Penny Finance and Chimney Founders Crissi Cole and Chase Neinken: https://www.cubroadcast.com/episodes/gac26-what-arrays-acquisition-of-penny-and-chimney-mean-for-credit-unions-moving-forward
- Our prior episode featuring GAC interviews with CUltivate AI (purpose-built LLM for credit unions) and Americas Credit Unions' economics team: https://www.big-fintech.com/chicken-wings-not-sharp-elbows/
Check out CU Unplugged, an unscripted, participant-powered gathering designed to foster unfiltered conversation on the topics participants deem most critical. The event is open to all credit union leaders, but the group will be kept intentionally small for maximum impact. Join us March 30 – April 2 at Visa's Market Support Center in San Francisco- Visit https://flow.page/cu-unplugged to learn more and register.
Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday March 18 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions. This month we'll discuss key takeaways from the recent Government Affairs Conference. If you missed GAC it's a great chance to catch up. If you were there, compare notes with your colleagues. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Our first batch of coverage from Americas Credit Unions' Government Affairs Conference features an interview with the three leaders behind CUltivate- the new credit union-owned and curated foundational AI engine- plus our annual meetup with the ACU Economics Team to discuss their take on the outlook for CUs and the US economy overall. Links related to this episode:
- CUltivate: https://getcultivate.ai/
- Filene Research Institute: https://www.filene.org/
- Vizo Financial Corporate Credit Union: www.vfccu.org
- Vertice AI: www.verticeanalytics.ai
- OpenEvidence, the Mayo Clinic's purpose-built AI tool for healthcare professionals cited as a model my CUltivate: https://www.openevidence.com/
- America's Credit Unions' Economic Update/Blogs: https://www.americascreditunions.org/blogs/americas-credit-unions/all-about-affordability
Check out CU Unplugged, an unscripted, participant-powered gathering designed to foster unfiltered conversation on the topics participants deem most critical. The event is open to all credit union leaders, but the group will be kept intentionally small for maximum impact. Join us March 30 – April 2 at Visa's Market Support Center in San Francisco- Visit https://www.cu-unplugged.com/ to learn more and register.
Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday March 18 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions. This month we'll discuss key takeaways from the recent Government Affairs Conference. If you missed GAC it's a great chance to catch up. If you were there, compare notes with your colleagues. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with two Associate Professors- Anna-Leigh Stone (Samford University) and Jordan Van Rijn (University of Wisconsin) about the recent Credit Union Research Workshop and Stone's paper analyzing the impact of CUs acquiring banks. Also- KYC risks morphing into Know Your Citizenship. Links related to this episode:
- Anna-Leigh Stone: https://www.samford.edu/business/directory/Stone-Anna-Leigh
- Jordan Van Rijn: https://aae.wisc.edu/faculty/vanrijn/
- The CU Research Workshop: https://sites.google.com/view/jordan-van-rijn/home/credit-union-research-workshop
- The Cato Institute on the proposed requirement for FIs to collect account holders' citizenship data: https://www.cato.org/blog/know-citizenship-says-trump-banks
- TruStage's announcement of its TSDA stablecoin for credit unions: https://www.trustage.com/newsroom/2026-press-releases/trustage-launches-stablecoin
- The CU Daily on the latest Alabama brushfire re: a CU acquiring a bank: https://thecudaily.com/bankers-use-latest-cu-purchase-of-bank-to-criticize-tax-exemption-americas-cus-says-claimes-are-lies/
Check out CU Unplugged, an unscripted, participant-powered gathering designed to foster unfiltered conversation on the topics participants deem most critical. The event is open to all credit union leaders, but the group will be kept intentionally small for maximum impact. Join us March 30 – April 2 at Visa's Market Support Center in San Francisco- Visit https://www.cu-unplugged.com/ to learn more and register.
Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday March 18 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen offers two more interviews from our continuing Finovate Europe coverage- a chat with GSMA Head of Industry Security Samantha Kight on the latest efforts to combat financial fraud on mobile devices, and the leaders of startup Hagbad unveil a savings circle app with echoes of credit unions' early days. Also- card interchange solidifies its role as America's misunderstood punching bag. Links related to this episode:
- Hagbad: https://hagbad.co.uk/
- GSMA's Connected Fintech and Commerce page: https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/industries/connected-fintech/
- GSMA's Open Gateway financial API initiative: https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/gsma-open-gateway/
- Part 1 of our Finovate Europe coverage, including interviews with a pair of Best of Show winners: https://www.big-fintech.com/putting-an-accent-on-identity-code-modernization-and-fraud/
- Finovate Europe demos are available for viewing: https://finovate.com//videos/?filtertype=&showtypes=FinovateEurope&videostartyear=2026&showletters=A-Z
- Our recent episode previewing GAC with Americas Credit Unions CEO Scott Simpson: https://www.big-fintech.com/small-businesses-big-policy-debates/
- Jared Bernstein's proposed grocery affordability hack that pulls card interchange into the mix: https://econjared.substack.com/p/taking-a-stab-at-food-affordability
Check out CU Unplugged, an unscripted, participant-powered gathering designed to foster unfiltered conversation on the topics participants most critical. The event is open to all credit union leaders, but the group will be kept intentionally small for maximum impact. Join us March 30 – April 2 at Visa's Market Support Center in San Francisco- Visit https://www.cu-unplugged.com/ to learn more and register.
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen shares his takeaways from Finovate Europe, including interviews with two standout demoing companies- Tweezr and Keyless. Also- $15 billion becomes the new $10 billion, and Illinois' interchange glass looks less than half full. Links related to this episode:
- Tweezr: https://www.tweezr.io/
- Keyless: https://keyless.io/
- Finovate Europe: https://informaconnect.com/finovateeurope/
- Payments Dive on the latest Interchange Fee Prohibition Act court ruling: https://www.paymentsdive.com/news/judge-backs-illinois-law-on-card-fees/811924/
- The CU Daily on proposed legislation to index the Durbin Amendment's $10 billion threshold: https://thecudaily.com/legislation-introduced-that-would-adjust-threshold-for-durbin-amendment-compliance-for-inflation/
Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday February 18 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. This month's session will feature guest Brian Bodell, CEO of Movemint (formerly Digital Storefront). The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Check out CU Unplugged, an unscripted, participant-powered gathering designed to foster unfiltered conversation on the topics participants most critical. The event is open to all credit union leaders, but the group will be kept intentionally small for maximum impact. Join us March 30 – April 2 at Visa's Market Support Center in San Francisco: Visit https://www.cu-unplugged.com/ to learn more and register. Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
America's Credit Unions CEO Scott Simpson reflects on his first 90 days in the role and offers a preview of March's Government Affairs Conference. Barlow Research Managing Partner Sandy Hanson shares new and unexpected insights on how SMBs prefer to engage with financial providers. Also- PayPal's plunge brings another of our 2025 BIGgo squares back into play, and an insider's uncommon take on FTX. Links related to this episode:
- America's Credit Unions: https://www.americascreditunions.org/
- The Government Affairs Conference, March 1-5 in Washington DC- breakout sessions now announced: https://www.americascreditunions.org/events-training/conference/governmental-affairs-conference/breakout-sessions
- Barlow Research: https://barlowresearch.com/
- Deluxe Exchange: https://www.deluxe.com/deluxe-exchange/
- Yahoo Finance on PayPal's earnings miss and Elon Musk rumors: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/paypal-tanks-earnings-miss-could-165640023.html
Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday February 18 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. This month's session will feature guest Brian Bodell, CEO of Movemint (formerly Digital Storefront). The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Check out CU Unplugged, an unscripted, participant-powered gathering designed to foster unfiltered conversation on the topics participants most critical. The event is open to all credit union leaders, but the group will be kept intentionally small for maximum impact. Join us March 30 – April 2 at Visa's Market Support Center in San Francisco: Visit https://www.cu-unplugged.com/ to learn more and register. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen connects with Randy Salser to discuss his initial takeaways as NACUSO's new CEO, and why this April's Reimagine conference is a must-attend for credit unions as well as CUSOs. Also- Playing 3-D Chess with Trump Accounts, and a deep-pocketed twist on a de novo CU. Links related to this episode:
- NACUSO: https://www.nacuso.org/
- NACUSO's Reimagine conference, April 27-30 at the Disney Yacht & Beach Club in Lake Buena Vista, FL: https://reimagine.nacuso.org/
- Visa's initiative to enable cash back card rewards to be transferred directly to newborn Trump accounts: https://www.thestreet.com/economy/visas-new-trump-cash-back-move-shakes-up-credit-card-rewards
- The CU Daily's coverage of Aven's role in launching Haven Federal Credit Union: https://thecudaily.com/fintech-explains-why-its-donated-millions-to-get-new-cu-off-the-ground/
Check out CU Unplugged, an unscripted, participant-powered gathering designed to foster unfiltered conversation on the topics participants most critical. The event is open to all credit union leaders, but the group will be kept intentionally small for maximum impact. Join us March 30 – April 2 at Visa's Market Support Center in San Francisco: Visit https://www.cu-unplugged.com/ to learn more and register.
Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday February 18 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. This month's session will feature remarks from Brian Bodell, CEO of Movemint (formerly Digital Storefront). The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with Karen Houghton, Co-Founder/CEO of Infinite Giving, about how to narrow the financial services gap facing nonprofit entities. Also- the latest on the Credit Card Competition Act and proposed 10% rate cap, and a new forum for tackling the real-time issues facing credit unions. Links related to this episode:
- Infinite Giving: https://www.infinitegiving.com/
- Karen's book "Funding Your Mission": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/funding-your-mission-karen-houghton/1148818789 (Chapter 1 is available for free download at Infinite Giving's website)
- Financial Health Network CEO Jennifer Tescher's analysis of the proposed 10% credit card interest rate cap: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7416861629826482176/
- NerdWallet's take on the Credit Card Competition Act: https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/learn/what-to-expect-if-the-credit-card-competition-act-passes
- Last week's episode, featuring more detail on both CU Unplugged and the proposed 10% credit card rate cap: https://www.big-fintech.com/unplugged-unscripted-unfiltered/
Check out CU Unplugged, an unscripted, participant-powered gathering designed to foster unfiltered conversation on the topics participants deem most critical. Open to all credit union leaders, but the group will be kept intentionally small for maximum impact. Join us March 30 – April 2 at Visa's Market Support Center in San Francisco: Visit https://www.cu-unplugged.com/ to learn more and register. Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday February 18 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
John and Glen connect with Defense Credit Union Council CEO Tony Hernandez to discuss CU Unplugged, the interactive credit union "un-conference" debuting in late March in San Francisco. Also, Glen surveys the chaos and mixed messaging stemming from the proposed 10% cap on credit card interest. Links related to this episode:
- CU Unplugged, March 30 – April 2 at Visa's Market Support Center in San Francisco: https://www.cu-unplugged.com/
- The Defense Credit Union Council: https://www.dcuc.org/
- Last week's 2026 Predictions episode: https://www.big-fintech.com/2026-do-markets-still-hate-uncertainty/
- Financial Health Network CEO Jennifer Tescher's analysis of the proposed 10% credit card interest rate cap: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7416861629826482176/
- Marketplace's coverage of the cap's likely impact, including an interview with Bankrate: https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/01/12/trumps-credit-cap-would-dramatically-cut-lending
- Another "explainer," this one with an MIT finance professor: https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2026/01/21/trump-cap-credit-card-interest-debt
- Bilt's announcement of a credit card complying with the proposed cap: https://apnews.com/article/bilt-credit-card-interest-rate-cap-trump-1ffb0ffca260445858443beb3ac08eb2
Join us for our first CU Town Hall of 2026- Wednesday January 21 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. This session will tackle 2026 predictions in interactive form, covering additional ground including breaking news .The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
The BIGCast Gang ventures into the highly turbulent waters of 2026 fintech and credit union predictions- assessing the bright and dark sides of AI, vibe coding, the outlook for mergers, interest rates and of course, Bitcoin. Glen throws in a Rob Reiner/Stephen King reference for good measure. Links related to this episode:
- John Janclaes/The CEO Corner: https://theceocorner.com/
- Anne Legg/Thrive Strategic Services: https://www.anneleggthrive.com/
- Lou Grilli via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lougrilli/
- Money 20/20's "Who the F Knows?" predictions: https://www.money2020.com/content/predictions
- Plaid's 2026 Predictions: https://plaid.com/events/fintech-predictions-2026-watch-now/
- December's episode grading our 2025 predictions and marking off the BIGGo cards: https://www.big-fintech.com/calling-bingo-in-a-crazy-year/
Join us for our first CU Town Hall of 2026- Wednesday January 21 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. This session will tackle 2026 predictions in interactive form, covering additional ground including breaking news since this podcast was recorded. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
The BIGCast Gang convenes for its annual roundup of the biggest stories impacting credit unions and fintechs (zero points awarded for guessing #1 on the list). Some Q1 headlines seem like ancient history, while others are gifts that just keep on giving. Bitcoin delivered its usual wild ride- but in 2025 it had plenty of company. Links related to this episode:
- John Janclaes/ The CEO Corner: https://theceocorner.com/
- Anne Legg/ Thrive Strategic Services: https://www.anneleggthrive.com/
- Lou Grilli via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lougrilli/
- The AI Index John referenced: https://evidentinsights.com/ai-index/
The BIGCast is taking a two-week holiday break; check in for new content on Tuesday January 13. Until then, check out our archives at https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/?c=bigcast for hundreds of past episodes. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
We have a winner! John and Glen sort through the squares of our 2025 Bingo (or BIG-Go) cards to assess the "gimme" events, items that occurred but differently than expected, and a few things that didn't wind up happening… yet. Links related to this episode:
- Our February blog explaining the BIG-Go game: https://www.big-fintech.com/did-you-have-that-one-on-your-bingo-card/
- PayPal/Venmo's merchant relationship with Taco Bell: https://newsroom.paypal-corp.com/2025-06-25-Taco-Bell-Introduces-PayPal-and-Venmo-as-New-in-App-Payment-Options-with-Exclusive-20-Cash-back-Summer-Offer
- FedNow transaction volumes- which have already tripled over 2024: https://www.frbservices.org/resources/financial-services/fednow/quarterly-volume-value-stats
- The merger of not-quite $10 Billion credit unions: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/04/23/largest-credit-unions-minnesota-colorado-wings-ent-merger-plan
Join us for our final CU Town Hall of 2025- Wednesday December 17 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. In this session we'll recap 2025's major events and tally up our Bingo Card predictions. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen puts a bow on the 2025 conference calendar, wrapping up interviews with SAP Fioneer Global Head of Payments Carlos Figueredo and banking lifer/Association for Cannabis Banking co-founder Michael Beird. Also- constructive yet cautious takes on AI from a multitude of perspectives. Links related to this episode: Fintech Talents: https://www.fintechtalents.com/events/ftt-financial-services-futures/ SAP Fioneer: https://www.sapfioneer.com/ Carlos Figueredo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-figueredo-ba7a745/ Michael Beird's LinkedIn profile and Cannabis Banking playbook: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beird/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394276265 The Association for Cannabis Banking: https://the-acb.org/ Join us for our final CU Town Hall of 2025- Wednesday December 17 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. In this session we'll recap 2025's major events and tally up our Bingo Card predictions. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Continuing our holiday tradition, John and Glen welcome regular contributors Anne Legg and Lou Grilli to share thoughts on the happenings that made them grateful (Fintech and credit union-wise) over the past year. Includes takes on the GENIUS Act, shutdown relief, and the Napster Age of AI. Links related to this episode: Thrive Strategic Services- Where Anne Legg Creates More Awesome: https://www.anneleggthrive.com/ Lou Grilli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lougrilli/ Chip Filson's "Just a Member" blog: https://chipfilson.com/ Arnall Golden Gregory's take on the proposed Visa/Mastercard settlement: https://www.agg.com/news-insights/publications/settled-for-certain-the-latest-proposed-settlement-in-the-visa-and-mastercard-mdl-litigation-and-its-likely-effect-on-surcharging/ LAST CALL for our BIG-Go Card: https://bingobaker.com/#67a12342928998c6 Join us for our final CU Town Hall of 2025- Wednesday December 17 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Part 2 of our VentureTech coverage features Glen's interviews with founders of all three finalists from the main stage event: Matt Dicou of Reset, Cary Fortin of Goodbuy and Jordan Mackler of ScribeUp. Also- Chase pushes forward with its "pay for data" model.
Links related to this episode:
Reset: https://www.getreset.co/
Goodbuy: https://www.trygoodbuy.com/
ScribeUp: https://www.scribeup.io
Last week's episode featuring Aries Fraud Solutions, KeySavvy and Remynt: https://www.big-fintech.com/launching-from-obscurity-venturing-into-the-mainstream/
VentureTech: https://myventuretech.com/
CNBC's take on JPMorgan Chase's traction in charging for open banking data: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/14/jpmorgan-chase-fintech-fees.html
William Mills' annual Financial Trade Show/Conference Directory: https://info.williammills.com/financial-trade-show-conference-directory-2026
Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday November 19 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
In our first wave of VentureTech coverage Glen speaks with a trio of co-founders, from Launch Party winners Aries Fraud Solutions (unveiling its Obscurity Card) and main stage standouts KeySavvy and Remynt. Also- skepticism meets déjà vu on the proposed Visa/Mastercard settlement. Links related to this episode: Aries Fraud Solutions: https://www.ariesfraudsolutions.com/ KeySavvy: https://www.keysavvy.com/ Remynt: https://getremynt.com/ VentureTech: https://myventuretech.com/ Reuters' take on the proposed Visa/Mastercard merchant settlement: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/visa-mastercard-reach-revised-swipe-fee-settlement-with-merchants-2025-11-10/ Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday November 19 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen boils down the prevailing themes from this year's Money 20/20 conference, upping the ante via interviews with a pair of compelling startups (Eloquent AI and RentFlow) and Paze's update on securing identity through the digital wallet. Also- Fiserv shakes investors to the core, and open banking continues to ruffle feathers. Links related to this episode: Eloquent AI: https://www.eloquentai.co/ RentFlow: https://www.therentflow.com/ Paze: https://www.paze.com/ A credit union-specific take on Fiserv's stock meltdown: https://chipfilson.com/2025/10/a-surprise-for-1254-credit-unions-heads-up-for-everyone-else/ Western Union's stablecoin play: https://ir.westernunion.com/news/archived-press-releases/press-release-details/2025/Western-Union-Announces-USDPT-Stablecoin-on-Solana-and-Digital-Asset-Network/default.aspx PayPal and Google Cloud's agentic AI gambit: https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/financial-services/introducing-an-agentic-commerce-solution-for-merchants-from-paypal-and-google-cloud Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday November 19 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
John and Glen tackle the key takeaways from recent market headlines: Open Ai's commercial relationship with Walmart, the temporary "de-pegging" of so-called stablecoin Ethena (USDe), and the warning flare it sets off for broader stablecoin adoption. Plus- Zelle goes global, and people still have a lot to say about Section 1033. Links related to this episode: The Open AI/Walmart partnership: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/14/walmart-openai-chatgpt-shopping.html The Crypto Times' coverage of USDe's brief "depeg" incident: https://www.cryptotimes.io/2025/10/13/ethena-founder-clarifies-usde-stablecoin-depeg-incident-on-binance/ Zelle's move into stablecoin and cross-border payments: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zelle-goes-international-early-warning-expands-1t-payments-network-with-stablecoin-initiative-302593440.html Payments Dive's article on the deluge of Section 1033 comments: https://www.paymentsdive.com/news/cfpb-open-banking-comments-stripe-jpmorgan-mastercard-aba-fta-eta/803570/ FedNow's Q3 transaction and volume data: https://www.frbservices.org/resources/financial-services/fednow/quarterly-volume-value-stats RTP's Q3 transaction and volume data: https://www.theclearinghouse.org/payment-systems/rtp Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday November 19 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with the Financial Health Network's Andrew Warren about takeaways from the newly minted Financial Health Pulse Trends report, including the persistent challenges in maintaining gains in financial stability. Also- the latest real-time payments data begs new questions, and Glen eats crow on Nvidia. Links related to this episode: The Financial Health Network's 2025 US Pulse Trends report: https://finhealthnetwork.org/research/financial-health-pulse-2025-u-s-trends-report/ The Financial Health Network's EMERGE 2026 conference, May 19-21 in Atlanta: https://finhealthnetwork.org/event/emerge-financial-health-2026/ FedNow's Q3 transaction and volume data: https://www.frbservices.org/resources/financial-services/fednow/quarterly-volume-value-stats RTP's Q3 transaction and volume data: https://www.theclearinghouse.org/payment-systems/rtp VentureTech in Frisco, Texas November 3-5; A FEW SCHOLARSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE FOR CUs UNDER $250M: : https://myventuretech.com/ The Underground Collision at Money 20/20 (Saturday Oct 25, separate admission): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-underground-collision-of-contrasts-with-money2020-tickets-1280066426139?aff=oddtdtcreator USE PROMO CODE "50BIGFIN" FOR A 50% DISCOUNT Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday November 19 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
The Smart Money in Vegas Glen connects with Money 20/20 CEO Tracey Davies to discuss what to expect from this year's extravaganza following a year of remarkable disruption and advancement. Also- a not-so-genius stablecoin wake-up call, and why "digital gold" may be a more accurate descriptor for Bitcoin than intended. Links related to this episode: Money 20/20, October 26-29 in Las Vegas: https://us.money2020.com/ CB Insights on the Money 20/20 Award finalists: https://www.cbinsights.com/reports/CB-Insights_Money2020-Finalist-Spotlight-2025.pdf The Underground Collision at Money 20/20 (Saturday Oct 25, separate admission): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-underground-collision-of-contrasts-with-money2020-tickets-1280066426139?aff=oddtdtcreator USE PROMO CODE "50BIGFIN" FOR A 50% DISCOUNT Glen's 2023 blog encapsulating Money 20/20's eras in t-shirts: https://www.big-fintech.com/the-history-of-money-20-20-in-three-t-shirts/ CNN on last Friday's crypto hiccup: https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/13/business/crypto-bitcoin-price-drop-trump-tariffs Live Bitcoin News on USDe's murky status: https://www.livebitcoinnews.com/crypto-news-ethenas-usde-is-not-a-stablecoin-okx-founder-says/
Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday October 15 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. Quantum computing will be among the topics discussed this session, but expect some stablecoin talk as well. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
https://www.big-fintech.com/the-great-wealth-transfer-great-inheritance-drain/John and Glen speak with Defense Credit Union Council CEO Tony Hernandez about his organization’s rapidly increasing visibility and how the armed forces’ impact on the credit union movement extends well beyond the expected nameplates. Also- the shutdown creates new complexities for earned wage access, Bitcoin breaks the $125K barrier, and plenty of bingo card calls. Links related to this episode: The Defense Credit Union Council (including government shutdown resources): https://www.dcuc.org/ The CU Daily’s recent interview with DCUC CEO Tony Hernandez: https://thecudaily.com/the-defense-cu-council-goes-on-the-offense-echoes-a-page-from-cu-history/ Create your own 2025 BIGGo card: https://bingobaker.com/#67a12342928998c6 Our recent interview with earned wage access provider Veep Software (among other startups): https://www.big-fintech.com/the-great-wealth-transfer-great-inheritance-drain/ Our April blog about the Executive Order “eliminating” government paper checks: https://www.big-fintech.com/executive-order-to-eliminate-checks-isnt-worth-the-paper-its-printed-on/ BCG’s 2025 Global Payments Report: https://www.bcg.com/publications/2025/global-payments-transformation-amid-instability McKinsey’s 2025 Global Payments Report: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/global-payments-report Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday October 15 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. Quantum computing will be among the topics discussed this session, given HSBC’s announced financial services breakthrough. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Sports metaphors run deep this week, as Nick Evens and Jenny Jackson preview this year’s VentureTech, the annual fintech showcase (and pickleball showdown). Not to be outdone, Early Warning’s Paze digital wallet dials up its marketing efforts with a key NBA partnership. Plus- The Curql Fund does a 360, and HSBC brings real-world application of quantum computing into focus. Links related to this episode: VentureTech: https://myventuretech.com/ The Atlanta Hawks/Paze partnership: https://www.nba.com/hawks/paze Paze: https://www.paze.com/ Three-minute video on HSBC’s quantum computing bond trading breakthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SWMoGqTHoo HSBC/IBM press release on the algorithmic trading first: https://www.hsbc.com/news-and-views/news/media-releases/2025/hsbc-demonstrates-worlds-first-known-quantum-enabled-algorithmic-trading-with-ibm BIG’s Innovation Club: https://www.big-fintech.com/innovation-club/ Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday October 15 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. Quantum computing will likely be among the topics discussed this session, but other breaking industry news is sure to enter the chat. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Our second wave of FinovateFall coverage includes interviews with the founders of Gentreo and Wysh- two young firms aiming to preserve member deposits across life cycles- as well as Veep Software, which delivers early wage access alongside financial education through the FI channel. Also- Glen reveals his Best of Show ballot, and touches on the startling plot twists with Plaid, Chase and open banking (spoilers entirely warranted). Links related to this episode: Wysh: https://www.wysh.com/ Gentreo: https://www.gentreo.com/ Veep Software: https://veepsoftware.io/ Veep’s post-interview announcement of its partnership with financial education content provider nudge: https://www.financialcontent.com/article/getnews-2025-9-17-veep-launches-ewa-20-and-announces-first-global-partnership-with-nudge Videos of all 63 FinovateFall demos: https://finovate.com//videos/?filtertype=&showtypes=FinovateFall&videostartyear=2025&showletters=A-Z FinovareFall’s Best of Show Winners: https://finovate.com/finovatefall-2025-best-of-show-winners-announced/ Alex Johnson’s Fintech Take on the Prisoner’s Dilemma aspect of JPMC, Plaid, and open banking: https://fintechtakes.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Key takeaways from last week’s Finovate Fall conference, including interviews with the founders of Best of Show winners Casap and Vertice AI. Also- Glen’s recap of the full Best of Show slate, and thoughts on what the 63 demo firehose tells us about today’s state of fintech. Links related to this episode: Casap’s case study with MidSouth Community FCU: https://www.casaphq.com/articles/how-midsouth-cut-fraud-loss-in-half-with-casap Vertice AI: https://verticeanalytics.ai/ Finovate Fall’s full demo roster: https://informaconnect.com/finovatefall/finovate-fintech-demo-days/ Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday September 17 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. This session we’ll be doing a deep dive on AI’s impact on financial fraud. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
John and Glen share perspectives on credit unions’ potential stablecoin play, a new reason to explore digital wallets, and the need for speed in the innovation arena- revisiting the “rapid response” model of our recent live Town Hall event. Also- more IPO mayhem and how weather patterns could impact loan portfolios. Links related to this episode:
Replay of the CU Town Hall recorded live at America’s Credit Unions’ Strategic Growth Conference: https://www.big-fintech.com/cu-town-hall-episode-138-live-at-acus-strategic-growth-conference/ CNBC’s initial reporting on Klarna’s pending IPO: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/02/klarna-ipo-in-us-to-raise-up-to-1point27-billion-in.html UPDATE: Klarna is slated to debut on the NYSE Wednesday 9/10: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/economy/klarna-prices-ipo-above-range-at-40-the-stock-starts-trading-wednesday/ar-AA1MdubF Another update since our recording: Gemini has raised its IPO target: https://money.usnews.com/investing/news/articles/2025-09-09/gemini-lifts-ipo-price-range-targets-3-billion-valuation-amid-crypto-boom Learn more about BIG’s Innovation Club and request a guest pass for our in-person meeting September 23-25 (link at bottom of page): https://www.big-fintech.com/innovation-club/ Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday September 17 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen connects with the founders of three early stage startups- Lulo, PromptWrx and Thryft Ship- who pitched for the $25,000 Innovation Challenge prize at Fintech South last week, each addressing a quite different pain point. Also- Visa gives up on US open banking, Wyoming (kind of) launches the first state-issued stablecoin, and our own audience vote for best startup. Links related to this episode: Click here to vote for your favorite of the three Innovation Challenge Finalists.
