Banking with Interest
IntraFi
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
15 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 35min
The Crypto Market Structure Bill Got Shelved. What's Next?
Brendan Pedersen, a senior policy reporter at Punchbowl News, dives into the recent postponement of the crypto market structure bill due to industry pressures and opposition from Coinbase. He explains how disputes over stablecoin yields hijacked negotiations, revealing political dynamics at play. Brendan discusses how both parties maneuvered in light of Coinbase's public push. Also, he assesses the implications of delays and the potential for new negotiations, while tying the political landscape to community banking reforms and Trump's influential role.
10 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 51min
The Anti-Money Laundering Regime Is Broken. Can It Be Fixed?
Juan Zarate, former senior U.S. Treasury official and expert on sanctions and anti-money laundering, delves into the flaws of the current AML regime he helped create. He advocates for bold reforms, emphasizing the need to rethink traditional approaches and move towards behavioral analytics. Zarate discusses the challenges banks face in engaging without clear guidance and the transformative potential of AI in sharing insights. He highlights the unique moment for reform driven by technology, policy shifts, and industry fatigue, offering a hopeful vision for systemic change.
Jan 6, 2026 • 34min
What Community Banks Are Facing in 2026
Julieann Thurlow, CEO of Reading Cooperative Bank, talks about the opportunities and challenges for community banks this year. She discusses the economic conditions, how community banks can innovate and where she'd like to see changes by policymakers.
13 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 35min
All I Want for Xmas Is a OCC Digital Charter
Ian Katz, managing partner at Capital Alpha Partners, dives into the recent OCC approval of five crypto-related charters, detailing the implications for the banking industry. He argues that crypto stands as the key regulatory battleground, with banks poised to challenge these approvals. Katz also discusses the potential for increased M&A activity in 2026 and highlights legislative uncertainties around crypto market-structure bills. With predictions for the Fed's leadership and a nuanced look at housing policy, Katz offers a comprehensive view of the future banking landscape.
Dec 4, 2025 • 42min
Inside the 2025 Bank Reg U-Turn
It's safe to say 2025 has marked a dramatic change from the Biden-era bank regulatory agenda. The Trump-appointed regulators are talking about rethinking supervision, capital, and the Fed's entire approach to liquidity. What does this mean for banks and the system overall? Karen Shaw Petrou, managing director of Federal Financial Analytics, breaks it down.
Nov 19, 2025 • 38min
Is this the End of the CFPB?
The Trump administration is refusing to take funds to pay for ongoing operations at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, arguing the funding structure is illegal. What does this mean for the agency's future, including its recent efforts to curb the small business lending data rule and define open banking? Kate Berry of American Banker and Evan Weinberger of Bloomberg Law weigh in on what's going on and what happens next.
Nov 5, 2025 • 39min
As Crypto Talks Heat Up Again, Can Congress Cut a Deal?
Brendan Pedersen, a financial services reporter at Punchbowl News, dives into the intricacies of crypto legislation and its potential impact. He discusses the renewed Senate talks on a crypto market structure bill after earlier setbacks. Brendan examines the conflicting approaches of the House and Senate and the implications of recent regulatory shifts. He also shares insights on how crypto may align with political parties, the effects of a government shutdown on negotiations, and the challenges in defining stablecoin interest. A fascinating look at crypto's evolving landscape!
Oct 22, 2025 • 31min
Why Gutting the CDFI Fund Hurts Banks, Communities
As the government shutdown drags on, the Treasury Department fired the entire staff of the CDFI Fund, a program with substantial bipartisan support. Dennis Ammann, CEO of People's Bank, a CDFI in Mississippi, and Jeannine Jacokes, CEO of the Community Development Bankers Association, discuss the impact on CDFIs nationwide and why it has alarmed lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
Oct 8, 2025 • 42min
The Battle Over the Fed's Future
Aaron Klein, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy, discusses critical issues surrounding the Federal Reserve's independence. He dives into the implications of the Supreme Court's actions regarding Lisa Cook and how they could reshape monetary policy. Klein also reveals the complexities of the Genius Act on stablecoin rewards and critiques the push for increased deposit insurance, warning against its unintended consequences for consumers and the banking system.
Sep 25, 2025 • 31min
HFSC Chair Hill on Agenda, Crypto, Fraud & Housing
More than two dozen bills dedicated to Making Community Banks Great Again have passed House Financial Services Committee. Panel Chair French Hill handicaps which will have the most impact and what is most likely to be enacted. He also discusses the latest on the crypto market structure bill, how regulators can help banks in the fight against fraud, where the payments sector will be in five years, why he wants to end the Fed's dual mandate, the prospects for housing legislation and unfinished business after the fall of SVB in 2023.
