BIG Podcast

More highlights from the VentureTech conference: Penny Finance founder Crissi Cole on her startup’s “women-first” approach to financial planning, QCash CEO Seth Brickman on getting an offer his CUSO couldn’t refuse, and Vertice AI co-founder Mitch Rutledge on collaborating with Wellby Financial’s Richard Sowell to fuel member engagement.         Links related to this episode:   Penny Finance: https://www.penny-finance.com/  QCash: https://qcashfinancial.com/  Vertice AI: https://verticeanalytics.ai/  Wellby Financial: https://www.wellbyfinancial.com/  Launch Party winner Peacefully: https://www.peacefully.com/  VentureTech: https://myventuretech.com/  Join us for the next LIVE CU Town Hall Wednesday November 29 at 3pm ET/ Noon PT as we revisit the most impactful fintech/credit union events during BIG’s first ten years. It’s free to all, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ (Use the same link for a replay after December 1).   

Continuing our annual BIGCast tradition, John and Glen are joined by Anne Legg and John Janclaes for a roundtable discussion of the credit union and fintech developments they’re most thankful for. Also- a quick look back at the Best Innovation Group’s first ten years.   Links related to this episode:   THRIVE Strategic Services: https://www.anneleggthrive.com/ Nymbus CUSO: https://www.nymbus.com/cuso/  Join our next CU Town Hall on Wednesday, November 29th at 3pm ET/Noon PT, when we’ll be recounting the major fintech developments of the past ten years. We’ll also hold John to account for his A Digital Day in 2025 predictions made in…2015! Attendance is free, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/  “Blood in the Machine: Origins of the Rebellion Against Big Tech”: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/brian-merchant/blood-in-the-machine/9780316487740/?lens=little-brown  VentureTech: https://myventuretech.com/    Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.c

Just back from last week’s VentureTech conference, Glen has interviews with a trio of founders from standout startups: Sparrow’s Harrison Hochman, Debbie’s Rachel Lauren, and Legal Karma’s Kory Kelly. Also- the PSCU/Co-Op merger, and the relentless pursuit of deposits and the elusive Generation Z.       Links related to this episode:   Sparrow: https://www.sparrowfi.com/  Debbie: https://www.joindebbie.com/   Legal Karma: https://www.legalkarma.io/  CU Today’s coverage of the PSCU/Co-Op Merger: https://www.cutoday.info/site/THE-feature/Addtional-Details-Around-Huge-Deal-Are-Released  VentureTech: https://myventuretech.com/  Glen’s History of Money 20/20 in Three T-Shirts: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=the-history-of-money-2020-in-three-t-shirts    Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/  Connect with Glen on LinkedIn or X (@154Advisors) Connect with John on LinkedIn or X (@jbfintech)

In Part 2 of our Money 20/20 coverage, Glen speaks with Guppy CEO (and Money 20/20 Wizard!) Sanjib Kalita about how Unicorns have given way to the Age of Centaurs. MSUFCU’s Ami Iceman and Prizeout founder David Metz discuss an adtech solution that leaves everyone better off, and Glen recaps other key takeaways from Vegas.     Links related to this episode:   Glen’s Money 20/20 coverage at CUNA.org: https://news.cuna.org/articles/123262-embedded-finance-regulatory-dynamics-dominate-money-20-20  Money 20/20’s white paper on the Age of Centaurs: https://www.money2020.com/content/whitepapers/welcome-centaurs  Sanjib Kalita’s startup Guppy: http://www.guppyfin.com/  Prizeout: https://prizeout.com/  Reseda Group: https://www.resedagroup.com/  MSUFCU: https://www.msufcu.org/  The CFPB’s proposed Section 1033 rule on Personal Financial Data Rights: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/rules-policy/notice-opportunities-comment/open-notices/required-rulemaking-on-personal-financial-data-rights/   Details on the approved C

Glen shares highlights from an even more rousing than usual Money 20/20, including Silicon Valley Bank’s Chief Product Officer Gagan Kanjlia on a bold branding decision, Cushion Founder Paul Kesserwani on BNPL’s awkward evolution, and Twentyfold’s William Mellis on a new fintech research platform. Also- Debit’s demolition derby and the Points Guy feels the heat.    Links related to this episode:   Silicon Valley Bank: https://www.svb.com/   Cushion: https://cushion.ai/  Twentyfold: https://www.twentyfold.com/  Money 20/20: https://www.money2020.com/  McKinsey’s Digital Consumer Payments Survey: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/banking-matters/consumer-digital-payments-already-mainstream-increasingly-embedded-still-evolving    Check Out FIVEGPT, the new collaboration between the Best Innovation Group and Bonifi: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=best-innovation-group-and-bonifii-announce-joint-development-of-fivegpt   Plus, the latest BIG Blog: Hold onto Your Wallets- Debi

