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.
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.
Consumers Pay in Mysterious Ways (it’s alright, it’s alright)
Glen chats with the Atlanta Fed’s Claire Greene about the latest Diary and Survey of Consumer Payment Choice and the messy realities of dealing with real world data. Also- next steps in the stablecoin saga and…Fintech’s answer to GameStop?
Circle’s Stroke of Genius/Can Anyone Regulate AI?
John and Glen ruminate on a pair of major events reshuffling the fintech world- The Circle IPO’s impact on venture funding, and the Big Beautiful Bill’s unorthodox approach to throttling AI regulation. Also- John gets “spun out on quantum,” and admits a surprising change of heart regarding his outlook for AI.
Are Younger Generations Branching Out?
Glen speaks with Georgia State University Finance Professor Jonathan Godbey about new student-led consumer research that yields some unexpected findings about Gen Z banking attitudes. Plus- Circle’s IPO is roundly celebrated, Illinois kicks the interchange can down the road, and the AI Easter Egg hiding in the Big Beautiful Bill.
The Business of Trust
Glen speaks with Edelman Smithfield’s Deidre Campbell to explore her firm’s new Financial Services Trust Barometer and the (mostly) positive signs for banks and credit unions. Also- the latest Gen AI fiasco has a familiar ring, Illinois’ unworkable interchange law moves bizarrely close to reality, and why the CFPB’s withdrawal of its open banking rule isn’t necessarily cause for celebration.
Have Your Bot Call My Bot
Recapping this month’s Finovate Spring event, Glen connects with Steven Ramirez (Beyond the Arc) and Elias Kruger (Long Range AI) to compare notes on the standouts and key takeaways- such as agentic AI- from San Diego. Also- Coinbase packs a year’s news into a single week, and Nevada looks to enter the payments fray.
Will Pay By Bank Run FIs Off the Rails?
Glen connects with Paylume’s Andrew Gomez to unpack the burgeoning pay by bank model, explore lessons learned from other countries’ rollouts, and consider the pros and cons facing banks and credit unions. Also- a possible open banking do-over, more stadium naming rights, and resisting the urge to spike the ball before the goal line.
Getting Direct About ACH
A pair of conversations from last week’s Smarter Faster Payments conference- Glen’s annual check-in with Nacha CEO Jane Larimer, and PASA CEO Ghita Erling shares insights on modernizing South Africa’s payment system through collaboration rather than mandate. Also- AI shopping agents, Uber discovers paper, and the vultures swirl around checks.