Financial Forward: The Future of Consumer Finance & Banking

Send us a text At McCarthy Hatch, we believe in lifting up voices that deserve to be heard. That’s why we’re offering free ad space on our Financial Forward podcast for women-owned and disadvantaged businesses—because supporting diverse entrepreneurs isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do. This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight Boulevard Coffee, a woman-owned small business with a rich history and a passion for artisan-roasted, specialty-grade coffee. Founded by sisters Carie and Julie, Boulevard Coffee serves up smooth, clean-tasting coffee using the original Sivetz fluid bed air roaster, delivering fresh beans nationwide. We’re proud to share their story—and if you’re a woman-owned or disadvantaged business, reach out to us to share yours too! 🎙 Host: Jim McCarthy🎙 Guest: George Cook, Co-Founder & CEO of Honeycomb CreditEpisode OverviewIn this episode of Financial Forward, we sit down with George Cook, co-founder and CEO of Honeycomb Credit, a groundbreaking crowdfunding platform that enables small businesses to access capital directly from their communities. Honeycomb Credit is redefining the way small businesses raise funds by leveraging community-sourced financing, allowing everyday people to invest in local businesses they believe in.George shares his journey in launching Honeycomb Credit, the inspiration behind this community-driven lending model, and how it bridges the financing gap for small businesses. We discuss transparency, fairness, and the regulatory landscape of crowdfunding, as well as success stories of businesses that have thrived using the platform.Key Topics Discussed✔ What inspired the creation of Honeycomb Credit✔ How Honeycomb Credit differs from traditional lending and other crowdfunding platforms✔ The role of transparency and fairness in crowdfunding✔ How small businesses can leverage Honeycomb for growth✔ Challenges and regulatory hurdles in the crowdfunding industry✔ Success stories of businesses that found funding through the platform✔ The future of crowdfunding and community-based lendingWhy This Episode MattersFor Small Business Owners: If you're struggling to secure funding through traditional banks, Honeycomb Credit offers a new pathway to raise capital while strengthening your community ties.For Investors & Supporters: Learn how you can directly invest in local businesses and help them thrive while earning a return.For Financial Professionals & Regulators: Gain insights into how crowdfunding is shaping the financial landscape, including challenges and regulatory considerations.Resources & Links🔗 Learn more about Honeycomb Credit📌 Connect with George Cook on https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-cook-honeycomb/📌 Follow Financial Forward for more insights on consumer finance, innovation, and regulationListen & Subscribe🔊 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms!📢 Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to rate & review Financial Forward to help others discover the show!More from Jim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mccarthyhatch/https://www.mccarthy-hatch.com/

Send us a textEpisode Summary:The Trump Administration wants to shut down the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)—a move that has divided the financial industry. Is it a necessary rollback of overreach or a dangerous erosion of consumer protections? To unpack this, Jim McCarthy sits down with Ron Shevlin, a nationally recognized expert on banking and credit unions, and Chief Research Officer at Cornerstone Advisors. Ron has spent years analyzing financial services trends, regulatory impacts, and the evolution of consumer finance. While he supports efforts to dismantle the CFPB, Jim does not—and yet, they found themselves in agreement on some surprising points.This is not your typical debate. It’s a thought-provoking conversation about how financial regulation should evolve, the role of banks and credit unions, and what this means for the future of consumer finance.What You’ll Learn:✔️ Why the Trump Administration wants to shut down the CFPB✔️ The biggest criticisms and defenses of the CFPB’s role✔️ Ron Shevlin’s expert take on how regulation impacts banks and credit unions✔️ Why Jim and Ron—despite differing views—agreed on key issues✔️ What this means for the future of financial regulationAbout Our Guest:🔹 Ron Shevlin is a nationally recognized expert in banking and credit unions, the Chief Research Officer at Cornerstone Advisors, and a frequent contributor to Forbes, where he covers the intersection of financial services, technology, and consumer behavior. Follow him on LinkedIn and Twitter (@rshevlin).Resources & Mentions:🔹 The CFPB’s enforcement history🔹 Recent regulatory challenges in banking and credit unions🔹 Ron Shevlin’s latest insights from ForbesStay Connected:💬 Follow Jim McCarthy on LinkedIn🎙️ Subscribe to Financial Forward on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more📩 Want to be featured? Contact us for free ad space for small, women-owned, and protected businessesMore from Jim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mccarthyhatch/https://www.mccarthy-hatch.com/

