Georgia Fintech Academy: Recent Episodes
Georgia Fintech Academy
Tommy Marshall and Georgia Fintech Academy students discussing various Fintech related topics with special fintech executive guests.
What can a small Baltic nation teach the world about resilience, innovation, and digital transformation?
In this episode of Fintech Talks, Georgia Fintech Academy Executive Director Laura Gibson-Lamothe explores Lithuania’s incredible fintech journey, from rebuilding after Soviet occupation to becoming one of Europe’s fastest-growing innovation centers.
Joining the conversation are Grant Wainscott, international trade and cross-border advisor, and Dovydas Špokauskas, Consul General of Lithuania in New York, who share how Lithuania built one of the world’s most digital-first economies and why it’s an ideal partner for Georgia’s fintech ecosystem.
💡 Key Topics:
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How Lithuania leapfrogged legacy systems to lead in digital finance
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The country’s rise as a fintech, IT, and software powerhouse
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Cultural and economic synergies between Lithuania and Georgia
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Lessons in grit, adaptability, and the power of global collaboration
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Opportunities for cross-border startups, talent exchange, and education partnerships
🌍 Global collaboration starts with conversation. Discover how Lithuania and Georgia are shaping the next chapter of fintech innovation.
🔗 Connect with us: Visit www.GeorgiaFintechAcademy.org for more content and events. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates from the Georgia Fintech Academy.
🎧 Fintech Talks — powered by the Georgia Fintech Academy.
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https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/
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https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/
In this episode of Fintech Talks, we sit down with Larry Anderson, a seasoned recruiter who has worked with Fortune 500s, startups, and everything in between. Larry shares insider advice on what makes a resume stand out, common pitfalls students should avoid, and how to translate experiences—from class projects to part-time jobs—into measurable value.
We also dive into how AI is reshaping recruiting, from chatbots to tailored resumes, and what this means for early-career professionals. Larry’s candid take on cover letters, networking, and maintaining balance during the job search offers both practical tools and encouragement for students navigating today’s competitive market.
🔗 Connect with Larry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larryandersonatl/
🌐 Learn more about the Georgia Fintech Academy events like the one mentioned during this episode: https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/
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Georgia Fintech Academy
https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/
LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/
Is crypto just hype — or is it finally becoming fintech’s next big frontier?
In this episode of Fintech Talks, Laura Gibson-Lamothe is joined by Greg Johnson, Co-founder & CEO of Rubicon Crypto, and Tyler Acree, Fintech Academy-UGA alum and rising fintech professional. Together, they unpack why crypto and stablecoins are no longer optional knowledge for anyone serious about finance, tech, or innovation.
🔍 Topics we cover:
- Why the Genius Act may be the most important finance law in decades
- How stablecoins are quietly revolutionizing payments
- Why Atlanta is globally recognized as a fintech hub (even if we forget it!)
- Advice for students and early-career pros to stand out in the digital finance era
- Real resources to sharpen your crypto fluency
🎓 Learn more about the Georgia Fintech Academy:
https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org
📢 Connect with our guests:
Greg Johnson — https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-c-johnson/
Tyler Acree — https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyleracree/
📅 Catch Greg live at Fintech South, August 19–20, 2025.
https://www.fintechsouth.com
Subscribe for more episodes and next-gen fintech insights.
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Georgia Fintech Academy
https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/
LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/
Think AI is just another tech trend? Think again. In this episode of Fintech Talks, Laura Gibson-Lamothe sits down with Billy Harbinson of Go Studio (InComm Payments) to break down the AI concepts that are reshaping how we work, learn, and innovate.
We unpack:
✔️ What agentic AI actually means
✔️ How Large Action Models (LAMs) are changing automation
✔️ What today’s students and professionals really need to know
✔️ Why curiosity is your best strategy for learning AI
This isn’t your typical AI discussion — it’s a candid, practical, and forward-looking conversation for anyone trying to stay ahead of the curve.
🔗 Connect with Billy Harbinson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billyharbinson/
Go Studio: https://www.incomm.com/go-studio
🎓 About the Georgia Fintech Academy: https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org
💌 Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/newsletter
Special Opportunity: Looking for more AI insights? Billy and the Go Studio team are hosting "AI 10 Years into the Future" from 1 - 3 pm EST on September 10, 2025. The hybrid event will feature a panel of emerging tech experts discussing how AI will impact businesses and industries over the next decade. Register now to attend in person at The Hatchery, Emory University's innovation center, or online via livestream: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ai-10-years-into-the-future-hybrid-event-tickets-1411149268449*
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https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/
LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/
In this episode of Fintech Talks, we explore how digital assets are converging with traditional finance through the lens of Annelise Osborne, Chief Business Officer at Kadena and author of From Hoodies to Suits: Innovating Digital Assets for Traditional Finance.
Co-hosted by Laura Gibson-Lamothe, Executive Director of the Georgia Fintech Academy, and Christian Samuel, a recent Georgia State University graduate and former leader of GSU’s Fintech Student Organization, the episode covers:
- Annelise’s career path
- Key insights from From Hoodies to Suits
- Trends in institutional blockchain adoption
- Advice for students and professionals entering the fintech space
📘 From Hoodies to Suits – https://a.co/d/2F8btOV
🔗 Kadena – https://www.kadena.io
📍 Annelise Osborne – https://www.linkedin.com/in/annelise-osborne-7611176/
🎓 Christian Samuel – https://www.linkedin.com/in/cguap/
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https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/
LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/
In this episode, we explore how Georgia’s fintech ecosystem is making global waves—powered by innovation, collaboration, and a deep investment in talent.
Hosted by Laura Gibson-Lamothe, Executive Director of the Georgia Fintech Academy, the conversation features two leaders shaping the region’s fintech landscape: Ania Lackey, Executive Director of Fintech Atlanta (LinkedIn), and Grant Wainscott, Partner at ABF Consulting (LinkedIn).
We discuss:
- Why Atlanta’s culture is a powerful magnet for fintech talent
- How public-private partnerships are creating scalable workforce solutions
- Georgia’s role in processing over 70% of U.S. card transactions—and what that means globally
- What these Georgia’s fintech leaders are bringing to the international stage at Money20/20 Europe
This episode kicks off with fast facts that prove why Georgia is more than a fintech hub—it’s a launchpad. From student pipelines to startup growth, tune in to hear how Georgia is helping shape the future of fintech worldwide.
