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
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.
Sep 9, 2025 • 38min
Anchorage Digital: Inside the First Crypto Bank
Nathan McCauley, Cofounder and CEO of Anchorage Digital, discusses how his institution obtained the first OCC digital trust charter five years ago, how it has changed his business, and why other crypto firms are rushing to apply for the same charter now. He also discusses stablecoins vs. crypto, and the changing attitudes around debanking.
Jul 29, 2025 • 47min
Stablecoins, Tokenized Deposits and the Race to Win the Future of Money
In this discussion, Alex Johnson, founder of FinTech Takes and authoritative voice on financial technology, dives into the newly passed stablecoin regulation. He breaks down five potential use cases for stablecoins, exploring their role as on-chain bank accounts and cross-border payment tools. Johnson contrasts stablecoins with tokenized deposits, elaborating on the implications of bearer instruments. He also evaluates whether traditional banks can compete with stablecoin issuers and the future of payments, emphasizing consumer preferences and potential loopholes for yield.
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.
