BankTalk Podcast

In this episode of BankTalk, host Jordan Kelly sits down with Kevin Bannerton , Chief Business Development Officer at R&T Deposit Solutions , to discuss how expanded FDIC insurance programs are helping banks strengthen deposit relationships, improve balance sheet flexibility, and compete for larger deposits. They also explore the impact of emerging technologies, stablecoins, and recent legisla...

Following the recent rate hike on September 16, we invited the team from D arling Consulting Group back to shed light on the aftermath and what may be ahead. Zach Zoia , Managing Director, and Vinny Clevenger , Managing Director at Darling Consulting Group and co-host of the On the Balance Sheet podcast, discuss the opportunities facing financial institutions as the rate cycle continues to evolve....

Join Ben Kinseth VP of Development/Finance at Kinseth Hospitality as we discuss the hotel and hospitality industry. We explore how individual hotels are planned, financed, developed, and managed, as well as the complexities of distressed hotel properties and the broader trends impacting the hospitality sector. If you'd like to connect with Ben or learn more, you can reach him at bjkinseth@kin...

Millennials are navigating student debt, rising housing costs, entrepreneurship, and family life, all while approaching the largest wealth transfer in history. In this episode of BankTalk, Jordan Kelly sits down with Sumeet Grover , EVP and Chief Strategic Growth & Digital Officer at UFCU , to explore what Millennials expect from their financial institutions and how community banks and credit...

Sports betting and prediction markets are growing rapidly, particularly among younger consumers. In this episode of BankTalk, Sean Cunningham speaks with Stephen Arnold of Filene and Mitch Rutledge of Vertice AI about new research based on millions of anonymized member records and billions of transactions, exploring trends in wagering activity, its concentration among Gen Z and Millennial consumer...

Join Jarryd Briggs from Reativ as he explores the roles and responsibilities of Treasury Management and the Asset Liability Committee (ALCO) within your financial institution. We'll take a look at a day in the life of the Treasury Department, covering cash management, interest rate risk, liquidity planning, and the strategic initiatives that help drive financial performance. If you'd lik...

Brian Flemming , President and Principal at Solidus , joins BankTalk to separate fact from fiction. As digital banking continues to evolve, many question the future of the physical branch. Brian shares his expert perspective on how branches are adapting, what the modern branch experience looks like, and why brick-and-mortar locations still play a critical role in serving customers and communities....

This week's bonus episode dives into a timely payments story that highlights the challenges businesses can face when things go wrong in today's digital payment ecosystem. Join Charlie Kelly , Partner at Remedy Consulting and frequent host of BankTalk, as he shares a bizarre but true story involving QuickBooks and a business-to-business payment that never reached its intended recipient. W...

Innovation is no longer a future goal—it's a necessity for survival and growth. Justin Dunmyer of ICBA joins us to discuss the strategies community banks need to embrace continuous innovation, prioritize initiatives with the greatest impact, foster a culture of change, and deliver measurable results. Discover how forward-thinking institutions are transforming challenges into opportunities and...

Solar lending may sound complex, but at its core it's all about understanding cash flow, risk, and project execution. In this episode, Jillian Wagner of North Easton Savings Bank breaks down how commercial solar projects are financed, what makes a deal bankable, and where lenders need to be cautious. From tax incentives and energy offtake agreements to construction challenges and policy chang...

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere—but what does it actually mean for community financial institutions? In this episode, Keith Fulton , Chief Data Officer at Jack Henry , joins BankTalk to explore how core providers are leveraging AI to help community financial institutions improve operations, enhance customer experiences, and make smarter decisions. Keith breaks down the differences between ma...

Dan Hartman , Of Counsel at Nutter , joins us to discuss the implications of Kevin Warsh's appointment as Federal Reserve Chair on May 22, succeeding Jerome Powell. We explore what Powell's next move could be, why his continued presence in the financial landscape matters, and how Warsh may reshape the Fed's approach to forward guidance, inflation modeling, and monetary policy. As le...

Asset-based lending is booming—but one key challenge remains: can you actually trust the value of your collateral? In this episode, Charlie sits down with Thomas Galbraith , CEO of Barkr , to explore why asset valuations have historically been inconsistent, how private credit stepped in as banks pulled back, and how new, data-driven approaches are helping lenders better understand and manage risk...