Glen speaks with Doug Brown, President of Digital Banking for NCR Voyix, about the birth of a new public company, the importance of a 139-year legacy, and the continuation of a digital-first mission. Also- a debit interchange battle breaks out, and Glen gets academic.   Links related to this episode:   NCR Voyix: www.ncrvoyix.com Fed Debit: https://www.pymnts.com/news/payment-methods/2023/fed-will-float-reduced-debit-card-fees-for-merchants/  Georgia State University/Review of Financial Studies Fintech Conference: https://gsufintechconf.com/    Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/  Follow Glen on X @154Advisors Follow John on X @jbfintech

John and Glen provide a special peek inside the Innovation Club, as forward thinking credit union leaders brainstorm on the opportunities presented and risks posed by the new FedNow real-time payment rails.     Links related to this episode:   The Innovation Club: https://www.big-fintech.com/Innovation-Club/Technology  The Federal Reserve’s FedNow site: https://www.frbservices.org/financial-services/fednow/organizations     Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/  Follow Glen on X @154Advisors Follow John on X @jbfintech

John speaks with Respell’s Harpriya Bagri about using her firm’s AI workflow tool to fight through the frustration of lost luggage. Also, Glen shares conference nuggets and ponders the meaning of the word “cashless.”     Links related to this episode:   Respell: https://www.respell.ai/   Harpriya’s viral tweet/video (that’s right- we said Tweet) on her lost luggage pursuit: https://twitter.com/harpriiya/status/1682165101867175936  The full Town Hall video featuring Harpriya’s Respell on-screen demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcPws0YWMiQ  FIVEGPT press release: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=best-innovation-group-and-bonifii-announce-joint-development-of-fivegpt   FIVEGPT video: https://vimeo.com/871619836/f6309935c5  Equifax Market Pulse: https://www.equifax.com/business/trends-insights/marketpulse    Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/  Follow Glen on X @154Advisors Follow John on X @jbfintech

Glen speaks with Nick Evens, President/CEO of the Curql Collective, about the process of deploying over $300 million of additional credit union capital through its strategic investment fund. Also- keeping tabs on the startups potentially vying for some of that investment.     Links related to this episode:   Curql Fund: https://www.curql.com/  VentureTech, November 6-8 in Frisco, Texas: https://myventuretech.com/   Videos of company demos from Finovate Fall: https://finovate.com/videos/?filtertype=&showtypes=FinovateFall&videostartyear=2023&showletters=A-Z  TTV Capital: https://ttvcapital.com/  BIG’s Innovation Club: https://www.big-fintech.com/Innovation-Club/Technology    Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/  Follow Glen on X @154Advisors Follow John on X @jbfintech

Part 2 of our Finovate recap features interviews with the founders of Best of Show winner Chimney and Top Emerging Fintech winner Union Credit. Also- Glen reveals his Best of Show ballot and the Credit Card Competition Act takes to the airwaves.   Links related to this episode:   Chimney: https://chimney.io/   Union Credit: https://www.unioncredit.app/   Finovate: https://informaconnect.com/finovatefall/  Last week’s episode, featuring interviews with CD Valet and Best of Show winner Wysh: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=finovates-window-into-an-evolving-landscape  Our August interview with True Digital: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=fintech-hotter-than-the-headlines  Glen’s Finovate recap for CUNA.org: https://news.cuna.org/articles/123055-generative-ai-deposit-gathering-are-hot-topics-at-finovate-fall  VentureTech, November 6-8 in Frisco, Texas: https://myventuretech.com/     Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/  Follow Glen on X @15

Glen’s annual recap of the 66 demos at Finovate Fall includes interviews with standouts Wysh and CD Valet, reflections on each of the six Best of Show winners, and observations on recurring themes across the agenda. Also, the unexpected return of Silicon Valley Bank.   Links related to this episode:   Finovate: https://informaconnect.com/finovatefall/  Wysh: https://www.wysh.com/  CD Valet: https://cdvalet.com/  Our 2022 interview with Best of Show winner Debbie: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=the-new-guard-takes-center-stage  Our April interview with Best of Show winner Mahalo Banking: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=big-ideas-fintech-madness-cuso-optional    Join us Wednesday September 20 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for the latest edition of the CU Digital Town Hall, a live, lively and interactive meeting of industry leaders sharing best practices on the top issues impacting the credit union movement. Moderated by John Best of BIG and Mike Lawson of CU Broadcast:  https://www.cutownhall.com/ (a replay will