Lulo: https://www.hellolulo.com/
PromptWrx: https://promptwrx.com/
Thryft Ship: https://thryftship.com/
Reuters on Visa’s shuttering of its US open banking unit: https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/visa-closes-us-open-banking-unit-data-fight-heats-up-source-says-2025-08-22/ CoinTelegraph’s reporting on Wyoming’s stablecoin launch: https://cointelegraph.com/news/wyoming-frnt-stablecoin-visa-support-7-blockchains Fintech Business Weekly’s assessment of Wyoming’s FRNT stablecoin: https://fintechbusinessweekly.substack.com/p/who-is-wyomings-stablecoin-for Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday September 17 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen catches up with Lou Grilli for a first-hand recap of the recent World Credit Union Conference in Stockholm, Sweden, and to trade perspectives on a flurry of recent fintech news: open banking, stablecoin interest/”rewards,” debit interchange and another Zelle lawsuit. Also- a new leader at America’s Credit Unions, and have we entered the Era of the Do-Over? Links related to this episode: The World Council of Credit Unions: https://www.woccu.org/ Connect with Lou Grilli on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lougrilli/ CU Broadcast’s interview with America’s Credit Unions’ incoming CEO Scott Simpson: https://www.cubroadcast.com/episodes/4022-scott-simpson-discusses-being-selected-as-americas-credit-unions-new-presidentceo Payments Dive on the court ruling altering debit card regulations: https://www.paymentsdive.com/news/federal-judge-vacates-debit-fee-card-payments-regulations/757108/ PYMNTS.com on yet another twist in the CFPB Open Banking saga: https://www.pymnts.com/news/cfpb/2025/banks-challenge-open-banking-deadlines-cfpb-mulls-revisions/ Fintechs, crypto, AI players band together to press President Trump on open banking: www.ftassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Open-Banking-CEO-Letter-to-President-Trump_08.13.25-1.pdf Cracks in stablecoin “regulatory clarity” created by the GENIUS Act are already emerging: https://cointelegraph.com/news/us-bankers-want-stablecoin-yield-loophole-closed Banking groups’ letter appealing for a revision of GENIUS Act provisions: www.aba.com/-/media/documents/letters-to-congress-and-regulators/jointstateltrgenius20250812.pdf CNBC on the NY Attorney General’s lawsuit against Zelle: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/13/new-york-letitia-james-zelle-lawsuit.html Our recent interview with Finovate’s Greg Palmer: https://www.big-fintech.com/448-minutes-of-fintech-demos-475-fis/ Use Code BIG20 for a 20% registration discount on Finovate Fall, September 8-10 in NYC: https://informaconnect.com/finovatefall/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen gets the lowdown from Finovate’s Greg Palmer on what to expect at September’s New York City demo-fest, including a dedicated credit union track. Also- unanswered questions in the President’s de-banking Executive Order, and a showdown regarding BNPL’s role in credit reporting. Links related to this episode: Finovate Fall, September 8-10 in NYC: https://informaconnect.com/finovatefall/ Use Code BIG20 for a 20% registration discount Fox Business’ take on the sudden twist in BNPL credit reporting: https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/some-buy-now-pay-later-lenders-holding-back-customer-payment-data-from-credit-bureaus The President’s Executive Order (EO) on “de-banking”: https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/08/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-guarantees-fair-banking-for-all-americans/ The Cato Institute’s critique of the debanking EO: https://www.cato.org/blog/breaking-down-trumps-debanking-executive-order The National Law Review adds its two cents: https://natlawreview.com/article/trump-executive-order-attacks-de-banking-practices A special time for our next CU Town Hall: Mark your calendars for our next Town Hall session- Monday, August 18 at 3:30pm ET/12:30pm PT- streaming live from America’s Credit Unions’ Strategic Growth Conference. It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required. Visit https://www.cutownhall.com/ to request an invitation. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen connects with Early Warning’s Chief Partnerships Officer Eric Hoffman about the latest progress of Paze’s digital wallet, and Payfinia GM Keith Riddle on his firm’s deal to bring Paze to credit unions. Also- yet another twist in the open banking road, and hints of momentum for de novo institutions. Links related to this episode: Paze: https://www.paze.com/ Payfinia: https://tyfone.com/payfinia/ Our interview with Paze’s Head of Operations Catherine Murchie at Money 20/20 last October: https://www.big-fintech.com/onboarding-and-offboarding-at-money-20-20/ Planet Money’s episode on Fortuna Bank’s de novo journey: https://www.npr.org/2025/03/07/1236538076/new-bank-startup-regulations-entrepreneur Our recent conversation with the CU De Novo Collective’s Denise Wymore: https://www.big-fintech.com/starting-simple-small-and-with-purpose/ Payments Dive on the CFPB’s plan to “substantially rework” its Open Banking rule: https://www.paymentsdive.com/news/open-banking-consumer-financial-protection-bureau-financial-payments-data-fintechs-Trump/756212/ Fintech Business Weekly on Chase’s plan to charge for open banking data: https://fintechbusinessweekly.substack.com/p/chase-strikes-first-with-open-banking Fintech South August 19-20 in Atlanta: https://www.fintechsouth.com/ USE CODE BIGCAST25 FOR A REGISTRATION DISCOUNT A special time for our next CU Town Hall: Mark your calendars for our next Town Hall session- Monday, August 18 at 3:30pm ET/12:30pm PT- streaming live from America’s Credit Unions’ Strategic Growth Conference. It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required. Visit https://www.cutownhall.com/ to request an invitation. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen connects with TTV Capital Partner Sean Banks and Technology Association of Georgia CEO Larry Williams to unpack the state of fintech venture capital investment, Georgia’s role in the global ecosystem and the upcoming Fintech South conference. Also, Illuma Founder/CEO Milind Borkar responds to Sam Altman’s warning flare than voice authentication has been “defeated.” Links related to this episode: TTV Capital: https://ttvcapital.com/ Fintech South, August 19-20 in Atlanta; Use code BIGCast25 for a registration discount: https://www.fintechsouth.com/ Illuma’s response to Sam Altman’s statement that AI has “defeated” voice authentication: https://illuma.cx/article/ai-growing-threat-to-digital-channels/ Axios’ coverage of Altman’s comments at a Federal Reserve event: https://www.axios.com/2025/07/22/openai-chatgpt-sam-altman-ai-fraud Our 2025 Fintech Predictions BIGgo Card: https://bingobaker.com/#67a12342928998c6 Glen’s recent blog on Real Time/Same Day payment volumes midway through 2025: https://www.big-fintech.com/real-time-payments-rapid-ascent-continues-with-some-odd-footnotes/
A special time for our next CU Town Hall: Mark your calendars for our next Town Hall session- Monday, August 18 at 3:30pm ET/12:30pm PT- streaming live from America’s Credit Unions’ Strategic Growth Conference with a special fast-paced format. It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required. Visit https://www.cutownhall.com/ to request an invitation.
Join us on Bluesky! @bigfintech.bsky.social; @154advisors.bsky.social (Glen); @jbfintech.bsky.social (John)
And connect on LinkedIn for insights like the Friday Fintech Five: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
As we await the next Fed Open Market Committee readout, Glen speaks with CD Valet’s Mary Grace Roske about deposit rate trends that aren’t as straightforward as one might expect. Also- stablecoins are officially GENIUS, CBDCs are still the Antichrist, and the big money keeps flowing into real time payments. Links related to this episode: CD Valet: https://www.cdvalet.com/ Glen’s blog assessing the midyear state of RTP, FedNow and Same Day ACH: https://www.big-fintech.com/real-time-payments-rapid-ascent-continues-with-some-odd-footnotes/ Ledger Insights’ take on the Anti-CBDC Surveillance Act: https://www.ledgerinsights.com/anti-cbdc-surveillance-act-shouldnt-prevent-wholesale-cbdc-tokenized-reserves/ Our data-rich January interview with Bancography: https://www.big-fintech.com/without-data-its-all-just-vibes/ Finovate, September 8-10 in NYC: https://informaconnect.com/finovatefall/
Check out https://www.bigmerger.ai/ for details on how BIG has turbocharged its 20 years of credit union M&A experience with an AI-assisted framework that delivers successful conversions with remarkable speed, full data privacy and zero member downtime. Read about how BIG enabled the UCCU/TransWest core system merger in just 5 months.
Join us on Bluesky! @bigfintech.bsky.social; @154advisors.bsky.social (Glen); @jbfintech.bsky.social (John) And connect on LinkedIn for insights like the Friday Fintech Five: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen unpacks key provisions of the recent US tax/spending bill with help from his expert friends: the Defense Credit Union Council’s Jason Stverak on $1,000 newborn accounts, and credit union lifer Lou Grilli on the “no tax on tips” details. Also- has Big Tech determined that regulation isn’t so bad after all? Links related to this episode: The DCUC’s call for the US Treasury to include credit unions in the newborn account rollout: https://www.dcuc.org/news/dcuc-to-treasury-include-credit-unions-in-trump-accounts-rollout-for-newborns Bloomberg’s coverage of JPM Chase’s plan to charge for open banking data: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-11/jpmorgan-tells-fintechs-they-have-to-pay-up-for-customer-data?embedded-checkout=true The Wall Street Journal on tech firms’ desire for federal AI regulation, and why it’s unlikely by 2026: https://www.wsj.com/articles/after-setback-tech-firms-renew-push-for-federal-ai-regulation-cc2b26d5 Labor/Employment law firm Littler’s take on the “No Tax on Tips” provision: https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/asap/what-employers-need-know-about-no-tax-tips-and-no-tax-overtime Today’s newborns are tomorrow’s youth bankers; for more on that topic, check out our recent CU Town Hall featuring Marcell King, CEO of Incent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GkfKtp26Xw The Defense Credit Union Council: https://www.dcuc.org/ World Credit Union Conference: https://www.woccu.org/#trendingnow Check out https://www.bigmerger.ai/ for details on how BIG has turbocharged its 20 years of credit union M&A experience with an AI-assisted framework that delivers successful conversions with remarkable speed, full data privacy and zero member downtime. Read about how BIG enabled the UCCU/TransWest core system merger in just 5 months.
Join us on Bluesky! @bigfintech.bsky.social; @154advisors.bsky.social (Glen); @jbfintech.bsky.social (John) And connect on LinkedIn for insights like the Friday Fintech Five: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with the CU De Novo Collective’s Denise Wymore about the grassroots groundswell of interest in starting new credit unions, overcoming the challenges of progressing from concept to market, and why a voice for CU creation is needed to counter a one-way trend. Also- Fiserv’s stablecoin play, The FTA’s attempt to preserve open banking, and how AI regulation became a budget issue. Links related to this episode: The CU De Novo Collective: https://www.cudenovocollective.org/ The University of North Carolina’s student-led credit union initiative: https://www.dailytarheel.com/article/2025/06/university-student-credit-union George Washington University’s initiative: https://gwucui.com/ America’s Credit Union Museum: https://www.acumuseum.org/ (check the Herstory exhibit) Finovate’s take on Fiserv launching a “bank-friendly stablecoin”: https://finovate.com/fiserv-launches-stablecoin-for-banks/ The Bank Policy Institute/Fintech Association Open Banking standoff: https://thecudaily.com/fintechs-tell-court-banks-want-to-thwart-open-banking-to-stop-competition/ Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday July 9 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. For this session we’ll be focusing on youth banking and how CUs can appeal to the next generation of members. The CU Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Join us on Bluesky! @bigfintech.bsky.social; @154advisors.bsky.social (Glen); @jbfintech.bsky.social (John) And connect on LinkedIn for insights like the Friday Fintech Five: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen chats with the Atlanta Fed’s Claire Greene about the latest Diary and Survey of Consumer Payment Choice and the messy realities of dealing with real world data. Also- next steps in the stablecoin saga and…Fintech’s answer to GameStop? Links related to this episode:
- The Atlanta Fed’s Survey and Diary of Consumer Payment Choice: https://www.atlantafed.org/banking-and-payments/consumer-payments/survey-and-diary-of-consumer-payment-choice/2024-survey-and-diary
- The Fed’s 2024 SHED Survey: www.federalreserve.gov/publications/files/2024-report-economic-well-being-us-households-202505.pdf
- The FDIC’s 2023 Survey of Un/Underbanked Households: https://www.fdic.gov/household-survey/2023-fdic-national-survey-unbanked-and-underbanked-households-report
- Our recent episode on consumer data gathered by the Georgia Fintech Academy: https://www.big-fintech.com/are-younger-generations-branching-out/
- Glen’s Genius Act/Stablecoin blog: https://www.big-fintech.com/a-stroke-of-genius-regulation-comes-full-circle/
- Arnold Porter’s take on the Genius and Stable Acts: https://www.arnoldporter.com/en/perspectives/advisories/2025/06/incoming-stablecoin-legislation-stable-and-genius-acts
- JPMorgan Chase’s close stablecoin cousin, the tokenized deposit: https://www.bankingdive.com/news/jpmorgan-chase-to-launch-deposit-token/751083/
- The Atlanta Fed’s newblog analyzing potential impacts of retiring the penny: www.atlantafed.org/blogs/macroblog/2025/06/23/penny-dilemma
Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday July 9 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. For this session we’ll be focusing on youth banking and the need to appeal to the next generation. The CU Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Join us on Bluesky! @bigfintech.bsky.social; @154advisors.bsky.social (Glen); @jbfintech.bsky.social (John) And connect on LinkedIn for insights like the Friday Fintech Five: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
John and Glen ruminate on a pair of major events reshuffling the fintech world- The Circle IPO’s impact on venture funding, and the Big Beautiful Bill’s unorthodox approach to throttling AI regulation. Also- John gets “spun out on quantum,” and admits a surprising change of heart regarding his outlook for AI. Links related to this episode: Glen’s blog on the Circle and Chime IPOs: https://www.big-fintech.com/what-the-chime-and-circle-ipos-mean-for-fintech-investment/ The Senate alters the House budget provision curtailing states’ ability to regulate AI: https://rollcall.com/2025/06/05/ai-regulation-moratorium-dropped-in-senate-budget-package/ Axios’ story about AI’s newfound ability to blackmail: https://www.axios.com/2025/05/23/anthropic-ai-deception-risk CNBC’s take on the Genius Act: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/13/what-the-genius-act-could-mean-for-crypto-and-other-investors.html TechCrunch’s recap of Chime’s circuitous path to a successful IPO: https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/12/chime-almost-died-in-2016-turned-down-by-100-vcs-today-it-ipod-at-14-5b/ Pitchbook’s take on the inevitability of Chime’s “down round” IPO: https://pitchbook.com/news/articles/chimes-ipo-signals-down-rounds-are-here-to-stay Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday July 9 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. Industry developments keep coming fast and furious- the CU Town Hall is the place to make sense of these items together. It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Join us on Bluesky! @bigfintech.bsky.social; @154advisors.bsky.social (Glen); @jbfintech.bsky.social (John) And connect on LinkedIn for insights like the Friday Fintech Five: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with Georgia State University Finance Professor Jonathan Godbey about new student-led consumer research that yields some unexpected findings about Gen Z banking attitudes. Plus- Circle’s IPO is roundly celebrated, Illinois kicks the interchange can down the road, and the AI Easter Egg hiding in the Big Beautiful Bill. Links related to this episode:
- The Georgia Fintech Academy: https://georgiafintechacademy.org/
- The Technology Association of Georgia’s Fintech Ecosystem Report: https://www.tagonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2025-Fintech-Ecosystem-Report.pdf
- Fintech South- in Atlanta August 19-20: https://www.fintechsouth.com/
- Contact Georgia State Finance Professor Jonathan Godbey at jgodbey@gsu.edu
- Payments Dive’s coverage of Illinois’ Interchange Fee Prohibition Act extension: https://www.paymentsdive.com/news/illinois-legislature-delays-interchange-fee-ban-law/749526/
- Circle’s IPO: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/circle-stock-surges-15-extends-gains-for-third-day-in-a-row-since-blockbuster-ipo-153657180.html
- The Senate alters the House budget provision curtailing states’ ability to regulate AI: https://rollcall.com/2025/06/05/ai-regulation-moratorium-dropped-in-senate-budget-package/ Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday June 11 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. Industry developments keep coming fast and furious- the CU Town Hall is the place to make sense of these items together. It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Join us on Bluesky! @bigfintech.bsky.social @154advisors.bsky.social (Glen) @jbfintech.bsky.social (John) And connect on LinkedIn for insights like the Friday Fintech Five: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with Edelman Smithfield’s Deidre Campbell to explore her firm’s new Financial Services Trust Barometer and the (mostly) positive signs for banks and credit unions. Also- the latest Gen AI fiasco has a familiar ring, Illinois’ unworkable interchange law moves bizarrely close to reality, and why the CFPB’s withdrawal of its open banking rule isn’t necessarily cause for celebration. Links related to this episode: The 2025 Edelman Financial Services Trust Barometer: https://www.edelmansmithfield.com/trust/2025/trust-barometer/report-financial-sector Our February conversation with Deidre on global trust overall: https://www.big-fintech.com/scams-grievances-and-the-enduring-value-of-trust/ The Chicago Sun-Times’ mea culpa for printing invented book titles: https://chicago.suntimes.com/press-room/2025/05/20/chicago-sun-times-response-to-may-18-special-section Our May 2023 “Package Delivery Blues” episode exposing some familiar AI shortcomings: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3njgklKC8n2fehQrjj9s6U si=Uhhi0sSVR1q2qBOLjj_Hmg&nd=1&dlsi=00114d6259894dfa CU Broadcast’s recent coverage of the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act with the Illinois Credit Union League (NOTE- On May 31 the Illinois General Assembly postponed implementation of the IFPA for a year, until July 1, 2026): https://www.cubroadcast.com/episodes/3983-how-illinois-interchange-fee-prohibition-act-could-affect-entire-financial-services-industry Coverage of the CFPB’s decision to pull its Section 1033 (Open Banking) rule: https://www.consumerfinancemonitor.com/2025/05/28/cfpb-will-kill-section-1033-open-banking-rule/ Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday June 11 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. Industry developments keep coming fast and furious- the CU Town Hall is the place to make sense of these items together. It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Join us on Bluesky! @bigfintech.bsky.social; @154advisors.bsky.social (Glen); @jbfintech.bsky.social (John) And connect on LinkedIn for insights like the Friday Fintech Five: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Recapping this month’s Finovate Spring event, Glen connects with Steven Ramirez (Beyond the Arc) and Elias Kruger (Long Range AI) to compare notes on the standouts and key takeaways- such as agentic AI- from San Diego. Also- Coinbase packs a year’s news into a single week, and Nevada looks to enter the payments fray. Links related to this episode: Finovate Spring demo videos: https://finovate.com//videos/?filtertype=&showtypes=FinovateSpring&videostartyear=2025&showletters=A-Z Beyond the Arc: https://beyondthearc.com/blog/category/fintech Long Range AI Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekruger1/ Our 2023 interview with Crissi Cole of Penny Finance: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7tFFHhmaXPlPO2TbjobAEw Glen’s blog on Coinbase’s wild week: https://www.big-fintech.com/a-tale-of-two-coinbases/ Payments Dive’s coverage of Nevada’s proposed legislation to create “Payments Banks”: https://www.paymentsdive.com/news/nevada-bill-would-charter-new-payment-banks-retailers-swipe-fees/748041/ Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday May 21 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. This session will feature a crowdsourcing of takeaways from spring’s credit union/ fintech conference season. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Join us on Bluesky! @bigfintech.bsky.social @154advisors.bsky.social (Glen) @jbfintech.bsky.social (John) And connect on LinkedIn for insights like the Friday Fintech Five: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/ Thank you to our friends at William Mills Agency for providing this week's featured image. *Image source: William Mills Agency
Glen connects with Paylume’s Andrew Gomez to unpack the burgeoning pay by bank model, explore lessons learned from other countries’ rollouts, and consider the pros and cons facing banks and credit unions. Also- a possible open banking do-over, more stadium naming rights, and resisting the urge to spike the ball before the goal line. Links related to this episode: Andrew Gomez/Paylume: https://www.linkedin.com/in/r-andrew-gomez/ Nacha’s Remote Connect, June 6-9: https://payments.nacha.org/remote-connect Part One of our Nacha Payments conference coverage: https://www.big-fintech.com/getting-direct-about-ach/ CU Daily’s coverage of a positive sign for CUs’ tax exemption: https://thecudaily.com/in-victory-for-credit-unions-cu-tax-exemption-not-targeted-in-committees-bill The recent CU Town Hall on which we debated implications of the tax exemption: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Bloomberg Law’s coverage of potential Open Banking (Section 1033) reconsideration: https://news.bloomberglaw.com/banking-law/cfpb-plans-to-revisit-open-banking-rule-despite-workforce-cuts BECU’s partnership with the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, one of several recent naming rights deals: https://storm.wnba.com/news/storm-announce-becu-as-partner-for-performance-center
Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday May 21 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. This session will feature a round robin on the countless recent regulatory twists and turns. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Join us on Bluesky! @bigfintech.bsky.social; @154advisors.bsky.social (Glen); @jbfintech.bsky.social (John) And connect on LinkedIn for insights like the Friday Fintech Five: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
A pair of conversations from last week’s Smarter Faster Payments conference- Glen’s annual check-in with Nacha CEO Jane Larimer, and PASA CEO Ghita Erling shares insights on modernizing South Africa’s payment system through collaboration rather than mandate. Also- AI shopping agents, Uber discovers paper, and the vultures circle around checks. Links related to this episode: Nacha: www.nacha.org Payments Association of South Africa: https://pasa.org.za/ Glen’s blog on 2024 Faster Payments volumes: https://www.big-fintech.com/zelle-hits-a-trillion-same-day-ach-says-hold-my-beer/ TechCrunch on Visa and Mastercard’s new AI shopping agents: https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/30/visa-and-mastercard-unveil-ai-powered-shopping/ Payments Dive on Uber’s expanding acceptance of cash: https://www.paymentsdive.com/news/uber-expands-test-with-an-exotic-payment-cash/746464/ Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday May 7 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. This session will feature a round robin on the countless recent regulatory twists and turns. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Join us on Bluesky! @bigfintech.bsky.social; @154advisors.bsky.social (Glen); @jbfintech.bsky.social (John) And connect on LinkedIn for insights like the Friday Fintech Five: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Continuing our NACUSO Reimagine coverage, Glen speaks with Silvur founder Rhian Horgan about the “social journey of retirement” and how credit unions can play to their strengths in transitioning their biggest borrowers into their biggest depositors. Also- more of John’s conversation with cybersecurity expert Emma Zaballos about DeepSeek’s rise and the broader operational concerns around AI. Links related to this episode: Silvur: https://www.silvur.com/ CyCognito: www.cycognito.com/ NACUSO: https://www.nacuso.org/ Our first batch of NACUSO coverage featuring interviews with Next Big Idea winner GoodBuy and CUSO law leader Brian Lauer: https://www.big-fintech.com/big-ideas-cut-through-the-chaos/ Part 1 of John’s interview with CyCognito’s Emma Zaballos: https://www.big-fintech.com/deepseek-bytedance-and-the-ai-arms-race/ Honey, I Shrunk the NCUA Board (not a laughing matter): https://www.big-fintech.com/honey-i-shrunk-the-ncua-board/ Former NCUA Board Chair Todd Harper’s recent LinkedIn post on his firing: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/toddmharper_creditunions-activity-7320942790429786114-Igzi The CU Daily’s story on Americans still misunderstanding credit card debt: www.thecudaily.com/3399-2/
Join us on Bluesky! @bigfintech.bsky.social; @154advisors.bsky.social (Glen); @jbfintech.bsky.social (John) And connect on LinkedIn for insights like the Friday Fintech Five: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Live from NACUSO’s Reimagine conference Glen speaks with the co-founders of Next Big Idea competition winner Goodbuy, Cara Oppenheimer and Cary Fortin. CUSO lawyer Brian Lauer shares his insights on the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, and then as if on cue the tectonic plates shift…. Links related to this episode: Goodbuy: https://www.trygoodbuy.com/ Messick, Lauer & Smith: https://www.cusolaw.com/ NACUSO: https://www.nacuso.org/ Our recent interview with Next Big Idea runner up Scamnetic: https://www.big-fintech.com/scams-grievances-and-the-enduring-value-of-trust/ The CU Daily’s ongoing coverage of the NCUA board upheaval: https://thecudaily.com/white-house-reportedly-fires-two-democrats-on-ncua-board/ Glen’s reflections on the NCUA commotion: https://www.big-fintech.com/honey-i-shrunk-the-ncua-board/ The NCUA’s memo claiming it can function with a single board member: https://ncua.gov/newsroom/press-release/2025/ncua-releases-staff-message-current-ncua-board Former NCUA Board Chair Dennis Dollar’s perspective from a similar 2001 situation: https://www.cutoday.info/site/Fresh-Today/Single-Member-NCUA-Board-Not-Unprecedented-Chairman-Has-Authority-To-Act-As-The-Board-Says-Former-NCUA-Chairman
Join us on Bluesky! @bigfintech.bsky.social; @154advisors.bsky.social (Glen); @jbfintech.bsky.social (John) And connect on LinkedIn for insights like the Friday Fintech Five: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
In this week’s episode of the BIGcast, host John Best sits down with Emma Zaballos, cybersecurity expert and Product Marketing Manager at CyCognito, to unpack one of the biggest surprises in generative AI: the emergence of China's DeepSeek. Emma and John dive deep (pun intended) into the implications of DeepSeek’s rise, the broader cybersecurity concerns around AI, and what it all means for credit unions and financial institutions navigating the AI landscape. Links related to this episode: CyCognito: https://www.cycognito.com/ Wiz Research Uncovers Exposed DeepSeek Database Leaking: https://www.wiz.io/blog/wiz-research-uncovers-exposed-deepseek-database-leak Security Scorecard’s blog A Deep Peek at DeepSeek: https://securityscorecard.com/blog/a-deep-peek-at-deepseek/ Join us for the next CU Town Hall meeting on Wednesday 7th, at 12pm PT/3pm ET for your regular dose of lively interactive discussion and best practice sharing on the hottest topics impacting credit unions nationwide. We look forward to seeing you! The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Join us on Bluesky! @bigfintech.bsky.social; @154advisors.bsky.social (Glen); @jbfintech.bsky.social (John) And connect on LinkedIn for insights like the Friday Fintech Five: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with Nacha’s Stephanie Prebish and Devon Marsh about the upcoming Smarter Faster Payments conference in New Orleans, as well as Same Day ACH’s remarkable sustained growth and the rising tide that lifts all riverboats. Also- First reflections on Americas Credit Unions’ leadership change, and… No Tariff Talk! Links related to this episode: Smarter, Faster Payments in New Orleans April 27-30: https://payments.nacha.org/ Year-End 2024 ACH growth stats: https://www.nacha.org/news/same-day-ach-passes-major-milestone-2024-ach-network-shows-higher-growth The CU Daily’s coverage of Americas Credit Unions’ CEO Jim Nussle’s plan to retire: https://thecudaily.com/americas-credit-unions-ceo-jim-nussle-announces-plans-to-retire/ Glen’s blog on the recent Executive Order phasing out paper checks to/from the federal government: https://www.big-fintech.com/executive-order-to-eliminate-checks-isnt-worth-the-paper-its-printed-on/ Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday April 9 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. This session will focus on the FDIC’s recent move to relax restrictions on banks’ crypto activities. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Join us on Bluesky! @bigfintech.bsky.social; @154advisors.bsky.social (Glen); @jbfintech.bsky.social (John) And connect on LinkedIn for insights like the Friday Fintech Five: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with Frank Diekmann, Founder and Publisher of the newly minted The CU Daily, about his latest venture and the need for “hard news” reporting in the credit union space. Also- a ray of light for CDFIs, grandstanding against paper checks, and splitting hairs on CBDCs. Links related to this episode: The CU Daily: https://thecudaily.com/ The CU Daily’s article on Treasury’s CDFI response: https://thecudaily.com/facing-budget-axe-from-wh-exec-order-treasury-says-cdfi-programs-should-remain/ Last week’s discussion with Jason Stverak on tax status and CDFIs: https://www.big-fintech.com/defending-and-debunking-credit-unions-tax-status/ Trump’s Executive Order supposedly eliminating paper checks from/to the Federal Government: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/modernizing-payments-to-and-from-americas-bank-account/ Reuters on World Liberty Financials proposed USD1 Stablecoin: https://www.reuters.com/technology/trumps-world-liberty-financial-crypto-venture-says-it-will-launch-stablecoin-2025-03-25/ Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday April 9 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Join us on Bluesky! @bigfintech.bsky.social; @154advisors.bsky.social (Glen); @jbfintech.bsky.social (John) And connect on LinkedIn for insights like the Friday Fintech Five: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen connects with the Defense Credit Union Council’s Jason Stverak to discuss the dual threats- not-for-profit tax treatment and CDFI designation- facing the industry, and the bizarre misrepresentations surrounding each. Also- Klarna’s IPO parade, and an acclaimed entry in the Credit Union Film Festival. Links related to this episode: The Defense Credit Union Council: https://www.dcuc.org/ Jason’s CU Insight article on the tax issue: https://www.cuinsight.com/banks-tax-hypocrisy-will-hurt-main-street-not-credit-unions/ CU Strategic Planning President Stacey Augustine’s article on CDFIs: https://thecudaily.com/cdfis-the-impact-is-obvious/ Don’t Tax My Credit Union website: https://www.donttaxmycreditunion.org/#take-action This month’s GAC interview with Americas Credit Unions’ Economic Team: https://www.big-fintech.com/a-taxing-week-in-washington/ “The Barber of Little Rock”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1amOPUn49aM Fintech Business Weekly’s coverage of Klarna’s IPO filing: https://fintechbusinessweekly.substack.com/p/klarna-files-ipo-paperwork-puts-pr Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday March 26 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. This session will feature cyber defense evangelist Roger Grimes on quantum computing and his latest book about combating social engineering/phishing. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Join us on Bluesky! @bigfintech.bsky.social @154advisors.bsky.social (Glen) @jbfintech.bsky.social (John) And connect on LinkedIn for insights like the Friday Fintech Five: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Our second wave of interviews from the recent Governmental Affairs Conference features Glen’s interviews with company founders Paul Fiore (CU WealthNext) and Kian Sarrashteh (InvestiFi), plus Candescent’s new Chief Product Officer Gareth Gaston on digital banking lessons to be gleaned from fields like travel.
