Answering the Innovation Challenge
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.
It’s a Small (and Chaotic) World After All
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?
448 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.
Loaded Wallets, Long Tails- Paze Powers Forward
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.
The Voice of Fintech Funding
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.”
Open Markets, Impatient Rates
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.
Real Time Payments’ Rapid Ascent Continues, with Some Odd Footnotes
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.
Newborns, Tips and Decoding the New Rules
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?
Starting Simple, Small and with Purpose
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.
A Stroke of Genius? Regulation Comes Full Circle
Last week the Genius Act, a bill creating a regulatory framework for stablecoins, passed the Senate by a 68-30 vote- a remarkable level of bipartisanship in this day and age. The legislation was enthusiastically received by banking as well as crypto groups- the latter reaction perhaps shocking to those who recall the crypto community’s mindset as recently as early 2024.