Glen shares a pair of interviews from last week’s Deluxe Exchange conference- Scamnetic co-founder Al Pascual on a startup’s mission to preempt fraud earlier in the pipeline, and Deidre Campbell on a few financial services silver linings amid troubling data from the annual Edelman Trust Barometer. Also- Bingo cards and the CFPB carousel.   Links related to this episode:   Edelman Trust Barometer: https://www.edelman.com/trust/2025/trust-barometer Our previous conversation about Edelman’s Trust Barometer: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=retaining-member-trust-amid-the-decline-of-authority Scamnetic: https://scamnetic.com/ Scamnetic’s Fall 2024 Finovate demo: https://finovate.com/videos/finovatefall-2024-scamnetic/ Scamnetic: YouTube overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y__BrHsi1Jc Deluxe: https://www.deluxe.com/   Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday February 26 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. Industry developments keep coming fast and furious- the CU Town Hall is the place to make sense of these items together. It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required:  https://www.cutownhall.com/  Signing up for the Town Hall also earns you a card for our Bingo game tracking 2025 industry predictions.  Find out more here: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=did-you-have-that-one-on-your-bingo-card Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/

Glen speaks with NACUSO’s Interim CEO- and serial CUSO founder- Miriam Ackerman about plans for the group’s Reimagine conference this April in Las Vegas, including a juiced up Next Big Idea competition. Also- a quick summary of the busiest credit union news week in recent memory.    Links related to this episode:   NACUSO’s Reimagine Conference, April 14-17 in Las Vegas: https://www.reimaginenacuso.com/ The Next Big Idea competition: https://www.reimaginenacuso.com/next-big-idea-competition Bernie Sanders’ press release about the new Senate Bill capping credit card interest rates at 10 percent: https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-hawley-introduce-bill-capping-credit-card-interest-rates-at-10/ CU Today’s reporting on the latest twist in Illinois interchange legislation: https://www.cutoday.info/THE-boost/Federal-Judge-Expands-Injunction-Against-Illinois-Interchange-Law-To-Out-Of-State-Banks-Denies-Credit-Unions-Request CU Times’ reporting on USAID-related layoffs at the World Council of Credit Unions: https://www.cutimes.com/2025/02/07/woccu-let-go-over-half-of-its-employees-due-to-usaid-freeze/ Former FDIC Chair Sheila Bair’s Washington Post op-ed calling for the elimination of credit unions’ tax exemption: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/02/03/credit-unions-tax-subsidies-bair/ Glen’s blog on 2025’s credit union Bingo card:   Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday February 12 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. Industry developments keep coming fast and furious- the CU Town Hall is the place to make sense of these items together. It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required:  https://www.cutownhall.com/  Find us on BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/

John and Glen dive into the unfolding DeepSeek saga and ponder if it's truly a 'Sputnik moment' for credit unions. They unpack the legal turmoil surrounding the Illinois interchange law and its implications for banks. The conversation shifts to DeepSeek's innovative AI model, which is making waves by outperforming competitors with lower costs. Skepticism around AI's credibility mirrors past controversies, while market shifts with Nvidia and OpenAI reveal underlying tech dynamics. Plus, a lighthearted chat about TikTok adds a fun twist!

John and Glen connect with noted security expert Roger Grimes to untangle the recent developments in quantum computing and discuss why Roger believes the big encryption-obliterating breakthrough will come sooner rather than later - if it hasn’t already.    Links related to this episode:   Roger’s recent LinkedIn post on why a 2035 Quantum prep date is “insane”: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/i-think-2035-post-quantum-preparation-date-insane-roger-grimes-yotee/ KnowBe4: https://www.knowbe4.com/ Roger’s book “Cryptography Apocalypse”: https://www.amazon.com/Cryptography-Apocalypse-Preparing-Quantum-Computing-ebook/dp/B07Z837R86/ Roger’s latest release, “Fighting Phishing”: https://www.amazon.com/Fighting-Phishing-Everything-Social-Engineering-ebook/dp/B0CSX1JC9B/   Join us for our next CU Town Hall - Wednesday January 29 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. Industry developments keep coming fast and furious- how many of us had China’s DeepSeek AI bombshell on their Bingo card? The CU Town Hall is the place to make sense of these items together. It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required:  https://www.cutownhall.com/  Find us on BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/

Glen and Becky Reed delve into the future of cryptocurrency under the most crypto-friendly U.S. administration yet. They discuss how regulation is evolving alongside stablecoins and AI, and the importance of user education for broader adoption. The conversation highlights the interplay between traditional finance and decentralized solutions, while exploring the rising impact of stablecoins compared to giants like Visa. Additionally, they touch on the transformative potential of digital wallets and the changing landscape of financial institutions.

Anne Legg, an expert in AI policy for credit unions, joins industry leaders John and Glen to predict transformative changes for 2025. They discuss the dual nature of AI's impact, from operational efficiencies to security threats. Mergers in the financial sector are on the horizon, alongside innovative housing solutions like co-living mortgages. The panel also dives into the future of cryptocurrency and payment systems, emphasizing blockchain's role and the political landscape that influences digital currencies.

Steve Reider, President of Bancography, dives into the evolving landscape of bank branches and their declining numbers. He discusses the intriguing dynamics of branch profitability, revealing it's not just credit unions that are shrinking. The role of data analytics in strategic decision-making comes into focus, alongside a look at how cashless models can enhance banking accessibility in underserved areas. Plus, hear about the intersection of banking trends, technology, and even film critiques of AI, ensuring a thought-provoking conversation!

Join Anne Legg from Thrive Strategic Services, an expert in credit unions and fintech, alongside her esteemed panel. They tackle major trends shaping the financial landscape, discussing significant mergers, AI's role in cyber fraud, and the alarming rise of ransomware attacks. Delve into the implications of remote work on loneliness and the evolving nature of consumer behavior, especially with the rise of side hustles. Get insights into the challenges credit unions face and explore the humorous side of mergers with concepts like 'Merger Tinder'!

Glen connects with Payfinia CUSO General Manager Keith Riddle and Star One Credit Union’s EVP of Operations Minal Gupta about the newly minted CUSO aiming to streamline CUs’ provision of instant payment services. Also, newly released FedNow data- plus reporting from the more mature RTP network- reveals some unexpected twists.   Links related to this episode:   Payfinia: https://tyfone.com/payfinia/ (or contact Keith Riddle: keith.riddle@tyfone.com) Star One Credit Union: https://www.starone.org/   FedNow volume statistics through September 2024: https://www.frbservices.org/resources/financial-services/fednow/quarterly-volume-value-stats Glen’s 2023 article featuring Minal Gupta/Star One (as well as other early FedNow Adopters) in Credit Union Magazine: https://media.americascreditunions.org/articles/123351-real-time-relevance   Join us for our final CU Town Hall of 2024- Wednesday December 11 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing CUs today. It’s free to attend (credit union employees might even win a door prize!), but advance registration is required:  https://www.cutownhall.com/  Find us on BlueSky at @bigfintech, @jbfintech and @154Advisors Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/

Blesson Abraham, Co-founder and CEO of Aviary AI, and Danial Jameel, Founder and CEO of Saris AI, dive into the transformative role of AI within fintech. They discuss how their companies are enhancing financial services for institutions, improving member engagement, and increasing operational efficiency. The conversation reveals unique insights from the VentureTech conference, highlighting the importance of consumer education and the shift toward B2B models in financial technology. Expect some entertaining anecdotes and a sneak peek into the future of AI in finance!