2020’s Biggest Fintech Stories, Part 2- Gigs, Newly Chartered Waters, Credit Skirmishes
Last week we recapped five of the most important fintech stories of the past year (don’t worry; none of them involve pandemics or the election). Let’s continue with a few more, including some late-breaking news:
The Biggest Fintech Stories of 2020- Other Than Those Two
John Best and I decided to bypass our annual Year’s Top Fintech Stories podcast and proceed directly to 2021 predictions- after all, isn’t everyone ready to move on without further discussion of coronavirus and the election?
Finovate Standouts (from Six Feet or Further)
Glen speaks with leaders from DeepTarget, Linqto and Mall IQ- three of his favorite fintech solutions demoed at Finovate West Digital. Also, discussion of other Best of Show winners, links to our interviews with honorees Breach Clarity, Finzly and Glia, and credit unions’ 2021 financial outlook.
Thankful Holiday Tidings- Even in 2020
2020 has been panned as the Worst Year Ever, but in our annual Thanksgiving tradition, John and Glen still find plenty to be thankful for in fintech- including some surprising heroes.
Choose Your Own Venture
Glen speaks with the founders of DoubleCheck, NetGiver, and Live Give Save- three startups that stood out at the recent VentureTech conference for fintechs serving credit unions.
Who Sets the Rules for the Gig Economy?
The gig economy is driving one of the greatest labor market transformations in generations. Such shifts rarely occur without havoc and discomfort- which is precisely what we’re seeing today. On November 3 California residents voted on Proposition 22, a ballot initiative designed to reset the rules governing drivers for app-based services like Uber and DoorDash. The story is already compelling, and we’re nowhere near the final chapter.
Elections Have (Fintech) Consequences
Glen shares insights- including perspectives from multiple sources- on how the election’s outcome will impact credit unions, banks and fintech firms. Also, the impact of California’s Prop 22 on the gig economy, Ant Financial’s spectacular IPO head fake, and Visa/Plaid runs afoul of the Department of Justice.
The People Have Spoken- What Did the Regulators Hear?
As people from both ends of the political spectrum took to the streets Saturday in reaction to election news, many were quietly asking themselves, “Wait- what does this mean for banking and fintech?” (just kidding- sort of)
Workforce Planning for Now and the Long Haul
Glen chats with Jason Jones, head of Cresa’s Remote Services and Technology Services segments, about workforce and workplace strategies for a post-COVID world. Also new research on digital adoption, digital trust and a brief respite from the election.
Global Credit Union Growth continues to flourish- but closer to home, the story is murkier
One of the pandemic’s many casualties was the joint CUNA/World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) conference, which had been scheduled for July in Los Angeles. Recently WOCCU released its annual Statistical Report, which presumably would have been cause for celebration at the live event. And there is plenty to celebrate, with global membership growth of 17 million (over 6%) in 2019 alone.