Banking with Interest

Lauren Seay, reporter for S&P Global Market Intelligence, talks about how the controversy began over credit unions buying banks, efforts by several states to block such deals, and where the debate is going next.

Steven Schnall, founder and CEO of $900 million-asset Quontic Bank in New York, talks about why the bank is one of the few to fully embrace cryptocurrency, offering a checking account that grants rewards in bitcoin. He also talks about its newly deployed banking wearable device, plans for the metaverse, and why this CDFI wants to continue to push the banking envelope.

Banks saw record inflows of deposits during the pandemic. But just how sticky are those customers—and deposits—going to be? Scott Hildenbrand, chief balance sheet strategist and head of financial strategies group for Piper Sandler, talks about the common fears bankers are facing right now when it comes to funding and liquidity—and what they need to be doing now to prepare for the uncertain road ahead.

Kate Davidson, the author of Politico’s Morning Money, talks about how she approaches writing one of the financial services industry's most influential newsletters. She also discusses why the Biden administration keeps struggling with its finreg nominations, how the Fed will tackle climate change, and what’s next for interest rates.

Bill Donius, the former CEO and chairman of Pulaski Financial Corp. in Missouri, talks about how he used research into the brain to help grow his St. Louis community bank and write a New York Times bestseller, “Thought Revolution: How to Unlock Your Inner Genius.” Bill discusses how he uses that research to help companies think outside the box when they approach challenges and opportunities—and how his fellow bankers can learn to do this too.

Sheila Bair, the former chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., discusses her fears if financial regulation becomes too partisan, as well as tackling several hot-button topics including central bank digital currencies and CRA reform. She also discusses the risks of buy-now, pay-later services and why she writes children’s books aimed at improving kids’ financial literacy.

Isaac Boltansky, director of policy research at BTIG, offers his analysis on a busy week in D.C., including two days of testimony by Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, President Biden’s State of the Union address and the economic impact of Russian sanctions. He also talks about whether the Fed will create a digital dollar and whether banks can soften two key pending rulemakings by the CFPB.

Ongoing economic uncertainty, continued consolidation in the banking industry, tougher regulatory oversight, an overwrought housing market and a potential Fed digital currency are just a few of the issues currently facing banks. Two top leaders at the New Jersey Bankers Association—John McWeeney, its president and CEO, and Mike Affuso, its EVP and director of government relations—assess the obstacles ahead.