PayPod: The Payments and Fintech Podcast

Episode Topic: In this episode of PayPod, our host Jacob Hollabaugh delves into the world of financial innovation with Kayla Underkoffler, the Lead Security Technologist at HackerOne. Kayla shares her expertise and insights into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, especially as it relates to the financial services industry. Lessons You’ll Learn: In this episode, Jacob and Kayla stress the growing importance of cybersecurity in finance due to increased digitization. Kayla explains HackerOne's role in connecting organizations with ethical hackers to strengthen security. They discuss challenges in financial services, like cross-site scripting and improper access control, and efforts to speed up vulnerability fixes. The episode also explores the impact of emerging technologies, such as cryptocurrencies and blockchain, emphasizing proactive engagement with ethical hackers to secure these innovations. About Our Guest: Kayla Underkoffler serves as the Lead Security Technologist at HackerOne, a company dedicated to human-centered security testing. With a strong background in cybersecurity, Kayla has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field, making her a valuable resource for organizations looking to strengthen their security posture. Topics Covered: In this episode, Kayla Underkoffler discusses cybersecurity in the financial industry, highlighting the role of ethical hackers and efficient vulnerability remediation. She explores key financial vulnerabilities, including cross-site scripting and improper access control, emphasizing the need for rapid fixes. The impact of emerging technologies, like cryptocurrencies and blockchain, is also discussed, underscoring the importance of proactive collaboration with ethical hackers for security. Check our website: https://www.soarpay.com  

Episode Topic: In this episode of PayPod, we dive into the world of financial innovation with Adelina Grozdanova, a seasoned expert in the payments and fintech industry and the Co-Founder and Head of the Investor Group at Upgrade. Adelina shares her journey, starting her career in the financial world, and the driving force behind co-founding her company, followed by insights into the unique approach and affordable credit solutions of her company, which have redefined the landscape of financial services. Lessons You’ll Learn: We explore Adelina Grozdanova's journey in finance, her motivation to co-found a company, and her drive to offer affordable credit solutions. Learn how Upgrade redefines finance by offering affordable and responsible credit and mobile banking, targeting mainstream consumers. Discover how Upgrade builds trust with consumers, tackles industry traditions, and creates meaningful connections. Explore the innovative Upgrade OneCard, which provides flexibility in credit. We also delve into Upgrade's recent acquisition of Uplift, its strategic vision, and the evolving landscape of financial industry acquisitions. About Our Guest: Adelina Grozdanova, the Co-Founder and Head of the Investor Group at Upgrade, Inc., brings over seven years of expertise in the financial and fintech industry. She has a diverse background, with experience serving on the Board of Directors at MightyOwl and advising at Cardless. She also served as Vice President and Head of Institutional Investors at Lending Club and worked in healthcare investment banking at Morgan Stanley. Her skills span investment banking, capital markets, and financial modeling, making her a well-rounded leader in the finance sector. Topics Covered: In this episode, Adelina Grozdanova discusses her journey in finance, co-founding Upgrade, and their innovative approach to financial services. Explore the concept of "affordable and responsible" credit, addressing traditional industry practices, and building trust with underserved consumers. Discover the unique features of the Upgrade OneCard and how it reshapes credit flexibility. We delve into Upgrade's strategic acquisition of Uplift and the evolving landscape of financial industry acquisitions. Adelina's rich background in investment banking and her insights on success factors in the finance sector provides a comprehensive perspective on financial innovation. Check our website: https://www.soarpay.com

Episode Topic: In this episode of PayPod, Sophie Condie, COO of Shieldpay, delves into the intricacies of the legal and professional services industry's payment landscape. Discover how Shieldpay is revolutionizing complex transactions, enhancing efficiency, and providing security in the legal sector's payment operations. Lessons You’ll Learn: During this episode, you'll gain insights into the unique challenges faced by the legal and professional services industry when it comes to complex transactions and payment management. Explore the impact of cybercrime, the complexities of holding client funds, and the time-intensive nature of KYC collection. Learn how Shieldpay is transforming these challenges into opportunities for innovation, streamlining operations, and ensuring the security of high-value complex transactions. About Our Guest: Sophie Condie is the COO at Shieldpay, a regulated payment technology company specializing in simplifying complex transactions for the legal and professional services industry. With a wealth of experience in the fintech and payment sector, Sophie brings insights into the evolving payment landscape, particularly in the legal realm. Topics Covered: In this conversation with Sophie Condie, we explore the rising trends in the legal sector, the impact of cybercrime on law firms, the challenges of managing client funds, and the complexities of KYC collection and verification in the world of complex transactions. We also dive into the importance of transparency, operational models, and authentic partnerships in the fintech industry. Plus, we touch upon the disruption and disaggregation of corporate banking and its potential impact on the complex transactions and financial services landscape. Check our website: https://www.soarpay.com

Kristian Gjerding, CEO of CellPoint Digital, discusses payment orchestration in the airline industry, the rise of buy now pay later solutions, the popularity of mobile wallets like Apple Pay, and the importance of being payment provider-agnostic. Discover how payment orchestration optimizes payment operations and enhances the customer experience.

