BIGcast

More highlights from the Government Affairs Conference: Filene Research Institute’s Taylor Nelms shares new research revealing credit union members’ segmented needs and desires, and Glia’s Paul Sheets on his firm’s fresh take on “Contact Center as a Service.” Also, first impressions of the EU’s new AI Act.   Links related to this episode:   Registration for Filene’s Thursday April 4 webinar: https://www.filene.org/events/member-voice-unleashed-national-insights-dashboard-demo-preview  Filene’s Member Voice initiative: https://www.filene.org/programs-services/advisory-services/member-voice  Glia’s Unified Interaction Management model: https://www.glia.com/  The MIT Technology Review’s take on the EU’s new AI Act: https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/03/19/1089919/the-ai-act-is-done-heres-what-will-and-wont-change/  Our January episode where John Best suggests blockchain as an AI “watermarking” solution: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=has-blockchain-found-a-problem-for-its-solution    Join us for our next CU Town Hall on Wednesday March 20 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive discussion of the key issues facing credit unions. (Did we mention there’ll be a cool tech giveaway to one FI attendee?) It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required:  https://www.cutownhall.com/     We’ve joined BlueSky social! Find us 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 reports from America’s Credit Unions’ Government Affairs Conference- including our annual roundtable with ACU’s Economics team about an oddly disjointed consumer picture, and a conversation with CEOs Deborah Fears and James Higgins about the still-essential role played by small credit unions.      Links related to this episode:   The 170-page Small Credit Union Blueprint for Success: www.cuna.org/smallcu   Americas Credit Unions monthly Economic Updates: https://www.cuna.org/advocacy/credit-union---economic-data/economic-data---bank-comparisons/cuna-economic-update.html  Our interview with board member Caroline Willard on the CUNA/NAFCU merger: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=the-cunanafcu-merger-an-inside-view  Skyline Financial Federal CU: https://www.skylinefinancialfcu.com/  Chicago Post Office Employees Credit Union: https://www.cpoecu.com/  Americas Credit Unions’ in-progress combined site: https://www.americascreditunions.org/    Join us for our next CU Town Hall on Wednesday March 20 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive discussion of the key issues facing credit unions. (Did we mention there’ll be a cool tech giveaway to one FI attendee?) It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required:  https://www.cutownhall.com/     We’ve joined BlueSky social! Find us 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 chats with Generative AI’s self- described Chief Optimist (and OpenAI’s onetime Head of Go to Market) Zack Kass about how we’ve arrived at the brink of AGI, potential regulatory avenues to safeguard the technology, and why he sees more likely good than harm. Also- Elon’s latest gambit and another Easter egg in the Capital One/Discover deal.   Links related to this episode:   Zack Kass’s website: https://zackkass.com/  Zack’s Newsweek article on the risks of anthropomorphizing AI: https://www.newsweek.com/perils-anthropomorphizing-machine-intelligence-opinion-1836493  Wired’s bizarre take on Elon Musk’s bizarre lawsuit against OpenAI: https://www.wired.com/story/wild-claim-at-the-heart-of-elon-musks-openai-lawsuit/  Our recent CU Town Hall dissecting Capital One/Discover’s impact on credit unions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZIDagUCgb4 Glen’s blog on the Capital One/Discover deal: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=the-capital-onediscover-deal-a-test-of-typical-battle-lines-and-a-credit-union-angle  SRM’s report on Capital One/Discover: https://info.srmcorp.com/assessing-the-shockwaves-from-capital-ones-plan-to-purchase-discover  Deluxe Corporation: https://www.deluxe.com/    Join us for our next CU Town Hall on Wednesday March 20 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive discussion of the key issues facing credit unions. (Did we mention there’ll be a cool tech giveaway to one FI attendee?) It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required:  https://www.cutownhall.com/     We’ve joined BlueSky social! Find us 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 recaps ten years of BIG ideas, recounts tech expectations circa 2015, and ponders the potential of AI, for better or worse. Plus- Glen wonders what happens if the Cap One/Discover deal doesn’t go through.      Links related to this episode:   Replay of the full BIG 10th Anniversary CU Town Hall (with video): https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=cu-town-hall-episode-108-john-best   Glen’s blog on the Capital One/Discover merger: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=the-capital-onediscover-deal-a-test-of-typical-battle-lines-and-a-credit-union-angle  The HeyGen AI Video software John used: https://www.heygen.com/  The Government Affairs Conference, March 3-7 in Washington DC: https://www.cuna.org/events/the_governmentalaffairsconference2024.html  CU Broadcast, from Digital Town Hall partner Mike Lawson: https://www.cubroadcast.com/     Join us for our next CU Town Hall this Wednesday February 28 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive discussion of the key issues facing credit unions. (Did we mention there’ll be a cool tech giveaway to one FI attendee?) It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required:  https://www.cutownhall.com/     Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/  Connect with Glen on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/ or X (@154Advisors) Connect with John on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/  or X (@jbfintech)