Links related to this episode:
Candescent: https://www.candescent.com/
CU WealthNext: https://cuwealthnext.com/
InvestiFi: https://investifi.co/
Last week’s GAC interview with Americas Credit Unions’ Economic Team: https://www.big-fintech.com/a-taxing-week-in-washington/
Glen’s latest blog on The Existential Threat:
Glen’s CUBroadcast interview with Mike Lawson about industry predictions and Bingo cards: https://www.cubroadcast.com/episodes/gac25-154-advisors-glen-sarvady-talk-regs-tech-and-bingo-cards
Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday March 26 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The site also features replays of past meetings- most recently discussing the urgent matter of CU tax status. he Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Join us on Bluesky! @bigfintech.bsky.social; @154advisors.bsky.social (Glen); @jbfintech.bsky.social (John)
And connect on LinkedIn for insights like the Friday Fintech Five:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen recaps an action-packed Government Affairs Conference, featuring our annual interview with America’s Credit Unions’ Economics Team on the coming year’s outlook. An “existential threat” to the industry’s income tax exemption headlined a packed agenda, but the CFPB, NCUA and interchange legislation were also on the menu- not to mention tariff whiplash and market uncertainty.
Links related to this episode:
America’s Credit Unions’ Monthly Economic Updates: https://www.americascreditunions.org/data-tools/economic-data-bank-comparisons/economic-update-video-archive
The Don’t Tax My Credit Union Advocacy/Resource page: https://www.donttaxmycreditunion.org/
CrossState CUA’s explanation of why credit unions offer better rates: https://www.crossstate.org/about/communications/blog/why-do-credit-unions-have-better-rates/
Glen’s blog covering the GAC’s key takeaways:
Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday March 12 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. This session will focus on a discussion of key takeaways from the Governmental Affairs Conference. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Signing up for the Town Hall also earns you a card for our Bingo game tracking 2025 industry predictions. Find out more here: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=did-you-have-that-one-on-your-bingo-card
Join us on Bluesky! @bigfintech.bsky.social @154advisors.bsky.social (Glen) @jbfintech.bsky.social (John)
And connect on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen quizzes John about his initiative leveraging social media app BlueSky’s open source architecture to create a moderated, inclusive platform for credit union dialogue and experimentation. Also- threading the needle at the Governmental Affairs Conference.
Links related to this episode:
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/notifications
Our Bluesky accounts to follow: @bigfintech.bsky.social @154advisors.bsky.social (Glen) @jbfintech.bsky.social (John)
The AT Protocol used by BlueSky: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AT_Protocol
Glen’s blog on official 2024 volumes for RTP, FedNow and Same Day ACH: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=zelle-hits-a-trillion-same-day-ach-says-hold-my-beer
Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday March 12 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. This session will focus on the key takeaways from the Governmental Affairs Conference. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Signing up for the Town Hall also earns you a card for our Bingo game tracking 2025 industry predictions. Find out more here: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=did-you-have-that-one-on-your-bingo-card
Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with DePaul University professor and financial innovation expert Lamont Black about his recent work on a blockchain-based secondary loan market to unlock credit union liquidity and reduce costs. Also- Chase tries to keep Zelle in the “friends and family,” and 2024 payment stats beg the question “how fast is fast enough?” Links related to this episode: Wide Open Ventures: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wideopenventures/posts/ The Filene Research Institute’s report on Loan NFT (Executive Summary): https://www.filene.org/reports/introducing-loannft-a-blockchain-solution-for-the-secondary-loan-market Lamont Black: https://lamontblack.com/ Glen’s blog on official 2024 volumes for RTP, FedNow and Same Day ACH: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=zelle-hits-a-trillion-same-day-ach-says-hold-my-beer Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday February 26 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. This week we’ll be "pre-gaming" for GAC- even if you won't be attending the largest annual credit union conference, we'll crowdsource the burning issues you're most interested in and serve as your onsite "eyes and ears" for these topics. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Signing up for the Town Hall also earns you a card for our Bingo game tracking 2025 industry predictions. Find out more here: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=did-you-have-that-one-on-your-bingo-card
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Glen shares a pair of interviews from last week’s Deluxe Exchange conference- Scamnetic co-founder Al Pascual on a startup’s mission to preempt fraud earlier in the pipeline, and Deidre Campbell on a few financial services silver linings amid troubling data from the annual Edelman Trust Barometer. Also- Bingo cards and the CFPB carousel. Links related to this episode: Edelman Trust Barometer: https://www.edelman.com/trust/2025/trust-barometer Our previous conversation about Edelman’s Trust Barometer: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=retaining-member-trust-amid-the-decline-of-authority Scamnetic: https://scamnetic.com/ Scamnetic’s Fall 2024 Finovate demo: https://finovate.com/videos/finovatefall-2024-scamnetic/ Scamnetic: YouTube overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y__BrHsi1Jc Deluxe: https://www.deluxe.com/ Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday February 26 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. Industry developments keep coming fast and furious- the CU Town Hall is the place to make sense of these items together. It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Signing up for the Town Hall also earns you a card for our Bingo game tracking 2025 industry predictions. Find out more here: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=did-you-have-that-one-on-your-bingo-card
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with NACUSO’s Interim CEO- and serial CUSO founder- Miriam Ackerman about plans for the group’s Reimagine conference this April in Las Vegas, including a juiced up Next Big Idea competition. Also- a quick summary of the busiest credit union news week in recent memory. Links related to this episode: NACUSO’s Reimagine Conference, April 14-17 in Las Vegas: https://www.reimaginenacuso.com/ The Next Big Idea competition: https://www.reimaginenacuso.com/next-big-idea-competition Bernie Sanders’ press release about the new Senate Bill capping credit card interest rates at 10 percent: https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-hawley-introduce-bill-capping-credit-card-interest-rates-at-10/ CU Today’s reporting on the latest twist in Illinois interchange legislation: https://www.cutoday.info/THE-boost/Federal-Judge-Expands-Injunction-Against-Illinois-Interchange-Law-To-Out-Of-State-Banks-Denies-Credit-Unions-Request CU Times’ reporting on USAID-related layoffs at the World Council of Credit Unions: https://www.cutimes.com/2025/02/07/woccu-let-go-over-half-of-its-employees-due-to-usaid-freeze/ Former FDIC Chair Sheila Bair’s Washington Post op-ed calling for the elimination of credit unions’ tax exemption: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/02/03/credit-unions-tax-subsidies-bair/ Glen’s blog on 2025’s credit union Bingo card: Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday February 12 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. Industry developments keep coming fast and furious- the CU Town Hall is the place to make sense of these items together. It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Find us on BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors
You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
John and Glen (mostly John) sort through the details of the still-evolving DeepSeek story. They assess how much of the freakout is warranted (is it “a Sputnik moment”?) and propose a scenario in which it may actually represent a plus for credit unions. Also- yet another twist in the Illinois interchange saga. Links related to this episode: Digital Transactions’ coverage of a proposed bill to undo the Illinois interchange law: https://www.digitaltransactions.net/opponents-of-the-illinois-interchange-law-hedge-their-bets-with-legislation-to-repeal-it/ The NY Times Hard Fork podcast’s DeepSeek dissection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk2aPfBJsKc The Economist’s oddly prescient article on Chinese AI, published days before the DeepSeek disclosure: https://www.economist.com/briefing/2025/01/23/chinas-ai-industry-has-almost-caught-up-with-americas A dissenting view (unveiled after our recording) claims DeepSeek actually spent more and used more Nvidia chips than initially claimed: https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/artificial-intelligence/deepseek-might-not-be-as-disruptive-as-claimed-firm-reportedly-has-50-000-nvidia-gpus-and-spent-usd1-6-billion-on-buildouts Wired documents DeepSeek’s security shortcomings: https://www.wired.com/story/deepseeks-ai-jailbreak-prompt-injection-attacks/ Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday February 12 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. Industry developments keep coming fast and furious- the CU Town Hall is the place to make sense of these items together. It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Find us on BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors
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John and Glen connect with noted security expert Roger Grimes to untangle the recent developments in quantum computing and discuss why Roger believes the big encryption-obliterating breakthrough will come sooner rather than later - if it hasn’t already. Links related to this episode: Roger’s recent LinkedIn post on why a 2035 Quantum prep date is “insane”: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/i-think-2035-post-quantum-preparation-date-insane-roger-grimes-yotee/ KnowBe4: https://www.knowbe4.com/ Roger’s book “Cryptography Apocalypse”: https://www.amazon.com/Cryptography-Apocalypse-Preparing-Quantum-Computing-ebook/dp/B07Z837R86/ Roger’s latest release, “Fighting Phishing”: https://www.amazon.com/Fighting-Phishing-Everything-Social-Engineering-ebook/dp/B0CSX1JC9B/ Join us for our next CU Town Hall - Wednesday January 29 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. Industry developments keep coming fast and furious- how many of us had China’s DeepSeek AI bombshell on their Bingo card? The CU Town Hall is the place to make sense of these items together. It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Find us on BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors
You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with BankSocial COO and former credit union CEO Becky Reed about what credit unions should expect from “the most crypto-friendly administration in US history,” including regulatory clarity and a symbiotic relationship between crypto and AI. Plus- notes from the DC Crypto Ball, and a very busy Bingo card. Links related to this episode: BankSocial: https://www.banksocial.io/ BRaaSConsulting: https://www.braasconsulting.com/ Our “Bingo Card” predictions episode: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=2025-predictions-a-bingo-card-for-the-ages Reuters’ report on crypto’s pre-inaugural DC gala: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/with-cocktails-snoop-dogg-crypto-industry-celebrates-trump-inauguration-2025-01-18/ Circle’s CEO’s expectations for Executive Orders: https://www.reuters.com/technology/circle-ceo-expects-imminent-us-executive-orders-widen-crypto-2025-01-20/ The current stablecoin dashboard: https://coinmarketcap.com/view/stablecoin/ Comparing stablecoin volumes to Visa: https://en.cryptonomist.ch/2024/04/30/the-traded-volume-of-stablecoins-tether-usdt-usdc-and-dai-exceeds-the-monthly-average-of-visa-in-2023/ Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday January 29 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Bingo card of scenarios keeps getting more complicated- let’s make sense of it together. It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Find us on BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors
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May you live in interesting times…. John and Glen join with Anne Legg and John Janclaes to speculate on the big events poised to frame the coming year. Our panel foresees the best of times and worst of times for AI, a flurry of mergers, breakthroughs in mortgage lending, and regulatory roulette. Oh, and our annual disagreement on Bitcoin and crypto. Links related to this episode: Thrive Strategic Services: https://www.anneleggthrive.com/ Nymbus CUSO: https://nymbus.com/cuso/ Our same panel’s recap of 2024’s biggest credit union/fintech stories: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=well-that-just-happened Glen’s blog recap of 2024’s top stories: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=recapping-2024s-biggest-credit-unionfintech-stories And our 2024 predictions from last January: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=chatting-and-generating-2024s-fintech-predictions-hopefully-intelligently Here’s a safe 2025 prediction- You won’t regret joining the Innovation Club, an ideal way to stretch your credit union’s limited R&D dollars and stay on top of the latest technology trends. Find out if your CU qualifies: https://www.big-fintech.com/Innovation-Club/Technology Find us on BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen kicks off the 2025 BIGCast season with Bancography President Steve Reider and a deep dive into branch dynamics. We all know the number of branches is declining but a close look at the data reveals several intriguing subplots (psst… it’s not the credit unions downsizing). Plus the return of BIGCast movie reviews! Links related to this episode: Bancography: https://bancography.com/ Bancography’s Best of Show winning Finovate demo: https://finovate.com/videos/finovatefall-2024-bancography/ The Bancology research journal- see in particular articles in Volumes 79, 80, 84, 85: https://bancography.com/bancology/ Wallace & Gromit’s AI takedown (sort of): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wallace_%26_Gromit:_Vengeance_Most_Fowl The original Bank of Dave: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/bank_of_dave Our Summer 2023 review of the original Bank of Dave: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=loyal-but-open-to-persuasion Here’s a great 2025 Resolution- Join the Innovation Club, an ideal way to stretch your credit union’s limited R&D dollars and stay on top of the latest technology trends. Find out if your CU qualifies: https://www.big-fintech.com/Innovation-Club/Technology Find us on BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Our esteemed panel (Anne Legg of Thrive Strategic Services, John Janclaes of Nymbus CUSO, Glen Sarvady of 154 Advisors) join John Best to opine on the biggest stories impacting credit unions and fintech in 2025- Mergers and Fraudsters and AI, oh my! Links related to this episode: THRIVE Strategic Services: https://www.anneleggthrive.com/ Nymbus CUSO: https://www.nymbus.com/cuso/ The language translator earbuds John Janclaes discussed (NOTE: John says this is NOT an endorsement as he has not tested them yet): https://www.amazon.com/Language-Translator-Real-time-Translation-Bluetooth/dp/B0CFQWQL86/?th=1 CU Today’s coverage of the ransomware attack on Patelco Credit Union: https://www.cutoday.info/Fresh-Today/Number-Of-People-Impacted-By-Patelco-Breach-Tops-1-Million CU Times’ coverage: https://www.cutimes.com/2024/11/05/patelco-loses-39-million-during-last-summers-hack/ The NY Times podcast John Best mentioned re: Chinese hackers and the US phone network: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/12/podcasts/the-daily/china-hack-america-phone-network.html Our recent Thanksgiving episode, where the same panel shares what they’re grateful for in the credit union/fintech world: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=a-credit-unionfintech-thanksgiving Here’s a great 2025 Resolution- Join the Innovation Club, an ideal way to stretch your CU’s limited R&D dollars and stay on top of the latest technology trends. Find out if your CU qualifies: https://www.big-fintech.com/Innovation-Club/Technology Find us on BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen connects with Payfinia CUSO General Manager Keith Riddle and Star One Credit Union’s EVP of Operations Minal Gupta about the newly minted CUSO aiming to streamline CUs’ provision of instant payment services. Also, newly released FedNow data- plus reporting from the more mature RTP network- reveals some unexpected twists. Links related to this episode: Payfinia: https://tyfone.com/payfinia/ (or contact Keith Riddle: keith.riddle@tyfone.com) Star One Credit Union: https://www.starone.org/ FedNow volume statistics through September 2024: https://www.frbservices.org/resources/financial-services/fednow/quarterly-volume-value-stats Glen’s 2023 article featuring Minal Gupta/Star One (as well as other early FedNow Adopters) in Credit Union Magazine: https://media.americascreditunions.org/articles/123351-real-time-relevance Join us for our final CU Town Hall of 2024- Wednesday December 11 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing CUs today. It’s free to attend (credit union employees might even win a door prize!), but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Find us on BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Insightful conversations with three founders whose startups stood out at VentureTech: Joe Gracia of Pitch Competition winner Nickels/CardFit, Blesson Abraham of Aviary AI and Danial Jameel of Saris AI. Also, the Kelce brothers and Joe Montana unexpectedly find their way into the discussion. Links related to this episode: CardFit, the new offering from Nickels: https://nickels.us/acquire Saris AI: https://www.saris.ai/ Aviary AI: https://www.helloaviary.ai/ Our previous VentureTech episode, featuring interviews with Ribbon and Wysh: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=good-ideas-good-investments Glen’s blog recapping VentureTech highlights: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=going-deep-hitting-the-gaps-at-venturetech VentureTech: https://myventuretech.com/ Join us for our final CU Town Hall of 2024- Wednesday December 11 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing CUs today. It’s free to attend (credit union employees might even win a door prize!), but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Find us on BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Continuing our annual tradition, John and Glen glide through a fintech wonderland with Anne Legg (Thrive Strategic Services) and John Janclaes (Nymbus CUSO), sharing thoughts on things they’re thankful for across our collaborative community- from the expected (AI, the innovative spirit) to the counter-intuitive (fraud levels, fintech funding). Links related to this episode: THRIVE Strategic Services: https://www.anneleggthrive.com/ Nymbus CUSO: https://www.nymbus.com/cuso/ BIG’s Innovation Club: https://www.big-fintech.com/Innovation-Club/Technology Open AI’s Sam Altman discusses the prospects for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) in 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXCBz_8hM9w After our podcast discussion of real time payments, the Fed issued its first data on FedNow volumes: https://www.frbservices.org/resources/financial-services/fednow/quarterly-volume-value-stats Join us for the next CU Town Hall on Wednesday December 11 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing CUs today. It’s free to attend (credit union employees might even win a door prize!), but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Find us on X at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Freshly back from the VentureTech conference, Glen shares interviews with Launch Party winner Ribbon and main event standout Wysh- plus plenty of key takeaways from investors, regulators, entrepreneurs and their prospective credit union partners. Links related to this episode: Ribbon: https://www.trustribbon.com/ Wysh: https://www.wysh.com/ VentureTech: https://myventuretech.com/ Our recent interview with Further/Union Credit: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=digging-further-at-finovatefall Glen’s blog on Money 20/20 key takeaways: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=money-2020-takeaways-gen-ai-open-data-and-a-cloud-of-dust Join us for the next CU Town Hall on Wednesday November 20 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing CUs today. In this session we'll explore likely impacts for credit unions and fintechs from the recent election outcome, including shifts in the regulatory environment. It’s free to attend (credit union employees might even win a door prize!), but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Find us on X at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Round 2 of our Money 20/20 highlights includes Glen’s interviews with a trio of founders- Andre Vellozo of DrumWave and Brittany Kaiser of the Own Your Data Foundation about a model allowing consumers to control and monetize the data they generate, and Eli Wachs of Footprint about combating fraud by whitelisting the good guys. Also- Bitcoin blows up and Cap One/Discover makes a comeback. Links related to this episode: Footprint: https://onefootprint.com/ DrumWave: https://drumwave.com/ Glen’s blog on Money 20/20 key takeaways: Part 1 of our Money 20/20 coverage, including interviews with Paze and Eisen: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=onboarding-and-offboarding-at-money-2020 McKinsey’s Digital Payments Survey: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/banking-matters/state-of-consumer-digital-payments-in-2024 “The Great Hack” documentary, featuring whistleblower Brittany Kaiser (now of DrumWave): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX8GxLP1FHo The Innovation Club, curated by John Best of BIG: https://www.big-fintech.com/Innovation-Club/Technology Join us for the next CU Town Hall on Wednesday November 20 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing CUs today. It’s free to attend (credit union employees might even win a door prize!), but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Find us on X at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors
You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen’s annual Money20/20 highlights include a detailed update from Paze’s Head of Operations Catherine Murchie, a conversation with Allen Osgood, the founder of featured startup Eisen, and first-person reflections on CFPB Director Rohit Chopra’s unscripted comments regarding the agency’s personal data rights rule. Links related to this episode: Paze: https://www.paze.com/ Eisen: https://www.witheisen.com/ Eisen’s FinovateFall demo: https://finovate.com/videos/finovatefall-2024-eisen/ Money 20/20’s own highlights reel: https://us.money2020.com/experience/highlights Glen’s blog on the CFPB’s Section 1033 final rule: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=the-cfpbs-personal-data-rights-rule-exhale-but-dont-get-comfortable Our CU Town Halls are taking a brief break during this busy season, but will be back to brighten your Wednesday afternoons soon! In the meantime, check out our Fraud-a-Palooza session: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=cu-town-hall-episode-124-fraud-a-palooza
Find us on X at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors
You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with the founders of Starlight and Credit Mountain, two award-winning startups with a goal of smoothing the turbulent patches of consumers’ financial journeys. Also- a first look at the CFPB’s 594-page magnum opus on personal data rights. Links related to this episode: Starlight: https://www.get-starlight.com/ Credit Mountain: https://www.creditmountain.co/ Glen’s blog on the CFPB’s personal data rights rule: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=the-cfpbs-personal-data-rights-rule-exhale-but-dont-get-comfortable For masochists only, the CFPB’s full 594-page final rule in all its glory: https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_personal-financial-data-rights-final-rule_2024-10.pdf CU Today’s coverage from the day the final rule was announced: https://www.cutoday.info/site/THE-feature/CFPB-Finalizes-Open-Banking-Rule Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with Jessica Heuer and Carrie Stapp about Velera’s recent Psychology of Payments study and strategies for engaging various segments of card users. Also- Durbin and Putin attempt workarounds, and Fiserv wades into uncharted waters. Links related to this episode: Velera’s Psychology of Payments report: https://www.pscu.com/insights/white-papers/the-psychology-of-payments Velera’s website: https://www.velera.com/ The Economist’s story on Russia’s proposed “BRICs Bridge” payment system: https://www.economist.com/international/2024/10/20/putins-plan-to-defeat-the-dollar Payments Dive’s coverage of Fiserv’s special purpose banking charter: https://www.paymentsdive.com/news/fiserv-georgia-special-banking-charter-payments-processing-merchants/728933/ Arnall Golden Gregory’s take on Fiserv’s charter: https://www.agg.com/news-insights/publications/fiservs-georgia-malpb-charter-implications-for-the-payments-industry/ CU Today on the CCCA potentially being tucked into hurricane relief legislation: https://www.cutimes.com/2024/10/18/credit-card-competition-act-may-be-included-in-disaster-relief-bill Join us for Fraud-a-Palooza! Wednesday October 23 at 3pm ET/Noon PT The next CU Town Hall, a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today, will focus on a fraud environment that John Best calls the worst he’s seen. It’s free to attend (credit union employees might even win a door prize), but registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Contribute info to our fraud survey: https://forms.monday.com/forms/d76e9b3df9f4f42cec6c16d74b581be2?r=use1 Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen checks in with Money 20/20 President Tracey Davies for a preview of the upcoming four-day Las Vegas extravaganza. Also- a slew of updates on Illinois’ interchange fiasco, a countdown to the CFPB’s open banking rule, and a desperate attempt to tie 1990s funky divas to 2024 payment headlines. Links related to this episode: Money 20/20 USA, October 27-30 in Las Vegas: https://www.money2020.com/ Last week’s CU Town Hall- featuring insights from the Illinois Credit Union League’s Tom Kane- on the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=cu-town-hall-episode-123 Glen’s blog on the IFPA: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=battle-lines-being-drawn-on-illinois-interchange The OCC’s amicus brief to the IFPA: https://bankingjournal.aba.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/OCC-Amicus-Brief-IFPA.pdf The OCC’s amicus brief to the IFPA: https://restaurant.org/getmedia/d5f460e3-3cb6-4d77-9e82-2bf4ae3dc972/2024-10-04-Exhibit-A-to-Corrected-Unooposed-Mtn-of-RLC-IRA-RLC.pdf Glen’s History of Money 20/20 in three t-shirts: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=the-history-of-money-2020-in-three-t-shirts Join us for the next CU Town Hall on Wednesday October 23 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing CUs today. For this session John Best will lead Fraud-a-Palooza! It’s free to attend (credit union employees might even win a door prize!), but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ And contribute info to our fraud survey here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/d76e9b3df9f4f42cec6c16d74b581be2?r=use1 Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors
You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with key players at TruStage Ventures’ Fintech Summit: Discovery Fund Managing Director Elizabeth McCluskey on the state of early stage investing, founder Gwyneth Borden on Remynt’s journey to startup funding, and Maxwell’s co-founder John Paasonen on addressing the housing affordability gap. Also, surprising battle lines forming in the Illinois interchange showdown. Links related to this episode: TruStage Ventures: https://www.trustage.com/ventures/portfolio TruStage Discovery Fund: https://www.trustage.com/ventures/discovery-fund Maxwell: https://himaxwell.com/ Remynt: https://getremynt.com/ Glen’s update on the Illinois’ Interchange Fee Prohibition Act: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=a-state-of-confusion-interchange-battles-move-closer-to-home Our 2022 interviews with Money 20/20 America’s Got Access winners Dennis Cail (Zirtue) and Gwyneth Borden (Remynt): https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=americas-got-access-vegas-has-crowds Finovate’s demo archive: https://finovate.com/videos Join us for the next CU Town Hall on Wednesday October 9 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing CUs today. This session will focus on the latest developments in Illinois interchange legislation, and why it’s a national issue. It’s free to attend (credit union employees might even win a door prize!), but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
John and Glen explore the machinations of the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act, the potential impacts that extend well beyond Illinois, and how it could alter prospects for the Capital One/Discover merger. Also- initial thoughts on the DOJ’s antitrust suit against Visa’s debit business, and a gratuitous swipe at Ticketmaster. Links related to this episode: Glen’s blog on the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=a-state-of-confusion-interchange-battles-move-closer-to-home Our August interview with the Illinois Credit Union League on the topic: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=ill-communication-on-illinois-interchange The ICUL’s press release explaining the recently filed lawsuit: https://www.icul.com/news/icul-news/bank-and-credit-union-groups-join-forces-to-challenge-new-illinois-law-restricting-interchange-fees/ Thoughts on the Capital One/Discover merger from back in February: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=the-capital-onediscover-deal-a-test-of-typical-battle-lines-and-a-credit-union-angle AP News’ reporting on the DOJ’s antitrust lawsuit against Visa: https://apnews.com/article/visa-antitrust-justice-department-debit-card-fees Payments Dive’s take on Visa’s partner agreements that may have spurred DOJ action: https://www.paymentsdive.com/news/visa-debit-credit-card-network-stymied-fintech-payments-competition/728033/ Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors
