Banking Out Loud

Key takeaways:  Understand what community financial institutions need to know about digital assets and stablecoins from a banker who built a digital asset bank from the ground up. Learn how deposits, liquidity, and customer relationships can be affected as customers move funds into crypto exchanges and fintech apps. See which compliance and risk management upgrades community financial institutions...

From CEOs down through the front line, culture is no longer just a buzzword — it’s how organizations attract and keep talent, adapt to change, and drive performance. But what does healthy culture look like day-to-day, and how can leaders build and sustain it? In this episode, we sit down with Megan Pelletier, EVP & Chief Operations and People Officer at HomeTrust Bank, and Crystal Hasan, SVP,...

In this episode of Banking Out Loud, PCBB’s Matt Helsing leads a discussion with three community bankers on how they’re modernizing their processes for clearing Canadian checks. Listen in as our guests share how partnering with PCBB and Fiserv has strengthened their operations. By using PCBB’s Canadian Check Image solution offered on the Fiserv Clearing Network, these institutions have reduced cos...

In this episode of Banking Out Loud, our host, Nancy Ozawa, sits down with PCBB’s President, Mike Dohren, to predict what 2026 has in store for community financial institutions. They delve into how profitability, innovation, and technology will shape the year as banks work to adapt to changing customer expectations and new opportunities on the horizon. The conversation also touches on how AI, digi...

This special episode brings together a powerhouse panel of industry experts to tackle the existential challenges facing community financial institutions (CFIs) today. In a banking environment shaped by market pressures, rapid technology disruption, evolving regulations, and shifting customer expectations, survival is far from guaranteed. Moderator Curt Hecker, CEO & Executive Chairman of PCBB,...

In this episode of Banking Out Loud, host Sonia Portwood and Curt Hecker, industry veteran and CEO of PCBB, unravel the essentials of strategic planning for community financial institutions (CFIs). Discover how senior leaders and boards can leverage digital transformation, AI, and compliance best practices to drive growth, enhance customer experience, and stay competitive amidst rapid industry cha...

As the cannabis industry grows, community financial institutions face a pivotal decision — should they step into the Marijuana-Related Banking (MRB) space? In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of MRB, breaking down the risks, rewards, and regulatory complexities of taking on cannabis-related business customers. Join us as we dive into the conversations CFIs are having with regulators...

Banking Out Loud host Nancy Ozawa discusses relationship banking, its benefits, and strategies for success with guest Justin Armstrong, Co-CEO of UBank, and PCBB’s Northeast Regional Manager, Mike Foreman. The group delves into how prioritizing customer relationships over transactions radically transformed UBank’s approach to banking. Join us as we break down UBank’s vision to level up community b...

In this episode, Kathy Lonowski, former regulator with the FDIC, explores the keys to success for community financial institutions. Lonowski shares insights on the importance of proactive risk management, strong communication, and effective data use in decision-making. She explains why involving regulators early in risk discussions is crucial and highlights the significance of corporate governance...

In this insightful episode, we dive into the unique challenges and opportunities of mid-level managers. Scott Mautz, accomplished author, keynote speaker, and trainer leverages his decades of management experience at Proctor & Gamble (P&G), along with data and actionable tips and strategies, to help middle managers thrive in hierarchy, differentiate themselves, and influence “up, down, and...

AI is expected to be as big a disruptor as the internet was. In this episode, we're joined by Kendra Ramirez, CEO of KR Digital Agency and an expert in AI. Together, we explore the far-reaching impacts of AI across industries, focusing on the banking sector and generative AI. Kendra unpacks the nuances of generative AI, shedding light on its benefits and challenges. She shares actionable tips for...

In this episode of Banking Out Loud, Fiserv payments experts Paul Sullivan and Justin Jackson join PCBB’s payments expert Sheila Noll to discuss the rapidly evolving faster payments landscape. Their conversation touches on the importance of strategic thinking and collaboration with partners, while also driving home the need to view faster payments as an opportunity to better serve customers and di...

In this episode of Banking Out Loud, host Nancy Ozawa discusses the value of performance reviews and how to effectively prepare for them with Laurie Battaglia, CEO of Aligned at Work. Laurie emphasizes the need for employees and managers to discuss the format and frequency of reviews that will be most helpful. She also provides tips for employees on how to prepare for performance discussions, the...

