701Chain

701Chain Recap spotlights major industry shifts from regulatory updates like the FDIC’s Genius Act and the Clarity Act, to the rise of AI-powered wealth advisory services and stablecoin innovations. Special guest Craig Hanson, Chief Banking Officer at Bank of North Dakota, shares insights on how local financial institutions are adapting, emphasizing the importance of community relationships and ho...

Whether you are AI curious, AI skeptical or already experimenting, this episode of 701Chain gives you a practical view of what AI does well, what it misses, and what comes next for financial institutions.

With digital asset discussions expanding beyond retail audiences, this two part series outlines what institutions need to understand right now.   Key themes emerged from Bitcoin 2026 and Consensus 2026. Focusing on the regulatory changes, payment developments, and operational considerations are becoming increasingly relevant for community banks and credit unions. Across both episodes, industry exp...

With digital asset discussions expanding beyond retail audiences, this two part series outlines what institutions need to understand right now.   Key themes emerged from Bitcoin 2026 and Consensus 2026. Focusing on the regulatory changes, payment developments, and operational considerations are becoming increasingly relevant for community banks and credit unions. Across both episodes, industry exp...

In this month’s 701Chain recap, Michael Lehn and Devon Smith break down the biggest fintech and digital‑asset developments from May. From Circle’s AI‑powered financial infrastructure and new stablecoin use cases, to fresh regulatory clarity, accelerated payment modernization, and global advances in tokenization, this episode delivers a fast, focused look at the trends shaping financial institution...

Chief Investment Officer Derek Binstock of Bravera Wealth joins 701Chain to discuss how AI, tokenization, and new trading behaviors are reshaping wealth management. From navigating market noise to preparing the next generation of investors, Derek offers a grounded look at the evolving financial landscape.

In the 701Chain monthly recap, Michael Lehn and Devon Smith break down April’s biggest fintech and digital asset developments, from Visa’s tokenization push to shifting AML expectations, OCC charter changes, SoFi’s super-app strategy, and global moves in crypto regulation. A fast-paced, insight-packed overview designed for financial institutions navigating rapid change.

Understand one of the most significant developments in U.S. digital asset policy, the GENIUS Act. This episode explains one‑to‑one reserve requirements, core consumer protections, and the factors driving stablecoin adoption among fintechs, businesses, and community banks. It also highlights how Roughrider Coin will support North Dakota’s financial institutions through a safe, regulated digital pay...

Commercial Bank of Mott President, Charlotte Aldinger has a frank conversation with Bank of North Dakota staff to ask the real questions on everyone’s mind: How will Roughrider Coin work? Is it really safer? What does this mean for my bank’s operations? This episode cuts through the jargon to explore trust, risk, and the practical realities facing community banks.

701Chain: Fintech for Financial Institutions brings hosts Devon Smith and Michael Lehn together as they decode the fast‑moving fintech trends shaping North Dakota’s financial institutions and Bank of North Dakota’s unique role in the state’s banking ecosystem. From practical breakdowns of AI and automation to deep dives into blockchain, digital assets, and emerging banking technologies, each episo...