Episode Topic: In this episode of PayPod we explore the critical role of community banks in the fintech landscape and how they are poised to thrive in the digital age. Joining us is Brandon Oliver, a venture capitalist at BankTech Ventures. We'll delve into the insights and trends that shape this unique intersection of fintech and community banking, and discover the compelling mission of BankTech Ventures. Brandon shares his personal journey, underlining the importance of community banks in today's ever-evolving financial landscape. Lessons You'll Learn: During this episode, you'll discover the pivotal role that community banks played during the pandemic and why they continue to be significant in the broader US economy. Gain insights into how BankTech Ventures uniquely serves as a strategic investment fund for community banks, driving innovation and enhancing their competitiveness within the fintech landscape. Explore the potential for a domino effect in the adoption of fintech solutions by community banks, paving the way for a promising future. About Our Guest: Brandon Oliver, a venture capitalist at BankTech Ventures, brings his passion for community banking and a wealth of experience in the fintech sector. Born and raised in Boston, he has a unique perspective on the critical role of community banks in the financial industry. Topics Covered: In our conversation with Brandon Oliver, we explore the evolution of community banking and its pivotal role in providing Paycheck Protection Program loans during the pandemic. We discuss how BankTech Ventures serves as an extension of the R&D efforts of community banks, bringing innovation and competitiveness to the sector. Brandon also shares his journey from JP Morgan to private equity and ultimately to the fintech ecosystem, highlighting the democratizing effect and the potential consolidation within the community banking sector. Check our website: https://www.soarpay.com  

Episode Topic: In this episode of PayPod: The Payments & Fintech Podcast, we dive into the world of fintech investments with Rikhil Bajaj, Head of Fintech & Software at Tarsadia Investments. Discover the key insights and trends shaping the fintech landscape and gain a deeper understanding of how investors like Tarsadia identify promising opportunities in this dynamic industry. Lessons You'll Learn: Gain invaluable insights into fintech investments, discovering the significance of visionary founders and innovative concepts. Explore the concept of "category-defining companies" and their disruptive potential. Delve into the evolving landscape of "as-a-service" models and consider the importance of data analytics in payments and credit access. Uncover key findings from Tarsadia's recent payments whitepaper and insights into current fintech trends, along with a glimpse into the critical trends shaping the industry's future. About Our Guest: Our guest, Rikhil Bajaj, is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the financial industry. As a leading figure at Tarsadia Investments, Rikhil brings his expertise to the forefront of fintech and software investments. With a career dedicated to navigating the ever-evolving financial landscape, Rikhil provides valuable insights and perspectives on the trends and opportunities in the fintech sector. Topics Covered: In our conversation with Rikhil, we delve into various topics. We explore Rikhil's career journey in fintech and software investments, Tarsadia Investments' mission, their decision-making criteria, and the concept of "category-defining companies." We discuss the evolving "as-a-Service" landscape, spotlight specific investments like Pagos and Petal, touch on key findings from Tarsadia's payments whitepaper, delve into payment processor competition, and gain insights into anticipated fintech trends—all presented in easy-to-understand language. Check our website: https://www.soarpay.com

Episode Topic: In this episode of PayPod, we dive into the world of private capital and alternative investments, tracing their evolution and discussing the impact of fintech innovation, notably, the birth of Entrilia, co-founded by Eric Faw, Explore how Entrilia's offerings empower financial participants while addressing challenges in automating payments. Discover the keys to successful financial collaborations, the significance of "cloud-native" in fintech, and the transformative role of AI and ML technologies. Get insights into the success factors driving the ever-evolving fintech industry. Lessons You’ll Learn: Discover the evolution of private capital and alternative investments, delve into fintech innovation driving Entrilia's creation, and learn how their services empower financial participants. Explore the challenges in automating payments, the keys to successful financial collaborations, the significance of being "cloud-native" in fintech, and the role of AI and ML technologies. Uncover the success factors in the ever-evolving fintech industry. About Our Guest: Eric Faw, co-founded Entrilia, a prominent fintech company specializing in private capital and alternative investments. With his extensive experience and deep knowledge of the financial technology sector, Eric has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of financial services. His dedication to innovation and improving the financial ecosystem has positioned him as a thought leader in the industry. Topics Covered: Eric guides us through the private capital and alternative investments evolution, highlighting key developments. Explore the inspiration behind Entrilia's creation, their empowering products for financial stakeholders, and how they tackle payment automation challenges. Understand successful collaboration dynamics in the financial ecosystem, the importance of being "cloud-native" in fintech, and how AI and ML are shaping the industry's future success. Check our website: https://www.soarpay.com

