Finovate Europe’s Breakthrough Ideas

Glen connects with leaders from his three favorite Finovate Europe solutions: Best of Show winner (and newly minted Unicorn) Quantum Metric, Iceland-based Meniga’s green banking spin, and WUA’s savvy twist on digital analytics.
Using Artificial Intelligence- Organically

John speaks with Ongoing Operations founder/CEO Kirk Drake about his new book “FinAncIal” and how most credit unions are already using machine learning and AI- they just lack an active strategy for it.
Mind, Body, and Wallet

Glen speaks with leaders of Mintel Comperemedia and FMCG Direct about the latest messaging trends in financial services marketing, and quickly acting on “life-event triggers.” Also- a major development in the interchange wars, the “stimmy,” and a PR win for Chime.
Defining- and Debating- DeFi

John and Glen dig into the hot topic of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) and its slightly less revolutionary cousin, CeFi. Also, a very busy calendar on the virtual conference front.
“At Our Best When Things are at Their Worst”

Glen shares highlights of CUNA’s just-completed Government Affairs Conference, including an interview with CUNA Economists Mike Schenk and Jordan Van Rijn recapping their always popular Economic Update and implications for both Main Street and credit unions. Plus acquisitions, re-brandings, and (slim) hopes for crossing the aisle.
What Makes SPACs So Special?

Glen chats with Wall Street veteran and Forbes contributor Jeff Gapusan about the meteoric rise of SPACs and the sudden appeal of this obscure (until recently) investment vehicle. Als
Hacking a Tesla? Or a Credit Union?

“Recovering hacker” Alissa Knight shares her frightening first-hand experience breaching dozens of mobile banking apps and other Internet of Things embedded systems. Also- Ant Financials’ lower valuation and the UK’s Buy Now Pay Later reckoning.
Car Buyers and Rule Makers

Credit Union Journal editor Aaron Passman discusses the trends he’s watching in the credit union space- including unexpected car shopping, states revamping regulation, and the ongoing hunt for scale. Plus the latest twists in the GameStop/Reddit saga.
Placing WallStreetBets on GameStop

John and Glen have very different views on the causes and impacts behind the investment activity roiling GameStop, AMC, and other stocks. Their spirited debate considers whether Robinhood is really robbing the rich and if there are any good guys in this battle, among other issues.
Consumers Want Digital- But What Does That Mean?

Glen speaks with Karl Dahlgren about BAI’s annual Banking Outlook and some potential disconnects between consumer and industry focus areas. Also, the latest on Affirm, Plaid, Walmart’s fintech foray, and changes at the CFPB and OCC.