Recorded at a location near AOBA 2026, this Fintech Hustle episode brings guests Aleda DeMaria (EVP & Chief Operating Officer, PeoplesBank), Mac Thompson (Founder & CEO, White Clay) & Christina Miller (VP, Alkami) for an unscripted hallway conversation on what’s changing right now.
Key topics include:
- Deposit retention after massive outflows and why “acquisition” is not the finish line
- AI everywhere, including fraud, and why banks must fight AI with AI
- Vendor consolidation and the reality of fragmented tech stacks
- Data strategy as a growth engine, not just a compliance tool
- Why the branch still matters and how to modernize the in-branch experience
- The talent challenge for community banks trying to innovate
- A clear warning: community banks should stop trying to build what mega-banks build, and focus on partnerships and execution
Let us know what theme you’re hearing most in your institution right now.
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