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.
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It’s our final episode of the year, and we closed it out with a special wrap-up of our 2025 Predictions BIGgo game! We revisited all the moments that had us wondering who would be the first to shout “BIG-GO!” and snag a free admission to any America’s Credit Union Council event in 2026. Grab your cards and jump in to this recording as we dive into the biggest stories and hottest trends that shaped the fintech and credit union industry in 2025. We celebrated the predictions we nailed, laughed about the ones we whiffed, and ran through every last bingo call in a fun, interactive finale.
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.
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.
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 thoughts on the GENIUS Act, shutdown relief, and the Napster Age of AI.
In this session, we welcomed Keith Riddle, General Manager of Payfinia, as our special guest to guide us through “The Digital Wallet Revolution: From Convenience to Default”. Digital wallets are no longer just a payment option—they are rapidly becoming the default financial operating system for the global consumer. This session provided a critical look at the market shift, analyzing how convenience, advanced security, and expanded functionality are driving unprecedented adoption.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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