Mighty Finsights all Episodes with AI Transcript

Technology

Business

CSTMR

Welcome to "Mighty Finsights," the podcast where finance meets formidable insights and spirited storytelling. Hosted by fintech and financial services agency CSTMR, this show delves into the stories that shape the world of finance and fintech, brought to you straight from the minds of those who know it best—the innovators, the disruptors, and the trailblazers. Each episode of "Mighty Finsights" is a journey into the heart of financial innovation and personal achievement. We sit down with finance professionals, fintech founders, and visionary leaders to uncover the narratives that are often overshadowed by numbers and charts. From humble beginnings to groundbreaking achievements, our guests share not just their successes, but the challenges and setbacks that have shaped their path in the finance industry. Whether you're a finance professional seeking to glean insights from leaders in the field, a fintech founder curious about the latest trends and technologies, or simply someone fascinated by the stories of grit and perseverance behind successful enterprises, "Mighty Finsights" is your gateway to understanding the complexities and capturing the spirit of the financial world. Join us as we unveil the powerful insights and the incredible people behind them, offering not just lessons in finance, but also in innovation, resilience, and the continuous pursuit of excellence. "Mighty Finsights" is more than a podcast - it's an experience where finance and insight come to life: www.cstmr.com/mighty-finsights-podcast. To be a guest on the podcast: www.cstmr.com/contact-us/strategic-consult.

Total 14 episodes

Interview with Meghan Kober of U.S. Bank: The Imperative of Bank Innovation

Interview with Meghan Kober of U.S. Bank: The Imperative of Bank InnovationHost - Rory HollandInterviewed - Meghan KoberIn This EpisodeIn this chat, Meghan Kober, VP of Fintech Partnerships & Investments at U.S. Bank, starts by telling us about how she got started in fintech. She then discusses her role on the bank innovation team and how they work with startups to accelerate innovation in the banking industry. She talks about the challenges of introducing new ideas to business lines, and the importance of cultural fit in partnerships. Meghan also highlights the trend of B2B software in fintech and the benefits it brings to both large organizations and startups. She encourages individuals interested in fintech to jump in and start somewhere, reflecting on what brings them high vibe and low vibe experiences.Key takeawaysU.S. Bank's innovation team works with startups to accelerate innovation in the banking industry.Introducing new ideas to business lines can be challenging.Cultural fit is important in partnerships between large organizations and startups.The trend of B2B software in fintech is exciting and beneficial for both parties.Individuals interested in fintech should jump in and start somewhere, reflecting on what brings them high vibe and low vibe experiences.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background04:08 Role in U.S. Bank's Innovation Team09:04 Testing Hypotheses in Innovation14:07 Advice for Those Interested in FintechAbout Mighty FinsightsThis is 'Mighty Finsights,' the podcast where finance meets formidable insights and spirited storytelling. Each episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and achievements that define the financial landscape, providing valuable lessons in finance, innovation, and resilience. Tune in for an experience that brings finance to life through the voices of its most influential leaders.

15:4419/11/2024

Interview with David Robinson of Academy Bank: Fintech Partnerships, Infrastructure, and Trust

Interview with David Robinson of Academy Bank: Fintech Partnerships, Infrastructure, and TrustHost - Rory HollandInterviewed - David RobinsonIn This EpisodeIn this discussion, David Robinson, Director of Fintech Partnerships at Academy Bank, shares the company's goals and various initiatives in the fintech space. He also goes through his personal story of getting into fintech. At Academy Bank, David focuses on growing their banking infrastructure and expanding their reach to serve small businesses and customers across the United States. David stresses that strong relationships and trust are key aspects of their approach, and emphasizes the importance of personal connections and open communication in establishing trust and restoring faith in the financial system. He also highlights the need for bank-fintech partnerships to better serve small businesses and improve access to banking services.Key takeawaysAcademy Bank is focused on growing their banking infrastructure and expanding their reach to serve small businesses and customers across the United States.Building strong relationships and trust are key aspects of Academy Bank's approach.Fintech partnerships are important to better serve small businesses and improve access to banking services.Open communication and personal connections are crucial in establishing trust and restoring faith in the financial system.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background04:49 Competition and Streamlined Processes09:30 The Future of Lending and Trust in the Financial SystemAbout Mighty FinsightsThis is 'Mighty Finsights,' the podcast where finance meets formidable insights and spirited storytelling. Each episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and achievements that define the financial landscape, providing valuable lessons in finance, innovation, and resilience. Tune in for an experience that brings finance to life through the voices of its most influential leaders.