John and Glen check in with PSCU Co-Op CEO Chuck Fagan to learn about progress combining the two organizations. Plus- initial thoughts on Capital One’s proposed Discover acquisition.      Links related to this episode:   FAQs on the PSCU/Co-Op combination: https://www.pscu.com/combination  PSCU Member Forum April 10-12 in San Antonio: https://web.cvent.com/event/45895c24-6cc9-49c5-95d2-b0d0b877dead/websitePage:18a4262f-d222-41c0-b7c7-70aaf6121bd2  Co-Op Think! Conference May 7-10 in Nashville: https://campaigns.coop.org/think-2024/p/p/1  The Government Affairs Conference, March 3-7 in Washington DC: https://www.cuna.org/events/the_governmentalaffairsconference2024.html  Chuck Fagan’s recent interview with Tampa Bay Business & Wealth: https://tbbwmag.com/2024/02/13/ceo-of-pscu-and-co-op-solutions-talks-about-growth-and-maintaining-company-culture/    Join us for our next CU Town Hall this Wednesday February 28 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive discussion of the key issues facing credit unions. (Did we mention there’ll be a cool tech giveaway to one FI attendee?) It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required:  https://www.cutownhall.com/     Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/  Connect with Glen on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/ or X (@154Advisors) Connect with John on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/  or X (@jbfintech)

From the windy shores of Miami Beach, Glen chats with Barlow Research about the often overlooked banking habits of small and mid-market businesses. Also- some fresh (and well-sourced) AI nuggets, and Chase places a contrarian bet on the future of the branch.     Links related to this episode:   Barlow Research: https://barlowresearch.com/index.php  Deluxe: https://www.deluxe.com/  CNN’s coverage of JPMorgan Chase’s plans to open 500 new branches: https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/06/business/jpmorgan-chase-open-new-branches/index.html  AI Futurist (and OpenAI alum) Zack Kass: https://zackkass.com/    Join us for our next CU Town Hall this Wednesday February 14 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive discussion of the key issues facing credit unions. (Did we mention there’ll be a cool tech giveaway to one FI attendee?) It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required:  https://www.cutownhall.com/     Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/  Connect with Glen on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/ or X (@154Advisors) Connect with John on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/  or X (@jbfintech)  

Glen speaks with Becky Reed about a proposed new Web3-focused credit union, and how it actually represents a return to the CU movement’s roots. Also- a Whole New Worldpay, and data on some unexpected consumer payment behavior.     Links related to this episode:   Defy, a proposed federal credit union: https://defy.coop/  BankSocial: https://www.banksocial.io/  Becky Reed’s new book, “Credit Unions and DeFi: A Financial Renaissance”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CS9ZW1VV    The Federal Reserve’s Diary of Consumer Payment Choice: https://www.frbservices.org/news/research.html/2023-findings-from-the-diary-of-consumer-payment-choice   Join us for our next CU Town Hall on Wednesday February 14th at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive discussion of the key issues facing credit unions. (Did we mention there’ll be a cool tech giveaway to one FI attendee?) It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required:  https://www.cutownhall.com/       Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/  Connect with Glen on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/ or X (@154Advisors) Connect with John on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/  or X (@jbfintech)