You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Part 2 of our Finovate recap features interviews with three more standouts- Further, MoneyKit and Telesign- from an impressive batch of demoing companies. Plus- Glen reveals his Best of Show ballot, and serial entrepreneurs extend their winning streaks. Links related to this episode: MoneyKit: https://moneykit.com/ Further: https://gofurther.app/ Telesign: https://www.telesign.com/ Telesign’s Trust Index: https://www.telesign.com/continuous-trust-authority/trust-index Last week’s episode featuring interviews with Finovate standouts CardLift and Quavo: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=the-best-things-i-saw-at-finovatefall Our interview with Deidre Campbell on the Edelman Trust Barometer: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=retaining-member-trust-amid-the-decline-of-authority Glen’s blog on his key takeaways from FinovateFall: FinovateFall: https://informaconnect.com/finovatefall/ Best of Show winners: https://finovate.com/finovatefall-2024-best-of-show-winners-announced/ Replay of our recent CU Town Hall on what constitutes a Primary Financial Institution (and whether it matters): https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=cu-town-hall-episode-122-primary-financial-institutions Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors
You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with two of his favorite fintechs he saw at the recently completed and highly engaging FinovateFall conference: Best of Show winner CardLift and fraud/dispute management platform Quavo. Also- an overview of the eight Best of Show winners, the inevitable artificial intelligence parade, and a pronounced shift in favor of credit unions. Links related to this episode: CardLift: https://withcardlift.com/ Quavo: https://www.quavo.com/ Illuma: https://illuma.cx/ FinovateFall: https://informaconnect.com/finovatefall/ Our recent interview with Finovate’s Greg Palmer: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=big-startup-energy Best of Show winners: https://finovate.com/finovatefall-2024-best-of-show-winners-announced/ Join us for the next CU Town Hall on Wednesday September 18 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing CUs today. This session will focus on whether the notion of a Primary Financial Institution is myth or reality. It’s free to attend (credit union employees might even win a door prize!), but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors
You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with Managing Director Deidre Campbell about the Edelman Trust Barometer and its insights on consumer attitudes, with impact for financial institutions and beyond. We then detour into regenerative farming as Fintech South Innovation Challenge winner Alex Edquist discusses how her startup Good Agriculture empowers small farms. Also- banking’s version of the Tide Pod Challenge? Links related to this episode: The Edelman Trust Barometer: https://www.edelmansmithfield.com/2024-edelman-trust-barometer/supplemental-report-insights-financial-services Trust at Work: https://www.edelman.com/trust/2024/trust-barometer/special-report-trust-at-work Good Agriculture: https://goodagriculture.com/ Fintech South: https://www.fintechsouth.com/ Hypepotamus’ overview of the ten Innovation Challenge participants: https://hypepotamus.com/companies/b2b/meet-the-10-semifinalist-startups-for-the-fintech-south-innovation-challenge/ The Chase ATM TikTok fiasco (a/k/a Check Fraud): https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/03/business/chase-tiktok-trend/index.html Consolidation of the Virginia Credit Union League and League of Southeastern Credit Unions: https://www.vacul.org/news/lscu-and-vacul-announce-intent-to-consolidate Join us for the next CU Town Hall on Wednesday September 18 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing CUs today. This session will focus on whether the notion of a Primary Financial Institution is myth or reality. It’s free to attend (credit union employees might even win a door prize!), but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
John and Glen riff on the role Bitcoin is suddenly playing in the presidential election, and the thorny issue of how the US government should “manage” its crypto holdings. Also- assessing the prospects beyond the bluster for productive crypto legislation, and the bizarre backstory of HODL. Links related to this episode: In his own words, Mark Cuban’s take on Donald Trump’s crypto conversion: https://x.com/mcuban/status/1813591281970348264 The House’s approved crypto bill (the ball’s in your court, Senate): https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2024/05/22/us-house-approves-crypto-fit21-bill-with-wave-of-democratic-support/ Analysis of Bitcoin’s mid-August price decline coinciding with movement of government holdings: https://www.fxempire.com/forecasts/article/bitcoin-price-prediction-btc-down-as-u-s-govt-transfers-btc-worth-600m-1454167 Coindesk’s take on the same: https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2024/08/14/nearly-600m-of-silk-road-bitcoin-hits-coinbase-prime-but-not-necessarily-to-sell/ The history of HODL: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/h/hodl.asp Join us for the next CU Town Hall on Wednesday September 11 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing CUs today. It’s free to attend (credit union employees might even win a door prize!), but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
The Illinois Credit Union League’s Tom Kane and Ashley Sharp go deep on the turmoil surrounding Illinois’ problematic new interchange law and the steps being taken to course correct. Also- Sam Altman’s Worldcoin moves fast and scans (personal) things, and…Backpedaling as a Service (BaaS)? Links related to this episode: Our continuing coverage of Illinois’ Interchange Fee Prohibition Act: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=a-state-of-confusion-interchange-battles-move-closer-to-home The ICUL’s press release explaining the recently filed lawsuit: https://www.icul.com/news/icul-news/bank-and-credit-union-groups-join-forces-to-challenge-new-illinois-law-restricting-interchange-fees/ The “Guard Your Card” website: https://guardyourcard.com/illinois/ The Chicago Tribune’s editorial opposing the Illinois law: https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/06/03/editorial-retailers-credit-cards-interchange-pritzker-springfield/ The Wall Street Journal’s front page article on Sam Altman’s Worldcoin/retinal scanning efforts: https://www.wsj.com/tech/sam-altman-openai-humanness-iris-scanning-4d0e1dab Join us for the next CU Town Hall on Wednesday August 28 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing CUs today. It’s free to attend (you might even win a door prize!), but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen chats with Finovate’s Greg Palmer about the state of fintech investment and startup momentum in anticipation of September’s Finovate NYC event. Also- soft landings, long bike rides, $2.5 billion bets and honest borrowers. Links related to this episode: Finovate Fall in NYC September 9-11: https://informaconnect.com/finovatefall/ Use code BIG20 for a 20% discount off registration TruStage’s Discovery 2024 conference replay: https://trustage.registration.goldcast.io/events/414b601e-9185-426f-9877-6405088473e5 Lamont Black’s bike ride from Maps to Redwood CU: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lamontblack_ai-outdoors-bikepacking-activity-7228525803385274369-XW5p BNPL’s analog precursor: https://www.marketplace.org/2024/08/12/schulze-family-business-kept-old-things-running-for-82-years/ PYMNTS.com’s interview with NCR Voyix digital banking leadership after its $2.5B sale to private equity: https://www.pymnts.com/news/digital-banking/2024/ncr-voyix-2-5-billion-sale-to-veritas-verifies-digital-bankings-long-term-potential/ Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Cybersecurity expert Roger Grimes demystifies the changing ransomware landscape- how much money do criminals usually demand? How often are they paid, and how much? What is “dwell time,” how do ransomware and wiperware differ, and what constitutes offline backup? Also- the first HODL President? Links related to this episode: Our full CU Town Hall session with Roger Grimes: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=cu-town-hall-episode-120 Roger’s Ransomware Protection Playbook: https://www.amazon.com/Ransomware-Protection-Playbook-Roger-Grimes/dp/1119849128 KnowBe4: https://www.knowbe4.com/ CU Today’s continuing coverage of the Patelco ransomware incident: https://www.cutoday.info/Fresh-Today/Following-Ransomware-Attack-Patelco-Has-Restored-Many-Services-But-Others-Remain-Unavailable Forbes’ onsite coverage of Bitcoin 2024: https://www.forbes.com/sites/digital-assets/2024/07/31/bitcoin-2024-when-rage-became-the-machine/ Reuters’ comments on Trump’s crypto conversion: https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/trump-cites-china-competition-vowing-create-bitcoin-stockpile-2024-07-27/ Our October interview with Doug Brown, President of Digital Banking for NCR Voyix: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=a-digital-first-twin-takes-flight Join us for the next CU Town Hall on Wednesday August 7 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing CUs today. This session will focus on whether the notion of a Primary Financial Institution is myth or reality. It’s free to attend (you might even win a door prize!), but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors
You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with the Atlanta Fed’s Claire Greene about takeaways from the latest Survey of Consumer Payment Choice- including card’s dominance, mobile’s ubiquity, BNPL’s ascent and cash’s resilience. Also, the NY Times offers an unexpected backstop for the paper check. Links related to this episode: The Atlanta Fed’s Diary and Survey of Consumer Payment Choice: https://www.atlantafed.org/banking-and-payments/consumer-payments/survey-and-diary-of-consumer-payment-choice/2023-survey-and-diary Federal Reserve Financial Services’ cash-centric analysis of the data: https://www.frbservices.org/binaries/content/assets/crsocms/news/research/2024-diary-of-consumer-payment-choice.pdf NY Times’ story on Why Paper Checks Refuse to Die: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/24/business/paper-check-payment-fraud-scam.html TruStage’s Discovery 2024 conference, held virtually Wednesday August 8: https://shorturl.at/1KKK0 Java4Kids: https://javaforkids.org/ Join us for the next CU Town Hall on Wednesday August 7 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing CUs today. This session will focus on whether the notion of a Primary Financial Institution is myth or reality. It’s free to attend (you might even win a door prize!), but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors
You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen’s wide-ranging conversation with Deluxe CEO Barry McCarthy and Technology Association of Georgia CEO Larry Williams spanning five decades of innovation, leadership in turbulent times, reinvention and civic responsibility. Also- another cautionary angle to the CrowdStrike mess, and Fintech Nation comes to Atlanta in August. Links related to this episode: Fintech South, August 27-28 in Atlanta; USE CODE FTS24FTSociety FOR A DISCOUNT ON REGISTRATION: https://www.fintechsouth.com/ Deluxe: https://www.deluxe.com/ The Technology Association of Georgia: https://www.tagonline.org/societies/fintech/ Join us for for the next CU Town Hall on Wednesday July 24 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing CUs today. It’s free to attend (you might even win a door prize!), but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with Co-Founder/CEO Austin Wentzlaff about Nook’s mission to reclaim a personalized credit union member experience, and why his team planned to be a CUSO from the start. TruStage’s Danielle Sesko explains how Payment Guard revamps a legacy loan insurance model for today’s digital personal lending. And Glen senses a shift in the media narrative on Banking as a Service and FDIC insurance. Links related to this episode: Nook: https://www.nook-inc.com/ TruStage Payment Guard’s Finovate Spring Demo: https://finovate.com/videos/finovatespring-2024-trustage/ Cornerstone/TruStage research paper on embedded payment insurance: https://www.trustage.com/business/insights/financial-trends/embedded-payment-insurance-digital-lending-research Last week’s CU Town Hall featuring Roger Grimes on the ransomware climate: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=cu-town-hall-episode-119-ransomware-protection-with-roger-grimes NY Times feature story, spurred by Synapse’s bankruptcy, on consumer confusion around FDIC insurance: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/09/business/synapse-bankruptcy-fintech-fdic-insurance.html The Register’s coverage of the Evolve bank breach, which also ensnared Synapse: https://www.theregister.com/2024/07/09/evolve_lockbit_attack/ Join us for for the next CU Town Hall on Wednesday July 24 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing CUs today. It’s free to attend (you might even win a door prize!), but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with Bonifii CEO John Ainsworth about his firm’s new collaboration with Metal and the next wave of identity solutions. Also- branches as community centers, the ongoing interchange/reward points battle, more “fun” in class action lawsuit land, and screen scraping stages a comeback. Links related to this episode: Bonifii’s website, and its Metal Blockchain announcement: https://bonifii.com/2024/06/bonifii-joins-metal-blockchains/ The Points Guy’s full-throated stance against the Credit Card Competition Act: https://thepointsguy.com/protect-your-points/ Airlines for America weighs in on rewards points: https://www.airlines.org/protect-our-points/ Glen’s blog on the flurry of state interchange legislation: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=a-state-of-confusion-interchange-battles-move-closer-to-home CPO Magazine’s take on web scraping: https://www.cpomagazine.com/cyber-security/web-scraping-is-legal-for-now-but-it-may-be-hurting-your-business/ The proposed class action lawsuit against Navy Federal CU and Verint: https://www.classaction.org/news/class-action-lawsuit-says-navy-federal-credit-union-ai-tech-company-verint-tap-customer-service-calls Register for our next CU Town Hall on Wednesday July 10 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing CUs today. It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors (same handles for both) You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with Glia’s Jake Tyler about his firm’s approach to delivering ethical AI solutions to financial institutions. Also- Finovate Best of Show winners, and the continuing crisis in card interchange. Links related to this episode: Glia: https://www.glia.com/news/glia-launches-first-responsible-ai-platform-purpose-built-for-financial-institutions Demo videos for Finovate Spring’s Best of Show winners: https://finovate.com/videos/?filtertype=&showtypes=FinovateSpring&videostartyear=2024&showletters=A-Z Our November 2022 interview with Remynt founder Gwyneth Borden: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=americas-got-access-vegas-has-crowds Glen’s blog on the flurry of state interchange legislation: Last week’s BIGCast on Apple Intelligence and proposed AI legislation: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=algorithmic-discrimination-and-other-sci-fi-sounding-terms-relevant-today Check out BIG’s AI Development offerings, enabling credit unions to streamline operations, amplify member experiences and capture new opportunities in the digital financial landscape. https://www.big-fintech.com/Products-Services/AI-Development
Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors (same handles for both) You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
So much news, so little time: John and Glen unravel Colorado’s new Artificial Intelligence Act, Apple’s hookup with OpenAI to fuel its own systems and the apparent unraveling of Visa/Mastercard’s merchant settlement. Plus, watching Siri age in warp speed. Links related to this episode: Law Firm Mayer Brown’s synopsis of Colorado’s AI Act: https://www.mayerbrown.com/en/insights/publications/2024/06/colorado-governor-signs-comprehensive-ai-bill Colorado Public Radio’s take on the state law: https://www.cpr.org/2024/06/17/colorado-artificial-intelligence-law-implementation-ramifications/ Javelin Research on the imperiled Visa/Mastercard settlement: https://www.paymentsjournal.com/visa-mastercard-settlement-unlikely-to-be-approved/ Marketing Dive summarizes Apple Intelligence and the OpenAI link: https://www.marketingdive.com/news/apple-intelligence-ai-openai-chatgpt-partnership-wwdc/718539/ The BBC’s view from overseas (including Elon’s disses): https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4nn5mejl89o Tim Cook interviewed by Marques Brownlee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMX2cQdPubk Check out BIG’s AI Development offerings, enabling credit unions to streamline operations, amplify member experiences and capture new opportunities in the digital financial landscape. https://www.big-fintech.com/Products-Services/AI-Development Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors (same handles for both) You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with TeamOnUP CEO Mike Kelly about “getting dreams done on purpose” and the beauty of small credit unions. Also, more on the Illinois interchange fiasco, the CFPB’s latest populist outburst, and Glen welcomes Google to the world of incumbents. Links related to this episode: TeamOnUP: https://teamonup.com/ Mike Kelly’s book “Meaning is the Mission” (print, Kindle, audio): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1LG79GY Payments Dive’s coverage of the Illinois Interchange bill: https://www.paymentsdive.com/news/illinois-debit-credit-card-interchange-swipe-fee-legislation/718371/ The CFPB’s newly announced process for recognizing open banking standards (rigging be damned): https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-launches-process-to-recognize-open-banking-standards/ Our April interview with FDX Managing Director Don Cardinal: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=a-bluetooth-for-open-banking Glen’s blog on GPT-4o’s continuing drama (no pizza tips included): https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=artificial-intelligence-intellectual-property-and-missing-the-point-on-her Check out BIG’s AI Development offerings, enabling credit unions to streamline operations, amplify member experiences and capture new opportunities in the digital financial landscape. https://www.big-fintech.com/Products-Services/AI-Development
Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors (same handles for both)
You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
John and Glen tackle several of the hottest topics impacting fintech today including audio (and video) at the heart of ChatGPT’s new features, the sustained strength in Bitcoin and Ethereum values, and a landmark Illinois law’s potential disruption of interchange. Links related to this episode: Our recent CU Town Hall in which John walks through ChatGPT-4o’s prospects for credit unions: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=cu-town-hall-episode-117-gpt-4o-for-credit-unions Our February 2023 BIGCast episode that flagged ChatGPT/“Her” similarities: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=chatgpt-dont-you-just-love-it Glen’s blog dissecting ScarJo, Tom Waits, intellectual property and human behavior: OpenAI’s video of two GPT4o bots interacting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MirzFk_DSiI&t=239s The high school principal ensnared by a deepfake: https://apnews.com/article/ai-maryland-principal-voice-recording-663d5bc0714a3af221392cc6f1af985e Our 2024 predictions episode (John’s Bitcoin outlook is at the 43:00 mark): https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=chatting-and-generating-2024s-fintech-predictions-hopefully-intelligently The National Association of Convenience Stores spikes the ball on Illinois’ new interchange law https://www.convenience.org/Media/Daily/2024/May/30/1-Illinois-Eliminating-Swipe-Fees_GR Payments Dive’s coverage of PayPal’s ad service: https://www.paymentsdive.com/news/paypal-advertising-platform-retail-media-ai-commerce/717221/ Check out BIG’s AI Development offerings, enabling credit unions to streamline operations, amplify member experiences and capture new opportunities in the digital financial landscape. https://www.big-fintech.com/Products-Services/AI-Development Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors (same handles for both) You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with Peter Tapling of PTap Advisory about the mixed signals swirling around US open banking, and Anne Legg assesses credit unions’ readiness for AI. Also- ScarJo haunts OpenAI, and playing SCOTUS Bingo at the CFPB! Links related to this episode: PTap Advisory: https://ptapadvisory.com/ Thrive Strategic Services: https://www.anneleggthrive.com/ The full CU Town Hall with Anne Legg on AI readiness: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=cu-town-hall-episode-116-ai-readiness-for-cus-with-anne-legg Glen’s Nacha Payments recap for America’s Credit Unions: https://news.cuna.org/articles/123530-payments-looking-forward The Underground Generative AI white paper: https://mitchellstankovicassoc.podia.com/generative-ai-credit-union-values Politico’s coverage of the Supreme Court’s CFPB decision: https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/16/supreme-court-upholds-cfpb-funding-saving-agency-00158348 Kevin Roose’s NY Times coverage of OpenAI’s GPT-4o public unveiling: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/14/technology/ai-chatgpt-her-movie.html Register for our next CU Town Hall on Wednesday May 22 at 3pm ET/Noon for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing CUs today. It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ (past meetings can be viewed there as well) Check out BIG’s AI Development offerings, enabling credit unions to streamline operations, amplify member experiences and capture new opportunities in the digital financial landscape. https://www.big-fintech.com/Products-Services/AI-Development Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors (same handles for both) You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen chats with Nacha CEO Jane Larimer onsite at the recent Smarter, Faster Payments Conference- which managed to remain forward-looking while celebrating the 50th anniversary of the ACH network. ValidiFI’s Shawn Princell makes a case for the groundswell in Pay By Bank interest, and a resigned disdain for checks seems to permeate the humid Miami Beach air. Links related to this episode: Nacha: https://www.nacha.org/ ValidiFI: https://validifi.com/?utm_source=bigfintech&utm_medium=podcast#offer Shawn Princell’s recent article on Pay By Bank adoption: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pay-bank-roadmap-adoption-shawn-princell-ohbhf/ Nacha’s new rules addressing credit push fraud: https://www.nacha.org/news/new-nacha-rules-take-aim-credit-push-fraud The Atlanta Fed’s blog on these new Nacha rules: https://www.atlantafed.org/blogs/take-on-payments/2024/04/29/nacha-rule-changes-to-fight-authorized-payment-scams Register for our next CU Town Hall on Wednesday May 22 at 3pm ET/Noon for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing CUs today. It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors (same handles for both) You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with Money Habitudes CEO Cara Macksoud about shifting money mindsets, the downside of the Great Wealth Transfer’s “lottery wins,” and how to start a constructive conversation on financial wellness. Also- nuggets from Block and PayPal earnings calls, and robust new Fed consumer data on economic decisionmaking. Links related to this episode: Money Habitudes: https://www.moneyhabitudes.com/ Goalsetter: https://goalsetter.co/ The Fed’s Survey on Household Economics and Decision Making: https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/2023-economic-well-being-of-us-households-in-2022-banking-credit.htm Callahan’s blog summarizing these findings: https://creditunions.com/highlights/where-are-the-gaps-in-financial-inclusion/ Best Innovation Group’s AI Development offerings: https://www.big-fintech.com/Products-Services/AI-Development Register for our next CU Town Hall on Wednesday May 8 at 3pm ET/Noon PT when Anne Legg will join us to continue early April’s discussion of the foundation credit unions must establish to leverage Generative AI. As always, expect a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the key issues facing CUs. It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors (same handles for both) You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen shares interviews with Saisi Peter, Co-Founder of Casap, the 2024 winner of NACUSO’s Next Big Idea competition, and Anne Legg of Thrive Strategic Services outlines the steps credit unions must take to prepare for Generative AI. Also- Stripe unbundles and the NRF gets cranky (is that news?) Links related to this episode: Next Big Idea winner Casap: https://casaphq.com/ Thrive Strategic Services: https://www.anneleggthrive.com/ Replay of the full CU Town Hall featuring Anne Legg discussing credit unions’ preparedness for Generative AI: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=cu-town-hall-episode-114 Next Big Idea runner-up Debbie’s partnership with MSUFCU: https://www.joindebbie.com/articles/debbie-launches-debt-payoff-rewards-with-msufcu Story on Stripe’s decoupling of its payment services: https://fintechmagazine.com/articles/strategy-shift-stripe-de-couples-payments-from-tech-stack The National Retail Federation’s formal objection to the Visa/Mastercard settlement: https://cdn.nrf.com/sites/default/files/2024-04/VisaMastercard-PreliminaryObjections.pdf NACUSO: https://www.nacuso.org/ Register for our next CU Town Hall on Wednesday May 8 at 3pm ET/Noon PT when Anne Legg will join us to continue early April’s discussion of the foundation credit unions must establish to leverage Generative AI. As always, expect a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the key issues facing CUs. It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors (same handles for both) You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Just back from an action-packed NACUSO Network Conference, Glen shares interviews with NACUSO CEO Ronaldo Hardy, Peacefully Founder/CEO Jennifer Good and Sarah Martin, Founder/CEO of “New CUSO of the Year” Pulsate. Also, Bitcoin’s halving leads Coinbase to double down. Links related to this episode: NACUSO: https://www.nacuso.org/ Pulsate: https://www.pulsatehq.com/ Peacefully: https://peacefully.com/ Coinbase’s new Bitcoin commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xdd64ifS_Ks Our January interview with Ronaldo Hardy, even earlier in his NACOSO role: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=nacusos-big-ideas-for-credit-unions-of-all-sizes Register for our next CU Town Hall on Wednesday May 8 at 3pm ET/Noon PT when Anne Legg will join us to continue early April’s discussion of the foundation credit unions must establish to leverage Generative AI. As always, expect a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the key issues facing CUs. It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors (same handles for both) You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with Financial Data Exchange Managing Director Don Cardinal about efforts to establish an industry standard to enable open banking and bid farewell to screen scraping. Also- an artistic approach to deepfakes, and cash meets its demise at Death Valley. Links related to this episode: Financial Data Exchange: https://financialdataexchange.org/ Glen’s recent blog on Open Banking for America’s Credit Unions: https://news.cuna.org/articles/123490-open-banking-not-if-but-how The CFPB’s page on Section 1033 (Personal Data Rights/Open Banking) rulemaking: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/personal-financial-data-rights/ The Synthetic Memories Project: https://www.syntheticmemories.net/ The Atlanta Fed’s Take on Payments blog re: cash acceptance at Death Valley National Park: https://www.atlantafed.org/blogs/take-on-payments/2024/04/01/national-parks-and-cost-of-cash-acceptance America’s Credit Unions CEO Council: https://www.cunacouncils.org/ (John and Glen will be hosting a CEO Council virtual roundtable on Tuesday April 30) Join us for our next CU Town Hall on Wednesday April 17 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive discussion of the key issues facing credit unions. (Did we mention there’ll be a cool tech giveaway to one FI attendee?) It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors (same handles for both) You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
John and Glen discuss the proposed National Association of Realtors settlement that many believe will dramatically alter the process of buying/selling US homes. The mortgage process could be disrupted too… for better or worse? Links related to this episode: The New York Times’ Daily podcast on the realtor fee lawsuit: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/20/podcasts/the-daily/housing-market.html NPR’s article on the proposed settlement: https://www.npr.org/2024/03/22/1239486107/realtor-fee-commission-homes-for-sale CNN’s subsequent article on the settlement’s ramifications: https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/30/economy/nar-settlement-home-buyers-and-sellers/index.html Glen’s blog on the Capital One/Discover merger: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=the-capital-onediscover-deal-a-test-of-typical-battle-lines-and-a-credit-union-angle Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors (same handles for both)
You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen speaks with Competiscan Founder/CEO Richard Goldman about the insights promotional mail can generate about events like the proposed Capital One/Discover merger. Also- more headaches at Discover, and looking into the less reported corners of the Visa/ Mastercard settlement. Links related to this episode: Competiscan: https://www.competiscan.com/ Glen’s blog dissecting the Visa/Mastercard settlement: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=exploring-the-issuer-aspect-of-the-visamastercard-settlement Glen’s blog on the Capital One/Discover merger: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=the-capital-onediscover-deal-a-test-of-typical-battle-lines-and-a-credit-union-angle Story about squatters grabbing Capital One/Discover domains: https://domainnamewire.com/2024/03/29/capital-one-sues-to-get-discover-merger-domain-names/ Submission form to join Competiscan’s Consumer/Small Business Panels: https://www.sbkcenter.com/consumer.html Join us for our next CU Town Hall on Wednesday April 3 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive discussion of the key issues facing credit unions. (Did we mention there’ll be a cool tech giveaway to one FI attendee?) It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Find us on X and BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors (same handles for both) You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