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Georgia Fintech Academy
https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/
LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/
In this episode of Fintech Talks, host Laura Gibson-Lamothe is joined by Chrissy Wagner, SVP GTM Automated Finance at FIS and student guest host, Senior at Georgia Gwinnett College, Florencia Cosenza Diez for an honest, energizing conversation about building a meaningful career in FinTech.
From first jobs to C-level insights, we unpack the moments that shape us—how early experiences teach humility, why mentorship matters, and how inclusivity fuels innovation. Chrissy shares the personal story that led her into FinTech, along with lessons on risk-taking, leadership, and separating your identity from your job title.
For students preparing to launch their careers and professionals navigating what’s next, this episode offers thoughtful takeaways, laughter, and a few truth bombs along the way.
🧭 Topics We Cover:
- Finding your path in FinTech through personal experience
- What early jobs can teach you about leadership and service
- The power of mentorship and being mentored
- Creating inclusive work cultures that empower everyone
- Why domain expertise gives you an edge
- Embracing change, risk, and failure as part of growth
- Navigating work-life integration and mental well-being
- Advice for graduating students entering the job market
https://www.fisglobal.com/
Florencia Cosenza Diez https://www.linkedin.com/in/florencia-cosenza-diez/
Chrissy Wagner https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissygwagner/?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAAAVsQr0BlGzygghgkYGJ05LVo8jPLwEiia8
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Georgia Fintech Academy
https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/
LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/
April is Financial Literacy & Inclusion Month — and there’s no better time to dive deep into how fintech and financial services are evolving to meet the needs of all communities.
In this special episode of Fintech Talks, recorded during New York Fintech Week, host Laura Gibson-Lamothe is joined by:
Amanda Estiverne-Colas, Board Member of NAFLI and Founder of AG Advisors
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-estiverne-colas-37061b28
Castleigh Johnson, CEO & Founder of My Home Pathway
https://www.linkedin.com/in/castleigh
Ariel Serber, Advisor at Lions Financial
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aserber
Together, we explore:
✔️ The connection between financial literacy, inclusion, and real-world outcomes
✔️ How technology like embedded finance and earned wage access is expanding opportunity
✔️ The critical importance of trust — and how history shapes skepticism toward financial institutions
✔️ Why financial literacy education must be embedded early and tailored to real needs
✔️ Hope for the future: building solutions that reflect the communities we serve
If you're passionate about creating a more equitable financial future, this conversation is for you.
🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on fintech, innovation, leadership, and building the next generation of financial talent.
FinancialLiteracyMonth #FinancialInclusion #FintechTalks #GeorgiaFintechAcademy #FinancialEducation #FintechForGood #NextGenFinance #ClosingTheGap
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https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/
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In this episode of Fintech Talks, host Laura Gibson-Lamothe sits down with Crystal Bryant Minter, SVP of Money Movement at Green Dot, for an inspiring conversation about breaking down barriers to financial access.
Crystal shares her personal journey — from her family’s early challenges navigating traditional banking to leading innovative solutions that serve millions of Americans today. We explore how Green Dot’s expansive network of over 95,000 locations is making financial services more accessible, the future of embedded finance, and the role of fintech in empowering underserved communities.
The episode also dives into:
- How technology is bridging cash and digital ecosystems
- Why “digital-first” should never mean digitally-exclusive
- Building your personal board of mentors and sponsors
- The impact of ERGs and creating spaces for future fintech leaders
- Actionable advice for students and early-career professionals entering the industry
Celebrate Financial Literacy Month with us and discover how we can all play a part in creating a more inclusive financial future.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalbminter/
https://www.greendot.com/arc
https://www.greendot.com/
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https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/
LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/
In this episode of Fintech Talks, we tackle a topic that resonates deeply across the industry: imposter syndrome. Whether you’re a student stepping into the fintech world or an experienced professional navigating leadership, self-doubt can creep in — but it doesn’t have to hold you back.
Join hosts Laura Gibson-Lamothe, Executive Director of the Georgia Fintech Academy, and Asha-Lee Smith, a junior at Kennesaw State University, as they sit down with Kay Taylor, SVP/Chief of Staff, Office of the CIO at Corpay. Kay opens up about her own experiences with imposter syndrome, the power of mentorship, and practical strategies to build confidence in fast-paced, innovation-driven environments.
🎧 In this episode:
- What is imposter syndrome, really?
- Kay’s personal journey of overcoming self-doubt
- How fintech’s rapid evolution impacts confidence at work
- Strategies for silencing your inner critic and thriving
- Leadership’s role in shaping supportive cultures
No matter where you are in your fintech journey, this conversation offers valuable takeaways to help you move forward with confidence.
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Georgia Fintech Academy
https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/
LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/
In this episode of "Fintech Talks": AI in Fintech - Transforming Payments, Fraud Detection & Privacy, we dive into the powerful role of AI in shaping the future of financial technology.
Join our Executive Director, Laura Gibson-Lamothe, as we speak with Nikhil Kassetty, an experienced engineer, and Christian Samuel, a Georgia State University student, to explore how AI is revolutionizing payments, fraud detection, and privacy.
From biometric payments and invisible transactions to AI-powered fraud prevention, we break down the latest trends, challenges, and career skills needed to thrive in Fintech.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, this episode will give you valuable insights into how AI is reshaping financial services.
Show Notes:
SummaryThis conversation explores the intersection of AI and Fintech, focusing on personal journeys into the industry, the definition of Fintech, innovations in payments, exciting projects, the future of payments, and consumer perspectives on privacy. The discussion highlights the importance of problem-solving in Fintech and the potential of biometric payments and invisible transactions. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the importance of understanding RFID technology and its implications for payment security, the role of AI in financial services, particularly in fraud detection, and the skills necessary for students entering the FinTech space. They emphasize the need for continuous learning, ethical considerations in AI, and the value of networking in building a successful career in the industry.
Takeaways
- AI is a significant topic in the Fintech industry.
- Understanding the business perspective is crucial in Fintech.
- Innovations like invisible payments could transform transactions.
- Biometric payments are seen as a future trend.
- Consumer privacy concerns are growing with new technologies.
- Real-time financial rewards systems are complex yet exciting.
- The importance of user-friendly interfaces in financial technology.
- Problem-solving is at the heart of Fintech innovations.
- The role of blockchain in enhancing payment security.
- Younger generations may prioritize convenience over privacy. RFID technology poses real security risks for payment cards.
- AI is a powerful tool for detecting and preventing fraud.
- Understanding financial fundamentals is crucial for success in FinTech.
- Continuous learning and adaptability are key in a fast-evolving industry.