Cannabis banking is complex, highly regulated, and full of opportunity. In this episode, Kristin Stowe of Credit Union 1 shares what it really takes to serve this underserved industry—from compliance and operational challenges to pricing and long-term strategy. We cover key differences from traditional banking, why starting with deposits matters, and what’s ahead as the industry evolves. Whether y...

Joe Bergquist of The Banker Next Door joins us to unpack the FDIC’s recent report on bank lending to non‑depository financial institutions (NDFIs). Joe walks through the supercharged growth within the NDFI space, highlighting what’s driving expansion and where banks are placing their bets. We break down the types of borrowers, examine concentration trends across banks, and discuss what these findi...

Lori Wilson of Remedy Consulting joins BankTalk to break down key trends reshaping the software ecosystem for community financial institutions. In this episode, we explore the growing influence of private equity ownership across banking software providers and consulting firms—and what that means for long-term partnerships, pricing, and product direction. We also take a closer look at open banking...

In a market defined by uncertainty, standing still on the balance sheet may be the biggest risk of all. Zach Zoia of Darling Consulting Group —and co‑host of the On the Balance Sheet podcast—joins us to unpack how financial institutions should be thinking about rate risk, balance sheet strategy, and margin pressures amid persistent yield curve volatility. We dive into how recent global events, inc...

In 2021, PeoplesBank transitioned its core banking system to Nymbus, after the transition of its digital bank Zynlo, the previous year. Aleda DeMaria EVP, COO of Peoples Bank spearheaded the integration of a new modern core, and she joins us to reflect on a strategic partnership with Nymbus. Is your bank interested? Hear from Aleda on the strategies to prepare for this unique conversion and ways t...

So, you’re thinking about entering the M&A arena as a buyer? Join Kenny Haglund and Beau Hurtig from Ballard Spahr, LLP , as they walk through a practical checklist of considerations every prospective community bank buyer should evaluate to ensure a smooth acquisition process. Send us Fan Mail Presented by Remedy Consulting For more information on BankTalk: BankTalk  Website Subscribe to BankT...

Stablecoin — is it a threat or an opportunity for community bankers? Since the passing of the GENIUS Act, the debate over how stablecoin issuers should be regulated has continued to grow. Join Robert Zondag , Partner at Wipfli Advisory, as we discuss stablecoins, the evolving regulatory landscape, and the potential threats and opportunities they present for community bankers. Send us Fan Mail Pres...

We are in a data cold war that is beginning to warm up. Today, community banks only hold 20%-25% of their customers’ total financial data, due to the financial fragmentation of average Americans. With this massive data deficit on customers, bankers are realizing the need to switch from defense to offense when it comes to gathering information that can be put to work for the bank. Open banking is t...

Join the discussion with Beth McCoy , CEO of CORA Loyalty, on CORA Group’s recent survey of over 2,000 adults that found the top factor influencing which credit card Americans choose is Loyalty and rewards programs (50%). Rewards won out ahead of convenience (38%), credit limit (36%), fees (32%), interest rate (32%), and security / fraud protection (31%). We dive deep into comprehensive loyalty pr...

Join us for a discussion with Adam Gregg , CEO of the Iowa Bankers Association as we explore the positive impacts brought about by the Trump Administration and how those policies are impacting bankers. Adam also unpacks the areas he believes will most influence bank leaders as they look ahead to 2026. Send us Fan Mail Presented by Remedy Consulting For more information on BankTalk: BankTalk  Websi...

We sat down with Martyn Wallen , Executive Director & Co-Founder, and Gino Brenzini , Executive Director & COO of Quantum Six . Their team helps banks, credit unions, and fintech’s modernize core systems and maximize technology investments through ecosystem strategies—driving agility and long-term value in a landscape shaped by cloud, AI, and composable architectures. We explore key bankin...

John Blizzard , CEO and President of Seattle Bank and founder of CD Valet discusses what banks should consider ahead of potential rate cuts, why CDs bad rap as 'hot money' is undeserved, and how digital marketing and pricing strategies can level the playing field. Send us Fan Mail Presented by Remedy Consulting For more information on BankTalk: BankTalk  Website Subscribe to BankTalk New...