16:1706/11/2024

Interview with Eric Youngstrom: Working Capital Solutions – Helping SMBs Grow

Interview with Eric Youngstrom: Working Capital Solutions – Helping SMBs GrowHost - Rory HollandInterviewed - Eric YoungstromIn This EpisodeEric Youngstrom, Founder and CEO of Onramp, discusses his journey in the finance industry and the purpose behind his company. Onramp provides working capital solutions to small e-commerce businesses, helping them overcome cash flow challenges and grow. Eric emphasizes the importance of supporting independent small businesses to create a healthier economy. He shares success stories of businesses that have grown with the help of Onramp's funding. Eric also discusses the challenges of customer acquisition and recruiting, as well as the future of lending and the need for trust in the financial system.Key takeawaysOnramp provides working capital to small e-commerce businesses, helping them overcome cash flow challenges and grow.Supporting independent small businesses is important for creating a healthier economy.Onramp has helped businesses grow and succeed, with some customers graduating to more affordable financing options.Customer acquisition and recruiting are ongoing challenges for Onramp.The future of lending lies in better data visibility and underwriting based on business performance.Trust in the financial system can be built by diffusing corporate power and promoting competition.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background04:49 Competition and Streamlined Processes09:30 The Future of Lending and Trust in the Financial SystemAbout Mighty FinsightsThis is 'Mighty Finsights,' the podcast where finance meets formidable insights and spirited storytelling. Each episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and achievements that define the financial landscape, providing valuable lessons in finance, innovation, and resilience. Tune in for an experience that brings finance to life through the voices of its most influential leaders.

20:2522/10/2024

Interview with Vamsi Varanasi: Identity Verification – Build Trust, Drive Adoption

Interview with Vamsi Varanasi: Identity Verification – Build Trust, Drive AdoptionHost - Rory HollandInterviewed - Vamsi VaranasiIn This EpisodeVamsi Varanasi, Product Strategy Lead at Clear, discusses the company's mission to provide portable and secure identity verification in the fintech space. Vamsi begins by sharing his professional experience and how he began working in fintech. He then tells Rory about how Clear aims to empower customers to verify identity once and link it to biometrics, allowing users to easily transfer their identity credentials between fintech platforms. The company focuses on building trust and ensuring data security, with the goal of becoming the identity layer of the internet. Vamsi also highlights the collaborative nature of the fintech industry, and the importance of customer education in adopting new identity verification methods.Key takeawaysClear aims to provide portable and secure identity verification in the fintech space.The company focuses on building trust and ensuring data security.The fintech industry is collaborative, with a shared goal of improving customer experiences.Customer education is crucial in adopting new identity verification methods.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Clear's Mission08:13 Clear's Identity Verification Solutions13:28 Clear as the Identity Layer of the InternetAbout Mighty FinsightsThis is 'Mighty Finsights,' the podcast where finance meets formidable insights and spirited storytelling. Each episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and achievements that define the financial landscape, providing valuable lessons in finance, innovation, and resilience. Tune in for an experience that brings finance to life through the voices of its most influential leaders.