- Networking can provide valuable insights and opportunities.
- Ethical AI practices are essential in financial services.
- Companies must take responsibility for their AI implementations.
- Behavioral analysis through AI can enhance fraud detection.
- Students should engage with industry professionals at all levels.
- The FinTech landscape offers diverse opportunities beyond traditional banking.
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Georgia Fintech Academy
https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/
LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/
Welcome to Fintech Talks: Student Chronicles! In this episode, we sit down with three exceptional Georgia Fintech Academy students and interns—Alison Gregg (Kennesaw State University, Junior), Asha-Lee Smith (Kennesaw State University, Junior), and Kenny Kim (Georgia State University Alumni) —as they share their journeys into fintech, insights on landing internships, and practical advice for students navigating their career paths. From leveraging LinkedIn and networking with industry professionals to mastering job applications and interviews, this discussion is packed with actionable takeaways. Whether you're looking for your first fintech opportunity or seeking ways to stand out in a competitive job market, this episode is a must-listen!
Show Notes/Summary: In this engaging conversation, Laura Gibson-Lamothe hosts interns from the Georgia FinTech Academy, discussing their journeys into the fintech industry, internship experiences, and valuable career advice. The interns share insights on networking, leveraging opportunities, and best practices for job applications, emphasizing the importance of company culture and personal growth. They also highlight the significance of utilizing university resources and LinkedIn for career advancement, providing practical tips for students navigating their career paths in fintech.
Takeaways:
- Networking is crucial; take advantage of career fairs.
- Internships should align with your interests and passions.
- Research companies thoroughly before applying or interviewing.
- Tailor your resume to include relevant keywords from job descriptions.
- Utilize university career services for resume and interview preparation.
- Leverage LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals.
- Engage in student organizations to build skills and networks.
- Be proactive in reaching out to recruiters and alumni for insights.
- Understand the importance of company culture and growth opportunities.
- Apply early to increase your chances of being noticed.
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction to FinTech
- 04:23 Diverse Paths into FinTech
- 08:48 Internship Experiences and Insights
- 12:59 Navigating Job Applications and Career Fairs
- 17:49 Best Practices for Securing Opportunities
- 22:51 Navigating Career Opportunities
- 24:02 Leveraging LinkedIn for Networking
- 30:26 Maximizing University Resources
- 32:54 Application Best Practices
- 38:56 Researching Companies Effectively
- 44:03 What Students Seek in Employers
- 46:37 Final Tips for Job Seekers
- 50:21 Podcast Youtube Outro.mp4
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Georgia Fintech Academy
https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/
LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/
In this episode of the Georgia FinTech Academy podcast, Laura Gibson-Lamothe hosts a discussion with UGA/Fintech Academy Alumni Empress Roberson and industry leaders Kathy Kmiotek and Genevieve Dozier about the importance of resilience in the FinTech/Payments sector. They share personal stories and insights on navigating challenges, the significance of community and networking, and the lessons learned from failures. The conversation emphasizes the need for a growth mindset, the value of building relationships, and the importance of being open to various career paths in the ever-evolving FinTech landscape.
Connect with this group on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-kmiotek/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevievedozier/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/empressroberson/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauragibsonlamothe/
Takeaways
- Resilience is about staying in the ring despite challenges.
- Personal experiences shape our understanding of resilience.
- Building a supportive community is crucial for career growth.
- Failure should be viewed as a learning opportunity.
- Networking is essential for career advancement in FinTech.
- Curiosity drives personal and professional development.
- Authenticity in relationships fosters genuine connections.
- Embracing change is vital in a dynamic industry.
- Reflecting on experiences helps in personal growth.
- A growth mindset is key to overcoming obstacles.
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Georgia Fintech Academy
https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/
LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/
In this engaging episode of the Georgia Fintech Academy podcast, Executive Director Laura Gibson-Lamothe is joined by Kenny Kim, a senior finance major at Georgia State University Robinson College of Business, to co-host an insightful conversation with Pari Sawant, Chief Product Officer at Elavon. The discussion dives into Elavon’s innovative new payment gateway and explores how it is revolutionizing the payments landscape by streamlining processes and enhancing user experience. Listeners will also gain valuable insights into the strategic vision behind product development and its dynamic role in fintech. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear firsthand from a leading fintech executive.
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Georgia Fintech Academy
https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/
LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/
Welcome to another exciting Georgia Fintech Academy Podcast! In this episode, Executive Director Laura Gibson-Lamothe and student co-host Clarissa Guzman from Kennesaw State University sit down with Hailey Hunt, Account Executive Team Lead at HumansDoing. Hailey shares expert insights and practical tips for students and early-career professionals to successfully navigate the job search journey. From building a standout resume and optimizing your LinkedIn presence to leveraging networking events and handling job rejections, Hailey offers a wealth of advice to help you secure that next opportunity. Whether you're looking to land your first internship or transition to a full-time role, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways!
Resource mentioned in the podcast: https://resumeworded.com/
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https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/
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https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/
In this engaging episode of the Georgia Fintech Academy Podcast, Executive Director Laura Gibson-Lamothe and guest co-host Didier Lopez-Presiga, a recent graduate of Kennesaw State University and current Acuity Brands intern, are joined by Cyrus Taheri, Chief Growth Officer at True North. Together, they explore the dynamic world of fintech, delving into Cyrus's professional journey, the innovative strategies driving growth at True North, and the key industry trends. From market expansion to customer-centric growth, this episode is packed with insights for aspiring fintech professionals and industry veterans alike. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of fintech and the leadership that propels it forward.
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Georgia Fintech Academy
https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/
LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/
Join us in this episode of the Georgia Fintech Academy Podcast as we delve into the dynamic world of fintech with Terra Wallace-Hearn, Head of Sales Education and Engagement at Elavon. Hosted by Laura Gibson-Lamothe, Executive Director of the Georgia Fintech Academy, and Empress Roberson, a recent graduate from the University of Georgia, this episode explores Terra's inspiring career journey, the latest industry trends, and innovative practices at U.S. Bank/Elavon.
Discover how Terra is shaping the future of fintech through transformational sales enablement, culture and onboarding programs, and her leadership in diversity and inclusion as the ATL Black Leadership Council Chair. Additionally, learn about her engagement with the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurship (RICE) and its impact on fostering entrepreneurship.
Tune in for valuable insights, career advice, and a closer look at how diversity and innovation are driving the fintech industry forward.