John and Glen weigh in on a wide array of current topics- bringing AI to the drive-thru, connecting DragonCon to credit unions, and anticipating the new Elon Musk autobiography. Also, John still sees potential in digital twins and Allen Iverson sees a new career angle.     Links related to this episode:   The Meaning of Life, according to Hardee’s: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fDswmVyDp20?app=desktop  How many calories?: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Y4J3lrBSP-A?app=desktop  John’s Kickstarter for the Roamer’s Wrath board game:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jb1970/roamers-wrath  WSJ’s Excerpt from the forthcomoing Elon Musk biography on Twitter’s takeover (subscription required): https://www.wsj.com/tech/elon-musk-twitter-x-takeover-walter-isaacson-5f553fa  John’s interview with Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak for TruStage’s Discovery2023 conference: https://events.trustage.com/discovery2023-on-demand    The DeLorean Motor Company’s Alpha5 EV model/”digital twin”: https://nftevening.com/delorean-i

Glen speaks with Great Lakes Credit Union CEO Steven Bugg about a collaborative grassroots initiative to deliver relief to Ukrainian citizens, and how CUs nationwide can participate. Also- the only state that prohibits consumers from pumping their own gas passes a new law on…credit card surcharging.    Links related to this episode:   The CU Relief Fund for Ukraine: https://curelieffundforukraine.com/    Great Lakes Credit Union’s landing page for the CU Relief Fund: www.glcu.org/credit-union-relief-fund-for-ukraine/    Our poignant 2022 interview with Antonio Murha of Ukrainian Self-Reliance Credit Union: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=credit-unions-financial-lifeline-to-ukraine    Coverage of Access Softek CEO Chris Doner’s 2022 visit to Ukraine: https://www.chicoer.com/2022/04/03/chico-man-boss-bring-aid-to-employees-in-ukraine/     Payments Dive’s reporting on New Jersey’s new card surcharging law: https://www.paymentsdive.com/news/new-jersey-enacts-law-capping-surcharges/691578/  “Bank of Dave” g

CUNA Board Vice-Chair and Cornerstone League CEO Caroline Willard shares her inside perspective on the pending CUNA/NAFCU merger. Also- Glen compares financial and grocery self-service, shares a new avenue for credit unions to aid Ukraine, and John checks an item off his bucket list.   Links related to this episode:   Caroline’s recent CU Insight article: https://www.cuinsight.com/building-a-stronger-state-and-federal-advocacy-machine/    CUNA”s landing page for CUNA/NAFCU merger news: https://www.cuna.org/about/cuna-and-nafcu-merger.html    Cornerstone League: https://www.cornerstoneleague.coop/    John’s interview with Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak for TruStage’s Discovery2023 conference: https://events.trustage.com/discovery2023-on-demand    Trader Joe’s eschews self checkout: https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/17/business/trader-joe-self-checkouts-cashier    The CU Relief Fund for Ukraine: https://curelieffundforukraine.com/      Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company

An insightful chat with Cardlytics’ co-founder and former CEO Lynne Laube- now a partner with Valor Ventures- and Fintech Catalyst Robert Daniel of Georgia Tech’s ATDC, about September’s exciting startup competition including a few pitch tips from insiders. Also, Glen’s thoughts on PayPal’s new stablecoin and the Premier League’s payments connections.    Links related to this episode:   Fintech South: https://www.fintechsouth.com/    Valor Ventures: https://valor.vc/    ATDC: https://atdc.org/    PayPal:  https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/07/business/paypal-crypto-stablecoin/index.html    AstroPay: https://astropay.com/        Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/  Follow Glen on Twitter @154Advisors Follow John on Twitter @jbfintech