Send us a text🔹 Host: Jim McCarthy🔹 Guest: Angela NibbsCEOMaven PRhttps://www.maven-pr.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelanibbs/JP SnowFounder/PrincipalCustomer Catalyticshttps://customercatalytics.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpsnow/Linda Straub Joneshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-straub-jones/Asaf Buchnerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/asafbuchner/Episode Summary:In this episode of Financial Forward, Jim McCarthy discusses the rapidly evolving landscape of consumer finance regulation and how financial institutions can proactively manage compliance risks. He breaks down the CFPB’s latest regulatory actions, explores how AI-driven insights like McCarthy Hatch’s FSAi can help banks stay ahead of enforcement trends, and provides a forward-looking perspective on how institutions can build consumer trust while maintaining profitability.Topics Discussed:✔ The biggest regulatory risks facing banks today✔ How AI and data analytics are transforming compliance management✔ The role of consumer sentiment in identifying financial risks✔ What financial institutions should expect from the CFPB in 2025Key Takeaways:💡 Regulatory scrutiny is increasing—banks must be proactive, not reactive💡 AI-driven risk monitoring like FSAi helps institutions identify and address compliance issues in real-time💡 Consumer complaints matter—regulators are using sentiment data to shape enforcement actionsConnect With Us:🌐 Website: McCarthy-Hatch.com📩 Email: jim@mccarthy-hatch.com🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn: McCarthy Hatch LinkedIn🎧 Subscribe to Financial Forward on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!More from Jim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mccarthyhatch/https://www.mccarthy-hatch.com/

Send us a textEpisode Title: The Speed of Risk: Bridging the Gap Between Compliance ModelsPodcast: Financial Forward – A McCarthy Hatch PodcastDuration: 43:33Episode Summary:In this episode of Financial Forward, host Jim McCarthy explores the evolving dynamics of risk management in the financial sector. Drawing on his expertise as a former founding member of the CFPB, Jim compares the traditional compliance methods of prudential regulators with the CFPB’s modern, data-driven approach. He highlights the challenges banks face in adapting to real-time risk identification and the urgent need for a mindset shift to align with 21st-century regulatory expectations.What You’ll Learn:The limitations of legacy compliance models built for prudential regulators.How the CFPB uses consumer sentiment data to uncover harm in real time.Why time is no longer a luxury in managing regulatory risks.Strategies for modernizing compliance systems to meet today’s demands.Practical insights on how banks can proactively identify and mitigate risks.Key Takeaways:Risk identification has dramatically accelerated with the CFPB’s innovative methods.Legacy compliance systems often delay actionable insights, increasing vulnerability.Embracing real-time analysis and modern compliance tools is essential for staying competitive.Resources Mentioned:CFPB Consumer Complaint Database (consumerfinance.gov)McCarthy Hatch Insights on Compliance and Risk (McCarthyHatch.com)Connect With Us:Website: McCarthy HatchLinkedIn: McCarthy Hatch on LinkedInEmail: info@mccarthyhatch.comMore from Jim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mccarthyhatch/https://www.mccarthy-hatch.com/