26:2510/10/2024

Interview with Trey Maust: Banking Innovation Through Partnerships and Trust

Interview with Trey Maust: Banking Innovation Through Partnerships and TrustHost - Rory HollandInterviewed - Trey MaustThis EpisodeBack in 2006, Trey Maust and Jeff Sumpter started Lewis & Clark Bank–a traditional commercial bank that has embraced banking innovation and evolved to work with third parties to explore new frontiers in banking. In this chat, Trey explains the concept of bankerpreuner: a neologism they coined. He then goes over his own professional history before highlighting how Lewis & Clark has formed strategic partnerships to provide unique banking solutions. The bank focuses on serving clients who value input from experts and are open to soliciting advice from their bankers, attorneys, and CPAs. Trey also shares his view on the future of banking: a critical infrastructure that supplies banking functions and ensures secure and compliant financial services.Key TakeawaysSince 2006, Lewis & Clark Bancorp has evolved from a traditional commercial bank to embrace strategic partnerships.The bank focuses on serving clients who value input from experts and are open to soliciting advice from their bankers, attorneys, and CPAs.Regulatory challenges are a significant obstacle for the bank, but they prioritize compliance and recognize the value of maintaining trust and confidence in the banking system.Trey believes that working with established banks that have successfully navigated the fintech space can provide valuable insights and guidance for newcomers.For Trey, banking is a critical infrastructure that supplies banking functions and ensures secure and compliant financial services.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background05:34 Exploring the Possibilities of the Bank Charter10:26 Targeting Unique Solutions and Verticals15:02 Balancing Stability and Innovation in BankingAbout Mighty FinsightsThis is 'Mighty Finsights,' the podcast where finance meets formidable insights and spirited storytelling. Each episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and achievements that define the financial landscape, providing valuable lessons in finance, innovation, and resilience. Tune in for an experience that brings finance to life through the voices of its most influential leaders.

24:3624/09/2024

Interview with Clayton Mitchell: Navigating Fintech Regulatory Compliance

Interview with Clayton Mitchell: Navigating Fintech Regulatory ComplianceHost - Rory HollandInterviewed - Clayton MitchellIn This EpisodeClayton Mitchell, from Crowe, a public accounting, consulting, and technology firm, chats with Rory about the role of accounting and consulting in the fintech industry. He explains how he got into the world of fintech and shares his experience working with payments and remittance companies. Clayton also discusses the challenges of applying outdated regulatory compliance frameworks to new and innovative business models. He emphasizes the importance of trust in the financial system and the need for collaboration and understanding between regulators, compliance teams, and businesses. Clayton also highlights the value of listening to clients, providing actionable recommendations, and leaving organizations in a better place than when they started.Key TakeawaysAccounting and consulting firms like Crowe play a crucial role in the fintech industry by helping organizations navigate regulatory challenges and improve risk management and compliance.Applying outdated regulatory frameworks to new and innovative business models is a significant challenge in the industry.Building trust in the financial system requires collaboration and understanding between regulators, compliance teams, and businesses.Creating value in the financial services industry involves enabling innovation, understanding customer needs, and challenging traditional approaches.Listening to clients, providing actionable recommendations, and leaving organizations in a better place are key principles for accounting and consulting firms.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background04:05 Clients and Services Offered08:10 Challenges of Applying Legacy Frameworks15:45 What Sets Crowe ApartAbout Mighty FinsightsThis is 'Mighty Finsights,' the podcast where finance meets formidable insights and spirited storytelling. Each episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and achievements that define the financial landscape, providing valuable lessons in finance, innovation, and resilience. Tune in for an experience that brings finance to life through the voices of its most influential leaders.

25:3210/09/2024

Interview with Matt Michaelis: Embedded Finance - The Power to Redefine Daily Life