Georgia Fintech Academy
https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/
LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/
This special edition turns the tables, with Georgia State University seniors Scott Thompson and Gharam Mansour, co-founders of the student organization FTO (Financial Technology Organization) at GSU, taking the lead as hosts.
In this episode, they sit down with fintech leaders Ben Jackson, COO of the Innovative Payments Association (IPA), and Laura Gibson-Lamothe, Executive Director of the Georgia Fintech Academy, to explore the critical importance of financial literacy in today's fast-paced Fintech landscape. Why does it matter? Because understanding finance is more than just making ends meet; it's about establishing financial wellness, sustainability, and generational wealth. It is also a pre-requisite for those pursuing careers in the Fintech industry or developing innovative solutions as entrepreneurs. From payment solutions to cutting-edge Fintech educational programs, this episode dives into how fintech tools are not just enhancing financial education and empowerment but revolutionizing it.
Get ready for a deep dive into the real-world impact of fintech innovations, personal anecdotes, and a discussion on what the future holds for the industry. This dynamic exchange of ideas, where education meets innovation at the intersection of financial wellness and technology, is a must-listen for students, professionals, and entrepreneurs interested in Fintech, financial literacy, and innovation. Discover how fintech sets the stage for a financially literate world.
Links:
Financial Technology Organization (student org) at GSU
https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-technology-organization-at-gsu/about/
Innovative Payments Association (IPA)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovativepaymentsassociation/about/
Georgia Fintech Academy
https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/
LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/
Join us on a captivating discussion with Systems and Methods, Inc. (SMI), a family-owned trailblazer in government payment services with over 50 years of innovation and commitment to improving lives. In this must-listen episode, we sit down with Bo Stone, Chief Strategy Officer at SMI, and Wesley Stone Director of Government Affairs at SMI, alongside graduating senior Astrid Cuellar Benitez from Kennesaw State University, and Laura Gibson-Lamothe, Executive Director at the Georgia Fintech Academy.
Founded in 1971 in Carrollton, Ga., SMI began as a modest computer consulting service and has since grown to operate robust State Disbursement Units (SDUs) across 16 states, managing the smiONE™ Visa® Prepaid Card for over two million cardholders. This episode delves into the heart of SMI’s innovative spirit and its role in facilitating secure, efficient government payments that significantly enhance the quality of everyday life for millions.
We'll uncover the features and benefits of Kudzu, SMI’s latest endeavor in financial education and management tools, designed to empower users with the knowledge and means to manage their finances effectively. Our guests share personal insights and stories that highlight and complement SMI's relationship-based approach, blending cutting-edge technology with genuine care to craft tailored solutions that meet the needs of their customers.
Tune in to discover how SMI's dedication to innovation and service is shaping the future of financial literacy and access. Whether you're interested in fintech, innovative solutions, or stories of impact, this episode offers invaluable perspectives on creating meaningful and lasting change in the financial landscape.
Navigating Fintech Frontiers: A Deep Dive into Product Management with Naomi Donaldson
Join Executive Director, Laura Gibson-Lamothe and KSU Senior, Julianie Ferguson in this insightful episode of the Georgia Fintech Academy podcast as we unravel the intricacies of product management in the dynamic realm of Fintech. Our special guest, Naomi Donaldson, shares her invaluable experience and career journey, offering a profound understanding of the strategic and innovative landscape of product management. Tune in to gain exclusive insights that will empower your journey in the ever-evolving world of Fintech.
Welcome to the Georgia Fintech Academy Podcast, where innovation meets insight! In our latest episode, we're thrilled to have Steven Nigri, Co-founder of Nxt-Moves, and Yagazie Anyanwu, international MBA student at Georgia State University - Robinson College of Business and entrepreneur.
Join us as we embark on a captivating conversation, exploring the dynamic realm of entrepreneurship in fintech. Steven Nigri, with his wealth of experience as a co-founder, brings invaluable perspectives on navigating the fintech landscape. Meanwhile, Yagazie Anyanwu, an international MBA student and entrepreneur, adds a unique global viewpoint and questions to our discussion.
Get ready for an engaging dialogue that delves into the challenges, triumphs, and the evolving landscape of fintech entrepreneurship. Whether you're a student, seasoned professional or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with insights to inspire and inform.
We are thrilled to bring you an exclusive episode of the Georgia FinTech Academy Podcast, featuring Momnt President and Co-founder, Brian Lanehart! Join us as we embark on a deep dive into the dynamic world of Embedded Payments.
Episode Highlights:
- 🌐 Exploring Embedded Payments: Unravel the mysteries behind Embedded Payments and understand how this transformative technology is reshaping the landscape of financial services.
- 🚀 Innovation Unveiled: Discover the cutting-edge solutions and innovations that Embedded Payments bring to the fintech table, revolutionizing the way transactions are conducted and financial services are delivered.
- 💡 Impact on Customers: Gain insights into how Embedded Payments enhance the customer experience, making transactions seamless, secure, and more convenient than ever.
- 🔄 Ecosystem Dynamics: Delve into the intricate web of relationships between multiple parties involved in the Embedded Payments process. From businesses to customers and financial institutions, understand how everyone stands to benefit.
Special Thanks to Arketi Group: A heartfelt thank you to Arketi, our valued partner, for making this connection possible and for their unwavering support of the Georgia Fintech Academy.
Are you ready to dive into the world of FinTech and explore a groundbreaking partnership aimed at shaping the future of finance?
We're thrilled to invite you to an exclusive podcast recording featuring Georgia FinTech Academy and Kennesaw State University, two powerhouse institutions coming together to fuel the development of FinTech talent!
Join us as we discuss the remarkable partnership, the KSU FinTech Program, its cutting-edge curriculum, and much more!
A new episode of the Georgia Fintech Academy podcast is here! Join Laura Gibson-Lamothe (Executive Director of the Georgia Fintech Academy) and Morgan Blackmon (GSU graduating senior) as we discuss with Jennifer Frasier (Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer at FIS) the approach FIS is taking for Inclusion and Diversity both internally and externally, as demonstrated by the partnership with Greenwood's Ryan Wilson (Chief of Community and CEO of The Gathering Spot), whose mission is to continue to build a community focused on advancing the economic empowerment of minority and underserved communities.
Listen wherever you listen to podcasts!
Welcome as we kick off Season 4 of the podcast with an intro to the new Executive Director of the Georgia Fintech Academy, Laura Gibson-Lamothe.
Kevin Lee is a serial fintech and technology entrepreneur in Atlanta and the CEO of Kobiton. He has led fintech companies including CRE Secure, TransCentra, Vanco Payment and more. He discusses Kobiton's business and the challenges fintech's face in developing applications for mobile devices.
