Shows
BIGcastTalkin' Turkey with the TeamContinuing 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 thoughts 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/Mast...
2025-11-2548 min
BIGcastVenturing into the Credit Union VanguardPart 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 JPM...
2025-11-1840 min
BIGcastLaunching from Obscurity, Venturing into the MainstreamIn 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/ ...
2025-11-1239 min
BIGcastAgents, Stablecoins, and a Touch of FrictionGlen 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...
2025-11-0442 min
BIGcastMuddying the Stablecoin Waters- Not a Genius MoveJohn 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...
2025-10-2840 min
BIGcastThe Complicated Road to Financial HealthGlen 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/q...
2025-10-2236 min
BIGcastThe Smart Money in VegasThe 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...
2025-10-1528 min
BIGcastAn Alternative Voice, an Assertive Approachhttps://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-de...
2025-10-0847 min
BIGcastThe Great Wealth Transfer/Great Inheritance DrainOur 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-interv...
2025-09-2552 min
BIGcastGetting Real About Artificial Intelligence at FinovateKey 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...
2025-09-1638 min
BIGcastPardon the InnovationJohn 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 ...
2025-09-1041 min
BIGcastAnswering the Innovation ChallengeGlen 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/
2025-08-2742 min
BIGcastIt's a Small (and Chaotic) World After AllGlen 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' incomin...
2025-08-2031 min
BIGcast448 Minutes of Fintech Demos for 475 FIs (and Others)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-sh...
2025-08-1233 min
BIGcastLoaded Wallets, Long Tails- Paze Powers ForwardGlen 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 journe...
2025-08-0539 min
BIGcastThe Voice of Fintech FundingGlen 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 authe...
2025-07-2937 min
BIGcastOpen Markets, Impatient RatesAs 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...
2025-07-2231 min
BIGcastNewborns, Tips and Decoding the New RulesGlen 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/n...
2025-07-1536 min
BIGcastStarting Simple, Small and with PurposeGlen 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 U...
2025-07-0236 min
BIGcastConsumers Pay in Mysterious Ways (it's alright, it's alright)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 Geor...
2025-06-2440 min
BIGcastCircle's Stroke of Genius/Can Anyone Regulate AI?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 blackma...
2025-06-1846 min
BIGcastAre Younger Generations Branching Out?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...
2025-06-1035 min
BIGcastThe Business of TrustGlen 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 Chica...
2025-05-3033 min
BIGcastHave Your Bot Call My BotRecapping 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/ekruge...
2025-05-2033 min
BIGcastWill Pay By Bank Run FIs Off the Rails?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/ ...
2025-05-1341 min
BIGcastGetting Direct About ACHA 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://techcrun...
2025-05-0638 min
BIGcastGoing Where the Trust IsContinuing 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 CU...
2025-04-2944 min
BIGcastBig Ideas Cut Through the ChaosLive 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 NC...
2025-04-2235 min
BIGcastDeepSeek, ByteDance, and the AI Arms RaceIn 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/blo...
2025-04-1537 min
BIGcastNo Day of Rest for Payments on SundayGlen 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...
2025-04-0826 min
BIGcastAll the News That's Fit To Share (Draft)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 suppo...
2025-04-0134 min
BIGcastDefending and Debunking Credit Unions' Tax StatusGlen 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 w...
2025-03-2537 min
BIGcastFollowing the Smart Money at GACOur 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/ ...
2025-03-1834 min
BIGcastA Taxing Week in WashingtonGlen 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...
2025-03-1141 min
BIGcastThe Sky's the Limit for Credit Union CommunicationGlen 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: h...
2025-03-0427 min
BIGcastBringing Loans out of the LabGlen 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 vo...
2025-02-2534 min
BIGcastScams, Grievances and the Enduring Value of TrustGlen 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/vi...
2025-02-1830 min
BIGcastReimagining Innovation, CUSOs and Big IdeasGlen 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...
2025-02-1132 min
BIGcastWhere Do the Chips Fall After DeepSeek?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 odd...
2025-02-0542 min
BIGcastHow Quickly to Quantum?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/B0CSX...
2025-01-2835 min
BIGcastCrypto Clarity- The Next FrontierGlen 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...
2025-01-2237 min
BIGcast2025 Predictions: A Bingo Card for the AgesMay 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/Me...
2025-01-1449 min
BIGcastWithout Data, It's All Just VibesGlen 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...
2025-01-0844 min
BIGcastWell, That Just Happened….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 Toda...
2024-12-1844 min
BIGcastCan Instant Payments Accelerate?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 Min...
2024-12-1036 min
BIGcastAn Important Part of a Balanced Fintech StrategyInsightful 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 Ve...
2024-12-0348 min
BIGcastA Credit Union/Fintech ThanksgivingContinuing 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...
2024-11-2644 min
BIGcastGood Ideas, Good InvestmentsFreshly 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 W...
2024-11-1933 min
BIGcastIdentifying the Standouts at Money 20/20Round 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 Eis...
2024-11-1237 min
BIGcastOnboarding and Offboarding at Money 20/20Glen'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=t...
2024-11-0538 min
BIGcastA Path to Member ProsperityGlen 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_2024-1...
2024-10-2934 min
BIGcastDeliberating Debit, Contemplating CreditGlen 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 Go...