John and Glen meet with Shastic Founder/CEO Joseariel Gomez Ortigoza about his firm’s mission to make AI less intimidating for credit unions. Also- sausage making and the Credit Card Competition Act. Links related to this episode: Shastic: https://shastic.com/ BIG’s Innovation Club: https://www.big-fintech.com/Innovation-Club/Technology Glen’s blog previewing the EU’s AI Act: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=first-mover-advantage-the-eus-ai-act-sets-the-legislative-tone CU Today’s CCCA coverage the morning of the government shutdown deadline: https://www.cutoday.info/Fresh-Today/CU-Opposed-Credit-Card-Competition-Act-Added-as-Amendment-to-Must-Pass-Bill ...and its brief follow-up afterward: https://www.cutoday.info/Fresh-Today/Two-Measures-Championed-by-CUs-Included-in-Spending-Package-Passed-by-Senate-Credit-Card-Competition-Act-Doesn-t-Make-Cut Join us for our next CU Town Hall on Wednesday April 3 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive discussion of the key issues facing credit unions. (Did we mention there’ll be a cool tech giveaway to one FI attendee?) It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ We’ve joined BlueSky social! Find us at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
More highlights from the Government Affairs Conference: Filene Research Institute’s Taylor Nelms shares new research revealing credit union members’ segmented needs and desires, and Glia’s Paul Sheets on his firm’s fresh take on “Contact Center as a Service.” Also, first impressions of the EU’s new AI Act. Links related to this episode: Registration for Filene’s Thursday April 4 webinar: https://www.filene.org/events/member-voice-unleashed-national-insights-dashboard-demo-preview Filene’s Member Voice initiative: https://www.filene.org/programs-services/advisory-services/member-voice Glia’s Unified Interaction Management model: https://www.glia.com/ The MIT Technology Review’s take on the EU’s new AI Act: https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/03/19/1089919/the-ai-act-is-done-heres-what-will-and-wont-change/ Our January episode where John Best suggests blockchain as an AI “watermarking” solution: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=has-blockchain-found-a-problem-for-its-solution Join us for our next CU Town Hall on Wednesday March 20 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive discussion of the key issues facing credit unions. (Did we mention there’ll be a cool tech giveaway to one FI attendee?) It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ We’ve joined BlueSky social! Find us at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen reports from America’s Credit Unions’ Government Affairs Conference- including our annual roundtable with ACU’s Economics team about an oddly disjointed consumer picture, and a conversation with CEOs Deborah Fears and James Higgins about the still-essential role played by small credit unions. Links related to this episode: The 170-page Small Credit Union Blueprint for Success: www.cuna.org/smallcu Americas Credit Unions monthly Economic Updates: https://www.cuna.org/advocacy/credit-union---economic-data/economic-data---bank-comparisons/cuna-economic-update.html Our interview with board member Caroline Willard on the CUNA/NAFCU merger: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=the-cunanafcu-merger-an-inside-view Skyline Financial Federal CU: https://www.skylinefinancialfcu.com/ Chicago Post Office Employees Credit Union: https://www.cpoecu.com/ Americas Credit Unions’ in-progress combined site: https://www.americascreditunions.org/ Join us for our next CU Town Hall on Wednesday March 20 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive discussion of the key issues facing credit unions. (Did we mention there’ll be a cool tech giveaway to one FI attendee?) It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ We’ve joined BlueSky social! Find us at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Glen chats with Generative AI’s self- described Chief Optimist (and OpenAI’s onetime Head of Go to Market) Zack Kass about how we’ve arrived at the brink of AGI, potential regulatory avenues to safeguard the technology, and why he sees more likely good than harm. Also- Elon’s latest gambit and another Easter egg in the Capital One/Discover deal. Links related to this episode: Zack Kass’s website: https://zackkass.com/ Zack’s Newsweek article on the risks of anthropomorphizing AI: https://www.newsweek.com/perils-anthropomorphizing-machine-intelligence-opinion-1836493 Wired’s bizarre take on Elon Musk’s bizarre lawsuit against OpenAI: https://www.wired.com/story/wild-claim-at-the-heart-of-elon-musks-openai-lawsuit/ Our recent CU Town Hall dissecting Capital One/Discover’s impact on credit unions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZIDagUCgb4 Glen’s blog on the Capital One/Discover deal: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=the-capital-onediscover-deal-a-test-of-typical-battle-lines-and-a-credit-union-angle SRM’s report on Capital One/Discover: https://info.srmcorp.com/assessing-the-shockwaves-from-capital-ones-plan-to-purchase-discover Deluxe Corporation: https://www.deluxe.com/ Join us for our next CU Town Hall on Wednesday March 20 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive discussion of the key issues facing credit unions. (Did we mention there’ll be a cool tech giveaway to one FI attendee?) It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ We’ve joined BlueSky social! Find us at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
John recaps ten years of BIG ideas, recounts tech expectations circa 2015, and ponders the potential of AI, for better or worse. Plus- Glen wonders what happens if the Cap One/Discover deal doesn’t go through. Links related to this episode: Replay of the full BIG 10th Anniversary CU Town Hall (with video): https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=cu-town-hall-episode-108-john-best Glen’s blog on the Capital One/Discover merger: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=the-capital-onediscover-deal-a-test-of-typical-battle-lines-and-a-credit-union-angle The HeyGen AI Video software John used: https://www.heygen.com/ The Government Affairs Conference, March 3-7 in Washington DC: https://www.cuna.org/events/the_governmentalaffairsconference2024.html CU Broadcast, from Digital Town Hall partner Mike Lawson: https://www.cubroadcast.com/ Join us for our next CU Town Hall this Wednesday February 28 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive discussion of the key issues facing credit unions. (Did we mention there’ll be a cool tech giveaway to one FI attendee?) It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ Connect with Glen on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/ or X (@154Advisors) Connect with John on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ or X (@jbfintech)
John and Glen check in with PSCU Co-Op CEO Chuck Fagan to learn about progress combining the two organizations. Plus- initial thoughts on Capital One’s proposed Discover acquisition. Links related to this episode: FAQs on the PSCU/Co-Op combination: https://www.pscu.com/combination PSCU Member Forum April 10-12 in San Antonio: https://web.cvent.com/event/45895c24-6cc9-49c5-95d2-b0d0b877dead/websitePage:18a4262f-d222-41c0-b7c7-70aaf6121bd2 Co-Op Think! Conference May 7-10 in Nashville: https://campaigns.coop.org/think-2024/p/p/1 The Government Affairs Conference, March 3-7 in Washington DC: https://www.cuna.org/events/the_governmentalaffairsconference2024.html Chuck Fagan’s recent interview with Tampa Bay Business & Wealth: https://tbbwmag.com/2024/02/13/ceo-of-pscu-and-co-op-solutions-talks-about-growth-and-maintaining-company-culture/ Join us for our next CU Town Hall this Wednesday February 28 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive discussion of the key issues facing credit unions. (Did we mention there’ll be a cool tech giveaway to one FI attendee?) It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ Connect with Glen on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/ or X (@154Advisors) Connect with John on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ or X (@jbfintech)
From the windy shores of Miami Beach, Glen chats with Barlow Research about the often overlooked banking habits of small and mid-market businesses. Also- some fresh (and well-sourced) AI nuggets, and Chase places a contrarian bet on the future of the branch. Links related to this episode: Barlow Research: https://barlowresearch.com/index.php Deluxe: https://www.deluxe.com/ CNN’s coverage of JPMorgan Chase’s plans to open 500 new branches: https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/06/business/jpmorgan-chase-open-new-branches/index.html AI Futurist (and OpenAI alum) Zack Kass: https://zackkass.com/ Join us for our next CU Town Hall this Wednesday February 14 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive discussion of the key issues facing credit unions. (Did we mention there’ll be a cool tech giveaway to one FI attendee?) It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ Connect with Glen on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/ or X (@154Advisors) Connect with John on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ or X (@jbfintech)
Glen speaks with Becky Reed about a proposed new Web3-focused credit union, and how it actually represents a return to the CU movement’s roots. Also- a Whole New Worldpay, and data on some unexpected consumer payment behavior. Links related to this episode: Defy, a proposed federal credit union: https://defy.coop/ BankSocial: https://www.banksocial.io/ Becky Reed’s new book, “Credit Unions and DeFi: A Financial Renaissance”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CS9ZW1VV The Federal Reserve’s Diary of Consumer Payment Choice: https://www.frbservices.org/news/research.html/2023-findings-from-the-diary-of-consumer-payment-choice Join us for our next CU Town Hall on Wednesday February 14th at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive discussion of the key issues facing credit unions. (Did we mention there’ll be a cool tech giveaway to one FI attendee?) It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ Connect with Glen on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/ or X (@154Advisors) Connect with John on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ or X (@jbfintech)
John shares the resolutions for 2024 he’d make as the leader of a credit union. Also, Glen discusses Klarna’s bizarre new BNPL subscription model, updates the Fed’s efforts to reduce debit interchange, and offers a differing view on data sharing. Links related to this episode: Full replay of the January 10 CU Town Hall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1XmSJtyft8 The Fed’s latest data regarding its proposed debit interchange reduction: https://www.federalreserve.gov/paymentsystems/RegII_Additional_information_proposed_methodology.htm “Future of Global Fintech” report from the World Economic Forum: https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_The_Future_of_Global_Fintech_2024.pdf BIG’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) services- Combining state-of-the-art technology and collaborative innovation, we work alongside our credit union partners to develop tailored AI solutions: https://www.big-fintech.com/Products-Services/AI-Development Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ Connect with Glen on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/ or X (@154Advisors) Connect with John on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ or X (@jbfintech)
John and Glen share thoughts on Bitcoin’s underreported comeback and dig deeper into Generative AI’s 2024 outlook, good and bad.. Plus- more gloating about crypto price predictions, and why we should all be glad John is not the product manager for fire. Links related to this episode: Our prior 2024 predictions BIGCast (including Bitcoin’s price guesstimates at the end): https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=chatting-and-generating-2024s-fintech-predictions-hopefully-intelligently Highlights of the Economist’s interview with Open AI CEO Sam Altman and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella: https://www.economist.com/business/2024/01/17/the-bosses-of-openai-and-microsoft-talk-to-the-economist The full 30-minute version (behind a subscriber login): https://www.economist.com/subscriber-events/a-conversation-with-openais-sam-altman-and-microsofts-satya-nadella-hub?utm_campaign=r.the-economist-this-week&utm_medium=email.internal-newsletter.np&utm_source=salesforce-marketing-cloud&utm_term=1/18/2024&utm_id=1845622 Replay of the January 10 CU Town Hall, including John’s Credit Union New Year’s Resolutions for 2024: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1XmSJtyft8 BIG’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) services: https://www.big-fintech.com/Products-Services/AI-Development
Join us for our next CU Town Hall on Wednesday January 31 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive discussion of the key issues facing credit unions. It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ Connect with Glen on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/ or X (@154Advisors) Connect with John on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ or X (@jbfintech)
Glen speaks with NACUSO CEO Ronaldo Hardy about his collaborative vision for the organization he joined last summer, and the opportunity ahead for the industry overall. Also- Fiserv’s application for a limited banking charter, and conference season begins to rev up again. Links related to this episode: NACUSO: https://www.nacuso.org/
The NACUSO Network Conference, April 15-18 in Orlando: https://www.nacuso.org/conferences/2024-nacuso-network-conference/
The “Opportunity Knock$” PBS series: https://www.opportunityknocks.net/
Next Big Idea competition application: https://www.nacuso.org/conferences/2023-nacuso-network/2024-next-big-idea-competition/
Payments Dive’s coverage of Fiserv’s limited purpose bank charter application: https://www.paymentsdive.com/news/fiserv-seeks-special-purpose-bank-charter-payments-merchant-acquiring/704520/
Futurist Zack Kass on why he left Open AI: https://fortune.com/2023/09/22/openai-support-ai-revolution-real-change-epicenter-careers-tech-zack-kass/
Our prior BIGCast (including Bitcoin price predictions at the end): https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=chatting-and-generating-2024s-fintech-predictions-hopefully-intelligently
Check out our recent CU Town Halls and request an invite to join the next one: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ Connect with Glen on LinkedIn or X (@154Advisors) Connect with John on LinkedIn or X (@jbfintech)
Our annual New Years rite of passage- Anne Legg and John Janclaes join John and Glen to forecast the big fintech/credit union stories of 2024- leading to a healthy blend of consensus and spirited debate. Will Gen AI continue its rocket-like ascent or become bogged down in regulation? Will instant payments take center stage? How good were the team’s 2023 predictions…and what inside scoop did JB have on Bitcoin? Links related to this episode: THRIVE Strategic Services: https://www.anneleggthrive.com/ Nymbus CUSO: https://www.nymbus.com/cuso/ Keep us honest by checking back on our 2023 predictions: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=fintech-predictions-for-2023 Cathie Wood’s TED Talk on her case for “exponential economic growth”: https://www.ted.com/talks/cathie_wood_why_ai_will_spark_exponential_economic_growth/transcript?language=en Glen’s article for America’s Credit Unions (a BIGCast sponsor!) on the 2023 stories that will continue to shape 2024: https://news.cuna.org/articles/123444-top-2023-issues-shape-2024
PLUS! Don't miss this very special edition of the CU Town Hall on Wednesday, January 10th, at 3 pm ET/Noon PT!
Join us were we will proudly unveil our latest sponsor, Illuma Labs, leaders in frictionless voice authentication and fraud prevention for contact centers in credit unions. Would you like to protect your members with seamless voice verification? Click the link here and check out Illuma today- https://illuma.cx/
But wait, there's more! As a token of our appreciation for our Town Hall community, we are partnering with William Mills Agency to give away a cutting-edge 3D Printer during the live session, exclusively for credit union and financial institution employees. Share this post before the session begins to receive an extra entry into the drawing! (Must be present to win.)
Click the link below to sign up and receive your invite!
https://www.cutownhall.com/
Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ Connect with Glen on LinkedIn or X (@154Advisors) Connect with John on LinkedIn or X (@jbfintech)
2023 was so packed with major stories it’s hard to believe some are still less than a year old. Anne Legg and John Janclaes join John and Glen for a lively discussion of these events and their continuing aftermath. Links related to this episode: THRIVE Strategic Services: https://www.anneleggthrive.com/ Nymbus CUSO: https://www.nymbus.com/cuso/ John suggests watching this 60 Minutes segment on Quantum Computing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&si=iky7jzNOd7HiB0AH&v=K4ssT6Dzmnw&feature=youtu.be The BIGCast’s March coverage of the Silicon Valley Bank/broader liquidity crisis: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=silicon-valley-bank-through-a-credit-union-lens
Join our next CU Town Hall on Wednesday, January 10 at 3pm ET/Noon PT, as we kick off another year of interactive discussion of the biggest real-time issues facing credit unions. Attendance is free, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ Connect with Glen on LinkedIn or X (@154Advisors) Connect with John on LinkedIn or X (@jbfintech)
John and Glen sort through what we know about the ransomware attack that knocked 60 small (under $100 million) credit unions offline, including why it should be neither a surprise nor a sign of small CU weakness. Also- updates to last week’s OpenAI coverage. Links related to this episode: CU Today’s coverage of the ransomware attack: https://www.cutoday.info/THE-feature/Agency-Frustrated-Over-Early-Info-Delays Ongoing Operations’ latest update (as of Dec 11): https://ongoingoperations.com/incident-status/ A cybersecurity view of the attack: https://www.theregister.com/2023/12/02/ransomware_infection_credit_unions/ More on CirtixBleed: https://doublepulsar.com/what-it-means-citrixbleed-ransom-group-woes-grow-as-over-60-credit-unions-hospitals-47766a091d4f Glen’s blog post detailing OpenAI’s board room drama: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=detangling-openais-palace-intrigue Last week’s BIGCast discussion of OpenAI’s boardroom coup: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=open-ais-messy-first-birthday-party Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ Connect with Glen on LinkedIn or X (@154Advisors) Connect with John on LinkedIn or X (@jbfintech)
John and Glen dive into the mysterious, fascinating and perhaps still ongoing Open AI governance saga, dissecting the role of concepts like effective altruism, artificial general intelligence, reinforcement learning and board responsibility (There’s a credit union tie-in, we promise.). Also, John’s special offer to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. Links related to this episode: Glen’s blog post detailing more of the board room background: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=detangling-openais-palace-intrigue Wikipedia’s Open AI entry (note the 2015-19 history): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenAI Harvard Business Review’s postmortem on Open AI’s “failed governance model”: https://hbr.org/2023/11/openais-failed-experiment-in-governance The Australia Financial Review’s profile of the Open AI board that dismissed Sam Altman: https://www.afr.com/world/north-america/firing-squad-the-openai-board-members-who-sacked-sam-altman-20231123-p5emcd Open AI Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever’s TED Talk on Artificial General Intelligence, delivered 3-4 weeks before the management meltdown: https://www.ted.com/talks/ilya_sutskever_the_exciting_perilous_journey_toward_agi Hard Fork’s interview with Sam Altman two days before he was fired: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivdXr1PHFPo Have I Been Trained?- a site flagging unauthorized use of proprietary material for AI training: https://haveibeentrained.com/ Replay of our CU Town Hall where John takes stock of the fintech advancements of the past decade- and compare them to his 2015 predictions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEDal_gbFxY Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ Connect with Glen on LinkedIn or X (@154Advisors) Connect with John on LinkedIn or X (@jbfintech)
More highlights from the VentureTech conference: Penny Finance founder Crissi Cole on her startup’s “women-first” approach to financial planning, QCash CEO Seth Brickman on getting an offer his CUSO couldn’t refuse, and Vertice AI co-founder Mitch Rutledge on collaborating with Wellby Financial’s Richard Sowell to fuel member engagement. Links related to this episode: Penny Finance: https://www.penny-finance.com/ QCash: https://qcashfinancial.com/ Vertice AI: https://verticeanalytics.ai/ Wellby Financial: https://www.wellbyfinancial.com/ Launch Party winner Peacefully: https://www.peacefully.com/ VentureTech: https://myventuretech.com/
Join us for the next LIVE CU Town Hall Wednesday November 29 at 3pm ET/ Noon PT as we revisit the most impactful fintech/credit union events during BIG’s first ten years. It’s free to all, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ (Use the same link for a replay after December 1).
Continuing our annual BIGCast tradition, John and Glen are joined by Anne Legg and John Janclaes for a roundtable discussion of the credit union and fintech developments they’re most thankful for. Also- a quick look back at the Best Innovation Group’s first ten years. Links related to this episode: THRIVE Strategic Services: https://www.anneleggthrive.com/
Nymbus CUSO: https://www.nymbus.com/cuso/ Join our next CU Town Hall on Wednesday, November 29th at 3pm ET/Noon PT, when we’ll be recounting the major fintech developments of the past ten years. We’ll also hold John to account for his A Digital Day in 2025 predictions made in…2015! Attendance is free, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/
“Blood in the Machine: Origins of the Rebellion Against Big Tech”: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/brian-merchant/blood-in-the-machine/9780316487740/?lens=little-brown
VentureTech: https://myventuretech.com/ Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ Connect with Glen on LinkedIn or X (@154Advisors) Connect with John on LinkedIn or X (@jbfintech)
Just back from last week’s VentureTech conference, Glen has interviews with a trio of founders from standout startups: Sparrow’s Harrison Hochman, Debbie’s Rachel Lauren, and Legal Karma’s Kory Kelly. Also- the PSCU/Co-Op merger, and the relentless pursuit of deposits and the elusive Generation Z. Links related to this episode: Sparrow: https://www.sparrowfi.com/ Debbie: https://www.joindebbie.com/ Legal Karma: https://www.legalkarma.io/ CU Today’s coverage of the PSCU/Co-Op Merger: https://www.cutoday.info/site/THE-feature/Addtional-Details-Around-Huge-Deal-Are-Released VentureTech: https://myventuretech.com/ Glen’s History of Money 20/20 in Three T-Shirts: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=the-history-of-money-2020-in-three-t-shirts Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ Connect with Glen on LinkedIn or X (@154Advisors) Connect with John on LinkedIn or X (@jbfintech)
In Part 2 of our Money 20/20 coverage, Glen speaks with Guppy CEO (and Money 20/20 Wizard!) Sanjib Kalita about how Unicorns have given way to the Age of Centaurs. MSUFCU’s Ami Iceman and Prizeout founder David Metz discuss an adtech solution that leaves everyone better off, and Glen recaps other key takeaways from Vegas. Links related to this episode: Glen’s Money 20/20 coverage at CUNA.org: https://news.cuna.org/articles/123262-embedded-finance-regulatory-dynamics-dominate-money-20-20 Money 20/20’s white paper on the Age of Centaurs: https://www.money2020.com/content/whitepapers/welcome-centaurs Sanjib Kalita’s startup Guppy: http://www.guppyfin.com/ Prizeout: https://prizeout.com/ Reseda Group: https://www.resedagroup.com/ MSUFCU: https://www.msufcu.org/ The CFPB’s proposed Section 1033 rule on Personal Financial Data Rights: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/rules-policy/notice-opportunities-comment/open-notices/required-rulemaking-on-personal-financial-data-rights/ Details on the approved CUNA/NAFCU merger: https://www.cuna.org/about/cuna-and-nafcu-merger.html Check Out FIVEGPT, the new collaboration between the Best Innovation Group and Bonifi: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=best-innovation-group-and-bonifii-announce-joint-development-of-fivegpt Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ Connect with Glen on LinkedIn or X (@154Advisors) Connect with John on LinkedIn or X (@jbfintech)
Glen shares highlights from an even more rousing than usual Money 20/20, including Silicon Valley Bank’s Chief Product Officer Gagan Kanjlia on a bold branding decision, Cushion Founder Paul Kesserwani on BNPL’s awkward evolution, and Twentyfold’s William Mellis on a new fintech research platform. Also- Debit’s demolition derby and the Points Guy feels the heat. Links related to this episode: Silicon Valley Bank: https://www.svb.com/ Cushion: https://cushion.ai/ Twentyfold: https://www.twentyfold.com/ Money 20/20: https://www.money2020.com/ McKinsey’s Digital Consumer Payments Survey: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/banking-matters/consumer-digital-payments-already-mainstream-increasingly-embedded-still-evolving Check Out FIVEGPT, the new collaboration between the Best Innovation Group and Bonifi: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=best-innovation-group-and-bonifii-announce-joint-development-of-fivegpt
Plus, the latest BIG Blog: Hold onto Your Wallets- Debit Interchange under Scrutiny: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=hold-onto-your-wallets-debit-interchange-under-scrutiny
Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ Follow Glen on X @154Advisors Follow John on X @jbfintech
Glen speaks with Doug Brown, President of Digital Banking for NCR Voyix, about the birth of a new public company, the importance of a 139-year legacy, and the continuation of a digital-first mission. Also- a debit interchange battle breaks out, and Glen gets academic. Links related to this episode: NCR Voyix: www.ncrvoyix.com Fed Debit: https://www.pymnts.com/news/payment-methods/2023/fed-will-float-reduced-debit-card-fees-for-merchants/ Georgia State University/Review of Financial Studies Fintech Conference: https://gsufintechconf.com/ Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ Follow Glen on X @154Advisors Follow John on X @jbfintech
John and Glen provide a special peek inside the Innovation Club, as forward thinking credit union leaders brainstorm on the opportunities presented and risks posed by the new FedNow real-time payment rails. Links related to this episode: The Innovation Club: https://www.big-fintech.com/Innovation-Club/Technology The Federal Reserve’s FedNow site: https://www.frbservices.org/financial-services/fednow/organizations Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ Follow Glen on X @154Advisors Follow John on X @jbfintech
John speaks with Respell’s Harpriya Bagri about using her firm’s AI workflow tool to fight through the frustration of lost luggage. Also, Glen shares conference nuggets and ponders the meaning of the word “cashless.” Links related to this episode: Respell: https://www.respell.ai/ Harpriya’s viral tweet/video (that’s right- we said Tweet) on her lost luggage pursuit: https://twitter.com/harpriiya/status/1682165101867175936 The full Town Hall video featuring Harpriya’s Respell on-screen demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcPws0YWMiQ FIVEGPT press release: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=best-innovation-group-and-bonifii-announce-joint-development-of-fivegpt FIVEGPT video: https://vimeo.com/871619836/f6309935c5 Equifax Market Pulse: https://www.equifax.com/business/trends-insights/marketpulse Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ Follow Glen on X @154Advisors Follow John on X @jbfintech
Glen speaks with Nick Evens, President/CEO of the Curql Collective, about the process of deploying over $300 million of additional credit union capital through its strategic investment fund. Also- keeping tabs on the startups potentially vying for some of that investment. Links related to this episode: Curql Fund: https://www.curql.com/ VentureTech, November 6-8 in Frisco, Texas: https://myventuretech.com/ Videos of company demos from Finovate Fall: https://finovate.com/videos/?filtertype=&showtypes=FinovateFall&videostartyear=2023&showletters=A-Z TTV Capital: https://ttvcapital.com/ BIG’s Innovation Club: https://www.big-fintech.com/Innovation-Club/Technology Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ Follow Glen on X @154Advisors Follow John on X @jbfintech
Part 2 of our Finovate recap features interviews with the founders of Best of Show winner Chimney and Top Emerging Fintech winner Union Credit. Also- Glen reveals his Best of Show ballot and the Credit Card Competition Act takes to the airwaves. Links related to this episode: Chimney: https://chimney.io/ Union Credit: https://www.unioncredit.app/ Finovate: https://informaconnect.com/finovatefall/
Last week’s episode, featuring interviews with CD Valet and Best of Show winner Wysh: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=finovates-window-into-an-evolving-landscape
Our August interview with True Digital: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=fintech-hotter-than-the-headlines
Glen’s Finovate recap for CUNA.org: https://news.cuna.org/articles/123055-generative-ai-deposit-gathering-are-hot-topics-at-finovate-fall
VentureTech, November 6-8 in Frisco, Texas: https://myventuretech.com/ Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
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Glen’s annual recap of the 66 demos at Finovate Fall includes interviews with standouts Wysh and CD Valet, reflections on each of the six Best of Show winners, and observations on recurring themes across the agenda. Also, the unexpected return of Silicon Valley Bank. Links related to this episode: Finovate: https://informaconnect.com/finovatefall/ Wysh: https://www.wysh.com/ CD Valet: https://cdvalet.com/ Our 2022 interview with Best of Show winner Debbie: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=the-new-guard-takes-center-stage Our April interview with Best of Show winner Mahalo Banking: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=big-ideas-fintech-madness-cuso-optional Join us Wednesday September 20 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for the latest edition of the CU Digital Town Hall, a live, lively and interactive meeting of industry leaders sharing best practices on the top issues impacting the credit union movement. Moderated by John Best of BIG and Mike Lawson of CU Broadcast: https://www.cutownhall.com/ (a replay will be available at the site after Sept 20)
Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
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https://www.wsj.com/tech/elon-musk-twitter-x-takeover-walter-isaacson-5f553faJohn and Glen weigh in on a wide array of current topics- bringing AI to the drive-thru, connecting DragonCon to credit unions, and anticipating the new Elon Musk autobiography. Also, John still sees potential in digital twins and Allen Iverson sees a new career angle.
