Fintech Buyers Club
Nick Evens, CEO of the $150 million Curql Collective investment fund, explains why the days of “one-off” credit union investments in fintech startups are over. Also- Square’s foray into small business banking and FICO’s waning clout.
Credit Union Takeaways from the White House’s Executive Order
Based on the industry’s reaction, you’d think the banking sector had been singled out in the Biden Administration’s recent Executive Order addressing market competition. The wide-ranging document actually encompasses 72 initiatives, with financial services the last category listed- well after healthcare, agriculture, and transportation, and in less detail.
Buy Now, Pay… Smarter?
Glen’s candid conversation with Opy CEO Brian Shniderman about his firm’s twist on the BNPL model. Also- a flashpoint for US open banking?
Credit Union Success Depends on Streamlining Fintech Partnerships
It’s a familiar story. Credit union signs up to roll out an exciting new product or service with a fintech provider; months later, the project remains mired in the implementation process. What went wrong? The CU found itself playing defense after the compatibility of its data system was lost to the uncertainties of platform integration.
El Salvador’s Bitcoin Gambit
John joins Glen from A Quiet Place to unpack El Salvador’s unexpected decision to treat Bitcoin as legal tender, in parallel with the US dollar- as well as last week’s wild ride in cryptocurrency prices.
Seven Key Takeaways from the Fed’s New Interchange/Fraud Report
The Federal Reserve is hardly one to court controversy. Given the polarized history plaguing interchange, not to mention persistent rumors of back-office plotting to revisit the Durbin Amendment, it’s nearly impossible to stay above the fray- even with a “just the facts, ma’am” report like the Fed recently released.
Accelerating the Path to Financial Health
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.
No Summer Vacation for Fintech
Glen previews a busy upcoming conference schedule- including a chat with the leaders of Fintech South. Plus- Bitcoin Nation turns on Elon, the Winklevi offer rewards, and Ally throws down the O/D gauntlet.
Are You Focused on the Right Cyber Threats?
Best Innovation Group recently partnered with my friend, longtime industry expert and KnowBe4 Defense Evangelist Roger Grimes to discuss the steps credit unions can take immediately to improve their security posture. You can watch the full session here, but let me share a few of my favorite takeaways.
Finding a “Happy Path” to Debt Reduction
Glen speaks with Ilian Georgiev, co-founder and CEO of debt management app Charlie, about how mobile gaming can inform financial wellness and why new approaches are needed to address the gender gap in finance.