Fintech Takes

Welcome to Bank Nerd Corner! This week, we’re making history. Our first-ever returning guest, Julie Hill—now Dean of the University of Wyoming College of Law—is back with Kiah and Alex to tackle a hot topic: reputation risk.Is it the boogeyman of compliance, or a real force shaping banking decisions?Here’s the puzzle we’re unknotting:• When regulators say "reputation risk," do they mean actual threats to a bank's stability—or is it a way of saying, “Don’t do anything dumb”?• Can bad press really sink a bank, or are customers too sticky to care? (Looking at you, Wells Fargo.)• And why is the Supreme Court questioning whether this so-called "risk" even exists?Plus, we explore debanking—the practice where banks cut ties with customers. Is it actually about managing risk or…just controlling the narrative?Join us as we dig into the data, decode the headlines, and ask the uncomfortable questions regulators and banks wish we wouldn’t 😏Sign up for Alex’s Fintech Takes newsletter for the latest insightful analysis on fintech trends, along with a heaping pile of pop culture references and copious footnotes. Every Monday and Thursday: https://workweek.com/brand/fintech-takes/And for more exclusive insider content, don’t forget to check out my YouTube page.Follow Julie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hill-15929821/ Follow Kiah:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khaslett/Twitter: https://twitter.com/khaslett Follow Alex: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgfH47QEwbQmkQlz1V9rQA/videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhjohnsonTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/AlexH_Johnson

Dive into bold predictions for fintech in 2025, where AI is set to transform traditional banking and enhance customer experiences. The conversation tackles the complexities of financial regulations and their impact on markets. It highlights risks in private credit and the alarming rise of payment fraud. Notably, the potential of decentralized finance and stable coins take center stage, with a forecast of significant asset movement. The discussion emphasizes the need for innovative solutions and learning from global trends to navigate this evolving landscape.

Jason Mikula, a regular fintech commentator, joins to discuss the shifting landscape with Trump back in power. They explore the impact on fintech regulation and the ambiguity surrounding depositors' balances on BaaS Island. The conversation highlights the CFPB’s new Larger Participant Rule, scrutinizing major payment players while potentially overlooking riskier firms. Finally, they dive into the chaotic world of meme coins and the miscommunication surrounding crypto regulations, raising eyebrows at Mark Andreessen's controversial remarks.

Rahul Shah, who leads core product at Marqeta, dives into the thriving world of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services. He discusses how BNPL has become a standard for younger consumers, expanding beyond trendy items to everyday purchases. With millions lacking traditional credit, BNPL fills a crucial gap. The conversation also explores the potential impacts on traditional credit structures. As BNPL flourishes, will it promote financial health or lead to consumer overextension? Tune in for insights on the future of payment flexibility.

Simon Taylor, a fintech expert with a knack for analyzing industry trends, joins the discussion. They dive into Paydock's innovative approach to modernizing bank tech without upheaval. Bluespine's AI-driven self-insurance solution for large employers highlights a crucial industry clash between productivity and cost-cutting. Taylor also covers Astrada's 'bring your own card' service, reshaping how platforms offer financial perks while fostering partnerships with major players like Citibank and Brex, setting the stage for future fintech evolution.

Matthew Goldman, a credit card expert and publisher of Cards for the Win, joins Todd Pollak, CRO at Marqeta, to unpack the evolving landscape of credit in 2025. They discuss the challenges of differentiation in a saturated credit card market and explore shifting consumer behaviors and preferences. The duo highlights the role of fintech in innovating credit solutions, emphasizing user-friendly integration into daily life. They dive into loyalty rewards, the importance of convenience, and question the true value of credit cards beyond the money.

The podcast dives into how Trump’s potential re-election could spark deregulation in financial services, raising questions about consumer safety amidst speculation. Marqeta's stock plummet signals a major industry shift, as big clients shift their program management in-house. A new FDIC report highlights the ongoing financial inclusion gap, asking if fintech can bridge it. It culminates in a discussion on the perplexing nature of cryptocurrency, revealing how it continues to challenge traditional financial norms.

Simon Khalaf, CEO of Marqeta, shares insights on the bright future of fintech as we approach 2025. He discusses how regulatory updates signal industry maturity, creating opportunities for innovation. Khalaf emphasizes the role of AI in building trust and enhancing consumer engagement through new models like 'Buy Now, Pay Later.' The conversation also explores the importance of aligning incentives among fintechs and regulators to foster sustainable growth, while adapting to changing interest rates and evolving financial infrastructure.

Evan Weinberger, Bloomberg Law’s banking and fintech regulatory correspondent, joins the discussion on the latest in fintech regulation. They tackle the complex tug-of-war between traditional banks and fintechs over tighter regulations. The conversation highlights recent CFPB actions revealing cracks in fintech-bank partnerships and the vagueness of the Bank Service Company Act. With humor, they share memorable moments from CFPB history, while emphasizing the critical need for clearer guidelines to protect consumers in this evolving landscape.

In a lively discussion, Jason Henrichs, CEO of Alloy Labs and co-host of the Breaking Banks podcast, shares insights from the recent Money20/20 event. He delves into the transformative role of bank-fintech partnerships and the newly finalized 1033 rule, which has sparked significant debate. The conversation also tackles the reality check on AI hype as the industry shifts focus to regulation and compliance. Jason emphasizes the need for clear standards to empower smaller fintechs amidst evolving dynamics in open banking and the broader fintech landscape.