John shares the resolutions for 2024 he’d make as the leader of a credit union. Also, Glen discusses Klarna’s bizarre new BNPL subscription model, updates the Fed’s efforts to reduce debit interchange, and offers a differing view on data sharing.     Links related to this episode:   Full replay of the January 10 CU Town Hall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1XmSJtyft8    The Fed’s latest data regarding its proposed debit interchange reduction: https://www.federalreserve.gov/paymentsystems/RegII_Additional_information_proposed_methodology.htm  “Future of Global Fintech” report from the World Economic Forum: https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_The_Future_of_Global_Fintech_2024.pdf    BIG’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) services- Combining state-of-the-art technology and collaborative innovation, we work alongside our credit union partners to develop tailored AI solutions: https://www.big-fintech.com/Products-Services/AI-Development    Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/  Connect with Glen on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/ or X (@154Advisors) Connect with John on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/  or X (@jbfintech)

John and Glen share thoughts on Bitcoin’s underreported comeback and dig deeper into Generative AI’s 2024 outlook, good and bad.. Plus- more gloating about crypto price predictions, and why we should all be glad John is not the product manager for fire.    Links related to this episode:   Our prior 2024 predictions BIGCast  (including Bitcoin’s price guesstimates at the end): https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=chatting-and-generating-2024s-fintech-predictions-hopefully-intelligently  Highlights of the Economist’s interview with Open AI CEO Sam Altman and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella: https://www.economist.com/business/2024/01/17/the-bosses-of-openai-and-microsoft-talk-to-the-economist  The full 30-minute version (behind a subscriber login): https://www.economist.com/subscriber-events/a-conversation-with-openais-sam-altman-and-microsofts-satya-nadella-hub?utm_campaign=r.the-economist-this-week&utm_medium=email.internal-newsletter.np&utm_source=salesforce-marketing-cloud&utm_term=1/18/2024&utm_id=1845622    Replay of the January 10 CU Town Hall, including John’s Credit Union New Year’s Resolutions for 2024: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1XmSJtyft8    BIG’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) services: https://www.big-fintech.com/Products-Services/AI-Development    Join us for our next CU Town Hall on Wednesday January 31 at 3pm ET/Noon PT for a live and lively interactive discussion of the key issues facing credit unions. It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required:  https://www.cutownhall.com/   Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/  Connect with Glen on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/ or X (@154Advisors) Connect with John on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/  or X (@jbfintech)

Glen speaks with NACUSO CEO Ronaldo Hardy about his collaborative vision for the organization he joined last summer, and the opportunity ahead for the industry overall. Also- Fiserv’s application for a limited banking charter, and conference season begins to rev up again.   Links related to this episode:   NACUSO: https://www.nacuso.org/  The NACUSO Network Conference, April 15-18 in Orlando: https://www.nacuso.org/conferences/2024-nacuso-network-conference/ The “Opportunity Knock$” PBS series: https://www.opportunityknocks.net/  Next Big Idea competition application: https://www.nacuso.org/conferences/2023-nacuso-network/2024-next-big-idea-competition/  Payments Dive’s coverage of Fiserv’s limited purpose bank charter application: https://www.paymentsdive.com/news/fiserv-seeks-special-purpose-bank-charter-payments-merchant-acquiring/704520/ Futurist Zack Kass on why he left Open AI: https://fortune.com/2023/09/22/openai-support-ai-revolution-real-change-epicenter-careers-tech-zack-kass/  Our prior BIGCast (including Bitcoin price predictions at the end): https://www.big-fintech.com/Media?p=chatting-and-generating-2024s-fintech-predictions-hopefully-intelligently Check out our recent CU Town Halls and request an invite to join the next one: https://www.cutownhall.com/     Follow the Best Innovation Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/  Connect with Glen on LinkedIn or X (@154Advisors) Connect with John on LinkedIn or X (@jbfintech)