2024-10-2231 min
BIGcastAI, Open Banking are En VogueGlen 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 th...
2024-10-1634 min
BIGcastShow Me the MoneyGlen 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...
2024-10-0737 min
BIGcastDiscovering the Drama in InterchangeJohn 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 exp...
2024-10-0136 min
BIGcastDigging Further at FinovateFallPart 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 Tr...
2024-09-2440 min
BIGcastThe Best Things I Saw at FinovateFallGlen 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
2024-09-1736 min
BIGcastRetaining Member Trust amid the Decline of AuthorityGlen 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/
2024-09-1042 min
BIGcastThe Strange Bedfellows of BitcoinJohn 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 wi...
2024-08-2734 min
BIGcastBig Startup EnergyGlen 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 an...
2024-08-1336 min
BIGcastThe Evolving Ransomware ThreatCybersecurity 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.in...
2024-08-0735 min
BIGcastThe Way We Pay TodayGlen 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 Di...
2024-07-3031 min
BIGcastTransformation in the Face of TurmoilGlen'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 Tow...
2024-07-2339 min
BIGcastNow It's Getting Personal….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 pa...
2024-07-1638 min
BIGcastIdentity, Reward Points and CoffeeGlen 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...
2024-07-0230 min
BIGcastThe Road to Responsible AIGlen 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 Intel...
2024-06-2537 min
BIGcastAlgorithmic Discrimination- and Other Sci-Fi-Sounding Terms Relevant TodaySo 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 Intel...
2024-06-1837 min
BIGcastMission, Meaning, Member ValueGlen 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 standa...
2024-06-1029 min
BIGcastThe Familiar Sounds of Future AIJohn 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 prope...
2024-06-0540 min
BIGcastOpening Up, for Better or Worse…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...
2024-05-2138 min
BIGcastHitting Fifty, Still Gaining SpeedGlen 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/ ...
2024-05-1432 min
BIGcastCombating the Negative Net Worth MindsetGlen 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 Innovat...
2024-05-0727 min
BIGcastPreparing for the 3 M's of AI, and Other Big IdeasGlen 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 Id...
2024-05-0135 min
BIGcastPreaching the CUSO GospelJust 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...
2024-04-2547 min
BIGcastA Bluetooth for Open Banking?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/ ...
2024-04-1633 min
BIGcastWill Lower Broker Fees Upend the CU Mortgage Model?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...
2024-04-1043 min
BIGcastMining Direct Mail for Competitive IntelGlen 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/ ...
2024-04-0237 min
BIGcastScouting the Next Franchise AI QuarterbackJohn 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-M...
2024-03-2631 min
BIGcastConsumers and Members- Unified Needs, Diverse MotivatorsMore 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 A...
2024-03-1935 min
BIGcastNavigating a "Vibe-cession," Advocating at ScaleGlen 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 ...
2024-03-1238 min
BIGcastAI Optimism- with a Dose of RealityGlen 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: http...
2024-03-0529 min
BIGcastWe Were Promised Jetpacks (But Got Deepfakes)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 Washing...
2024-02-2730 min
BIGcastCard Company Mergers: How They Started, How They're GoingJohn 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 Gov...
2024-02-2044 min
BIGcastDoing (Small) Business at the BeachFrom 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...
2024-02-1338 min
BIGcastDefying the DeFi HeadwindsGlen 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-findin...
2024-02-0636 min
BIGcastCredit Union New Year's ResolutionsJohn 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.weforu...
2024-01-3034 min
BIGcastHas Blockchain Found a Problem for its Solution?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...
2024-01-2340 min
BIGcastNACUSO's Big Ideas for Credit Unions of All SizesGlen 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/
2024-01-1633 min
BIGcastChatting and Generating 2024's Fintech Predictions (hopefully intelligently)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://ww...
2024-01-0952 min
BIGcastWrapping a VERY Newsworthy 20232023 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...
2023-12-1939 min
BIGcastCybercrooks Decide to Aim LowJohn 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-cred...
2023-12-1235 min
BIGcastOpen AI's Messy First Birthday PartyJohn 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...
2023-12-0546 min
BIGcastVenturing Further into VentureTechMore 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 nex...
2023-11-2841 min
BIGcastA Fintech Thanksgiving 2023Continuing 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'l...
2023-11-2044 min
BIGcastYouth Will Be Served (that's the goal…)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-S...
2023-11-1440 min
BIGcastA Wizard, a Centaur and a Regulator Walk into a Conference...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/ ...
2023-11-0738 min
BIGcastThe Old Fintech Can't Come to the Phone Right Now….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-ins...
2023-10-3143 min
BIGcastA Digital-First Twin Takes FlightGlen 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...
2023-10-2427 min
CUNA News PodcastFintech chat with John Best, Glen Sarvady, Lance NoggleJohn Best, Best Innovation Group, Glen Sarvady, 154 Advisors, and Lance Noggle, CUNA, discuss recent developments in the fintech and financial services space.
2018-09-2731 minAmerica's Credit UnionsFintech chat with John Best, Glen Sarvady, Lance NoggleJohn Best, Best Innovation Group, Glen Sarvady, 154 Advisors, and Lance Noggle, CUNA, discuss recent developments in the fintech and financial services space.
2018-09-2731 min