BIG Podcast

The BIGCast Gang convenes for its annual roundup of the biggest stories impacting credit unions and fintechs (zero points awarded for guessing #1 on the list). Some Q1 headlines seem like ancient history, while others are gifts that just keep on giving. Bitcoin delivered its usual wild ride- but in 2025 it had plenty of company.   Links related to this episode: John Janclaes/ The CEO Corner: https://theceocorner.com/ Anne Legg/ Thrive Strategic Services: https://www.anneleggthrive.com/ Lou Grilli via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lougrilli/  The AI Index John referenced: https://evidentinsights.com/ai-index/ The BIGCast is taking a two-week holiday break; check in for new content on Tuesday January 13. Until then, check out our archives at https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/?c=bigcast for hundreds of past episodes.   Follow us on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/

We have a winner! John and Glen sort through the squares of our 2025 Bingo (or BIG-Go) cards to assess the "gimme" events, items that occurred but differently than expected, and a few things that didn't wind up happening… yet.    Links related to this episode: Our February blog explaining the BIG-Go game: https://www.big-fintech.com/did-you-have-that-one-on-your-bingo-card/   PayPal/Venmo's merchant relationship with Taco Bell: https://newsroom.paypal-corp.com/2025-06-25-Taco-Bell-Introduces-PayPal-and-Venmo-as-New-in-App-Payment-Options-with-Exclusive-20-Cash-back-Summer-Offer    FedNow transaction volumes- which have already tripled over 2024: https://www.frbservices.org/resources/financial-services/fednow/quarterly-volume-value-stats  The merger of not-quite $10 Billion credit unions: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/04/23/largest-credit-unions-minnesota-colorado-wings-ent-merger-plan Join us for our final CU Town Hall of 2025- Wednesday December 17 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive co

Glen puts a bow on the 2025 conference calendar, wrapping up interviews with SAP Fioneer Global Head of Payments Carlos Figueredo and banking lifer/Association for Cannabis Banking co-founder Michael Beird. Also- constructive yet cautious takes on AI from a multitude of perspectives.       Links related to this episode:   Fintech Talents: https://www.fintechtalents.com/events/ftt-financial-services-futures/    SAP Fioneer: https://www.sapfioneer.com/    Carlos Figueredo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-figueredo-ba7a745/    Michael Beird's LinkedIn profile and Cannabis Banking playbook: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beird/   https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394276265    The Association for Cannabis Banking: https://the-acb.org/      Join us for our final CU Town Hall of 2025- Wednesday December 17 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. In this session we'll recap 2025's major events and tally up our Bingo Card predictions. Th

Continuing our holiday tradition, John and Glen welcome regular contributors Anne Legg and Lou Grilli to share thoughts on the happenings that made them grateful (Fintech and credit union-wise) over the past year. Includes takes on the GENIUS Act, shutdown relief, and the Napster Age of AI.     Links related to this episode:   Thrive Strategic Services- Where Anne Legg Creates More Awesome: https://www.anneleggthrive.com/    Lou Grilli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lougrilli/    Chip Filson's "Just a Member" blog: https://chipfilson.com/    Arnall Golden Gregory's take on the proposed Visa/Mastercard settlement: https://www.agg.com/news-insights/publications/settled-for-certain-the-latest-proposed-settlement-in-the-visa-and-mastercard-mdl-litigation-and-its-likely-effect-on-surcharging/     LAST CALL for our BIG-Go Card: https://bingobaker.com/#67a12342928998c6        Join us for our final CU Town Hall of 2025- Wednesday December 17 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the maj

Part 2 of our VentureTech coverage features Glen's interviews with founders of all three finalists from the main stage event: Matt Dicou of Reset, Cary Fortin of Goodbuy and Jordan Mackler of ScribeUp. Also- Chase pushes forward with its "pay for data" model.   Links related to this episode: Reset: https://www.getreset.co/  Goodbuy: https://www.trygoodbuy.com/  ScribeUp: https://www.scribeup.io  Last week's episode featuring Aries Fraud Solutions, KeySavvy and Remynt: https://www.big-fintech.com/launching-from-obscurity-venturing-into-the-mainstream/  VentureTech: https://myventuretech.com/  CNBC's take on JPMorgan Chase's traction in charging for open banking data: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/14/jpmorgan-chase-fintech-fees.html  William Mills' annual Financial Trade Show/Conference Directory: https://info.williammills.com/financial-trade-show-conference-directory-2026    Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday November 19 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling th

