Navigating a “Vibe-cession,” Advocating at Scale
Glen reports from America’s Credit Unions’ Government Affairs Conference- including our annual roundtable with ACU’s Economics team about an oddly disjointed consumer picture, and a conversation with CEOs Deborah Fears and James Higgins about the still-essential role played by small credit unions.
AI Optimism- with a Dose of Reality
Glen chats with Generative AI’s self- described Chief Optimist (and OpenAI’s onetime Head of Go to Market) Zack Kass about how we’ve arrived at the brink of AGI, potential regulatory avenues to safeguard the technology, and why he sees more likely good than harm. Also- Elon’s latest gambit and another Easter egg in the Capital One/Discover deal.
We Were Promised Jetpacks (But Got Deepfakes)
John recaps ten years of BIG ideas, recounts tech expectations circa 2015, and ponders the potential of AI, for better or worse. Plus- Glen wonders what happens if the Cap One/Discover deal doesn’t go through.
Card Company Mergers: How They Started, How They’re Going
John and Glen check in with PSCU Co-Op CEO Chuck Fagan to learn about progress combining the two organizations. Plus- initial thoughts on Capital One’s proposed Discover acquisition.
Doing (Small) Business at the Beach
From the windy shores of Miami Beach, Glen chats with Barlow Research about the often overlooked banking habits of small and mid-market businesses. Also- some fresh (and well-sourced) AI nuggets, and Chase places a contrarian bet on the future of the branch.
Defying the DeFi Headwinds
Glen speaks with Becky Reed about a proposed new Web3-focused credit union, and how it actually represents a return to the CU movement’s roots. Also- a Whole New Worldpay, and data on some unexpected consumer payment behavior.
Credit Union New Year’s Resolutions
John shares the resolutions for 2024 he’d make as the leader of a credit union. Also, Glen discusses Klarna’s bizarre new BNPL subscription model, updates the Fed’s efforts to reduce debit interchange, and offers a differing view on data sharing.
Has Blockchain Found a Problem for its Solution?
John and Glen share thoughts on Bitcoin’s underreported comeback and dig deeper into Generative AI’s 2024 outlook, good and bad.. Plus- more gloating about crypto price predictions, and why we should all be glad John is not the product manager for fire.
NACUSO’s Big Ideas for Credit Unions of All Sizes
Glen speaks with NACUSO CEO Ronaldo Hardy about his collaborative vision for the organization he joined last summer, and the opportunity ahead for the industry overall. Also- Fiserv’s application for a limited banking charter, and conference season begins to rev up again.
Chatting and Generating 2024’s Fintech Predictions (hopefully intelligently)
Our annual New Years rite of passage- Anne Legg and John Janclaes join John and Glen to forecast the big fintech/credit union stories of 2024- leading to a healthy blend of consensus and spirited debate. Will Gen AI continue its rocket-like ascent or become bogged down in regulation? Will instant payments take center stage? How good were the team’s 2023 predictions…and what inside scoop did JB have on Bitcoin?