Links related to this episode:
The Meaning of Life, according to Hardee’s: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fDswmVyDp20?app=desktop
How many calories?: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Y4J3lrBSP-A?app=desktop
John’s Kickstarter for the Roamer’s Wrath board game: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jb1970/roamers-wrath
WSJ’s Excerpt from the forthcomoing Elon Musk biography on Twitter’s takeover (subscription required): https://www.wsj.com/tech/elon-musk-twitter-x-takeover-walter-isaacson-5f553fa
John’s interview with Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak for TruStage’s Discovery2023 conference: https://events.trustage.com/discovery2023-on-demand
The DeLorean Motor Company’s Alpha5 EV model/”digital twin”: https://nftevening.com/delorean-is-back-iconic-car-maker-accepting-nft-reservations-for-the-alpha5-electric-car/
Game Theory “In a DeLorean”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muWzEwCgPfk
Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
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Glen speaks with Great Lakes Credit Union CEO Steven Bugg about a collaborative grassroots initiative to deliver relief to Ukrainian citizens, and how CUs nationwide can participate. Also- the only state that prohibits consumers from pumping their own gas passes a new law on…credit card surcharging.
Links related to this episode:
The CU Relief Fund for Ukraine: https://curelieffundforukraine.com/
Great Lakes Credit Union’s landing page for the CU Relief Fund: www.glcu.org/credit-union-relief-fund-for-ukraine/
Our poignant 2022 interview with Antonio Murha of Ukrainian Self-Reliance Credit Union: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=credit-unions-financial-lifeline-to-ukraine
Coverage of Access Softek CEO Chris Doner’s 2022 visit to Ukraine: https://www.chicoer.com/2022/04/03/chico-man-boss-bring-aid-to-employees-in-ukraine/
Payments Dive’s reporting on New Jersey’s new card surcharging law: https://www.paymentsdive.com/news/new-jersey-enacts-law-capping-surcharges/691578/
“Bank of Dave” gets a US release!: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/bank_of_dave
Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
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CUNA Board Vice-Chair and Cornerstone League CEO Caroline Willard shares her inside perspective on the pending CUNA/NAFCU merger. Also- Glen compares financial and grocery self-service, shares a new avenue for credit unions to aid Ukraine, and John checks an item off his bucket list.
Links related to this episode:
Caroline’s recent CU Insight article: https://www.cuinsight.com/building-a-stronger-state-and-federal-advocacy-machine/
CUNA”s landing page for CUNA/NAFCU merger news: https://www.cuna.org/about/cuna-and-nafcu-merger.html
Cornerstone League: https://www.cornerstoneleague.coop/
John’s interview with Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak for TruStage’s Discovery2023 conference: https://events.trustage.com/discovery2023-on-demand
Trader Joe’s eschews self checkout: https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/17/business/trader-joe-self-checkouts-cashier
The CU Relief Fund for Ukraine: https://curelieffundforukraine.com/
Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
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An insightful chat with Cardlytics’ co-founder and former CEO Lynne Laube- now a partner with Valor Ventures- and Fintech Catalyst Robert Daniel of Georgia Tech’s ATDC, about September’s exciting startup competition including a few pitch tips from insiders. Also, Glen’s thoughts on PayPal’s new stablecoin and the Premier League’s payments connections.
Links related to this episode:
Fintech South: https://www.fintechsouth.com/
Valor Ventures: https://valor.vc/
ATDC: https://atdc.org/
PayPal: https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/07/business/paypal-crypto-stablecoin/index.html
AstroPay: https://astropay.com/
Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
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Glen talks with Finovate’s Greg Palmer about the bumper crop of 60+ fintechs demoing at its September event despite widespread reports of a “funding freeze.” Patrick Sells, CEO/Co-Founder of True Digital (one of the presenting companies) joins to shed light on its collaborative vendor optimization platform. Also, reaction to the CUNA/NAFCU merger.
Links related to this episode:
Finovate Fall, Sept 11-13 in New York City: https://informaconnect.com/finovatefall/ USE CODE BIG20 for a special BIGCast discount
True Digital: https://truedigitalgroup.com/
Patrick Sells’ recent article about the hidden costs of innovation: https://www.bai.org/banking-strategies/the-hidden-costs-of-innovation/
CUNA’s resource page for its merger with NAFCU: https://www.cuna.org/about/cuna-and-nafcu-merger.html
Chip Filson’s thoughts on the CUNA/NAFCU merger: https://chipfilson.com/2023/08/an-initial-reaction-to-the-nafcu-cuna-merger/
Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
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The latest on the Credit Card Competition Act, FedNow’s launch, and two credit union CEOs share their perspectives on deploying ChatGPT. Plus Glen actually says something (kind of) nice about Elon.
Links related to this episode:
Last week’s full CU Town Hall session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djZgiutF_JM
BIG’s crowdsourced initiative to help everyone understand how credit unions are using Generative AI tools like ChatGPT: https://www.big-fintech.com/Products-Services/ChatGPT-for-Credit-Unions
Digital Transactions’ recent coverage of the Credit Card Competition Act: https://www.digitaltransactions.net/the-ccca-wont-harm-card-issuers-ability-to-fund-rewards-cards-mpc-says/
The “Interchange Works” website (CUNA’s advocacy page): https://protectinterchange.com/
FedNow’s list of participants at launch: https://www.frbservices.org/financial-services/fednow/organizations
Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
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John and Glen tackle a variety of timely topics, including the chances for a “Twitter slayer” and social media interoperability, the ever-evolving ChatGPT/GenAI landscape, and increasingly bizarre attitudes surrounding CBDCs. Also- clone marriage and orcas as influencers.
Links related to this episode:
The Center for AI Safety: https://www.safe.ai/
Ron DeSantis’ CBDC campaign promises: https://cointelegraph.com/news/ron-desantis-vows-to-ban-cdbc-in-the-us
Governor DeSantis’ Florida legislation to combat a nonexistent CBDC threat: https://www.flgov.com/2023/03/20/governor-ron-desantis-announces-legislation-to-protect-floridians-from-a-federally-controlled-central-bank-digital-currency-and-surveillance-state/
Coinbase’s take on the illogic of Florida’s bill: https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2023/05/17/floridas-desantis-waging-toothless-campaign-against-digital-dollars-lawyers-say/
The W3C’s ActivityPub standardized social networking protocol: https://www.w3.org/TR/activitypub/
BIG’s crowdsourced initiative to help everyone understand how credit unions are using Generative AI tools like ChatGPT: https://www.big-fintech.com/Products-Services/ChatGPT-for-Credit-Unions
Join us Wednesday July 26 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for the latest edition of the CU Digital Town Hall, a live, lively and interactive meeting of industry leaders sharing best practices on the top issues impacting the credit union movement. Moderated by John Best of BIG and Mike Lawson of CU Broadcast: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
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Glen speaks with Market Intelligence Lead Rachel Huber about Marqeta’s 2023 State of Payments Report. And in a BIGCast first Glen reviews the recent UK film “Bank of Dave” - which virtually screams “credit union.”
Links related to this episode:
Marqeta’s 2023 State of Payments Report: https://www.marqeta.com/resources/2023-state-of-payments
Bank of Dave (via Netflix UK): https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/bank-of-dave-netflix-movie-everything-we-know-so-far-12-2022/
Fact-checking the film’s plot: https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/bank-of-dave-what-happened-in-real-life/
The Atlanta Fed’s latest take on P2P apps: https://www.atlantafed.org/blogs/take-on-payments/2023/07/17/deposit-insurance-and-payment-apps--how-much-do-consumers-know
BIG’s crowdsourced initiative to help everyone understand how credit unions are using Generative AI tools like ChatGPT: https://www.big-fintech.com/Products-Services/ChatGPT-for-Credit-Unions
Join us Wednesday July 26 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for the latest edition of the CU Digital Town Hall, a live, lively and interactive meeting of industry leaders sharing best practices on the top issues impacting the credit union movement. Moderated by John Best of BIG and Mike Lawson of CU Broadcast: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
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John and Glen discuss Wells Fargo’s foray into Generative AI, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg’s foray into the cage, and BIG’s effort to share credit union AI best practices.
Links related to this episode:
Wells Fargo’s new “virtual assistant” app feature: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPaEjVN11c4
Musk vs. Zuckerberg: https://www.theverge.com/23773413/elon-musk-mark-zuckerberg-cage-match-twitter-threads-instagram-meta
BIG’s crowd-sourced initiative to highlight credit union applications of Generative AI: https://www.big-fintech.com/Products-Services/ChatGPT-for-Credit-Unions
Best Innovation Group is pleased to announce a new service line dedicated to helping credit unions build transformative AI-drive solutions for today’s technology-dominated world. When properly harnessed, artificial intelligence offers the potential to optimize many aspects of financial services - while enhancing personalization. Find out more here: https://www.big-fintech.com/Products-Services/AI-Development
Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
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John conspires with PSCU Senior Innovation Strategist Lou Grilli to conduct a real-world “white hat” test using AI to spoof voice recognition guardrails.
Links related to this episode:
Our earlier CU Town Hall in which John dug into the risk of voice spoofing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlKi9F4ywtU&feature=youtu.be
CNN’s “kidnapping scam” story leveraging voice spoofing: https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/29/us/ai-scam-calls-kidnapping-cec/index.html
Apple’s coming Personal Voice feature: https://aibusiness.com/ml/apple-will-let-users-clone-their-voices
The Guardian’s story of a successful AI voice spoofing: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/mar/16/voice-system-used-to-verify-identity-by-centrelink-can-be-fooled-by-ai
PSCU’s Innovation page: https://www.pscu.com/innovation
Best Innovation Group is pleased to announce a new service line dedicated to helping credit unions build transformative AI-drive solutions for today’s technology-dominated world. When properly harnessed, artificial intelligence offers the potential to optimize many aspects of financial services - while enhancing personalization. Find out more here: https://www.big-fintech.com/Products-Services/AI-Development
Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
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James Anderson, Managing Director of Paze, shares a preview of the newest entrant to the digital wallet wars. Also- interchange rages anew, and Glen notes a possible pendulum shift in the rationale for automation.
Links related to this episode:
Paze: https://www.paze.com/
The “Interchange Works” website: https://protectinterchange.com/
Citi’s automation-driven job cuts: https://www.cfodive.com/news/citi-mason-1600-job-cuts-severance-5000-automation-tech-transformation/653093/
Top Supply Chain Songs: https://mailchi.mp/mxdusa.org/chainmail-ai-at-the-table (scroll down to “R.I.P Gordon Lightfoot”)
…and our recent episode about how ChatGPT proposed fake ones: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=chatgpt-hallucinations-lies-negotiations
Best Innovation Group is pleased to announce a new service line dedicated to helping credit unions build transformative AI-drive solutions for today’s technology-dominated world. When properly harnessed, artificial intelligence offers the potential to optimize many aspects of financial services - while enhancing personalization. Find out more here: https://www.big-fintech.com/Products-Services/AI-Development
Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
Follow Glen on Twitter @154Advisors
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Glen speaks with Beyond the Arc’s Steven Ramirez about the winners and key takeaways from Finovate’s Spring San Francisco showcase. Also- the Regulatory Roundabout, the CFPB’s busy stretch, and a deceptive headline Glen actually appreciated.
Links related to this episode:
Finovate’s demo site: https://finovate.com/videos/?filtertype=&showtypes=FinovateSpring&videostartyear=2023&showletters=A-Z
Spring 2023 Best of Show winners: https://finovate.com/finovatespring-2023-best-of-show-winners-announced/
Beyond the Arc: https://beyondthearc.com/
My favorite of Chip Filson’s recent “Just a Member” blog posts: https://chipfilson.com/2023/06/credit-union-ceo-joins-iowa-bank-board/
The CFPB’s warning about deposits held with PayPal, Venmo, and CashApp: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/consumer-advisory-your-money-is-at-greater-risk-when-you-hold-it-in-a-payment-app-instead-of-moving-it-to-an-account-with-deposit-insurance/
Join us Wednesday June 21 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for the latest edition of the CU Digital Town Hall, a live, lively and interactive meeting of industry leaders sharing best practices on the top issues impacting the credit union movement. Moderated by John Best of BIG and Mike Lawson of CU Broadcast: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
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John and Glen discuss both the good and bad of Generative AI and why credit unions cannot afford to sit on the sidelines. Also- Apple discovers the PR downside of dabbling in financial services. Links related to this episode: Our recent CU Town Hall on voice spoofing and other AI twists: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlKi9F4ywtU NPR’s article on the AI extinction threat: https://www.npr.org/2023/05/30/1178943163/ai-risk-extinction-chatgpt Dell’s CTO’s comments on Quantum Computing and how it will overshadow AI: https://www.itpro.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/dell-cto-ai-nothing-compared-to-the-oncoming-quantum-storm The Wall Street Journal’s (somewhat overblown) article about Apple Savings’ one-way door: https://www.wsj.com/articles/apple-savings-account-customers-say-its-hard-to-get-their-money-out-of-goldman-sachs-bd8b9ccb Join us Wednesday June 21 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for the latest edition of the CU Digital Town Hall, a live, lively and interactive meeting of industry leaders sharing best practices on the top issues impacting the credit union movement. Moderated by John Best of BIG and Mike Lawson of CU Broadcast: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
Follow Glen on Twitter @154Advisors Follow John on Twitter @jbfintech
Glen speaks with the Curql Collective’s Jim Ryan about his group’s ongoing quest to bring cutting-edge fintech to credit unions and a new portal that advances the cause. Also, finding more avenues for cooperatives to cooperate. Links related to this episode: The Curql Collective: https://www.curql.com/ VentureTech, November 6-8 near Dallas, TX: https://myventuretech.com/ The NCB Co-op 100: https://impact.ncb.coop/hubfs/assets/resources/NCB-Co-op-100-2022.pdf Our recent interviews with Venture Tech winners from 2022 (Tanya Van Court of Goalsetter) and 2021 (Rhian Horgan of Silvur): https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=big-ideas-fintech-madness-cuso-optional Join us Wednesday May 24 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for the latest edition of the CU Digital Town Hall, a live, lively and interactive meeting of industry leaders sharing best practices on the top issues impacting the credit union movement. Moderated by John Best of BIG and Mike Lawson of CU Broadcast: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
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Glen speaks with veteran journalist Michael Lev about the supply chain expert’s recent encounter with Chat GPT in which the platform confessed to making stuff up. Also- more on deposit outflows and the sketchy definition of a “small bank.” (Gordon Lightfoot soundtrack optional) Links related to this episode: MxD’s Chain Mail newsletter, and Mike’s tale of ChatGPT’s “hallucination”: https://mailchi.mp/mxdusa.org/chainmail-package-delivery-blues Reuters’ coverage on how the much-hyped “deposit outflows” only affected a small group of “super-regionals”: https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/deposit-outflows-after-svb-collapse-concentrated-among-super-regionals-ny-fed-2023-05-11/ New York Fed research underpinning Reuters’ story: https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2023/05/bank-funding-during-the-current-monetary-policy-tightening-cycle/ Last week’s BIGCast featuring retired Fed executive Rich Oliver on the latest Payments Study, and a look at deposit insurance hysteria: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=payments-then-and-now Glen’s blog on key takeaways from the Fed’s Payments Study: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=a-belated-christmas-gift-new-fed-payments-data Join us Wednesday May 24 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for the latest edition of the CU Digital Town Hall, a live, lively and interactive meeting of industry leaders sharing best practices on the top issues impacting the credit union movement. Moderated by John Best of BIG and Mike Lawson of CU Broadcast: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
Follow Glen on Twitter @154Advisors Follow John on Twitter @jbfintech
Glen unearths nuggets from the latest Federal Reserve payments data with the help of author, retired Fed exec and Payments OG Rich Oliver. Also- bizarre notions swirling around the insured deposit limit. Links related to this episode: The 2022 Federal Reserve Payments Study: https://www.federalreserve.gov/paymentsystems/fr-payments-study.htm The Fed’s Check Sample Study: https://www.atlantafed.org/-/media/documents/rprf/publications/check-sample-survey/2023/05/05/2021-survey/report “The Story of Payments” by Richard Oliver and George Warfel, Jr: https://www.nacha.org/content/story-payments Gallup’s poll on consumer attitudes of deposit safety: https://news.gallup.com/poll/505439/half-worry-money-safety-banks.aspx SoFi’s “FDIC Insurance Network”: https://investors.sofi.com/news/news-details/2023/SoFi-Checking-and-Savings-to-Offer-Access-to-Up-to-2-Million-in-FDIC-Insurance/default.aspx Check out the Best Innovation Group’s latest offering, BIG Support 365. Our expert technicians integrate seamlessly with your existing teams, relieving them of monotonous server administration tasks and allowing your staff to focus on high-priority, member-centric initiatives: https://www.big-fintech.com/Products-Services/BIG-Support-365
Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
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More insights from Nacha Payments- including Glenbrook Partners’ Elizabeth McQuerry on the Faster Payments Barometer, and leaders from Akoya and Banked on the burgeoning Pay By Bank model. Also- insights from ETA Transact, and chipping away at MICA. Links related to this episode: The US Faster Payments Council: https://fasterpaymentscouncil.org/ Akoya: https://akoya.com/ Banked: https://banked.com/ Glenbrook Partners: https://glenbrook.com/ BNP Paribas’ overview of MICA: https://securities.cib.bnpparibas/markets-in-crypto-assets-regulation/ Last week’s BIGCast featuring more Smarter Faster Payments coverage, including Nacha CEO Jane Larimer: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=rival-rails-same-day-successes The Electronic Transactions Association: https://etatransact.com/ Nacha’s Smarter Faster Payments Remote Connect, May 8-10: https://payments.nacha.org/remote-connect Check out the CU Town Hall, our live, lively and interactive monthly forum covering top-of-mind credit union issues. Request an invite for our late May session, and check out a replay of April’s continuing ChatGPT exploration with Central Willamette CU CIO Joey Rudisill: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ Follow Glen on Twitter @154Advisors Follow John on Twitter @jbfintech
Fresh from a content-rich Smarter Faster Payments conference, Glen shares interviews with Nacha CEO Jane Larimer and Open Payment Network Co-Founder/CEO Bradley Wilkes. Also, a first look at detailed data from the Fed’s triennial payments study. Links related to this episode: Nacha: https://www.nacha.org/ Smarter Faster Payments Remote Connect, May 8-10: https://payments.nacha.org/remote-connect Open Payment Network: https://www.openpaymentnetwork.us/ The Federal Reserve Payments Study: https://www.federalreserve.gov/paymentsystems/fr-payments-study.htm Check out the Best Innovation Group’s latest offering, BIG Support 365. Our expert technicians integrate seamlessly with your existing teams, relieving them of monotonous server administration tasks and allowing your staff to focus on high-priority, member-centric initiatives: https://www.big-fintech.com/Products-Services/BIG-Support-365 Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/
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We celebrate a milestone with fun facts from the first 100 episodes of our CU Town Hall, and share highlights from last month’s session with author/futurist Brett King. Also, FedNow refutes CBDC conspiracy theories- in real-time. Links related to this episode: The CU Town Hall archives: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Town Hall #100 with Brett King: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnwwyQ-QQHk&feature=youtu.be Brett’s latest book, “The Rise of Technosocialism”: https://riseoftechnosocialism.com/ Episode #68- Cannabis banking with Sundie Seefried: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yl5maAO2z78 Episode #85- CUs and Crypto with UNIFY CEO Gordon Howe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TeT9DFwE78 The Fed revises its FedNow FAQs to tamp down CBDC confusion: https://www.federalreserve.gov/faqs/is-fednow-replacing-cash-is-it-a-central-bank-digital-currency.htm Bitcoin.com’s coverage of the bizarre FedNow “controversy” (NOTE- Glen finds this narrative misleading, but indicative of the social media dialogue): https://news.bitcoin.com/not-related-to-a-digital-currency-us-central-bank-addresses-concerns-over-fednow-payment-network/ Check out the Best Innovation Group’s latest offering, BIG Support 365. Our expert technicians integrate seamlessly with your existing teams, relieving them of monotonous server administration tasks and allowing your staff to focus on high-priority, member-centric initiatives: https://www.big-fintech.com/Products-Services/BIG-Support-365
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Our second round of NACUSO coverage includes interviews with Next Big Idea competition winner GoalSetter and runner-up Mahalo Banking, Fintech Madness winner Silvur, CU2.0 co-founder Chris Otey on instigating the madness, and a compelling startup (Harness) that waged battle in both events. Links related to this episode: GoalSetter: https://www.goalsetter.co/ Silvur: https://www.silvur.com/ Mahalo Banking: https://www.mahalobanking.com/ Harness: https://www.harnessfi.com/ CU2.0: https://cu-2.com/ NACUSO: https://www.nacuso.org/ Last week’s episode with additional NACUSO interviews: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast/ArticleID/868/More-CUSOs-More-Service Check out the CU Crypto Report, a crowdsourced data analysis of how CU members are already engaging with cryptocurrency. Now accepting volunteers to contribute anonymized data to our 2023 report: https://www.cucrypto.report/
Follow the Best Innovation Group on Twitter: @bigfintech Follow Glen on Twitter @154Advisors Follow John on Twitter @jbfintech
From a record-setting NACUSO Network conference, Glen shares a motherlode of interviews with CUSO whisperer/attorney Brian Lauer, DePaul Defi professor Lamont Black, and a pair of founders: Leeman Baird (Hedera) and John Wingate (BankSocial). Links related to this episode: NACUSO: https://www.nacuso.org/ Messick, Lauer & Smith: https://www.cusolaw.com/ Our prior conversation with Lamont Black: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast/ArticleID/822/Stoking-the-Flames Lamont Black’s resource-rich webpage: https://lamontblack.com/ Leeman Baird’s company Hedera: https://hedera.com/ Our prior conversation with John Wingate: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast/ArticleID/829/A-Lone-Star-Lighting-the-Crypto-Path BankSocial:: https://www.banksocial.io/
Check out the CU Crypto Report, a crowdsourced data analysis of how CU members are already engaging with cryptocurrency. Now accepting volunteers to contribute anonymized data to our 2023 report: https://www.cucrypto.report/
Follow the Best Innovation Group on Twitter: @bigfintech Follow Glen on Twitter @154Advisors Follow John on Twitter @jbfintech
Amplify Credit Union CEO Kendall Garrison shares thoughts on running a fee-free shop, explains why CU members need not be overly fearful of an SVB situation, and why conveying that message requires finesse. Also- the Godot Recession, and a skewed definition of small banks. Links related to this episode: Amplify Credit Union’s Fee-Free approach: https://www.goamplify.com/fee-free/ Reuters’ reporting on “small bank” deposit losses: https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/us-large-bank-deposits-rose-week-after-svb-collapse-fed-data-2023-03-24/ Our prior episode untangling the SVB mess: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast/ArticleID/865/Silicon-Valley-Bank-through-a-Credit-Union-Lens Fox Business shines a light on credit union safety: https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/how-safe-credit-unions-bank-turmoil Join us on Wednesday March 29 at Noon ET/9am PT (note the earlier time) as we celebrate the 100th episode of our live, interactive CU Town Hall. We’re marking the occasion with an appearance by noted author and futurist Brett King. All are welcome but registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Follow the Best Innovation Group on Twitter: @bigfintech Follow Glen on Twitter @154Advisors Follow John on Twitter @jbfintech
Now that the dust has settled (a little), John and Glen unspool the SVB and Signature Bank crises and what they mean for CUs. Also- John's already getting into arguments with ChatGPT-4. Links related to this episode: Our earlier episode on ChatGPT’s promise and peril: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast/ArticleID/859/ChatGPT-Don%E2%80%99t-You-Just-Love-It CUNA’s rapid response webpage with resources to help CUs communicate with members and media on the banking crisis: https://news.cuna.org/articles/print/122240-cuna-launches-page-with-bank-collapse-response-resources
The NY Times “Hard Fork” podcast covering ChatGPT-4 and the “group chat bank run”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hard-fork/id1528594034?i=1000604620320
Another twist in the SVB saga: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/business/svb-collapse-peter-thiel-silicon-valley- Join us on Wednesday March 29 at Noon ET/9am PT (note the earlier time) as we celebrate the 100th episode of our live, interactive CU Town Hall. We’re marking the occasion with an appearance by noted author and futurist Brett King. All are welcome but registration is required : https://www.cutownhall.com/ Follow the Best Innovation Group on Twitter: @bigfintech Follow Glen on Twitter @154Advisors Follow John on Twitter @jbfintech
One year removed from the Crypto Bowl, Glen connects with NYDIG’s Rahm McDaniel to assess what has and hasn’t changed for credit unions and members. Also- trying (and failing) to avoid addressing Silicon Valley Bank, Silvergate and USDC. Links related to this episode: NYDIG: https://nydig.com/ Our earlier interview with Becky Reed of Lone Star CU and John Wingate of BankSocial: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast/ArticleID/829/A-Lone-Star-Lighting-the-Crypto-Path CU 2.0’s Fintech Madness, Thursday March 30: https://cu-2.com/fintech-madness/ NACUSO Network Conference, March 27-29: https://www.nacuso.org/conferences/2023-nacuso-network/information/ Check out the CU Crypto Report, a crowdsourced data analysis of how CU members are already engaging with cryptocurrency. Now accepting volunteers to contribute anonymized data to the 2023 report: https://www.cucrypto.report/ Follow the Best Innovation Group on Twitter: @bigfintech Follow Glen on Twitter @154Advisors Follow John on Twitter @jbfintech
Glen shares key takeaways from CUNA’s just-completed Government Affairs Conference, including interviews with CUNA’s economics team on their business outlook and hard data proving the CU advantage in auto lending, as well as the FedNow team on the mid-year rollout of a new set of payment rails. Also, NCR Digital Banking President Doug Brown on his unit’s momentum amid a company split. (Photo courtesy of CUNA and EPNAC) Links related to this episode: CUNA’s Economic Data: https://www.cuna.org/advocacy/credit-union---economic-data/data---statistics.html FedNow: https://explore.fednow.org/ NCR Digital Banking: https://www.ncr.com/banking/digital-banking CUNA GAC: https://www.cuna.org/events/gac/schedule.html BIG’s Innovation Club convenes thought leaders across the credit union movement several times each year, engaging in educational and innovative projects leveraging new technology- from robotic process automation to distributed ledger, conversational banking, machine learning and more- to address the most pressing issues facing the financial services industry. Visit https://www.big-fintech.com/Innovation-Club/Technology to learn more, find out about our March in-person retreat, and consider whether your organization may be a fit.
