Fintech Business Podcast

In this discussion, Alex Johnson, a fintech commentator and author at Fintech Takes, dives into FICO's new scores that now integrate buy now, pay later data, debating its potential impact. He also explores the CFPB's intervention in the Synapse bankruptcy and the ethical implications of possibly bailing out depositors. The conversation touches on crypto mortgages sparked by Bill Pulte's recent tweet, and critiques of digital bank sub-brands reveals deeper issues with user experience and operations. Expect insights that challenge conventional fintech narratives!

In this engaging discussion, Mary Kay Bowman, Executive Vice President at BILL, shares her extensive experience in fintech, having held pivotal roles at Amazon and Square. She explores BILL's transformation into a comprehensive financial operations platform, and why checks remain surprisingly popular in businesses today. The conversation also tackles the ongoing battle against payment fraud and the innovative possibilities AI brings to streamline transactions. Additionally, she highlights the crucial balance between user experience and the needs of both payers and payees in the evolving payments landscape.

In this episode, I had the chance to talk with Luke Voiles, CEO of embedded financing platform Pipe. Luke and I had the chance to discuss:* How Pipe has evolved over time* The kinds of platforms Pipe partners with* Pipe’s embedded card capabilities* Pipe’s relationship with its bank partner* And more! Get full access to Fintech Business Weekly at fintechbusinessweekly.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I had the chance to talk with Trent Sorbe, Chief Payments Officer at First International Bank & Trust. Trent and I had the chance to discuss:* The different waves of bank-fintech partnerships and the popping of the BaaS bubble* What some investors and bankers got wrong about the first wave of BaaS* What’s different about First International Bank & Trust’s payments platform, Kotapay, and banking-as-a-service platform, Kavinu* Kavinu’s first customer: online savings marketplace Raisin* And more! Get full access to Fintech Business Weekly at fintechbusinessweekly.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Alex and I discussed:* Unpacking Chime’s IPO plans* What the hell is going with 1033?* The GENIUS bill advances in the Senate* And, as always, what Alex and I just can’t let go of Get full access to Fintech Business Weekly at fintechbusinessweekly.substack.com/subscribe

Arad Levertov, cofounder and CEO of Sunbit, shares his insights from a decade in the fintech realm. He explains how Sunbit stands out in the crowded buy now, pay later market with unique underwriting methods that approve 9 out of 10 applicants. Arad discusses the importance of distribution in lending and how Sunbit adapts to macroeconomic shifts. He also highlights their zero-percent financing options and innovative operations connecting 26,000 merchants to personalize finance solutions, aiming for inclusivity and a better customer experience.

Alex Johnson, writer of the Fintech Takes newsletter, and Jesse Silverman, counsel at Troutman Pepper with a rich background in consumer finance and banking law, delve into the complexities surrounding the recent Synapse bankruptcy. They discuss accountability and recent regulatory responses, pointing fingers at key players while also reflecting on lessons for banks, fintechs, and regulators. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for improved regulatory frameworks and transparency to navigate the evolving landscape of consumer banking and protect stakeholders.

In this episode, Alex and I discussed:* Alex’s trip to BaaS Island: the founder/CEO of Increase seeking approval to acquire a controlling stake in a bank & the Hatch Bank’s consent order with the California DFPI* Ryan Breslow’s return to one-click checkout / “super app” Bolt* Crypto firms seeking bank charters* And, as always, what Alex and Jason just can’t let go of Get full access to Fintech Business Weekly at fintechbusinessweekly.substack.com/subscribe

Michele Alt, cofounder and managing director of Klaros Group, brings over 22 years of experience from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. She dives into the opportunities presented by the opening of the "charter window" for fintechs, explaining when it makes sense to acquire a bank versus starting a de novo. Michele also discusses her work on SmartBiz's acquisition of Centrust Bank and shares insights on the evolving regulatory landscape in Washington that could impact the financial sector. Her expertise sheds light on the future of fintech and banking.

In this episode, we discussed:* Alex and I recorded this before “Liberation Day” and thus before Klarna chose to delay its IPO; that said, our analysis of Klarna’s F-1 registration statement stands!* A return to BaaS Island: a first-hand account of Mercury and Evolve’s abrupt public parting of ways; what other banks, fintechs, and regulators can learn from the chaotic split.* It’s charter time: a brief discussion of SmartBiz, OakNorth, and OneMain’s progress on charters; prescient, given the news this week that Stripe has applied for Georgia’s merchant acquirer limit purpose bank (MALPB) charter (more on Stripe’s news from me here, including a copy of the public portion of its application.)* And, as always, what Alex and I just can’t let go of. Get full access to Fintech Business Weekly at fintechbusinessweekly.substack.com/subscribe