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
Jul 29, 2025 • 47min
Stablecoins, Tokenized Deposits and the Race to Win the Future of Money
Alex Johnson, founder and publisher of FinTech Takes, sorts through what happens now that Congress has passed a new law to regulate stablecoins. Will stablecoins take over finance, and if so, are they a bigger threat to banks or money market mutual funds? What are the use cases for stablecoins vs. tokenized deposits? Can big banks beat stablecoin issuers at their own game?
Jul 22, 2025 • 29min
What the Fight Over Fed’s Powell is Really About
Victoria Guida, economics correspondent and columnist for Politico, talks about President Trump’s reported decision – and then quick reversal – of a move last week to oust Jerome Powell as chairman of the Federal Reserve Board. She goes behind the scenes on what the president is telling allies, how GOP lawmakers view the situation, and why firing Powell might not solve Trump’s central concerns.
Jul 9, 2025 • 34min
Why Crypto Firms Are Lining Up to Charter Banks
Crypto firms often pitch themselves as an alternative to and the future of traditional finance. So why are firms like Ripple, Circle, Wise and Erebor attempting to charter banks? Penny Crosman, executive editor for technology at American Banker, talks about what's going on, how regulators will view these applications, and whether banks plan to fight back.
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.