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Maps Credit Union COO Rachel Pross shares business takeaways from a recent outdoor adventure that veered off script. Also, a big 2019 payments deal gets unwound, and Glen rants about recession. Links related to this episode: Rachel’s article on the business lessons of her ill-fated mountain trek: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7029157770209746944/ Maps Credit Union: https://mapscu.com/ Payment Dive’s coverage of FIS’s Worldpay spinoff: https://www.paymentsdive.com/news/fis-spin-off-merchant-unit-worldpay-earnings-acquisitions-mergers/642594/ Anne Legg’s “Big Data, Big Climb”: https://www.anneleggthrive.com/buy-the-book The Atlanta Fed’s GDPNow: https://www.atlantafed.org/cqer/research/gdpnow BIG’s Innovation Club convenes thought leaders across the credit union movement several times each year, engaging in educational and innovative projects leveraging new technology- from robotic process automation to distributed ledger, conversational banking, machine learning and more- to address the most pressing issues facing the financial services industry. Visit https://www.big-fintech.com/Innovation-Club/Technology to learn more, find out about our March in-person retreat, and consider whether your organization may be a fit.
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Listen, man… ChatGPT shares its thoughts on junk fees, and John and Glen share their thoughts on ChatGPT- which have become more guarded given recent revelations. Also, why have the hands become AI’s Achilles’ heel? Links related to this episode: John’s January CU Town Hall demo of ChatGPT illustrating its credit union potential: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQljOyr7tXY Our BIG blog posts highlighting some of ChatGPT’s fun and foibles: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/Blog/ArticleID/856/Our-ChatGPT-Poem%20is-Funny-and-Illuminating The New York Times’ coverage of “The Online Search Wars” that shifted the chatbot narrative: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/16/technology/bing-chatbot-microsoft-chatgpt.html The 2013 film “Her” is looking mighty prescient: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Her_(film) This CNN story about Microsoft Bing damage control was posted less than an hour after we recorded our episode: https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/17/tech/microsoft-bing-ai-changes BIG’s Innovation Club convenes thought leaders across the credit union movement several times each year, engaging in educational and innovative projects leveraging new technology- from robotic process automation to distributed ledger, conversational banking, machine learning and more- to address the most pressing issues facing the financial services industry. Visit https://www.big-fintech.com/Innovation-Club/Technology to learn more, find out about our mid-March in-person retreat, and consider whether your organization may be a fit.
Follow the Best Innovation Group on Twitter: @bigfintech Follow Glen on Twitter @154Advisors Follow John on Twitter @jbfintech
Glen’s visit to Deluxe Exchange- during Super Bowl week!- scores interviews covering the future workforce, a small business inflection point, an acceleration in payment speed, and an unexpected jolt of economic optimism. Links related to this episode: Deluxe Exchange: https://www.deluxe.com/ Barlow Research: https://barlowresearch.com/index.php Kelly Palmer’s book “The Expertise Economy”: https://www.amazon.com/Expertise-Economy-smartest-companies-learning-ebook/dp/B078W5VTCN The US Faster Payments Council: https://fasterpaymentscouncil.org/ Check out the CU Crypto Report- This newly issued report leverages anonymized, crowdsourced CU data to illuminate how credit union members fit into the cryptocurrency movement and what role CUs can play. Get your free copy here: https://www.cucrypto.report/
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Glen’s pre-gaming for CUNA’s Government Affairs Conference includes interviews with CUNA’s Chief Product Officer Todd Spiczenski about this year‘s priorities, and Filene’s Community Development Director Cortney Arnold about the storied history of the GAC Crasher program. Links related to this episode: CUNA GAC: https://www.cuna.org/events/cuna_governmentalaffairsconference2023.html The Filene Research Institute’s 2023 Crasher cohort: https://filene.org/crashthegac-2023 Our interview with the Ukrainian Self-Reliance Credit Union following last year’s emotional GAC presentation: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast/ArticleID/810/Financial-Lifeline-Ukraine The CFPB’s statement on banking “junk fees”: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-issues-guidance-to-help-banks-avoid-charging-illegal-junk-fees-on-deposit-accounts/ The White House’s broader statement on an initiative to combat these fees across sectors: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/blog/2022/10/26/the-presidents-initiative-on-junk-fees-and-related-pricing-practices/ Check out the CU Crypto Report- This newly issued report leverages anonymized, crowdsourced CU data to illuminate how credit union members fit into the cryptocurrency movement and what role CUs can play. Get your free copy here: https://www.cucrypto.report/
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Glen interviews John about the newly released CU Crypto Report, and insights on members’ crypto engagement that can be gleaned from analyzing data across a dozen credit unions. Links related to this episode: The CU Crypto Report- Download a copy, add your CU’s data to the mix, and/or find out more about John’s new book: https://www.cucrypto.report/ Glen’s Credit Union Magazine article on the early crypto movers among credit unions: https://news.cuna.org/articles/121324-connecting-via-crypto Last summer’s interview with CEO Becky Reed about Lone Star Credit Union’s unique self-custody crypto launch: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast/ArticleID/829/A-Lone-Star-Lighting-the-Crypto-Path Check out the next CU Town Hall Wednesday February 1- Join us for our live and lively hour-long interactive discussion of the top issues facing credit unions. Held alternate Wednesdays at 3pm ET/Noon PT. Request an invitation here: https://www.cutownhall.com/
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John and Glen interview computer security expert Roger Grimes about reports of an imminent Quantum Break that could render all cryptography and existing password protections obsolete, and how the intrigue has echoes of the 1960s Space Race. Links related to this episode: Roger Grimes’ recent post on the Quantum Break: https://community.spiceworks.com/topic/2472644-has-the-quantum-break-just-happened?from_forum=193 A somewhat different perspective from the Guardian: https://amp.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jan/14/computers-need-to-make-a-quantum-leap-before-they-can-crack-encrypted-messages Roger’s book on the Cryptography Apocalypse: https://www.amazon.com/Cryptography-Apocalypse-Preparing-Quantum-Computing/dp/1119618193#customerReviews Roger’s company KnowBe4: https://www.knowbe4.com/ Check out the CU Town Hall Wednesday January 25th - Join us for our live and lively hour-long interactive discussion of the top issues facing credit unions. Held alternate Wednesdays at 3pm ET/Noon PT. Request an invitation here: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Follow the Best Innovation Group on Twitter: @bigfintech Follow Glen on Twitter @154Advisors Follow John on Twitter @jbfintech
Glen speaks with PSCU’s crypto strategist Lou Grilli about what the FTX debacle means for credit unions, and likely paths forward. Also- ChatGPT blows minds (and creates a Crypto poem!) and Washington weighs in on digital assets. Links related to this episode: A replay of our January 11 CU Town Hall on ChatGPT: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Lou Grilli’s CUInsight piece on the impact of FTX’s collapse on credit unions: https://www.cuinsight.com/thoughts-on-the-ftx-collapse/ Registration link for Lou’s January 25 CU Times webcast on CU crypto strategies: https://www.cutimes.com/2022/12/21/how-the-collapse-of-ftx-impacts-credit-union-crypto-strategies/ Lou also recommends this Finopotamus article: https://www.finopotamus.com/post/credit-union-experts-comment-on-ftx-collapse-the-future-of-crypto-and-how-cu-s-can-benefit January’s joint statement on crypto by the FDIC, OCC and Federal Reserve: https://www.fdic.gov/news/press-releases/2023/pr23002a.pdf Politico’s article on plans for a Congressional crypto panel: https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/12/mchenry-reveals-house-crypto-panel-names-subcommittee-chairs-00077667 Join our next CU Town Hall on Wednesday January 25- Our live and lively hour-long interactive discussion of the top issues facing credit unions is held alternate Wednesdays at 3pm ET/Noon PT. Request an invitation here: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Follow the Best Innovation Group on Twitter: @bigfintech Follow Glen on Twitter @154Advisors Follow John on Twitter @jbfintech And finally….. ChatGPT’s Ode of Crypto Winter- courtesy of a prompt from our friend Derek Howard of William Mills Associates. Crypto winter, a season of cold A time of loss, a time to behold The market shivers, the price grows old A chill in the air, a story yet untold The investors huddle, their hopes grow thin As the value of their coins begin to dim But through the frost, a glimmer of hope A belief that the spring will eventually come, and the market will cope So hold on tight, dear crypto believers For the winter may be long, but the spring will be sweeter The future is bright, the market will rise And our coins will thrive, and once again, surprise So don't let the crypto winter get you down Hold on to your coins, don't let them drown For the spring will come, and the market will bloom And our crypto journey will resume.
In our annual Prognostication Episode John Best flags an imminent Quantum Break, Anne Legg confronts shrinkflation, John Janclaes ponders employee burnout and Glen Sarvady charts FedNow’s road ahead. Also discussions of tech layoffs, the battle for deposits, SMBs’ health, and an even wilder than usual set of Bitcoin price predictions. Links related to this episode: JPM Chase’s SMB Business Leaders Outlook: https://www.jpmorgan.com/commercial-banking/insights/us-business-leaders-outlook McKinsey article on employee burnout: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/addressing-employee-burnout-are-you-solving-the-right-problem Thrive Strategic Services: https://www.anneleggthrive.com/ The CEO Corner: http://theceocorner.com/ Nymbus: https://nymbus.com/ Roger’s recent post on the Quantum Break: https://community.spiceworks.com/topic/2472644-has-the-quantum-break-just-happened?from_forum=193 Roger Grimes’ book on the Cryptography Apocalypse: https://www.amazon.com/Cryptography-Apocalypse-Preparing-Quantum-Computing/dp/1119618193#customerReviews Our prior “Thankful” episode with Anne Legg and John Janclaes: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast/ArticleID/847/A-Fintech-Thanksgiving Iggy Pop “I’m Bored”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NuaK29J1fM Ramones: “I Wanna Be Sedated”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm51ihfi1p4 The CU Town Hall returns Wednesday January 11- Join us for our live and lively hour-long interactive discussion of the top issues facing credit unions. Held alternate Wednesdays at 3pm ET/Noon PT. Request an invitation here: https://www.cutownhall.com/
John and Glen recap and update the biggest stories that impacted the credit union world and beyond during 2022: The Ethereum merge, inflation and the end of “free money,” a slowdown in VC cash, the FTX implosion, the intersection of the Ukraine, guns and payments, and more. Links related to this episode: Our recent episode covering FTX’s collapse: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast/ArticleID/848/At-a-Crypto-Crossroads More on the Ethereum merge: https://ethereum.org/en/upgrades/merge/ The CU Town Hall returns Wednesday January 11- Join us for our live and lively hour-long interactive discussion of the top issues facing credit unions. Held alternate Wednesdays at 3pm ET/Noon PT. Request an invitation here: https://www.cutownhall.com/
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Glen speaks with leaders of the student-led federal credit unions at both Georgetown and the University of Pennsylvania about this unique corner of the CU world. Also- keeping HOPE alive, and outrunning regulation with industry fraud rules.
Links related to this episode:
ttps://www.upennsfcu.org/
University of Pennsylvania Students Federal Credit Union: https://www.upennsfcu.org/
Georgetown University Alumni and Student Federal Credit Union: https://www.guasfcu.com/
Penn Today’s recent story on its student credit union’s 35th anniversary: https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/nations-only-ivy-league-student-run-credit-union-turns-35-monthhttps://www.paymentsjournal.com/banks-take-a-proactive-stand-to-resolve-zelle-issues-before-regulators-make-their-mark/
Payments Journal’s coverage of big banks’ move to stave off Zelle regulation: https://www.paymentsjournal.com/banks-take-a-proactive-stand-to-resolve-zelle-issues-before-regulators-make-their-mark/
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John and Glen attempt to decipher the recent chaos in the crypto world. Along the way they confront their own horrid Bitcoin and Ethereum price projections from January, debate the economics of recorded music, and John touts a mysterious and incendiary new form of fuel.
Links related to this episode:
Last January’s 2022 Predictions episode, including more discussion of John and Glen’s fatally flawed Bitcoin and Ethereum predictions: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast/ArticleID/797/Have-in-Store
Lou Grilli, Senior Innovation Strategist at PSCU and a Friend of the Pod, posted the following thoughts on FTX’s collapse: https://www.cuinsight.com/thoughts-on-the-ftx-collapse/
For anyone smitten with the cryptocurrency sweater gracing this week’s graphic: https://www.notjustclothing.co.uk/products/merry-cryptmas-cryptocurrency-knitted-christmas-jumper
Blowupolene: (sorry, URL unavailable)
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Continuing our annual BIGCast tradition, John and Glen welcome back Anne Legg and John Janclaes for a festive holiday discussion of fintech developments they’ve been grateful for over the past year.
Links related to this episode:
Anne Legg’s website, including access to her book “Big Data, Big Climb”: https://www.anneleggthrive.com/
Reach John Janclaes through either his firm Nymbus or his own The CEO Corner website: http://theceocorner.com/ https://nymbus.com/
Glen’s rather prescient Money 20/20 interview with crypto skeptic Oonagh McDonald: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast/ArticleID/845/Screen-Time-Stablecoins-and-Other-Perils
Glen’s recap of the recent VentureTech conference for CU Today: https://www.cutoday.info/site/THE-tude/The-Highlights-From-Fast-Growing-VentureTech-Event
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Glen speaks with the founders of four of the up and coming fintechs- Credit Mountain, Datava, MessagePay and Nickels- that caught his eye at last week’s VentureTech conference.
Links related to this episode:
Datava: https://datava.com/
Nickels: https://asknickels.com/
MessagePay: https://www.messagepay.com/
Credit Mountain: https://creditmountain.co/
Launch Party winner Arcanum Technology: https://www.arcanumtechnology.net/
Our interview with Zirtue’s Dennis Cail from Money 20/20: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast/ArticleID/844/Americas-Got-Access-Vegas-Has-Crowds
Glen's VentureTech recap for CU Today: https://www.cutoday.info/THE-tude/The-Highlights-From-Fast-Growing-VentureTech-Event
VentureTech: https://myventuretech.com/
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In Part 2 of our Money 20/20 recap, Glen speaks with Javelin’s Tracy Kitten about her new Child ID Fraud report, and in a BIGCast first we interview a former member of the UK Parliament about crypto regulation. Also for good measure, thoughts from a Fed Governor and the Head of New York’s Department of Financial Services.
Links related to this episode:
Javelin’s Child ID Fraud Study: https://javelinstrategy.com/2022-child-identity-fraud-report
Javelin’s free November 15 webinar discussing the study: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/524171704549369101?source=CUNA
Oonagh McDonald’s recent book “Cryptocurrencies: Money, Trust and Regulation”: https://www.amazon.com/Cryptocurrencies-Money-Regulation-Oonagh-McDonald/dp/178821420X
The FDIC’s newly updated Unbanked/Underbanked study: https://www.fdic.gov/analysis/household-survey/index.html
Part One of our Money 20/20 BIBCast coverage, including interviews with three startup founders: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast/ArticleID/844/Americas-Got-Access-Vegas-Has-Crowds
Glen’s BIG Blog on Money 20/20 highlights: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/Blog/ArticleID/843/Musings-from-Money-20-20
Glen’s Money 20/20 coverage for CUNA.org: https://news.cuna.org/articles/121710-money-20-20-advancing-in-real-time-despite-headwinds
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Freshly back from Vegas, Glen shares interviews with the founders of three companies that made a splash at Money 20/20’s startup pitch competition: Dennis Cail of Zirtue, Gwyneth Borden of Remynt and Piero Nunez of Pana. Plus, does Jesus still love Bitcoin?
Links related to this episode:
Zirtue: https://zirtue.com/
Remynt: https://www.getremynt.com/
Pana: https://www.joinpana.com/
Our Recent CU Town Hall with MyFloc: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yr_ahj54u0o&feature=youtu.be
Glen’s BIG Blog on Money 20/20 highlights:
Glen’s Money 20/20 coverage for CUNA.org: https://news.cuna.org/articles/121710-money-20-20-advancing-in-real-time-despite-headwinds
Our recent interview with Tracey Davies of Money 20/20: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast/ArticleID/840/Drones-Disruption-and-Double-Vision
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Glen speaks with Highline co-founder and CEO Geoff Brown about his firm’s efforts to simplify bill payment and make “safe to spend” budgeting more practical by remitting amounts due directly from paychecks. Also- the ninth (or tenth) life of checks, and questions over how the CFPB is “fed.”
Links related to this episode:
Highline: https://highline.co/
Our previous episode on payday lending: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast/ArticleID/836/Exodus-from-the-Debt-Trap
BillGO and Aite’s study on how Americans pay their bills: https://www.billgo.com/blog/how-americans-pay-their-bills
Deluxe’s unexpected check rebound: https://www.americanbanker.com/payments/news/deluxe-check-printing-business-sees-surprising-uptick-in-demand
CFPB funding: https://www.npr.org/2022/10/19/1130115943/court-says-financial-watchdog-agency-cfpbs-structure-is-unconstitutional
Join us live every other Wednesday at 3pm ET/Noon PT for the CU Town Hall, an interactive discussion of the most pressing issues facing credit unions: https://www.cutownhall.com/
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John and Glen discuss the Credit Card Competition Act, the lessons that can be gleaned from “Durbin 1.0”’s impact on debit, the potential impact on credit interchange, and possible workarounds. Also, John declares body parts in his checked baggage.
Links related to this episode:
The FII Institute: https://fii-institute.org/
BAI’s take on the implications of Durbin 2.0: https://www.bai.org/banking-strategies/article-detail/whats-next-if-durbin-2-0-becomes-law/
Business Insider’s take on the political machinations: https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/credit-card-competition-act-good-veterans-bad-for-rewards-2022-10
CUNA’s stance on attempts to attach the bill to the National Defense Authorization Act: https://news.cuna.org/articles/121611-financial-services-trades-to-congress-ndaa-shouldnt-be-a-payday-for-retailers
Payment Dive’s update on the latest twist that may keep interchange out of the NDAA: https://www.paymentsdive.com/news/credit-card-payments-competition-bill-durbin-congress-defense-spending-bill/633904/
Join us live every other Wednesday at 3pm ET/Noon PT for the CU Town Hall, an interactive discussion of the most pressing issues facing credit unions: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Follow the Best Innovation Group on Twitter: @bigfintech
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Glen talks with Money 20/20 President Tracey Davies about what to expect at the upcoming flagship event, and why this batch of ideas won’t be staying in Vegas. Also, the Credit Card Competition Act gathers momentum.
Links related to this episode:
Money 20/20 USA, October 23-26: https://us.money2020.com/
The Points Guy’s take on the Credit Card Competition Act: https://thepointsguy.com/news/update-credit-card-competition-act/
Titus Andronicus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9He-ZJCl3Y
Join us live every other Wednesday at 3pm ET/Noon PT for the CU Town Hall, an interactive discussion of the most pressing issues facing credit unions: https://www.cutownhall.com/
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Glen talks with Jenny Jackson and Nick Evens, the co-founders of VentureTech, about the rapid growth of their interactive fintech showcase and plans to highlight more than 25 growth-stage companies this November. Also- a crypto take-down, fall conference pre-gaming, and various fintech rumblings in our nation’s Capitol.
Links related to this episode:
VentureTech, November 7-9: www.myventuretech.com
Last week’s BIGCast featuring interviews with four Finovate standouts: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast/ArticleID/838/The-New-Guard-Takes-Center-Stage
The Treasury Department’s report on the Future of Money: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Future-of-Money-and-Payments.pdf
The Treasury Department’s report on Crypto risks: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/CryptoAsset_EO5.pdf
Join us live every other Wednesday at 3pm ET/Noon PT for the CU Town Hall, an interactive discussion of the most pressing issues facing credit unions: https://www.cutownhall.com/
Follow the Best Innovation Group on Twitter: @bigfintech
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Glen interviews four of his favorite companies- all first-time presenters- at last week’s Finovate Fall event: Best of Show winner Debbie, crypto solutions provider Bakkt, trading platform Energy Shares and business identity platform Middesk.
Links related to this episode:
Debbie: https://www.joindebbie.com/
Bakkt: https://bakkt.com/crypto-solutions
Energy Shares: https://energysharesus.com/
Middesk: https://www.middesk.com/
Glen’s earlier interviews with Best of Show winner Quilo and also standouts Illuma and Posh: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast/ArticleID/817/NACUSO-Next-Big-Idea
Best of Show winner Lemonade LXP’s appearance on our CU Digital Town Hall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTazCXX_lyo
Glen’s recent interview with Finovate frontman Greg Palmer: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast/ArticleID/832/A-Shift-in-the-Venture-Capital-Winds
The Treasury Department’s newly minted report on the Future of Money: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Future-of-Money-and-Payments.pdf
The Treasury Department’s report on Crypto risks: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/CryptoAsset_EO5.pdf
Follow the Best Innovation Group on Twitter: @bigfintech
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Glen interviews four of his favorite companies- all first-time presenters- at last week’s Finovate Fall event: Best of Show winner Debbie, crypto solutions provider Bakkt, trading platform Energy Shares and business identity platform Middesk.
Links related to this episode:
Debbie: https://www.joindebbie.com/
Bakkt: https://bakkt.com/crypto-solutions
Energy Shares: https://energysharesus.com/
Middesk: https://www.middesk.com/
Glen’s earlier interviews with Best of Show winner Quilo and also standouts Illuma and Posh: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast/ArticleID/817/NACUSO-Next-Big-Idea
Best of Show winner Lemonade LXP’s appearance on our CU Digital Town Hall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTazCXX_lyo
Glen’s recent interview with Finovate frontman Greg Palmer: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast/ArticleID/832/A-Shift-in-the-Venture-Capital-Winds
The Treasury Department’s newly minted report on the Future of Money: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Future-of-Money-and-Payments.pdf
The Treasury Department’s report on Crypto risks: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/CryptoAsset_EO5.pdf
Follow the Best Innovation Group on Twitter: @bigfintech
Follow Glen on Twitter @154Advisors
Follow John on Twitter @jbfintech
Glen speaks with BitMint CTO Gideon Samid about his firm’s unique approach to digital loyalty programs, and with GoCart’s Head of Growth Nick Hughes about reducing shopping cart abandonment. Also- new data on credit unions and crypto, and credit card gun merchant codes set the stage for a new battle royale.
Links related to this episode:
BitMint: https://www.bitmintcash.com/
GoCart: https://www.gocartpay.com/
Glen’s Credit Union Magazine article on CUs and Crypto: https://news.cuna.org/articles/121324-connecting-via-crypto
PSCU/PYMNTS.com’s survey of credit union leaders’ crypto attitudes: https://www.pymnts.com/credit-unions/2022/credit-unions-weigh-the-risks-and-benefits-of-expanding-crypto-offerings/
MPC22 (August’s Mobile Payments Conference): https://mobilepaymentconference.com/
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Glen speaks with BitMint CTO Gideon Samid about his firm’s unique approach to digital loyalty programs, and with GoCart’s Head of Growth Nick Hughes about reducing shopping cart abandonment. Also- new data on credit unions and crypto, and credit card gun merchant codes set the stage for a new battle royale.
Links related to this episode:
BitMint: https://www.bitmintcash.com/
GoCart: https://www.gocartpay.com/
Glen’s Credit Union Magazine article on CUs and Crypto: https://news.cuna.org/articles/121324-connecting-via-crypto
PSCU/PYMNTS.com’s survey of credit union leaders’ crypto attitudes: https://www.pymnts.com/credit-unions/2022/credit-unions-weigh-the-risks-and-benefits-of-expanding-crypto-offerings/
MPC22 (August’s Mobile Payments Conference): https://mobilepaymentconference.com/
Follow the Best Innovation Group on Twitter: @bigfintech
Follow Glen on Twitter @154Advisors
Follow John on Twitter @jbfintech
Glen meets with Exodus Lending’s Executive Director Anne Leland Clark to discuss its grassroots efforts to extricate consumers from debt traps and plans to launch “the anti-payday loan.” Also - faster payments coming faster, and the crypto caravan keeps growing.
SHOW NOTES can be found at: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast
Glen meets with Exodus Lending’s Executive Director Anne Leland Clark to discuss its grassroots efforts to extricate consumers from debt traps and plans to launch “the anti-payday loan.” Also - faster payments coming faster, and the crypto caravan keeps growing.
SHOW NOTES can be found at: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast
Shamir Karkal, co-founder of trailblazing neobank Simple, discusses his current venture Sila and its mission to simplify payments for the entire ecosystem. Plus-FedNow lurches toward the starting gate, and Glen looks forward to a busy September. SHOW NOTES can be found at: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast
Glen speaks with Finovate’s VP of Marketing Greg Palmer about how 2022’s economic climate may be fueling a new wave of young fintechs. Also, a recent acquisition has Glen asking about CUSOs, and a brief tribute to a true card pioneer. SHOW NOTES can be found at: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast
Glen speaks with Finovate’s VP of Marketing Greg Palmer about how 2022’s economic climate may be fueling a new wave of young fintechs. Also, a recent acquisition has Glen asking about CUSOs, and a brief tribute to a true card pioneer. SHOW NOTES can be found at: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast
John and Glen take a cue from a "money anthropologist" and Dax Shepard, thinking through generational wealth and the future of savings. SHOW NOTES can be found at: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast
Glen speaks with CEOs Becky Reed of Lone Star Credit Union and John Wingate of BankSocial about a new solution enabling small CUs to rapidly deliver crypto to members. Also a first look at Durbin 2.0.
