Episode 518: Gigantic Data Puzzles: Open Banking US & Cannabis Banking — Spicy Hot!
Nov 16, 2023
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Open Banking US and the proposed 1033 ruling from CFPB, the impact on financial institutions and big tech. Challenges and opportunities of banking the cannabis industry. The rise and fall of Mint and Credit Karma's entry into credit cards. The problem with credit builder products and the need for better solutions. Challenges of personal financial management and the importance of integration and tools. Contrasting approaches of large and regional banks in customer relationships. Issues of data hoarding and lack of transparency by big e-tailers. Enabling financial institutions to serve the cannabis industry and the legal complexities involved.
Greencheck automates compliance processes for banks serving the cannabis industry.
Greencheck Connect provides a marketplace connecting cannabis businesses with financial and business service providers.
Data hoarding by big retailers like Amazon hinders financial health and the development of open banking solutions.
Deep dives
The Challenges of Banking for the Cannabis Industry
Greencheck verified enables financial institutions to serve the cannabis industry by providing solutions to the unique challenges faced by banks and dispensaries operating in this sector. Education is a key component, as the cannabis industry has specific regulations and licensing requirements that banks need to understand. Greencheck helps banks onboard cannabis businesses by automating compliance processes and ensuring that only compliant dollars are being transacted. Ongoing monitoring and account management are crucial to maintain compliance and manage risk. Integration and visibility of data are essential in creating a comprehensive program to manage high-risk businesses and ensure the success of a cannabis banking initiative.
Greencheck Connect: An Integrated Marketplace for the Cannabis Industry
Greencheck has created Greencheck Connect, an integrated marketplace designed to address the specific needs of the cannabis industry. This platform connects cannabis businesses with curated and vetted providers of financial and business services, including banking relationships, payroll providers, and more. The goal is to streamline access to financial services and business solutions for cannabis companies, eliminating the need for multiple banking relationships and reducing the friction associated with compliance and transactions. Through Greencheck Connect, cannabis businesses can access a range of services, while providers can tap into the growing cannabis market.
The Cash Handling Challenge in the Cannabis Industry
One of the most significant challenges in the cannabis industry is cash handling. Due to federal regulations and banking restrictions, a large portion of cannabis transactions are conducted in cash. Greencheck verifies that approximately 76% of the $900 million processed through their platform in September was in cash. Moreover, an estimated 85% of that cash never directly entered the traditional banking system, but instead went through armored car services for cash-in-transit and accountability purposes. This highlights the need for innovative solutions to address the cash handling issue and provide secure alternatives for cannabis businesses.
Building Better Financial Relationships
The podcast discusses the importance of building value-based relationships in banking. Large banks often prioritize convenience and deliver commodity products without focusing on the customer's needs. However, regional banks emphasize the relationship and being part of the community. With the rise of digital account opening and transfer ability, customers now have the option to easily switch banks. Therefore, the focus should be on providing value-based services that cannot be found elsewhere, thereby building loyalty.
The Challenges of Data Access and Financial Health
The podcast also explores the issue of data hoarding by big retailers like Amazon and the impact on financial health. Amazon used to provide order history data to customers, allowing them to track their spending. However, they recently removed important details, making it difficult for customers to manage their budgets effectively. This lack of transparency and control over spending not only affects individual financial health but also poses challenges for open banking and personal finance management (PFM) solutions. The episode highlights the need for customers to have access to their own data in a useful format to improve their financial lives.
In This Episode
Regulators are bringing it, market pressures are adding to it and Jason Henrichs and Alex Johnson are jumping right in on Open Banking US with the Ghost Pepper hot sauce. Listen as the dynamic duo decipher the proposed 1033 ruling from CFPB, what it means for financial institutions and consumers, who owns transaction data, how it can be used, and how the sharing of data lakes would enable mutual relationships and better financial decisions. Efforts are underway to bring clarity to the market and while Open Banking US applies to financial institutions, it will also affect big tech with all the data and information they have on us (i.e. Amazon and Apple), and anyone who offers a credit card and digital wallet. How does BNPL fit into the mix? It's another hot take from Breaking Banks.
Then, JP Nicols interviews Kevin Hart, CEO of Green Check, about the challenges for banks and credit unions to compliantly and profitably serve cannabis-related businesses (CRBs). Cannabis is legal in nearly half the states, so CRBs have lots of dollars looking for a home, and are popping up in more and more locations. Cannabis is not legal at the federal level, so banking these businesses involves understanding sticky details in licensing requirements, state guidelines, and state specific programs the require extensive monitoring.
https://youtu.be/ukr4LtdM-dM
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