BankTalk Podcast

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...

Scott Hildenbrand , Managing Director at Piper Sandler joins us as we review discussions bank boards should be having as they enter budget and strategic planning season.  We discuss raising capital and taking balance sheet losses as strategic moves to improve future earnings.   Send us Fan Mail Presented by Remedy Consulting For more information on BankTalk: BankTalk  Website Subscribe to BankTalk...

John Doherty , Principal at Wolf and Company discusses the implications of the Big, Beautiful Bill that was signed on July 4th for bankers and their commercial and retail customers. We spend some time in this episode discussing President Trump’s Executive Order to open defined contribution retirement plans to alternative investments like crypto currency and private equity investments. Send us Fan...

In today’s episode we talk with the new CEO of Northfield Savings Bank in Vermont, Joe Bator . We discussed various sales strategies, including what works well for his institution and any crossover insights from other industries. Joe’s background is a unique blend of experience at both large institutions and startup banks, each with successful growth roadmaps. It was insightful to hear how he’s ap...

Join our discussion with Keith Riddle , General Manager of Payfinia , about Digital Wallets and the important costs and considerations. Are digital wallets a threat to interchange revenue? What are the pros and cons of an FI-supplied digital wallet vs. pushing customers to Apple Pay? What are the revenue opportunities in this space for community FIs to meet customer expectations and build revenue?...

We sat down with Matt Potere , CEO of Happy Money , to discuss the staggering $17.5 trillion of consumer debt in the US, and Happy Money’s recent Credit Check-In study which analyzed consumer financial stress. The high percentage of consumer credit card debt creates an opportunity for FIs to alleviate consumer stress through personal loans. We deep dive into how this asset base builds long-term cu...

Peter Stenehjem joins BankTalk to share First International Bank and Trust’s history and explain his experience as the 4th generation leader of the bank. Peter touches upon the family discussions for his path to CEO, FIBT’s concentration in the mineral industry and how they’ve built their Kotapay technology with Kavinu platform to be a high performing bank. Send us Fan Mail Presented by Remedy Con...

Join us as we sit down with  Tom Knapp of Freshriver. AI  and discuss how to make AI usable for community banks and credit unions. Tom explains the technical side of AI briefly, then explains for the non-technical user some use cases for where and how AI might be beneficial. Send us Fan Mail Presented by Remedy Consulting For more information on BankTalk: BankTalk  Website Subscribe to BankTalk Ne...

Brennan Summers joins BankTalk to share how Stukent is improving financial literacy within the US. Through partnerships with local FI’s, the simulations create exposure to real life scenarios and career paths, within schools and their communities. Send us Fan Mail Presented by Remedy Consulting For more information on BankTalk: BankTalk  Website Subscribe to BankTalk News Remedy Consulting Website...

We sat down with Patrick Sentner , EVP at Colliers and past President of the Society of industrial and Office Realtors, to discuss the state of office property and office vacancies. We also spend some time discussing how real estate financing aligns with tenant leasing terms.  Send us Fan Mail Presented by Remedy Consulting For more information on BankTalk: BankTalk  Website Subscribe to BankTalk...

We sat down with Elizabeth Eurgubian , former NCUA Board Member, to explore the current state of the National Credit Union Administration and what it means for the financial services industry. The NCUA is structured to operate with a bipartisan, three-member board--with members appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Since the election, the NCUA Board has been functioning with fewe...