Glen speaks with Nebraska Credit Union League CEO Scott Sullivan and Family Focus Federal Credit Union CEO Amy Brodersen about the unique (and not so unique) challenges facing the 56 CUs in the Cornhusker State, including payday lending and blockchain. SHOW NOTES can be found at: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/BIGcast
John and Glen get rather emotional- too emotional?- discussing the world of payday lending and how credit unions can deliver better solutions to address such unfortunate real-world needs.
Glen speaks with BitPay CFO Jagruti Solanki about staying focused through crypto's ups and downs on the blocking and tackling on enabling payments
Glen examines the oft-delayed CECL accounting standard for estimating credit losses with TCT Risk Solutions’ CEO Randy Thompson. He digs in to make a technical topic interesting by boiling repayment behavior down to everyday persona.
Glen speaks with a pair of execs on the front lines of credit unions’ crypto rollout: Rahm McDaniel of NYDIG and Joe Keller of Visions Federal Credit Union- about the state of play and any impacts of recent market turbulence.
Glen speaks with Lamont Black- a DePaul University banking professor and a go-to resource for credit unions- about Bitcoin’s recent bumps in the pricing road and why he remains optimistic about the future of digital assets. Also, a first look at the Senate’s proposed cryptocurrency bill.
Glen interviews two more of our favorite Finovate Spring presenters- Cion Digital and Engage- and reflects on the potential dawn of a “buy or be bought” environment.
Gelen interviews a trio of newly minted Finovate Best of Show winners- FinGoal, Keep and Spave- and reflects on a spring event that took place in a starkly different investment climate.
Gordon Howe, CEO of Unify FCU, shares his $3 billion institution’s experiences as one of the first credit unions to offer crypto services to members. Also, Glen attempts to decipher the ongoing market turmoil in stablecoin and other digital assets.
Glen shares highlights from last week’s Nacha Payments conference: Nacha CEO Jane Larimer on a busy time for innovation, Lipis Advisors’ Andrew Gomez on lessons learned from real-time payments fraud overseas, and Peter Tapling on the road ahead for CBDCs.
Glen marvels at the record attendance for the current wave of industry conferences, and speaks with a pair of NACUSO’s Next Big Idea standouts: winners Illuma and Posh, and bold newcomer Quilo. Also a recap of PSCU’s Member Forum.
Glen previews an insanely busy conference events calendar, including an interview with Finovate emcee Greg Palmer, a focus on Nacha Smarter Faster Payments, and the ongoing pursuit of the Next Big Idea.
CEO Dave Foss discusses Jack Henry and Associates' technology strategy, Glen polls college students on their payment and crypto habits, and Bitcoin believers go the John Hancock route in airing their grievances.
Security expert Jim Stickley offers his prognosis for further cyber incidents- with a particular focus on credit unions- given Russia’s ongoing invasion. Plus, Glen explains why he isn’t invited to Bitcoin parties.
Glen chats with two more standouts from Finovate Europe: Fyndoo about its Metaverse exploration and LeapXpert about ensuring compliance across communication channels.
Glen shares his highlights from Finovate’s lively return to the London stage, and speaks with Best of Show winners Dreams and Finshape.
John and Glen unpack the Biden Administration’s Executive Order on digital assets, and its likely effects on the crypto industry and credit unions’ growing support of Bitcoin and other digital coins- alt and stable.
Glen’s gathers important perspectives from key first responders in the credit union movement’s efforts to aid Ukraine: the Ukrainian Selfreliance Credit Union’s Anatoli Murha, CUNA Chief Advocacy Officer Ryan Donovan, and the Word Council of Credit Unions’ head of advocacy Andrew Price. Also, a first look at President Biden’s crypto Executive Order.
Glen’s highlights from CUNA’s action-packed Government Affairs Conference, including interviews with Northern Hills FCU’s CEO Floyd Rummel on small CUs deploying AI, Discovery Fund Director Elizabeth McCluskey on investing in underrepresented entrepreneurs, and CUNA Chief Economist Mike Schenk on a pretty solid 2022 outlook. Also, inspiring CU mobilization in support of Ukraine.
John and Glen hold court with Cornerstone Advisors Chief Research Officer Ron Shevlinabout Google’s unsettled payment strategy and a divergence of opinion on banking opportunities in the metaverse. Also, John tours Chase’s new virtual branch (and pets a tiger).
Jack Henry CEO Dave Foss joins Glen to elaborate on his company’s newly unveiled technology strategy and its unbundling of the core. Also- what does Tony Gwynn have to do with venture capital?
Christine Barry shares new Aite-Novarica research on business payment attitudes, Mark Johnson discusses Deluxe’s newly minted Q2 partnership, and Glen recaps other highlights and takeaways from Deluxe Exchange- including Peloton’s role in the Metaverse and TransUnion’s take on the narrowing refi window.
Glen speaks with NCR’s President of Digital Banking Doug Brown about the firm’s recent acquisition of cryptocurrency software provider LibertyX, its role in a full-suite digital banking offering, and “skating to where the puck is going to be.” Also, more CBDC fun and FedNow floats a trial balloon.
StagePoint Federal Credit Union’s Tyler Valentine discusses his journey from teller to CEO and opportunities for small credit unions to tap into growth. Also, Glen recaps the latest developments in the never-boring world of cryptocurrency.
Glen speaks with Bonifii CEO John Ainsworth about the clear need for member authentication in today’s and tomorrow’s digital worlds, and a fascinating Metaverse opportunity for credit unions. Also- the Fed nudges the CBDC ball forward, Amazon backs down and SPACs meltdown.
John shares highlights from his time on the floor at CES, including a big week for robots and a glimpse into the not-too-distant future of embedded finance and the metaverse. Also an assist from James Corden, a Boring tunnel and a prescient Second Life reference.
John shares unfiltered thoughts on data sharing, cat pictures, artificial intelligence, APIs, and starting a credit union from scratch. Glen provides an opinionated round-up of recent news including an FDIC squabble, new crypto developments, the latest payment research, and venture capital heartburn.
Now that we've closed the book on 2021, John and Glen turn their attention to the big stories of 2022- with an emphasis on anticipating the unexpected. Includes our always popular (and sometimes even accurate!) Bitcoin price prediction.
John and Glen dissect the biggest stories impacting the fintech, credit union and crypto worlds in 2021- from the meteoric rise of Bitcoin (and GameStop!) to supply chain snarl-ups to worker shortages to Google pulling back from checking accounts.
Glen speaks with the founders of 3 bold startups- Renofi, Silvur and SocialEquity- with fresh approaches to key financial services challenges.
John and Glen update their annual tradition, trading thoughts on what they've been grateful for (from a fintech perspective- mostly) over a busy 2021.
Glen shares highlights from an action-packed week at the NACUSO and VentureTech conferences, featuring interviews with startup Atomic FI, fintech investor CMFG Ventures, and champions of a campaign to launch more new credit unions.
John and Glen interview futurist and author Brett King about his new book, "The Rise of Technosocialism," how the pandemic prompted him to re-write its first half, and why moderates shouldn't be scared off by the title.
Glen chats with a trio of Founder/CEOs from the hallways of Money 20/20- MetalPay’s Marshall Hayner, SnapCheck’s Ken Kruszka and Honeycomb Credit’s George Cook. Also, Glen violates the first rule of Fintech Fight Club.
John and Glen discuss how today’s supply chain headaches could cause longer-term credit union migraines. Also- a new ETF drives a Bitcoin price record, and debating whether to pay ransomware demands.
John and Glen begin by dissecting Google Checking, and somehow end up on Buy Now Pay Later and Sam’s Club. Also- Mr. Bitcoin’s wild ride.
All roads lead to Las Vegas, as Glen previews a busy industry calendar with Curql Collective CEO Nick Evens (NACUSO Network Conference, VentureTech) and Money 20/20 President Tracey Davies.
Mike gets phygital with Lemonade CEO/Co-Founder John Findlay, and Glen assesses the demise of Google checking and a new take on the worker shortage.
Glen wraps up his Finovate coverage by interviewing demo standouts FinGoal and Directlink and offering some Hamilton parallels (and puns). Also- thoughts on the crypto crunch.
Glen connects with some of his favorite Finovate demoing companies- ASA Financial, Sontiq and Best of Show winner Dreams. Also- is Save Now Buy Later a thing?
Glen speaks with Nerve CEO/Co-Founder John Waupsh about his quest to create a better banking solution for working musicians. Also- diverse reactions to the Apple App Store court ruling.
Safe Harbor Financial CEO Sundie Seefried shares her journey to cannabis banking advocate. Also- what business are credit unions really in, and how do they avoid becoming the next Kodak?
Glen meets with Axway’s “Mr. Open Banking,” Eyal Sivan, to discuss Americans’ limited grasp of an accelerating trend poised to redefine the US banking landscape. Also- a fresh neobank aims to hit the right note, and a white hat’s identity remains cryptic.
John and Glen discuss credit unions’ evolving approaches to managing the Delta variant, Amazon’s expanding moves into DeFi, and a crowdsourced initiative helping CUs understand how members are engaging with cryptocurrency.
Glen chats with Scienaptic's Kathryn Bonesteel about bringing artificial intelligence to credit union loan underwriting. Plus- Square buys now, and Americans remain unclear on open banking.
Glen speaks with Glia co-founder/CEO Dan Michaeli and Lead Research Analyst Rick DeLisi about the changing role of the Member Services Representative. Also, a white-hot 2021 for fintech activity.
Nick Evens, CEO of the $150 million Curql Collective investment fund, explains why the days of “one-off” credit union investments in fintech startups are over. Also- Square’s foray into small business banking and FICO’s waning clout.
John and Glen dissect the Biden Administration’s recent Executive Order and its likely impact on open banking, financial institution mergers, and services in “banking deserts.”
Glen's candid conversation with Opy CEO Brian Shniderman about his firm's twist on the BNPL model. Also- a flashpoint for US open banking?
John joins Glen from A Quiet Place to unpack El Salvador’s unexpected decision to treat Bitcoin as legal tender, in parallel with the US dollar- as well as last week’s wild ride in cryptocurrency prices.
Glen speaks with WOCCU’s Kadie Hochmuth about July’s World Credit Union Conference and the World Council’s 50th anniversary. Also- dissecting the Fed’s new interchange report and debunking Durbin conspiracy theories.
Glen speaks with the Financial Health Network’s Hannah Calhoon about its latest cohort of Accelerator fintechs and the ongoing EMERGE conference. Also El Salvador embraces Bitcoin, and the Millennial Lifestyle Subsidy comes to a crashing halt.
Glen previews a busy upcoming conference schedule- including a chat with the leaders of Fintech South. Plus- Bitcoin Nation turns on Elon, the Winklevi offer rewards, and Ally throws down the O/D gauntlet.
Glen speaks with Ilian Georgiev, co-founder and CEO of debt management app Charlie, about how mobile gaming can inform financial wellness and why new approaches are needed to address the gender gap in finance.
Glen connects with leaders from three of his favorite Finovate Spring presenting companies- Attune, BodesWell, and Urjanet- each unveiling solutions designed to enhance consumers' financial lives.
Glen remembers "the man who saved the internet," and Bradley Leimer champions a new(ish) path for credit unions. Also, a quixotic new legal assault on the Durbin Amendment.
Some futurists expect population declines by mid-century, with a US reversal coming even sooner. What would this scenario mean for financial services? Also, John grills Bitcoin Loser Glen about the wisdom of being paid entirely in crypto.
Glen speaks with Fiserv SVP of Government Relations Kim Ford about the newly created Payments Leadership Council and BAI Research Director Karl Dahlgren about the surprising ways each generation’s banking attitudes have shifted since the pandemic.
Fintech visionaries Brett King, Theo Lau and Chris Skinner join our Digital Town Hall for a robust exchange on how the future of credit unions- and the economy overall- has been altered by the pandemic.
Fintech visionaries Brett King, Theo Lau and Chris Skinner join our Digital Town Hall for a robust exchange on how the future of credit unions- and the economy overall- has been altered by the pandemic.
Glen speaks with PayPal Ventures Operating Partner Peggy Mangot about exciting fintech opportunities, unmet market needs, and her experience launching a challenger bank within the walls of a Top Five FI.
Glen connects with leaders from his three favorite Finovate Europe solutions: Best of Show winner (and newly minted Unicorn) Quantum Metric, Iceland-based Meniga’s green banking spin, and WUA’s savvy twist on digital analytics.
John speaks with Ongoing Operations founder/CEO Kirk Drake about his new book “FinAncIal” and how most credit unions are already using machine learning and AI- they just lack an active strategy for it.
Glen speaks with leaders of Mintel Comperemedia and FMCG Direct about the latest messaging trends in financial services marketing, and quickly acting on “life-event triggers.” Also- a major development in the interchange wars, "the stimmy,” and a PR win for Chime.
John and Glen dig into the hot topic of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) and its slightly less revolutionary cousin, CeFi. Also, a very busy calendar on the virtual conference front.
Glen shares highlights of CUNA’s just-completed Government Affairs Conference, including an interview with CUNA Economists Mike Schenk and Jordan Van Rijn recapping their always popular Economic Update and implications for both Main Street and credit unions. Plus acquisitions, re-brandings and (slim) hopes for crossing the aisle.
Glen chats with Wall Street veteran and Forbes contributor Jeff Gapusan about the meteoric rise of SPACs and the sudden appeal of this obscure (until recently) investment vehicle. Also- a new take on attitudes toward Robinhood and GameStop.
Glen recaps the highlights from last week’s global Future of Cash conference, including interviews with Alex Bau of the Fed’s Cash Product on new research re: US usage, and Ron Delnevo on ATMs and “keeping cash local.” Plus more uses- and more pay?- for gig workers?
“Recovering hacker” Alissa Knight shares her frightening first-hand experience breaching dozens of mobile banking apps and other Internet of Things embedded systems. Also- Ant Financials’ lower valuation and the UK’s Buy Now Pay Later reckoning.
Credit Union Journal editor Aaron Passman discusses the trends he’s watching in the credit union space- including unexpected car shopping, states revamping regulation, and the ongoing hunt for scale. Plus the latest twists in the GameStop/Reddit saga.
John and Glen have very different views on the causes and impacts behind the investment activity roiling GameStop, AMC, and other stocks. Their spirited debate considers whether Robinhood is really robbing the rich and if there are any good guys in this battle, among other issues.
Glen speaks with Karl Dahlgren about BAI’s annual Banking Outlook and some potential disconnects between consumer and industry focus areas. Also, the latest on Affirm, Plaid, Walmart’s fintech foray, and changes at the CFPB and OCC.
The SolarWinds breach has targeted government systems- so far. Its eventual impact on FIs and other firms remains both a mystery and a major risk. Cybersecurity experts Jim Stickley (Stickley on Security) and Jeff Olejnik (Wipfli) help us sort through the details and next steps to this new form of attack.
Unconventional Ventures founder Theodora Lau unearths some fascinating twists in intergenerational finance, blind spots in student lending, and implications for credit unions. Also- SolarWinds blowback, and $15B in 2020 bank fines.
John and Glen gaze into 2021 and offer their takes on the topics we’ll be discussing over the next year- like augmented reality, regulation and the Gig Economy. Includes our annual Bitcoin price prediction!
John and Glen recap the year’s biggest fintech stories, including several late-breaking items. John also suggests a major credit union opportunity stemming from the gig economy.
Glen speaks with leaders from a pair of high-profile startups with innovative models for providing banking services to underrepresented communities: Greenwood (Black/Latinx consumers) and Daylight (LGBTQ members).
Glen speaks with leaders from DeepTarget, Linqto and MallIQ- three of his favorite fintech solutions demoed at Finovate West Digital. Also, discussion of other Best of Show winners, links to our interviews with honorees Breach Clarity, Finzly and Glia, and credit unions’ 2021 financial outlook.
2020 has been panned as the Worst Year Ever, but in our annual Thanksgiving tradition John and Glen still find plenty to be thankful for in fintech- including some surprising heroes.
Links related to this episode:
Best Innovation Group’s weekly Digital Town Halls for best practice sharing on Credit union responses to COVID-19, held most Wednesdays: https://www.big-fintech.com/CU-Digital-Town-Hall
The BIG website: www.big-fintech.com
Follow the Best Innovation Group on Twitter: @bigfintech
Follow Glen on Twitter @154Advisors
Follow John on Twitter @jbfintech
Glen speaks with the founders of DoubleCheck, NetGiver and Live Give Save- three startups that stood out at the recent VentureTech conference for fintechs serving credit unions.
Glen shares insights- including perspectives from multiple sources- on how the election’s outcome will impact credit unions, banks and fintech firms. Also, the impact of California’s Prop 22 on the gig economy, Ant Financial’s spectacular IPO head fake, and Visa/Plaid runs afoul of the Department of Justice.
Glen chats with Jason Jones, head of Cresa’s Remote Services and Technology Services segments, about workforce and workplace strategies for a post-COVID world. Also new research on digital adoption, digital trust and a brief respite from the election.
Fintech entrepreneur and thought leader Brian Roemmele shares his takeaways on the pandemic- including parallels to 1918- and what it means for the future of the workplace and talent recruiting. Also, Wyoming's blockchain play gets Kraken.
Glen interviews Daniel Gorfine of the Digital Dollar Project about his vision for a government backed tokenized currency and a recent US “Sputnik Moment.” Also- a setback on payday lending, and a rejected credit union merger highlights the perils of succession planning.
NOTE: This week we're re-posting a notable episode from earlier this summer.
Glen speaks with leaders from Finzly and Q2- both Finovate Fall Best of Show winners- about innovative approaches to rapidly bringing digital banking solutions to market. Also, more on working from home and our gradual return to the workplace.
John and Glen discuss the pluses and minuses of our extended WFH period and its implications for the future of the workplace. Also, how on earth does someone budget for 2021?
Glen connects with the founders of four fintech companies- Icon Savings Plan, Illuma Labs, Kioware and Monit- with the most exciting new ideas at last week’s Finovate conference.
Fintech thought leaders Brett King and Ron Shevlin share perspectives on taking transformation beyond buzzword status, pushing the right buttons to influence consumer financial health, and the disconnect between the stock market and the Main Street economy.
Glen chats with TTV Capital Partner Sean Banks and Fintech South Executive Director Andrew Morris about the state of post-COVID fintech investing and a top shelf upcoming conference. Also, Financial Health Network Entrepreneur-in-Residence Corey Stone shares an innovative model for Postal Banking.
Glen chats with the Atlanta Fed’s Claire Greene about the Diary of Consumer Payment Choice, including new data on behavior at the height of the pandemic. Also- PPP lending leaders, good and bad news for checks, and a caution flag on the payroll tax.
Glen chats with Finovate’s Greg Palmer about what to expect from the newly digital editions of these demo-forward events. Also- a intriguing postal banking trial balloon, a savvy SMB boost, and a handy window into potential CU fintech partners.
Glen wakes up John early to trade thoughts on Google's progress in the digital banking realm, Facebook's new Financial unit, some interesting data on credit unions and PPP loans, and whether the time is right for micropayments.
Jim Stickley of Stickley on Security discusses phishing, ransomware, and why “there’s no such thing as a safe attachment.” Plus the latest on the Fed’s real-time payments entry, the paper check’s ongoing decline, and why coins are the new toilet paper.
John forces Glen into a time machine to discover what aspects of COVID banking behavior will outlive the pandemic. Also- more on the coin shortage, and spikes in the price of gold and Bitcoin.
Digital Banking Report’s Jim Marous joins our Credit Union Digital Town Hall to discuss the even greater need to offer online convenience in a post-COVID world. Also- Glen wonders whether the recent trade press merger could provide a Kumbaya moment.
Glen talks with Oportun COO Matt Jenkins about extending small dollar credit to the “un-scorable” and the challenges of maintaining a mission like Oportun’s as a public company. Also- a bizarre coin shortage, and signs of small merchants returning to cash.
Glen interviews Daniel Gorfine of the Digital Dollar Project about his vision for a government backed tokenized currency and a recent US “Sputnik Moment.” Also- a setback on payday lending, and a rejected credit union merger highlights the perils of succession planning.
Glen and Finovate’s David Penn discuss the uncomfortable issue of minority representation in fintech firms. Also, thoughts on the Supreme Court’s credit union ruling and why the CU movement is selling itself short.
John welcomes Alpharank founder Brian Ley to dissect the challenges facing credit unions and borrowers in tracking Paycheck Protection Program loans. Also, new payments data from the Fed and Glen gets Enron déjà vu from the Wirecard fiasco.
Glen talks with Cash Essentials’ Chairman Guillaume Lepecq about the role of cash in a post-COVID world. Also: new research on contactless preferences; the dangers of digital groupthink; and onboarding problems we can hope to have.
John and Glen hold court on Libra’s recent cryptocurrency pivot, including Facebook’s quixotic stab at creating some separation from the initiative. Plus glimmers of post-COVID credit union hope, John’s unsolicited Facebook M&A advice and Glen’s DC punk obsession.
John and Glen discuss AI’s role in combating COVID-19 more broadly, and specifically in helping credit unions navigate members through choppy waters- including a spirited debate on whether consumers are prepared to embrace AI’s benefits and let go of Brave New World concerns.
Glen speaks with QCash CEO Ben Morales and Tulsa Federal Credit Union Chief Retail Officer Eric Hilaire about a rapid response mobile solution for relief loans. Also, BIG’s Digital Town Hall covers the return of the CFPB.
Glen speaks with Laura Barger and Thea Garron of the Financial Health Network about timely new data revealing how Americans are faring financially in the COVID pandemic, and details on the EMERGE Live conference running June 22-26 (virtually, of course). Plus Glen ponders illogical payments behavior in these irrational times.
Glen speaks with Emergency Assistance Foundation President Doug Stockham and Michael Reed, President of Deluxe’s newly created Payments Division, about an innovative way to deliver aid in times of need. Plus highlights from BIG’s ongoing Digital Town Halls addressing COVID-19 hot topics, like the shape of the branch in the “next normal.”
Glen speaks with the ATDC’s FinTech Catalyst Kristin Slink about startup trials before and after the pandemic, plus noted futurist Brett King weighs in on how credit unions can best serve members in their time of need. (Warning: Contains geeky references to Star Trek and Regulation D.)
Glen speaks with Azlo Founder and CEO Cameron Peake about trends in its small business customer base amid the pandemic, as well as Azlo’s own experience as a digital banking startup. Also Electronic Transactions Association CEO Jodie Kelley on her org’s rapid pivot to an all-virtual TRANSACT Connect event.
Glen speaks with Segmint Co-Founder Rob Heisel about the telltale info lurking within payments data enabling credit unions to lend a hand to members. Also, an excerpt from BIG’s weekly Digital Town Hall on our potential return to the Branch of the Not-Too-Distant-Past.
Glen digs into the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) from a lender, service provider and borrower perspective, including an interview with LoanStreet CEO Ian Lampl. Also, credit unions weigh in on issues like stimulus checks and call center volumes via BIG’s weekly Digital Town Halls.
Glen talks with Dwolla’s new CEO Brady Harris about scaling a fintech survivor and taking the reins from a founder. Also, onetime White House insider Bryan Del Monte shares some provocative thoughts about what we’re getting wrong (and right) on the Paycheck Protection Program.
Highlights from BIG’s Digital Town Hall meetings- featuring credit union leaders sharing ideas on how to help their members through the COVID-19 crisis. This week’s topics include drive-through challenges, cyber intrusion attempts, transitioning to a remote workforce and serving dispersed members. Also, Glen on fintech’s “time to shine,” cash usage patterns and small business relief.
In these critical times, we present highlights from BIG’s first Digital Town Hall meetings- featuring credit union leaders sharing ideas on how to help their members through the COVID-19 crisis. Hear about pop-up call centers, BYO Keyboards, skip-a-payment programs and other outside-the box tactics. Also, Glen discusses stimulus checks and Sherrod Brown’s digital distribution brainstorm.
John and Glen discuss how the opportunity to share ideas and jointly problem solve is a strength that serves credit unions particularly well during events like the COVID-19 crisis. Also, CEO Roxi Jensen of $40 million Embarrass Vermillion FCU in northern Minnesota offers an inspirational reminder of CUs’ community impact, and BIG’s Digital Town Hall venues for ongoing exchange of pandemic knowledge and mutual support.
Glen reconnects with Consumer Reports’ Senior Policy Counsel Christina Tetreault to discuss confusion and issues stemming from the differing protections afforded various payment methods. Also, Taylor Nelms on Filene Research Institute’s new Financial Lives in Transition initiative, and more on Not Google Checking.
Glen checks in with Trellance CEO Tom Davis two years into his firm’s transformation from a card services provider to a data analytics/business intelligence leader. Also, a preview of June’s AXFI conference.
Glen returns from CUNA’s annual Government Affairs Conference with an inside look at Google’s FI partnership initiative from Stanford Federal Credit Union CEO Joan Opp. CUNA’s Mike Schenk and Jordan Van Rijn provide an economic update covering CUs specifically and the US overall, and Filene’s Cortney Angeley corrals the Crashers.
Glen chats with Lily Harder of Comperemedia (a Mintel company) about big banks’ varying approaches to digital marketing, fintechs’ angles to carve out their own niches, and the pain points of the Gig Economy. Also, Mastercard’s new sonic identity and cash’s latest sponge bath.
Glen sits down with the Georgia FinTech Academy’s Tommy Marshall and LexAlign’s Reese Porter to discuss why all US payments roads lead to Atlanta, the University System of Georgia’s model for equipping the next generation of FinTech talent, and why 1,500 FinTech fiends will take the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in mid-April.
Glen chats with BIG Consulting's Kirk Kordoleski and Tim Tibbals about results from BIG's newly released Data Analytics Survey, the major steps forward credit unions have taken, and areas where further transformation of culture and analytics skills are needed.
Glen chats with BIG’s Elizabeth Robins about the recent Project Voice conference, which dissected the voice-first efforts of Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Samsung. Glen also weighs in on the Visa/Plaid deal and explains why he had to unplug his Echo Dot.
Glen hosts a roundtable discussion with executives from Autobooks, NCR Digital Banking and RoamHR about the latest developments in the Gig Economy, how FIs can best address the unique financial services needs of its participants, and the quest for Moonlight Mike. Hear from Doug Brown (SVP & GM of NCR Digital Banking), Rick Gonzalez (Founder/CEO of RoamHR) and Derik Sutton (VP of Product & Experience at Autobooks).
Many people believe the future of banking will be designed to help the underbanked keep more of their money, and access credit channels that they need to succeed. Blesson Abraham the CEO of Cambio is on a mission to make that a reality. This week listen to John and Blesson discuss their past and the future of banking.
Voice UX is the latest frontier in the world of Voice Development. How do you create a good user experience using only voice? John and John Kelvie of Bespoken talk about the future of voice technology, their favorite assistants to use, and what makes a good Voice UX.