Glen talks with Finovate’s Greg Palmer about the bumper crop of 60+ fintechs demoing at its September event despite widespread reports of a “funding freeze.” Patrick Sells, CEO/Co-Founder of True Digital (one of the presenting companies) joins to shed light on its collaborative vendor optimization platform. Also, reaction to the CUNA/NAFCU merger.     Links related to this episode:   Finovate Fall, Sept 11-13 in New York City: https://informaconnect.com/finovatefall/  USE CODE BIG20 for a special BIGCast discount   True Digital:  https://truedigitalgroup.com/    Patrick Sells’ recent article about the hidden costs of innovation: https://www.bai.org/banking-strategies/the-hidden-costs-of-innovation/    CUNA’s resource page for its merger with NAFCU: https://www.cuna.org/about/cuna-and-nafcu-merger.html    Chip Filson’s thoughts on the CUNA/NAFCU merger: https://chipfilson.com/2023/08/an-initial-reaction-to-the-nafcu-cuna-merger/        Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/co

The latest on the Credit Card Competition Act, FedNow’s launch, and two credit union CEOs share their perspectives on deploying ChatGPT. Plus Glen actually says something (kind of) nice about Elon.    Links related to this episode:   Last week’s full CU Town Hall session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djZgiutF_JM    BIG’s crowdsourced initiative to help everyone understand how credit unions are using Generative AI tools like ChatGPT: https://www.big-fintech.com/Products-Services/ChatGPT-for-Credit-Unions    Digital Transactions’ recent coverage of the Credit Card Competition Act: https://www.digitaltransactions.net/the-ccca-wont-harm-card-issuers-ability-to-fund-rewards-cards-mpc-says/    The “Interchange Works” website (CUNA’s advocacy page): https://protectinterchange.com/    FedNow’s list of participants at launch: https://www.frbservices.org/financial-services/fednow/organizations        Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/  Follow Gl

John and Glen tackle a variety of timely topics, including the chances for a “Twitter slayer” and social media interoperability, the ever-evolving ChatGPT/GenAI landscape, and increasingly bizarre attitudes surrounding CBDCs. Also- clone marriage and orcas as influencers.    Links related to this episode:   The Center for AI Safety: https://www.safe.ai/    Ron DeSantis’ CBDC campaign promises: https://cointelegraph.com/news/ron-desantis-vows-to-ban-cdbc-in-the-us    Governor DeSantis’ Florida legislation to combat a nonexistent CBDC threat: https://www.flgov.com/2023/03/20/governor-ron-desantis-announces-legislation-to-protect-floridians-from-a-federally-controlled-central-bank-digital-currency-and-surveillance-state/    Coinbase’s take on the illogic of Florida’s bill: https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2023/05/17/floridas-desantis-waging-toothless-campaign-against-digital-dollars-lawyers-say/      The W3C’s ActivityPub standardized social networking protocol: https://www.w3.org/TR/activitypub/     BIG’s crow

Glen speaks with Market Intelligence Lead Rachel Huber about Marqeta’s 2023 State of Payments Report.  And in a BIGCast first Glen reviews the recent UK film “Bank of Dave” - which virtually screams “credit union.”     Links related to this episode:   Marqeta’s 2023 State of Payments Report:  https://www.marqeta.com/resources/2023-state-of-payments    Bank of Dave (via Netflix UK): https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/bank-of-dave-netflix-movie-everything-we-know-so-far-12-2022/    Fact-checking the film’s plot: https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/bank-of-dave-what-happened-in-real-life/    The Atlanta Fed’s latest take on P2P apps: https://www.atlantafed.org/blogs/take-on-payments/2023/07/17/deposit-insurance-and-payment-apps--how-much-do-consumers-know    BIG’s crowdsourced initiative to help everyone understand how credit unions are using Generative AI tools like ChatGPT: https://www.big-fintech.com/Products-Services/ChatGPT-for-Credit-Unions      Join us Wednesday July 26 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for the late

John and Glen discuss Wells Fargo’s foray into Generative AI, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg’s foray into the cage, and BIG’s effort to share credit union AI best practices.     Links related to this episode:   Wells Fargo’s new “virtual assistant” app feature: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPaEjVN11c4    Musk vs. Zuckerberg: https://www.theverge.com/23773413/elon-musk-mark-zuckerberg-cage-match-twitter-threads-instagram-meta    BIG’s crowd-sourced initiative to highlight credit union applications of Generative AI: https://www.big-fintech.com/Products-Services/ChatGPT-for-Credit-Unions     Best Innovation Group is pleased to announce a new service line dedicated to helping credit unions build transformative AI-drive solutions for today’s technology-dominated world. When properly harnessed, artificial intelligence offers the potential to optimize many aspects of financial services - while enhancing personalization. Find out more here: https://www.big-fintech.com/Products-Services/AI-Development  Follow the