Send us a textEpisode Summary:In this episode of Financial Forward, host Jim McCarthy, chairman of McCarthy Hatch, joins forces with Brandi Reynolds, Chief Growth Officer at Bates Group, to break down Section 1034(c) of the Dodd-Frank Act. This pivotal regulation emphasizes transparency and responsiveness in consumer complaint management, a cornerstone of consumer protection.Together, Jim and Brandi discuss the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) approach to collecting and analyzing consumer complaint data and the compliance challenges facing financial institutions. Brandi shares her expertise on aligning institutional practices with regulatory expectations, particularly in fintech and banking sectors.Key Takeaways:The role of Dodd-Frank Section 1034(c) in driving consumer complaint accountability.How the CFPB’s data collection influences compliance strategies.Tips for financial institutions to respond effectively to consumer complaints.Insights from Brandi Reynolds on compliance challenges in fintech and banking.About the Hosts:Jim McCarthy is the chairman of McCarthy Hatch and host of Financial Forward, leveraging his extensive experience in consumer finance and regulatory compliance.Brandi Reynolds is the Chief Growth Officer at Bates Group, with over 19 years of expertise in anti-money laundering and consumer protection compliance, particularly in fintech and cryptocurrency sectors.About Bates Group:Bates Group offers compliance, regulatory, and litigation consulting for financial services firms. Their expert team helps organizations navigate complex regulations and achieve sustainable compliance.Resources Mentioned:Learn more about Dodd-Frank Section 1034(c) here.Discover Bates Group: Bates Group.Connect With Us:Subscribe to Financial Forward for more discussions on consumer finance and compliance. Share your thoughts on social media and stay informed about the latest trends.Disclaimer:This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult your legal counsel for specific guidance.More from Jim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mccarthyhatch/https://www.mccarthy-hatch.com/

Send us a textShow Notes: Financial Forward – Rebroadcast of Behind the VaultEpisode Title: The Future of Banking: Listening to Customers, Leveraging Data, and Ensuring StabilityEpisode Description: In this special rebroadcast of Behind the Vault, Jim McCarthy dives into a powerful conversation about the state of the financial industry and where it’s headed. The discussion explores:How large banks have lost their ability to truly listen to customers.The critical role real-time data plays in understanding and responding to customer needs.Why the stability and strength of traditional banking will become even more important as the fintech industry evolves.Packed with insights for anyone curious about the intersection of technology, customer experience, and banking stability, this episode is a must-listen for industry professionals, banking leaders, and consumers alike.Key Takeaways:Real-time customer data is essential for staying responsive and relevant in the financial industry.Large banks must re-establish their focus on listening to their customers to regain trust.As fintech continues to grow, traditional banking’s stability will remain a reliable foundation for customers seeking security.Resources Mentioned:Behind the Vault Podcast – Explore more episodes highlighting the voices of community banking leaders.Subscribe and Connect: Don’t forget to subscribe to Financial Forward for more episodes exploring the latest trends in consumer finance. Follow us on LinkedIn or visit our website at FinancialForwardPodcast.com to stay updated.Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Share your feedback or connect with us on social media to keep the discussion going.Thank you for listening, and let’s keep moving financial forward!More from Jim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mccarthyhatch/https://www.mccarthy-hatch.com/

Send us a textIn this episode of Financial Forward, host Jim McCarthy talks with Keshava Dasarathy, Founder of Finvizia, about the consumer journey in financial services and how firms can go beyond providing products to fostering financial health. Keshava shares his extensive experience in leadership roles at Fannie Mae, Capital One, and Boston Consulting Group to offer actionable insights into customer success, digital transformation, and strategy.Together, they discuss how organizations can build trust, drive customer engagement, and transform the way financial products and services are delivered, creating lasting value for consumers.Key Topics Covered:The challenges consumers face in achieving financial health.Strategies financial firms can adopt to enhance customer success.Innovations in digital transformation and customer engagement.The importance of addressing consumers' broader financial needs.Real-world examples of consumer-centric financial solutions.Guest: Keshava Dasarathy Founder of Finvizia, Adjunct Professor at NYU Stern School of Business, and former leader at Fannie Mae and Capital One.More from Jim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mccarthyhatch/https://www.mccarthy-hatch.com/