Interview with Matt Michaelis: Embedded Finance - The Power to Redefine Daily LifeHost - Rory HollandInterviewed - Matt MichaelisThis EpisodeMatt Michaelis, Chairman and CEO at Emprise Bank, sits down with Rory to discuss the company's journey in the financial industry and their focus on embedded finance. In the family since 1965, Emprise continues to grow and evolve. Matt shares his perspective on going digital, and the challenges and opportunities that come with it in the fintech industry, particularly in relation to regulatory compliance. He emphasizes the need for trust and building strong relationships with customers. Matt believes that the future of finance lies in the intersection of technology and financial services, and that embedded finance will continue to grow.Key TakeawaysEmprise Bank has been in the Michaelis family since 1965 and has grown from a $20 million bank to almost $2.5 billion.The company is focused on bringing digital solutions to its customers and is on a journey to support embedded finance.The regulatory environment is a major challenge for Emprise Bank and the industry as a whole.The future of finance lies in the intersection of technology and financial services, with embedded finance continuing to grow.Building trust and strong relationships with customers is crucial in the financial services industry.Emprise Bank prioritizes serving their communities with integrity and delivering the best experience.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background00:59 Emprise Bank's History and Focus on Embedded Finance05:10 Empowering Through Embedded Finance07:35 Challenges in the Regulatory Environment11:11 The Future of Finance: Intersection of Technology and Financial Services15:17 Building Trust and Strong RelationshipsAbout Mighty FinsightsThis is 'Mighty Finsights,' the podcast where finance meets formidable insights and spirited storytelling. Each episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and achievements that define the financial landscape, providing valuable lessons in finance, innovation, and resilience. Tune in for an experience that brings finance to life through the voices of its most influential leaders.

18:5927/08/2024

Interview with Cody Owens: Optimize Collections With a Loan Management System

Interview with Cody Owens: Optimize Collections With a Loan Management SystemHost - Rory HollandInterviewed - Cody OwensThis EpisodeRory speaks with Equabli CEO Cody Owens about his company’s end-to-end collections management platform. In a few words, Equabli helps banks and fintech lenders effectively manage collections and recovery of delinquent loans. The platform uses machine learning to optimize strategies and improve performance, resulting in cost savings and better customer outcomes. The company aims to create a healthier financial ecosystem by addressing the underserved sectors of consumer finance and improving transparency in the industry. This comes with a few challenges, namely: scaling the business at the right pace, building trust in the financial system, and overcoming the slow adoption process in the industry. Cody’s key piece of advice for someone entering the fintech space is to have conviction, build trusted relationships, and seek strategic partnerships.Key TakeawaysEquabli is an end-to-end platform that helps banks and fintech lenders effectively manage collections and recovery of delinquent loans.The platform uses machine learning to optimize strategies and improve performance.The company aims to create a healthier ecosystem by addressing the underserved sectors of consumer finance and improving transparency in the industry.Challenges for Equabli include scaling the business at the right pace, building trust in the financial system, and overcoming the slow adoption process in the industry.Key advice for someone entering the fintech space is to have conviction, build trusted relationships, and seek strategic partnerships.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background04:58 Transition from Big Corp to Startup10:24 Optimizing Recovery Strategies16:17 Building Trust in the Financial SystemAbout Mighty FinsightsThis is 'Mighty Finsights,' the podcast where finance meets formidable insights and spirited storytelling. Each episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and achievements that define the financial landscape, providing valuable lessons in finance, innovation, and resilience. Tune in for an experience that brings finance to life through the voices of its most influential leaders.

22:5113/08/2024

Interview with Emily Cisek: Digital Legacy - Why SMBs Need a Succession Plan

Interview with Emily Cisek: Digital Legacy - Why SMBs Need a Succession PlanHost - Rory HollandInterviewed - Emily CisekThis EpisodeEmily Cisek, Co-Founder and CEO of The Postage, discusses her journey from a small town on the East Coast to starting her own fintech business in Texas. The Postage is a digital legacy and small business succession platform that helps individuals and businesses prepare for the future. Emily explains how the platform works for both individuals and businesses: it allows users to create legally valid wills, record memories, and build deeper relationships with their families and financial institutions. She also discusses the challenges of working with financial institutions and the importance of trust in the financial system.Key TakeawaysThe Postage is a digital legacy and small business succession platform that helps individuals and businesses prepare for the future.Users can create legally valid wills, record memories, and build deeper relationships with their families and financial institutions.A big challenge is helping financial institutions understand the value of the platform and drive adoption.Trust is crucial in the financial system.Building trust requires understanding and being there for customers in their micro-moments.The smaller players in the industry can differentiate themselves by leveraging technology to build deeper relationships and maintain trust.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background05:05 Expanding to Consumer and Small Business Markets09:49 Financial Model and Relationship with Banks16:04 Advice for Entrepreneurs in the FinTech SpaceAbout Mighty FinsightsThis is 'Mighty Finsights,' the podcast where finance meets formidable insights and spirited storytelling. Each episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and achievements that define the financial landscape, providing valuable lessons in finance, innovation, and resilience. Tune in for an experience that brings finance to life through the voices of its most influential leaders.