In our first wave of VentureTech coverage Glen speaks with a trio of co-founders, from Launch Party winners Aries Fraud Solutions (unveiling its Obscurity Card) and main stage standouts KeySavvy and Remynt. Also- skepticism meets déjà vu on the proposed Visa/Mastercard settlement.   Links related to this episode:   Aries Fraud Solutions: https://www.ariesfraudsolutions.com/    KeySavvy: https://www.keysavvy.com/    Remynt: https://getremynt.com/    VentureTech: https://myventuretech.com/    Reuters' take on the proposed Visa/Mastercard merchant settlement: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/visa-mastercard-reach-revised-swipe-fee-settlement-with-merchants-2025-11-10/       Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday November 19 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required:  https://www.cutownhall.com/   Follow us on LinkedIn:  https://w

Glen boils down the prevailing themes from this year's Money 20/20 conference, upping the ante via interviews with a pair of compelling startups (Eloquent AI and RentFlow) and Paze's update on securing identity through the digital wallet. Also- Fiserv shakes investors to the core, and open banking continues to ruffle feathers.    Links related to this episode:   Eloquent AI: https://www.eloquentai.co/    RentFlow: https://www.therentflow.com/    Paze: https://www.paze.com/    A credit union-specific take on Fiserv's stock meltdown: https://chipfilson.com/2025/10/a-surprise-for-1254-credit-unions-heads-up-for-everyone-else/    Western Union's stablecoin play: https://ir.westernunion.com/news/archived-press-releases/press-release-details/2025/Western-Union-Announces-USDPT-Stablecoin-on-Solana-and-Digital-Asset-Network/default.aspx    PayPal and Google Cloud's agentic AI gambit:  https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/financial-services/introducing-an-agentic-commerce-solution-for-merchants-from-paypal-and-googl

John and Glen tackle the key takeaways from recent market headlines: Open Ai's commercial relationship with Walmart, the temporary "de-pegging" of so-called stablecoin Ethena (USDe), and the warning flare it sets off for broader stablecoin adoption. Plus- Zelle goes global, and people still have a lot to say about Section 1033.       Links related to this episode:     The Open AI/Walmart partnership: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/14/walmart-openai-chatgpt-shopping.html    The Crypto Times' coverage of USDe's brief "depeg" incident: https://www.cryptotimes.io/2025/10/13/ethena-founder-clarifies-usde-stablecoin-depeg-incident-on-binance/    Zelle's move into stablecoin and cross-border payments: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zelle-goes-international-early-warning-expands-1t-payments-network-with-stablecoin-initiative-302593440.html   Payments Dive's article on the deluge of Section 1033 comments: https://www.paymentsdive.com/news/cfpb-open-banking-comments-stripe-jpmorgan-mastercard-aba-fta-eta/803

Glen speaks with the Financial Health Network's Andrew Warren about takeaways from the newly minted Financial Health Pulse Trends report, including the persistent challenges in maintaining gains in financial stability. Also- the latest real-time payments data begs new questions, and Glen eats crow on Nvidia.       Links related to this episode:   The Financial Health Network's 2025 US Pulse Trends report: https://finhealthnetwork.org/research/financial-health-pulse-2025-u-s-trends-report/    The Financial Health Network's EMERGE 2026 conference, May 19-21 in Atlanta: https://finhealthnetwork.org/event/emerge-financial-health-2026/    FedNow's Q3 transaction and volume data: https://www.frbservices.org/resources/financial-services/fednow/quarterly-volume-value-stats    RTP's Q3 transaction and volume data: https://www.theclearinghouse.org/payment-systems/rtp    VentureTech in Frisco, Texas November 3-5; A FEW SCHOLARSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE FOR CUs UNDER $250M: : https://myventuretech.com/    The Underground

The Smart Money in Vegas   Glen connects with Money 20/20 CEO Tracey Davies to discuss what to expect from this year’s extravaganza following a year of remarkable disruption and advancement. Also- a not-so-genius stablecoin wake-up call, and why “digital gold” may be a more accurate descriptor for Bitcoin than intended.   Links related to this episode:   Money 20/20, October 26-29 in Las Vegas: https://us.money2020.com/    CB Insights on the Money 20/20 Award finalists: https://www.cbinsights.com/reports/CB-Insights_Money2020-Finalist-Spotlight-2025.pdf   The Underground Collision at Money 20/20 (Saturday Oct 25, separate admission): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-underground-collision-of-contrasts-with-money2020-tickets-1280066426139?aff=oddtdtcreator    USE PROMO CODE “50BIGFIN” FOR A 50% DISCOUNT   Glen’s 2023 blog encapsulating Money 20/20’s eras in t-shirts: https://www.big-fintech.com/the-history-of-money-20-20-in-three-t-shirts/    CNN on last Friday’s crypto hiccup: https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/13