Send us a textIn Part 2 of this special series, Jim McCarthy, Asaf Buchner, and JP continue the conversation on the transformative power of real-time data in financial regulation. They discuss how the regulatory landscape is shifting, and what this means for banks looking to stay compliant while managing risk effectively. This episode goes deeper into the strategies financial institutions can use to navigate the evolving landscape with confidence.  Episode Highlights:- [00:00 - 02:00] Recap and Introduction  Jim provides a brief recap of Episode 1 and sets the stage for a more in-depth discussion in Part 2. - [02:01 - 10:00] Real-Time Signals from the CFPB  Asaf and JP dive into how the CFPB's use of real-time data is changing the dynamics of regulatory oversight, and what this means for banks. - [10:01 - 18:00] How FSAi Helps Banks Stay Ahead  The team discusses specific case studies and examples of how the FSAi model has predicted regulatory risks before they became enforcement issues. - [18:01 - 21:00] The Role of Transparency in Risk Management  JP highlights the importance of transparency and how tools like FSAi support clearer communication between banks and regulators. - [21:01 - 23:00] Final Takeaways and Next Steps  Jim wraps up the series with a summary of key points and encourages listeners to implement real-time compliance strategies. Thank you for joining us on this journey through the future of financial risk management. If you enjoyed this series, please leave us a review and share it with your network. Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, and all major platforms for more episodes exploring the cutting edge of financial services.More from Jim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mccarthyhatch/https://www.mccarthy-hatch.com/

Send us a textIn this episode of Financial Forward, Jim McCarthy sits down with Asaf Buchner, CEO of McCarthy Hatch, and JP, lead strategist, to explore how financial institutions are embracing 21st-century regulatory technology. They dive into the groundbreaking FSAi model and how real-time data analysis is helping banks stay ahead of regulatory risks. If you want to know how the game is changing in compliance, this episode is a must-listen! Episode Highlights:- [00:00 - 04:00] Welcome to Financial Forward  Jim introduces the podcast and sets the stage for a deep dive into real-time risk management with the FSAi model. - [04:01 - 07:30] The Shift to Real-Time Data  Discussion on how regulatory agencies like the CFPB are evolving, using real-time data instead of relying on outdated historical information. - [07:31 - 15:00] Introducing FSAi: A New Approach to Compliance  Asaf Buchner shares how the FSAi model provides proactive insights, predicting regulatory risks before they escalate. - [15:01 - 20:00] Bridging the Gap Between Regulators and Financial Institutions  JP explains how McCarthy Hatch is helping banks adapt to the new expectations of a 21st-century regulator. - [20:01 - 23:00] Closing Thoughts & Teaser for Episode 2  Jim wraps up the episode and teases the deeper dive into regulatory strategies in Part 2. Subscribe to Financial Forward on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to catch Episode 2, where we continue the conversation with even more insights!More from Jim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mccarthyhatch/https://www.mccarthy-hatch.com/

Send us a textIn this episode of Financial Forward, host Jim McCarthy is joined by Abbas Kazerounian Esquire, a leading attorney in consumer protection and co-founder of Kazerouni Law Group. They discuss the challenges, stories, and recent developments in consumer finance, focusing on the impact of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) on the debt collection industry. Abbas shares his insights on the CFPB's role in cleaning up bad practices, the importance of data in consumer protection litigation, and ongoing issues in consumer finance such as identity theft and peer-to-peer payment fraud. The conversation provides a comprehensive look at the intersection of regulation, legal practice, and consumer advocacy.00:00 Introduction to Financial Forward01:02 Meet Abbas Kazerounian: Consumer Protection Attorney02:35 The Role of Data in Consumer Protection04:13 Impact of CFPB on Debt Collection08:43 Regulation F and Enforcement Timelines12:36 The Future of Debt Collection16:56 Subprime Credit Cards: A Deep Dive20:37 Credit Lawsuits in California21:01 Default Judgments and Debt Collection21:47 Consumer Finance Focus Areas23:14 Credit Reporting and Identity Theft23:48 Data Breaches and Identity Theft Epidemic25:02 Legal Actions and Consumer Rights27:52 Peer-to-Peer Payments and Regulation32:23 Advice for Identity Theft Victims33:56 Conclusion and Contact InformationMore from Jim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mccarthyhatch/https://www.mccarthy-hatch.com/