21:1430/07/2024

Interview with Justin Fischer: Financial Crimes – Securing Banks and Credit Unions

Interview with Justin Fischer: Financial Crimes – Securing Banks and Credit UnionsHost - Rory HollandInterviewed - Justin FischerThis EpisodeIn this conversation, Justin Fischer, Co-Founder and CEO of RiskScout, highlights how his company provides financial crime software solutions for community banks and credit unions. He details how they aim to help these institutions prevent money laundering, better understand their customers, and comply with regulatory requirements. RiskScout offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including customer communication, KYC, transaction monitoring, risk scoring, and regulatory filing. They also prioritize community and collaboration by creating a space for institutions to share ideas and support each other. Ultimately, RiskScout's goal is to help smaller banks and credit unions thrive in an ever-evolving financial landscape.Key TakeawaysRiskScout provides financial crime software solutions for community banks and credit unions.Their suite of tools includes customer communication, KYC, transaction monitoring, risk scoring, and regulatory filing.The company prioritizes community and collaboration and creates a space for institutions to share ideas and support each other.RiskScout aims to help smaller banks and credit unions thrive in an ever-evolving financial landscape.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview04:16 Adoption and Implementation Challenges09:51 Customizable Solutions for Specific Needs25:25 Building Trust in the Financial SystemAbout Mighty FinsightsThis is 'Mighty Finsights,' the podcast where finance meets formidable insights and spirited storytelling. Each episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and achievements that define the financial landscape, providing valuable lessons in finance, innovation, and resilience. Tune in for an experience that brings finance to life through the voices of its most influential leaders.

28:4015/07/2024

Interview with Jason Henrichs: The Future of Banking - Financial Services and Trust

Interview with Jason Henrichs: The Future of Banking - Financial Services and TrustHost - Rory HollandInterviewed - Jason HenrichsThis EpisodeIn this conversation, CSTMR’s Rory Holland and Alloy Lab’s Jason Henrichs begin by discussing the Fintech House experience at SXSW, and the importance of attending events like this. Jason then gets into the purpose of Alloy Labs as a consortium of community banks, and highlights their focus on innovation. He shares his insights on the future of banking and fintech: how they are merging, and how financial services will embed into other industries. Jason also discusses the challenges in the fintech space, and points out the need for startups to solve real problems. The conversation ends with a discussion on building trust in the financial system, and the importance of authenticity and consistency in fintech.Key Takeaways Attending events like SXSW is important for people in banking and financial services to stay updated on the evolving needs of businesses and customers.The future of banking and fintech involves their full merger and the embedding of financial services into other industries.Startups in the fintech space must solve real problems in order to succeed.Building trust in the financial system requires authenticity, consistency, and transparency.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Fintech House Experience01:13 The Purpose of Alloy Labs03:06 Background and Experience in Finance05:27 Challenges in the Fintech Space06:19 Entering the Finance Space07:38 The Evolution of Fintech08:06 Building Trust in the Financial System09:43 Innovation and Problem-Solving in Banking11:05 The Future of Banks and Fintech Startups12:54 Restoring Trust in the Financial System14:54 Authenticity and Consistency in Fintech17:47 The Importance of Attending Events like SXSW18:16 Closing RemarksAbout Mighty FinsightsThis is 'Mighty Finsights,' the podcast where finance meets formidable insights and spirited storytelling. Each episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and achievements that define the financial landscape, providing valuable lessons in finance, innovation, and resilience. Tune in for an experience that brings finance to life through the voices of its most influential leaders.

19:0330/05/2024