
Banking with Interest
Banking with Interest, a podcast by IntraFi, features in-depth analysis and insight into the policy changes reshaping the banking industry. With insightful interviews and previews of pending policy challenges, the podcast is an essential listen for anyone connected to the financial services industry.
Banking with Interest is hosted by Rob Blackwell, an award-winning former journalist with more than two decades of experience as an expert on financial services policy. He is now Chief Content Officer and Head of External Affairs with IntraFi.
The show is produced by Sam Navarro, senior principal writer at IntraFi. The podcast theme song was written and produced by Stellar Tracks. The information, views, and opinions expressed during Banking With Interest belong solely to Rob Blackwell and his guests and do not represent those of IntraFi LLC, its directors, management, or employees. Any ideas and strategies contained within the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or investment advice.
Latest episodes

Jun 24, 2025 • 26min
A Backdoor Way to Merge Bank Regulators?
Todd Phillips, assistant professor at Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business, discusses the latest attempt to merge bank regulatory agencies and what that means for efforts in this area. He also discusses reported discussions by Walmart and Amazon to start stablecoins, and the potential impact on banks.

Jun 17, 2025 • 45min
You Say You Want a (Global Payments) Revolution
Tom Halpin, the regional head of North America Global Payment Solutions for HSBC, talks about how AI and new technologies are changing domestic and global payments—and what that means both for his bank and the industry. He also tackles where AI can help (or hurt), the status of the FedNow roll out, and concerns around CBDCs and stablecoins.

9 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 45min
Are Banks Really Ready for AI?
Kiah Haslett, banking and fintech editor for Bank Director and FinXTech, dives into how major banks and community lenders are adapting to AI. She discusses the necessity of employee training and a robust data strategy for effective AI integration. Insightful commentary reveals why community banks must evolve to meet customer expectations for financial guidance. Kiah also addresses regulatory changes surrounding reputation risk and the implications for banks managing public perception, especially in innovative sectors like cryptocurrency.

8 snips
May 20, 2025 • 39min
After a Fraud, this Bank Refused to Give Her Money Back. Now She’s the CEO.
Jill Castilla, the dynamic President and CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond, shares her inspiring journey from a fraud victim to a leader in banking innovation. She created a digital bank for servicemembers, addressing the unique financial challenges they face. Castilla discusses her vision to combat fraud in community banks, the importance of financial literacy, and the power of employee ownership in fostering community ties. Her optimistic outlook and commitment to reforming banking highlight the path forward in a rapidly changing industry.

May 14, 2025 • 25min
Politico's Sutton on China Tariff Deal, Behind the Scenes at Milken
Sam Sutton, the author of Politico's Morning Money, discusses the impact of the Trump Administration's recent deal to reduce tariffs on China, and what Wall Street and bankers were worried about — publicly and privately — at last week's Milken Institute gathering.

May 6, 2025 • 46min
Inside Dems Surprising Turn Against the Stablecoin Bill
Brendan Pedersen, author of Punchbowl News’ The Vault, talks about why key Democrats withdrew support for a bill to regulate stablecoins, how House Financial Services Committee GOP are targeting CFPB, and why an effort to overturn the medical debt rule appears to have failed for now.

Apr 29, 2025 • 36min
Is This the End of the Fed and CFPB As We Know Them?
President Trump is flirting with the idea of firing Fed Chairman Jerome Powell while the administration is attempting to lay off 90% of the CFPB’s employees. John Heltman, Washington bureau chief of American Banker, and Kate Berry, the paper’s consumer reporter, discuss what’s next for these two agencies.

Apr 16, 2025 • 31min
How Tariffs Impact Banks, Bessent’s Ambitious Agenda & Stablecoin Fears
Jaret Seiberg, managing director at TD Cowen, talks about how the uncertain economic environment—and changing policies regarding tariffs—are impacting banks large and small. He also tackles Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s bank regulatory agenda, whether the Trump administration can successfully accomplish GSE reform and the significant risks to banks from stablecoin legislation.

Apr 8, 2025 • 38min
Why State Regulators Are Worried About Stablecoin Legislation
Brandon Milhorn, the CEO of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, details his concerns about bills fast-tracked in Congress that would give regulatory guardrails for stablecoins. The state regulators he represents say it would open the door to mixing banking and commerce, disintermediate banks and give too much power to the federal government.

Apr 2, 2025 • 27min
What the Hell Is Going on with the GSEs?
Katy O’Donnell, the financial services reporter for Politico, dives into a series of surprising moves by new FHFA Director Bill Pulte, including firing the CEO of Freddie Mac, appointing himself chair of both GSEs, and cutting programs.