https://www.big-fintech.com/the-great-wealth-transfer-great-inheritance-drain/John and Glen speak with Defense Credit Union Council CEO Tony Hernandez about his organization’s rapidly increasing visibility and how the armed forces’ impact on the credit union movement extends well beyond the expected nameplates. Also- the shutdown creates new complexities for earned wage access, Bitcoin breaks the $125K barrier, and plenty of bingo card calls.       Links related to this episode:   The Defense Credit Union Council (including government shutdown resources): https://www.dcuc.org/     The CU Daily’s recent interview with DCUC CEO Tony Hernandez: https://thecudaily.com/the-defense-cu-council-goes-on-the-offense-echoes-a-page-from-cu-history/    Create your own 2025 BIGGo card: https://bingobaker.com/#67a12342928998c6    Our recent interview with earned wage access provider Veep Software (among other startups): https://www.big-fintech.com/the-great-wealth-transfer-great-inheritance-drain/    Our April blog about

Sports metaphors run deep this week, as Nick Evens and Jenny Jackson preview this year’s VentureTech, the annual fintech showcase (and pickleball showdown). Not to be outdone, Early Warning’s Paze digital wallet dials up its marketing efforts with a key NBA partnership. Plus- The Curql Fund does a 360, and HSBC brings real-world application of quantum computing into focus.    Links related to this episode:   VentureTech: https://myventuretech.com/    The Atlanta Hawks/Paze partnership: https://www.nba.com/hawks/paze    Paze: https://www.paze.com/   Three-minute video on HSBC’s quantum computing bond trading breakthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SWMoGqTHoo    HSBC/IBM press release on the algorithmic trading first: https://www.hsbc.com/news-and-views/news/media-releases/2025/hsbc-demonstrates-worlds-first-known-quantum-enabled-algorithmic-trading-with-ibm    BIG’s Innovation Club: https://www.big-fintech.com/innovation-club/      Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday October 15 at 3pm ET/Noo

Our second wave of FinovateFall coverage includes interviews with the founders of Gentreo and Wysh- two young firms aiming to preserve member deposits across life cycles- as well as Veep Software, which delivers early wage access alongside financial education through the FI channel. Also- Glen reveals his Best of Show ballot, and touches on the startling plot twists with Plaid, Chase and open banking (spoilers entirely warranted).        Links related to this episode:   Wysh: https://www.wysh.com/    Gentreo: https://www.gentreo.com/    Veep Software: https://veepsoftware.io/    Veep’s post-interview announcement of its partnership with financial education content provider nudge: https://www.financialcontent.com/article/getnews-2025-9-17-veep-launches-ewa-20-and-announces-first-global-partnership-with-nudge    Videos of all 63 FinovateFall demos: https://finovate.com//videos/?filtertype=&showtypes=FinovateFall&videostartyear=2025&showletters=A-Z    FinovareFall’s Best of Show Winners: https://fi

Key takeaways from last week’s Finovate Fall conference, including interviews with the founders of Best of Show winners Casap and Vertice AI. Also- Glen’s recap of the full Best of Show slate, and thoughts on what the 63 demo firehose tells us about today’s state of fintech.    Links related to this episode:   Casap’s case study with MidSouth Community FCU: https://www.casaphq.com/articles/how-midsouth-cut-fraud-loss-in-half-with-casap   Vertice AI: https://verticeanalytics.ai/ Finovate Fall’s full demo roster: https://informaconnect.com/finovatefall/finovate-fintech-demo-days/    Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday September 17 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. This session we’ll be doing a deep dive on AI’s impact on financial fraud. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required:  https://www.cutownhall.com/     Follow us on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-grou

John and Glen share perspectives on credit unions’ potential stablecoin play, a new reason to explore digital wallets, and the need for speed in the innovation arena- revisiting the “rapid response” model of our recent live Town Hall event. Also- more IPO mayhem and how weather patterns could impact loan portfolios.      Links related to this episode: Replay of the CU Town Hall recorded live at America’s Credit Unions’ Strategic Growth Conference: https://www.big-fintech.com/cu-town-hall-episode-138-live-at-acus-strategic-growth-conference/   CNBC’s initial reporting on Klarna’s pending IPO: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/02/klarna-ipo-in-us-to-raise-up-to-1point27-billion-in.html   UPDATE: Klarna is slated to debut on the NYSE Wednesday 9/10:  https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/economy/klarna-prices-ipo-above-range-at-40-the-stock-starts-trading-wednesday/ar-AA1MdubF  Another update since our recording: Gemini has raised its IPO target: https://money.usnews.com/investing/news/articles/2025-09-09/gemini-lifts-