Ade Sturley is a Vice President in the FIS Global Impact Ventures team. Nick Lommen is a star baseball player at Georgia State University and deeply interested in fintech. Listen to this great conversation on the present and future of Bank as a Service.
Rachel Hansen is the Chief Information Officer for the Payment Services division of U.S. Bank. In this discussion with Seyi Fasan, a recent graduate of the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University the two reveal the importance of the Cloud to today's payment technology environment.
Rob Hanlon is the CEO at CyberBanque International, the creator of Cybermoney. This platform empowers merchants to offer exciting consumer payments experiences. Kumar Shivam just earned his Master's in Data Analytics with a focus on Big Data. This conversation explores the future of payment's opportunities for merchants.
David Berglund is the Global Head of Artificial Intelligence at FIS Global. He joins Vijay Ahuja, a recent undergraduate from Indiana University to discuss that state of AI in financial services, ethics in AI, and the Metaverse.
Rohin Tagra (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohin-tagra-54a6b6/) founded Azimuth GRC 3 years ago to address compliance challenges in the mortgage industry. Morgan Blackmon is a rising senior at the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State. She is engaged with the Georgia Fintech Academy curriculum and will intern with Wells Fargo this summer.
Zoe Newman is the U.S. Managing Director of UK based fintech CapitalOnTap. She joins Anna Gelderman who is a graduating senior at the University of Georgia. This discussion explains the CapitalOnTap business model and approach to the USA market for small business credit cards.
Somesh Chablani, Global Head, Go-to-Market, FIS Global Capital Markets joins Jonathan Laurent, a senior at Georgia State University Honors College to define the Go-To-Market approach of a major global fintech player. They dive into sales, marketing, product strategy, and client support.
Akita Somani, SVP, BNPL/POS at U.S. Bank - Elavon joins Divij Sharma, a fintech focused senior at University of Georgia Terry College of Business. This conversation explores global trends in payments along with an overview of the Elavon business in Europe.
Oliver Burns is Head of Global Strategic Partnerships for FIS Global. In this podcast he joins Astrid Cuella-Benitez, a top student in the Georgia Fintech Academy program to discuss the role of strategic partnerships in creating enterprise value.
Greg Cunningham, Chief Diversity Officer of U.S. Bank joins Georgia State University senior Bri'Asia Acklin to discuss the U.S. Bank Access Commitment initiative, key partnerships, and starting a career in fintech
Danny McDowell is the Senior Director of Global Transformation Delivery at FIS Global. He joins senior Charles Gibson of the University of Georgia Terry College of Business for a discussion on how large change is managed on complex projects throughout the world. This conversation centers on methods, scope management, and stakeholder communication.
Steve Ledford is a career payments strategist and the SVP of Products and Strategy at The Clearing House. Steve joins Lilly Sharples, a senior at the University of Georgia to discuss the important topic of Real Time Payments or RTP.
Jamie Walker is the CEO of U.S. Bank's Elavon division. He shares his story of being with Elavon for 20 plus years along with key trends that Elavon is leveraging to further grow its payments business including digital transformation. Miracle Golden joins the conversation as a recent graduate of the University of West Georgia and someone who intends to join the fintech industry full-time.
Hassan Thalji, SVP, Freedie Mac is the Chief Financial Officer of Freddie Mac's capital markets activities. He joins Naomi Chen, a junior at the Terry College of Business, UGA. This discussion explores the important function of Freddie Mac in the mortgage market and the role of technology in managing the finance function.
The third season begins with a bang as Darin Carter, Program Manager of Coinbase Giving joins Nick Carden, Senior Counsel at Coinbase and Keshav Laul a senior at the University of Georgia.
This discussion dives into the growth of digital assets and where things are heading in the next year. Decentralized Autonomous Organizations, Non Fungible Tokens, Web3.
Matt Maxey is the head of innovation at the large southern regional bank Synovus. He joins Yesha Shah, a senior at Valdosta State University to discuss innovation in banking.
Atlanta is now the 3rd largest office location for Microsoft. Tony Evans, Americas Business Lead for Microsoft Financial Services joins Andy Su, an information security undergrad from University of North Georgia to talk about Microsoft and its support for financial services globally.
Learn the ins-and-outs of Buy Now Pay Later with the US Head of Risk from OpenPay, a leading global BNPL player inventing BNPL 2.0. He is joined by graduate student Tony Erwin from Georgia State's Robinson College of Business.
Understanding fintech regulation is critical to success in the fintech industry. David Katz of Adams & Reese joins Sagar Badve, a student at Georgia State University's Robinson College of Business to discuss regulators and oversight of 3rd party service providers.
Don Ault is the Vice President of Prepaid Product Management at COMDATA, a Fleetcor company. Don talks with recent University of North Georgia graduate Ansley Israel about the FinTwist product and its successful use as an employee benefit.
OB Rawls has significantly shaped the merchant acquiring industry throughout his career. He joins Alisa Wilson, a recent graduate of Valdosta State to discuss past developments in merchant acquiring and where the industry is heading.
Heidi Johnson is Director, Behavioral Health at the world-renowned Financial Health Network. She led an important piece of research recently released that focuses on Designing Digital Financial Advisory Tools for Low/Moderate Income Older Adults. Patrick Schippers joins the conversation as a senior at the Georgia State Robinson College of Business.
Jonathan Pinder and Minas Yohannes both graduated from the Georgia Fintech Academy over 1 year ago. These alumni return to share their wisdom with current students regarding how they found their jobs at Blackrock and Salesforce and discuss their experience in their first year as professionals.
Matt Collicoat is VP of Strategy for B2B Payments at FIS Global. He joins recent University of North Georgia fintech grad Ansley Israel to compare the development of payments in the rest of world against development in the USA.
Jagruti Solanki is CFO of the 11 year old cryptocurrency payment processor BitPay. She joins Tariq Waseem from Georgia State University for a discussion about the exploding cryptocurrency payment opportunity.
Steve Logue leads strategic partnerships for Google Pay. He joins Faeez Juneja, a senior at the University of Georgia to discuss Google Pay and the payments landscape globally.
Steve Latham, CEO, Banyan Hills Technologies joins Cam Holmes, a student at the Georgia Tech School of Industrial Design. This discussion focuses on the important role of the Internet of Things in the fintech industry.
Banyan Hills Technologies is a software company focused on remote monitoring and management of critical assets for enterprise IT teams.
