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.
August 26, 2025
August 12, 2025
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Media
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 of 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?
Recorded live for the first time ever at ACU’s Strategic Growth Conference, this CU Town Hall took on a lively “Pardon the Interruption” format as John Best, Joe Keller (Visions), Karen Bejarano (TruWest), and Glen Sarvady (154 Advisors) tackled today’s most pressing industry issues. From the CFPB, open banking, stablecoins, AI & quantum, branch strategy, next-gen members/wealth transfer, fraud, and fintech partnerships—this fast-paced session delivered candid insights, audience interaction, and plenty of laughs.
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.
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.
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.”
As we await the next Fed Open Market Committee readout, Glen speaks with CD Valet’s Mary Grace Roske about CD 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.
In February we performed a side-by-side comparison of the impressive 2024 growth of RTP, FedNow and Same Day ACH, albeit off relatively small bases. At 2025’s halfway point the story is much the same- solid percentage growth continues despite larger starting points, while the dollar value of these transactions raises some intriguing questions.
Glen unpacks key provisions of the recent US tax/spending bill with help from his expert friends: the Defense Credit Union Council’s Jason Stverak on $1,000 newborn accounts, and credit union lifer Lou Grilli on the “no tax on tips” details. Also- has Big Tech determined that regulation isn’t so bad after all?
Marcell King, President and COO of Incent reveals how CUs can retain young members and families with youth banking, Baby Bonds, and fintech integration. See how Desert Financial CU grew youth deposits 22% in 6 months.
Glen speaks with the CU De Novo Collective’s Denise Wymore about the grassroots groundswell of interest in starting new credit unions, overcoming the challenges of progressing from concept to market, and why a voice for CU creation is needed to counter a one-way trend. Also- Fiserv’s stablecoin play, The FTA’s attempt to preserve open banking, and how AI regulation became a budget issue.
PROVO, Utah--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Utah Community Credit Union (UCCU) and TransWest Credit Union today announced the successful completion of their core-systems merger just five months after signing the letter of intent. By partnering closely with Best Innovation Group (BIG) and blending UCCU’s member-service culture with BIG’s rapid-deployment methodology, the team delivered a seamless transition with zero member downtime.
Meet The BIGcast Network
The fintech industry is evolving rapidly, and the BIGcast is here to delve into its impact on the credit union industry. Our esteemed guests from across the financial, technology and security sectors will provide thrilling perspectives on the latest fintech innovations that are poised to revolutionize the way we handle our finances. Each week join thought-leader, John Best and subject matter expert, Glen Sarvady as they take a quick dive into the financial industry’s current breakthroughs and latest hot topics.
John Best
CEO, Best Innovation Group
Glen Sarvady
Managing Principal, 154 Advisors