Glen connects with the founders of three early stage startups- Lulo, PromptWrx and Thryft Ship- who pitched for the $25,000 Innovation Challenge prize at Fintech South last week, each addressing a quite different pain point. Also- Visa gives up on US open banking, Wyoming (kind of) launches the first state-issued stablecoin, and our own audience vote for best startup.         Links related to this episode:   Click here to vote for your favorite of the three Innovation Challenge Finalists. Lulo: https://www.hellolulo.com/ PromptWrx: https://promptwrx.com/ Thryft Ship: https://thryftship.com/  Reuters on Visa’s shuttering of its US open banking unit: https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/visa-closes-us-open-banking-unit-data-fight-heats-up-source-says-2025-08-22/  CoinTelegraph’s reporting on Wyoming’s stablecoin launch: https://cointelegraph.com/news/wyoming-frnt-stablecoin-visa-support-7-blockchains  Fintech Business Weekly’s assessment of Wyoming’s FRNT stablecoin: https://fintechbusinessweekly.substa

Glen catches up with Lou Grilli for a first-hand recap of the recent World Credit Union Conference in Stockholm, Sweden, and to trade perspectives on a flurry of recent fintech news: open banking, stablecoin interest/”rewards,” debit interchange and another Zelle lawsuit. Also- a new leader at America’s Credit Unions, and have we entered the Era of the Do-Over?        Links related to this episode:   The World Council of Credit Unions: https://www.woccu.org/  Connect with Lou Grilli on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lougrilli/  CU Broadcast’s interview with America’s Credit Unions’ incoming CEO Scott Simpson: https://www.cubroadcast.com/episodes/4022-scott-simpson-discusses-being-selected-as-americas-credit-unions-new-presidentceo  Payments Dive on the court ruling altering debit card regulations: https://www.paymentsdive.com/news/federal-judge-vacates-debit-fee-card-payments-regulations/757108/   PYMNTS.com on yet another twist in the CFPB Open Banking saga: https://www.pymnts.com/news/cfpb/2025/bank

Glen gets the lowdown from Finovate’s Greg Palmer on what to expect at September’s New York City demo-fest, including a dedicated credit union track. Also- unanswered questions in the President’s de-banking Executive Order, and a showdown regarding BNPL’s role in credit reporting.        Links related to this episode:   Finovate Fall, September 8-10 in NYC: https://informaconnect.com/finovatefall/ ***Use Code BIG20 for a 20% registration discount***  Fox Business’ take on the sudden twist in BNPL credit reporting: https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/some-buy-now-pay-later-lenders-holding-back-customer-payment-data-from-credit-bureaus  The President’s Executive Order (EO) on “de-banking”: https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/08/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-guarantees-fair-banking-for-all-americans/  The Cato Institute’s critique of the debanking EO: https://www.cato.org/blog/breaking-down-trumps-debanking-executive-order  The National Law Review adds its two cents: https://natlawreview.com/ar

Glen connects with Early Warning’s Chief Partnerships Officer Eric Hoffman about the latest progress of Paze’s digital wallet, and Payfinia GM Keith Riddle on his firm’s deal to bring Paze to credit unions. Also- yet another twist in the open banking road, and hints of momentum for de novo institutions.     Links related to this episode:   Paze:  https://www.paze.com/ Payfinia: https://tyfone.com/payfinia/  Our interview with Paze’s Head of Operations Catherine Murchie at Money 20/20 last October: https://www.big-fintech.com/onboarding-and-offboarding-at-money-20-20/  Planet Money’s episode on Fortuna Bank’s de novo journey: https://www.npr.org/2025/03/07/1236538076/new-bank-startup-regulations-entrepreneur  Our recent conversation with the CU De Novo Collective’s Denise Wymore: https://www.big-fintech.com/starting-simple-small-and-with-purpose/  Payments Dive on the CFPB’s plan to “substantially rework” its Open Banking rule: https://www.paymentsdive.com/news/open-banking-consumer-financial-protection-bur

Glen connects with TTV Capital Partner Sean Banks and Technology Association of Georgia CEO Larry Williams to unpack the state of fintech venture capital investment, Georgia’s role in the global ecosystem and the upcoming Fintech South conference. Also, Illuma Founder/CEO Milind Borkar responds to Sam Altman’s warning flare than voice authentication has been “defeated.”     Links related to this episode:   TTV Capital: https://ttvcapital.com/   Fintech South, August 19-20 in Atlanta; Use code BIGCast25 for a registration discount: https://www.fintechsouth.com/  Illuma’s response to Sam Altman’s statement that AI has “defeated” voice authentication: https://illuma.cx/article/ai-growing-threat-to-digital-channels/  Axios’ coverage of Altman’s comments at a Federal Reserve event: https://www.axios.com/2025/07/22/openai-chatgpt-sam-altman-ai-fraud Our 2025 Fintech Predictions BIGgo Card: https://bingobaker.com/#67a12342928998c6  Glen’s recent blog on Real Time/Same Day payment volumes midway through 2025: https