Steve Latham is a veteran technology executive with a history of building successful teams and products. He founded Banyan Hills Technologies in 2013 and the company has appeared on the Inc 5000 list of fastest growing private companies in the United States for three years in a row.
Featurespace is the inventor of Adaptive Behavioral Analytics and Automated Deep Behavioral Networks technology for fraud and financial crime management. In this episode, David Excell the founder of Featurespace joins cybersecurity student Andy Su from the University of North Georgia. Their conversation explores the financial services industry problems Featurespace helps to solve.
ParkMobile is a national success story and headquartered in Atlanta, GA. In this discussion John Brown, the Chief Operating Officer of ParkMobile joins Daniel Hadgu from Georgia State University to discuss the ParkMobile journey towards powering smart mobility for every driver, everywhere.
The range of digital payment solutions coming to market and in development is exploding. Bob Howe from Opus Solutions is in the middle of executing these solutions. He joins Anna Gelderman from the University of Georgia Terry College of Business to discuss.
James Stevens is a Partner at Troutman Pepper with a focus on corporate and financial services law. He is joined by Thomas Long a recent graduate of the University of Georgia and now a leader at TripActions in Silicon Valley. The discussion explores the ins/outs of bank and fintech partnerships.
Glen Sarvardy takes the reins to moderate this preview discussion of Fintech South 2021 which occurs June 22-24th. Discount code FTS21Save25 to receive $25 off the list price. Kristin Slink is co-chair of the conference this year and joins Qazi Haq a recent Fintech Academy alumnus.
Anita Ward, the Chief Development and Diversity Officer of Salary Finance is a national leader in improving #financialinclusion for all Americans. She joins Lilly Sharples, a junior at the The University of Georgia and a fintech engaged computer science major and leader in the Terry FinTech Society. This discussion unpacks the 3rd annual Salary Finance study, "Inside the Wallets of Working Americans."
This episode features Chief Seer, Adwait Joshi the founder of fintech company Dataseers. Adwait talked with Ansley Israel of the University of North Georgia about the growth of Dataseers and the company's ability to help clients prevent fraud in new innovative ways.
John Avery leads strategic planning for FIS Global's Capital Markets division. He joins Tariq Waseem, a senior at Georgia State University who has also created the student organization BlockchainGSU. This discussion dives into exciting marketplace developments at the intersection of capital markets and cryptocurrency.
This episode features Julia Carreon, a former Wells Fargo executive and expert on Gen Z and the impacts of this demographic on financial services today and tomorrow. She is joined by Georgia State alum and fintech entrepreneur Daniel Hadgu.
In this episode there is a perfect pairing of a global data analytics executive from FIS Global with a student working on her masters degree in big data information systems. John Wittenbrook is the Global Data Analytics leader at FIS Global and Vinitha Ramani is our graduate student from the Georgia Fintech Academy.
The Chief Operating Officer of white hot fintech/healthtech company Medxoom joins Nikhil Malani of Georgia Tech to explore the ins-and-outs of starting a fintech company and the Medxoom value proposition that helps company employees better manage their healthcare expenditure.
Suneel Tummala leads LEAN IT efforts for FIS Global. Dennis Williams is student at Georgia State focused on creative media while also starting a financial literacy fintech company. This discussion explores LEAN and how this approach helps FIS creating better customer and employee experiences.
John McNair, President of the Community Bankers Association of Georgia joins Anindya Majumdar of the Robinson College of Business, Georgia State. This conversation explores the important role of community banks in the financial services industry and the role community banks play in fintech innovation.
Sudheer Chava is the Alton Costley Chair - Professor of Finance and Executive Director of the Financial Services Innovation Lab at Georgia Tech. In this discussion we explore recent research underway by Prof. Chava related to marketplace lending and broadly explore efforts underway at the Financial Services Innovation Lab.
Kristin Slink leads the fintech vertical of the Georgia Tech Advanced Technology Development Center incubator. In this role she helps nurture over 24 fintech early-stage companies. In this episode we learn about Kristin's career in fintech as a founder of Loan Hero and the fintech companies in the ATDC.
Amy Corn, Academic Program Director of FintechU from Georgia Tech Professional Education is joined by Daniel Hadgu, a recent graduate from Georgia State's Robinson College of Business. In this discussion Amy and Daniel discuss the professional education offerings in development at Georgia Tech.
David Berglund, Global Head of Artificial Intelligence, FIS Global joins graduate student Patricia Whitley of Kennesaw State University to discuss artificial intelligence, the ethics of AI, and current plus future opportunities in financial services.
Scott Marean is the Chief Technology Officer for the Risk, Lending, and Credit capabilities for FIS Global. He joins John Butler, a recent graduate of the University of North Georgia's Mike Cottrell College of Business.
They take on the important topic of capital markets and explain its key components.
The founder of a revolutionary new fintech company called Defynance joins Cameron Vanderwiele of Georgia State to talk about this alternative to student loans. Defynance Income Share Agreements are discussed and how this structure creates greater opportunities.
Jennifer Frasier is the Global Head of Inclusion and Diversity at FIS Global. Alisa Wilson is a junior studying finance at Valdosta State and a member of the Georgia Fintech Academy student advisory council. This episode explores the topic of inclusion and diversity and its importance.
Dave Pritchett leads critical product development efforts related to partner experience with merchant onboarding at FIS Global. Dave's deep experience in merchant acquiring allows him to share meaningful perspectives on merchant acquisition and revolutionary approaches to merchant onboarding. Fang Zhou of Georgia Tech joins the conversation as a student interested in Fintech.
Daniel Schutte, Managing Director Accelerator Programs joins Jake Bulim of Kennesaw State to discuss support for early stage fintech development through the Venture Center fintech accelerators. The ICBA ThinkTech and the FIS Fintech Accelerator program are both run by the Venture Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Kim Goodman, President, Merchant Joint Ventures & Acquiring Processing, Fiserv joins Ayesha Munnaza, graduate student Georgia State to discuss leadership approaches to thriving in these uncertain times. The conversation also explores the Fiserv Back2Business initiative and important fintech themes related to platform openness and partnerships.
Chris Stanley the SVP of Fintech at Atlantic Capital Bank joins Zach Schneiderman a sophmore at University of Georgia to discuss Atlantic Capital's role in supporting fintech company growth in the USA.
Professor Jonathan Godbey is a key member of the Georgia Fintech Academy faculty and teaches 'Fintech Foundations.' In this episode Dr. Godbey is joined by Georgia State student Enrique Pujals to discuss the modules in this Fintech Academy course and more.