Episode Topic: In this episode of Pay Pod, host Jacob Hollabaugh explores the transformative potential of PayZen, the operating system for healthcare affordability. He is joined by Itzik Cohen, co-founder and CEO of PayZen, to discuss how fintech and innovative payment solutions are reshaping the healthcare industry. Discover how PayZen is simplifying healthcare payments, improving patient access to care, and helping providers focus on what they do best. Lessons You'll Learn: Join Jacob and Itzik as they delve into the challenges of healthcare affordability and how PayZen addresses them. Learn about the importance of getting healthcare providers out of the financial services business, making it easier for patients to access essential care. Explore the impact of PayZen's payment plans and the new Care Card product, and understand how these innovations are changing the way healthcare is financed. Gain insights into the role of fintech in improving healthcare affordability and the broader implications for the industry. About Our Guest: Itzik Cohen, co-founder and CEO of PayZen, brings a wealth of fintech experience to the conversation. With a background in technology and previous roles at WebEx Communications and Prosper Marketplace, Itzik recognized the need for innovation in healthcare payments. His data-driven approach and dedication to improving patient access to care have led to the development of PayZen, a game-changing solution in the healthcare fintech space. Topics Covered: In this engaging episode, Jacob Hollabaugh dives into the world of healthcare affordability with Itzik Cohen. Explore the journey that brought Itzik to the fintech landscape and discover how PayZen is revolutionizing healthcare payments, reducing complexity, and improving patient access to essential services. Gain valuable insights into the impact of healthcare. Check our website: https://www.soarpay.com

Episode Topic: In this enlightening episode of PayPod, wealth management expert Kristen Ragusin, Senior Vice President of Investments at Raymond James, delves into the transformative potential of money. She unveils a world where currency can be reimagined to benefit society, emphasizing the importance of community and producer-backed credits. Through thoughtful exploration, Ragusin challenges conventional monetary systems, sparking a conversation on how we can create a fairer, more equitable financial landscape for all. Lessons You'll Learn: Join Kristen Ragusin, a wealth management expert on a captivating journey through the evolution of money. Inspired by her grandfather's wisdom, she embarks on a quest to unravel the profound influence of currency on society. The 2008 financial crisis shook her faith in traditional finance, sparking questions about its sustainability. Kristen introduces the concept of abundance money to shift our mindset from scarcity to plenty. Explore the rise of alternative currencies and stablecoins challenging traditional money, and discover the transformative potential of conscious money management for a better world. About Our Guest: Kristen Ragusin, a seasoned wealth management expert with over 30 years of experience, currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Investments at Raymond James in Boston. Alongside her successful career, she's a best-selling author known for "The End of Scarcity: The Dawn of the New Abundant World Navigating Prosperity," offering profound insights into global economics. Kristen's impressive education includes a Master's Degree from Tufts University's Fletcher School, and she stays at the forefront of industry trends with certifications in FinTech and Sustainable Exchange. Beyond finance, she's an adventurous world traveler who has conquered challenges from Mount Kilimanjaro to the Sahara desert and explored spirituality in Southern India. Topics Covered: Kristen Ragusin's financial journey begins with her grandfather's wisdom, highlighting money's historical significance. The 2008 financial crisis sparked her quest to challenge traditional finance and prioritize people and the planet. She introduces "abundance money," a mindset shift that can transform our relationship with wealth. Kristen explores alternative currencies and stablecoins, potentially reshaping the financial landscape. Her emphasis on community and conscious money management underscores her role in driving positive change for a brighter future. Check our website: https://www.soarpay.com

Episode Topic: In this episode of PayPod: The Payments and Fintech Podcast, hosted by Jacob Hollabaugh, the Payments Industry podcast delves into the significance of partnerships and affiliate marketing in the financial sector. The discussion primarily focuses on how these strategic approaches can be effectively utilized to foster growth and enhance customer acquisition. Throughout the episode, Nicky Senyard, founder and CEO of Fintel Connect, shares invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of affiliate marketing within the financial industry, emphasizing the critical role of compliance in establishing and sustaining successful partnerships. Additionally, she sheds light on the innovative use of technology to navigate the intricate nuances of this space, ultimately delivering substantial value to customers. Lessons You'll Learn: Throughout the conversation, Nicky Senyard highlights the significance of affiliate marketing in the financial sector. She emphasizes the importance of data in marketing, emphasizing its role in understanding customer behavior, optimizing marketing channels, and driving value for financial institutions. Nicky also sheds light on the challenges and opportunities in the affiliate marketing space, particularly within the highly regulated financial industry. About Our Guest: Nicky Senyard boasts over two decades of experience in the affiliate marketing realm. Her journey began in PR and marketing, where she developed a strong foundation in the industry's intricacies. Nicky's entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish and eventually exit her first SaaS marketing technology company in 2016. As the CEO and Founder of Fintel Connect, she is dedicated to transforming the financial services industry by providing growth opportunities for clients and partners. Her commitment to innovation has propelled Fintel Connect to the forefront of affiliate marketing in the financial sector, securing partnerships with renowned institutions like Scotiabank, Tangerine, and Borrowell. Topics Covered: The episode covers a wide range of topics, including the role of affiliate marketing in the financial industry, the challenges of compliance in content marketing, and the evolving landscape of digital acquisition. Nicky Senyard also explores the importance of simplicity and functionality for small and medium-sized businesses seeking financial products. The conversation underscores the value of data in marketing and its role in optimizing customer acquisition strategies. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into the dynamic world of affiliate marketing within the financial sector. Check our website: https://www.soarpay.com/