In this episode of Banking Out Loud, US Secret Service agent Stephen Dougherty joins hosts Sonia Portwood and Nancy Ozawa to discuss cybercrime and the Secret Service’s mission to protect and secure the US financial and economic infrastructure. Stephen shares examples of types of cybercrime, including business email compromise schemes, romance scams, work-from-home scams and deep fakes, and explai...

In this podcast episode, host Sonia Portwood discusses the importance of communication skills and ways to improve them with guest Alyson Van Hooser, a keynote speaker and trainer focused on multi-generational leadership. Alyson shares tips emphasizing the need for intentional communication and understanding the stories of others to connect with them effectively. Also, hear the three-step listening...

In this episode of Banking Out Loud, we discuss the importance of putting strategy before structure when launching new products, services, and strategic initiatives. Guest Ryan Canin, CEO and Co-Founder of DocFox, shares insights on the importance of defining clear objectives and strategies before adopting new technologies or selecting vendors. Hear practical approaches to optimize your innovation...

Excellent customer service can be a crucial differentiator for businesses. Done well, it can help your institution attract and retain customers and drive bottom-line results. Join us as Dennis Snow walks us through proven principals for delivering outstanding customer experiences. As an ex-Disney leader and now full-time speaker, trainer and consultant on all things customer service excellence, De...

There is a lot to understand when it comes to cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology and the associated regulation. We talk with Div Pandya, Principal at FS Vector, to help us understand it all. Learn about the types of digital assets and current regulation standards, along with expert predictions on where this sector is headed. We also explore blockchain technology with a look at current and pot...

It's always a good time to focus on keeping your customers happy and loyal. In this episode of Banking Out Loud, we sit down with Sushil Wenholz and Paul Louderman of Customer Communication Group to discuss ways to increase customer loyalty — including 3 tips to get started and key mistakes to avoid.   Host: Nancy Ozawa Senior Vice President, Marketing PCBB Guests: Sushil Wenholz VP, Creative Dire...

Chief Credit Officer, Michael Kerr of First Federal Bank shares his experience with CECL, and why his institution ultimately decided to outsource CECL, after starting off in-house.  From Coast to Coast, PCBB is Your Trusted Partner. If you have questions about CECL or your approach - in-house or outsourced - we would be happy to help. Feel free to reach out:  (888)-399-1930 |  cecl@pcbb.com  | pcb...

Archie Kelley, Managing Principal of SalesPhysics and creator of The Value Equation, joins us to discuss his sales technique aimed at creating a pathway to extraordinary sales results. Archie explains how value is at the core of successful selling, and provides three tips to boost success and three mistakes to avoid. Host: Sonia Portwood Chief Sales and Marketing Officer PCBB Guest: Archie Kelly M...

In this part 2 of our payments episode series, host Sonia Portwood sits down with PCBB's Allen Sztukowski to discuss what the future of real-time payments looks like.  Including the soon-to-launch FedNow program, anticipated technology and functionality changes, and tips to help you prepare. Host: Sonia Portwood Chief Sales and Marketing Officer PCBB Guest: Allen Sztukowski Senior Vice President,...

Host Sonia Portwood sits down with executive coach and leadership consultant Dr. Susan Bernstein, to discuss managing – and even harnessing – anxiety and stress in order to confidently navigate today’s ever-changing (banking) landscape. Host: Sonia Portwood Chief Sales and Marketing Officer PCBB Connect with Sonia: LinkedIn Guest: Dr. Susan Bernstein, MBA, PhD Executive Coach & Leadership Cons...

Join hosts Sonia Portwood and Virginia Robbins in a discussion with Allen Sztukowski, Senior Vice President of Operations at PCBB to discuss real-time payments. As an active participant in the efforts to modernize real-time payments, Allen shares his insights on how the payments space has changed over the years, and what efforts are being made today to modernize it.

In part 2 of our 2-part series on CECL, Andy Hines, Chief Lending Officer, and EVP at The Bank of Glen Burnie, shares his experience in getting started with CECL, his exposure and participation, his thoughts on spreadsheets for CECL, and how his institution prepared for CECL.  For more information on CECL, visit  https://www.pcbb.com/products/cecl