Ernie Buday, VP of Market Engagement and Ideation at FIS Global joins Kennesaw State student Stephen Montague to discuss successful approaches to innovation at FIS Global and throughout the fintech ecosystem. Stephen is working towards a Masters in software engineering at Kennesaw State.
OliverPOS is a remarkable fintech out of Canada that helps web shops accept payments. It operates in 80 countries and is engaged with Atlanta's fintech scene. Mathias Nelson of Oliver shares the history of the company with AJ Al-Bawab of Georgia State.
Luke Timberlake, Partner, Fintech Ventures joins Arinize Akomas of Georgia State to explore the topic of venture capital in fintech.
West Richards, the Executive Director of the American Transaction Processing Coalition (ATPC) joins student Enrique Pujals of Georgia State Robinson School of Business. This conversation explores the important role of government relations to the success of fintechs and the fintech industry overall.
Fintech South is approaching on October 5-9, 2020 in a new virtual format. Glen Sarvady and Reese Porter are deeply involved in the event and join Georgia State student Jamila Maria Velez-Khader to discuss the agenda. The group also explores history of the fintech ecosystem in Georgia.
Stephanie Foster is the Head of Product Management, Americas for Finastra and she joins Laine Kehoe of the University of Georgia and a holder of a fintech certificate from UGA. The discussion explores the Finastra cloud platform and its impact on payments and payments hub technology.
William Tong, Global Head of Product Engineering for Payment Solutions and Rich Hill, Strategy and Architecture of FIS Global join Georgia State student Ayesha Munnaza to discuss advancements in merchant onboarding for payment solutions. The team also re-caps big fintech news from the week.
Kell Canty, Co-Founder of Verady joins Tariq Waseem a rising senior at Georgia State and founder of BlockchainGSU. This conversation dives into the expanding relevance of digital assets and distributed ledger technology.
DJ Landreneau of DefenseStorm joins Michael Olajide from the Georgia State Robinson College of Business to discuss recent information security trends in banking and the broad capabilities of DefenseStorm.
Charles Potts, the Chief Innovation Officer of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) is joined by University of Georgia (UGA) rising junior Faeez Juneja. The discussion considers the acceleration of innovation in the community banking space and also touches on Faeez's upcoming book - "Trillion Dollar Fortune" that will release in December 2020 with New Degree Press.
We go deep on global payments with the remarkable Elizabeth McQuerry of Glenbrook Partners and Michael Olajide of the Georgia State Robinson School of Business. This discussion provides an overview of several payment systems and then considers payment system advancements in Africa and Brazil.
Andy Payment, Head of Marketing, Maxex joins Angie Korol, recent UGA fintech grad and now at Grant Thornton with Tommy Marshall, Executive Director of the Georgia Fintech Academy. Discussion focuses on the mortgage industy and the Maxex business model which provides an exchange to support buyers and sellers of mortgage loans.
Charles Freund, Head of Corporate Marketing for Fleetcor joins Georgia Fintech Academy Executive Director, Tommy Marshall and University of Georgia senior Tyler Acree to talk about the evolution of Fleetcor's business over the past 20 years.
Don Free, VP Research at Gartner joins Kai Currie, a Computer Information System honors graduate from Georgia State Robinson School of Business for a discussion on core banking technology and open banking trends. Tommy Marshall, Executive Director of the Georgia Fintech Academy moderates the conversation on his birthday!
Tommy Marshall, Executive Director of the Georgia Fintech Academy hosts Bob Skiba, EVP of Incomm in a discussion of the global payments business run by Incomm. The history of gift cards and prepaid cards is revealed with a discussion of the relevance of these products to financial inclusion. Qazi Haq joins the discussion as a recent graduate of the Georgia State Robinson College of Business. Qazi will join EY as a management consultant.
Jason Jones of Cresa Technology Advisory Solutions joins a conversation with recent graduate Tiffany Din who receives a degree in both Finance and Computer Information Systems from the Georgia State Robinson School of Business. The discussion explores Return to Work strategies for fintech companies to consider and updates on recent fintech news in the world.
Andrew Morris, the former Chief Content Officer of Money2020, and founder of the Fintech Agenda is joined by Diana Conde a senior at Kennesaw Sate University with a focus in Accounting and Finance. This discussion explores the new fintech behaviors we have now all learned including digital banking, contactless payments, and others.
Terry Ammons, Fintech Leader and Partner at Wipfli along with Michael Okwilagwe of the Robinson School of Business at Georgia State join Tommy Marshall to discuss fintech response to the CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program. The discussion spans both fintech involvement and bank involvement in lending the first wave approximately $350 billion to small businesses across the United States of America.
Daniel Cage is the CEO and Founder of Blockchain Technology company Speedchain. He joins Cameron Vandewiele, a sophmore at the Georgia State Robinson College of Business to talk about the role of blockchain technology in financial services.
Jude Fils-Aime of Verizon Financial Services joins Tommy Marshall the Executive Director of the Georgia Fintech Academy along with Sabrina Netters and Amiralca Johnson of Albany State. This discussion delves into the importance of cybersecurity in fintech with special consideration of the mobile device and the exciting development of the 5G network.
Phillip Napes, founder/CEO of Layr discusses risk management and insurance in depth with risk management student Ayesha Munnaza of the Georgia State Robinson College of Business Risk Management and Insurance department. They discuss the evolution of Layr as a digital commercial insurance broker and the massive opportunities for Insurtech in the industry. There is also comments on recent news from the fintech industry.
Manoj Govindan is a career fintech executive that helped created the technology partnerships function at Bank of America and then a similar function at Wells Fargo. He has recently helped established a fintech venture studio concept called Kashat Ventures. Jael Ortiz is a sophmore undergraduate student at Georgia State Robinson College of Business and part of the Georgia Fintech Academy student advisory council.
Manoj and Jael join Tommy Marshall in a conversation about the role of venture studios followed by initial thoughts on the $2 Trillion fiscal stimulus that is about to pass USA Congress to provide economic relief in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Jeff Gapusan, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Corporate Development at Prime Revenue joins Qazi Haq a college senior from Georgia State Robinson School of Business who just found out yesterday his commencement is cancelled due to the coronavirus. Both talk with Tommy Marshall, Executive Director of the Georgia Fintech Academy about the coronavirus crisis and its impacts on financial markets and the fintech industry.
Episode 2: Rodrigo Dantas e Silva - Americas Payments Leader at EY joins Daniel Hadgu and Minas Yohannes students from Georgia State. Tommy Marshall, Executive Director of the Georgia Fintech Academy moderates a discussion about the payments landscape worldwide. The team considers the recent Visa acquisition of Plaid for $5.3 billion. Daniel and Minas talk about their fintech company EthioPay.
FULL TRANSCRIPT IS AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK
https://borusgmy.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/thomas_marshall_usg_edu/EUIreXP3m8lIgSW9dGyLlJsBHVkGRpt0XqIBsj0QtYUYWg?e=yWauU8
Welcome to the Georgia FinTech Academy podcast. The Georgia Fintech Academy is a collaboration between Georgia SpinTech Industry and the University System of Georgia. This talent development initiative addresses a massive demand for Fintech professionals and give learners the specialized education experiences needed to enter the FinTech sector.
Hi everyone. This is Tommy Marshall, the Executive Director of the Georgia FinTech Academy. Welcome to episode two of the Georgia FinTech Academy podcast. Its great to have all of you back here with us and we are excited that we're getting into this rhythm of hosting this podcast where we have an executive visitor from the FinTech industry along with students that have been involved or are involved today with the Georgia FinTech Academy. So at first I'd like to introduce you to Rodrigo Dantas e Silva. Rodrigo, thanks so much for being with us today.
Well, thank you for an invitation, Tommy. It's a pleasure to be here.
And tell us about yourself.
All right. So, I am the Americas Payments Leader for EY and that capacity of basically coordinate our teams and our offerings to serve the payments industry. And a little bit about my past, 10 years ago, a little more than that, I thought my career was over because I had worked a good chunk of it in financial services and strategy and the other good chunk of it in technology. And then someone invented the term FinTech and, [wala 00:01:48], I was saved. So, and that has been a lot of what I've been doing so far.
Fantastic. Thanks so much for being here. I mean, EY is such an amazing firm. Does, I think some really remarkable [thorough 00:02:04] leadership and delivery in the FinTech space and we are lucky, lucky, lucky to have you here in Atlanta. You've moved here to Atlanta. What's it been now? Three years?
A little less than three years ago. Yes.
Okay. And so we are just... Thanks for being here [inaudible 00:02:23]and we're,
All my pleasure [inaudible 00:02:24]
Appreciate for [inaudible 00:02:25]. So, Daniel, tell us about yourself.
Yeah, sure Tommy. So my name is Daniel Hadgu. Currently a first semester senior at Georgia State University. A co-founder of EthioPay, and this current summer I'm going to be interning at Vanguard doing investment management.
Oh great. And how did you get attracted to the Vanguard because they're not in Atlanta the last time I checked Malvern, Pennsylvania if I have my facts.
That's correct. So, I just applied online seeing it on there. And-
Are you a Boglehead?
Oh yes sir. Of course. And so I think the thing that attracted me to them and really liked the big three, which is Vanguard, BlackRock and Fidelity, is right now I think a lot of the things that are going on in the US, is decided by... The decisions are made in their corporate boardrooms because they owned an index bonds that democratize the stock market. And so a lot of decisions that are made in America will increasingly be made by smaller and smaller groups. And I think Vanguard is one of the three leaders that can make an effect. And so I wanted to be with the organ
Tommy Marshall, Executive Director of the Georgia Fintech Academy hosts fintech executive Glen Sarvady and Georgia State student Jonathan Pinder in a discussion of the Georgia Fintech Academy. Jonathan Pinder is also a fintech entrepreneur with a company called OshunPay. Glen Sarvady is a former FISERV and Mckinsey executive providing expert commentary on payments.
FULL TRANSCRIPT IS AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK
https://borusg-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/thomas_marshall_usg_edu/EYFnWQb-KtVBhAYOJF87FB0BYAxBI0pN5RZwxyxTw2mUtQ?e=8ez0CT
Welcome to the Georgia FinTech Academy podcast. The Georgia FinTech Academy is a collaboration between Georgia's fintech industry and the University System of Georgia. This talent development initiative addresses a massive demand for fintech professionals and gives learners the specialized education experiences needed to enter the fintech sector.
Hi, everybody. This is Tommy Marshall, the executive director of the Georgia FinTech Academy, and I would like to welcome you, our listeners, to our inaugural podcast for the Georgia FinTech Academy. I am super excited that I have been able to bring a couple of my good friends into our first podcast today. First, I have to introduce you to Glen Sarvady. Hi, Glen.
Tommy, thanks for inviting me.
Thanks for being here. Glen is with 154 Advisors. He's also a core leader of our Technology Association of Georgia FinTech Society, and I've had the great pleasure of working and getting to know Glen over the last many years here in Atlanta. Thanks for being with us, Glen. I really appreciate it.
You know me. I'm always happy to talk about fintech.
That's right. Me too. Me too. Then we also have a very special guest in Jonathan Pinder, who is a senior at Georgia State University's Computer Science school, and he, congratulations, Jonathan, will be getting his bachelor's of science and computer science in May, will be graduating, and I know all of you prospective employers out there are going to be disappointed to hear that he's got a full-time job that he's already agreed to take with BlackRock, that is the largest asset manager on the planet, 7.43 trillion dollars under management.
Jonathan, they set a record last week with that, with their assets under management. Fink, their CEO, he announced that he had, I guess, his 2019 shareholder-type meeting announcement, and they announced that they hit this massive record number of assets under management. Fantastic organization. Really excited you're heading there. Then I guess additionally, Jonathan is an entrepreneur, and has created a payments company called OceanPay that we want to hear a whole lot more about. So, thanks so much for being here, Jonathan.
Thank you so much, Mr. Marshall.
I want you all both to talk a little bit more about yourselves, but before we jump into that, since this is our inaugural podcast, I want to share with all of you, our listeners, what we've been thinking about in terms of format here. You're getting a bit of it just as you hear the introductions. We're going to release a podcast monthly. Today is January the 23rd, 2020. We are on the Georgia State campus in a recording studio that they've been so generous to let us take advantage of.
So, we're going to do a podcast monthly, and the format's going to have a basic similarity every month, and that's going to, fortunately or unfortunately, depending on whether you like me or not, I'm the moderator, as the executive director of the Georgia FinTech Academy. Then I'll be inviting an executive from the fintech ecosystem, either here in Atlanta, here regionally, nationally, globally. We have a capability to bring in folks from really anywhere in the world through the technology that's available to us.
So, there'll be an executive present in every podcast, and then to have a student come in from the Georgia FinTech Academy and really just have some rich dialogue