Note: This episode originally aired on May 19, 2026 as part of the Mintel Little Conversation podcast.

In this episode, host Andrew Davidson speaks with Brian Jones, President of Merrick Bank, about how to grow a business while staying true to its mission. Brian shares his career journey, with over three decades of experience at the intersection of law and banking.

The conversation looks at how the bank's sub-prime customers are navigating economic and geopolitical uncertainty, and what that means for financial services today.

They also discuss key moments in the bank’s growth, including acquisitions and rebrands, and how Merrick is thinking about its future. Brian also offers his perspective on what’s ahead for financial services, and the critical shifts he believes will define the next five years.

Additional Resources

• Get Andrew's take on the latest financial services launches in his bi-weekly newsletter ⁠⁠Lightbulb Moments⁠⁠
• ⁠OpenBrand⁠⁠ is pioneering the future of AI-driven data intelligence for durables brands and retailers, financial services, insurance and beyond

Note: This episode originally aired on April 9, 2026 as part of the Mintel Little Conversation podcast.

In this episode, host Andrew Davidson speaks with Melissa Stevens, Chief Marketing Officer at Fifth Third Bank, about the strategic acquisition of Comerica and what it means for brand integration in today’s competitive banking landscape.

Melissa shares how the bank is balancing scale with authenticity—leveraging customer experience, community engagement, and AI-driven insights to build trust and drive growth.

The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities of merging brands, and how a clear, customer-centric strategy can turn acquisition into long-term value.

Additional Resources

• Get Andrew's take on the latest financial services launches in his bi-weekly newsletter ⁠⁠Lightbulb Moments⁠⁠
• ⁠OpenBrand⁠⁠ is pioneering the future of AI-driven data intelligence for durables brands and retailers, financial services, insurance and beyond

Note: This episode originally aired on March 9, 2026 as part of the Mintel Little Conversation podcast.

Host Andrew Davidson, Comperemedia expert Kendall Gadie, and industry veteran Marty Ellingsworth delve into the current insurance affordability crisis, exploring the factors driving rising premiums and the resulting shifts in consumer behavior.

They discuss the impact of post-COVID changes, the role of agents and the strategies insurers are employing to navigate these challenges. Listen to find out more about the importance of AI and technology in shaping the future of insurance, as well as the need for effective communication of value to consumers who are increasingly price-sensitive.

Additional Resources

• Get Andrew's take on the latest financial services launches in his bi-weekly newsletter ⁠⁠Lightbulb Moments⁠⁠
• ⁠OpenBrand⁠⁠ is pioneering the future of AI-driven data intelligence for durables brands and retailers, financial services, insurance and beyond

Note: This episode originally aired on February 5, 2026 as part of the Mintel Little Conversation podcast.

Host Andrew Davidson welcomes Krista Phillips, M&T Bank's first Chief Customer Officer, back to the podcast. Krista shares her journey and insights into the evolving role of customer experience in banking.

With a career spanning major financial institutions, Krista discusses how customer insights can be leveraged to drive innovation and improve service delivery, highlighting specific examples of changes made based on customer feedback, such as streamlining onboarding processes and enhancing fraud detection communication.

Additional Resources

• Get Andrew's take on the latest financial services launches in his bi-weekly newsletter ⁠⁠Lightbulb Moments⁠⁠
• ⁠OpenBrand⁠⁠ is pioneering the future of AI-driven data intelligence for durables brands and retailers, financial services, insurance and beyond

Note: This episode originally aired on December 22, 2025 as part of the Mintel Little Conversation podcast.

Host Andrew Davidson and Doug Villone, Head of US Cards & Partnerships at Barclays discuss the evolving landscape of credit card usage and the potential future partnerships that may shape commerce.

Listen to learn more about the importance of understanding consumer behavior and the role of non-traditional retailers in the credit card ecosystem.

Additional Resources

• Get Andrew's take on the latest financial services launches in his bi-weekly newsletter ⁠⁠Lightbulb Moments⁠⁠
• ⁠OpenBrand⁠⁠ is pioneering the future of AI-driven data intelligence for durables brands and retailers, financial services, insurance and beyond

Note: This episode originally aired on December 15, 2025 as part of the Mintel Little Conversation podcast.

Go inside United Airlines’ co-brand strategy with host Andrew Davidson and Bob Daly, Managing Director of Global Co-Brand Cards.

In this episode, we break down United’s recent card relaunch with Chase, the airline’s bold move into debit, and how a 360° career across consulting, banking, and airlines shaped Bob’s view of what truly drives loyalty. Listen to find out where co-brand programs are heading next and how leading brands are reimagining value for travelers.

Additional Resources

• Get Andrew's take on the latest financial services launches in his bi-weekly newsletter ⁠Lightbulb Moments⁠
• OpenBrand⁠ is pioneering the future of AI-driven data intelligence for durables brands and retailers, financial services, insurance and beyond.

Note: This episode originally aired on October 21, 2025 as part of the Mintel Little Conversation podcast.

Host Andrew Davidson speaks with Pam Habner, Head of US Branded Cards and Lending at Citi, about the launch of the Strata Elite Card and its strategic positioning in the competitive credit card market.

Pam shares insights on consumer preferences, marketing strategies, and the importance of flexibility in rewards.Listen to the conversation about the evolving landscape of premium credit cards, the impact of AI on financial services, and leadership lessons from Pam's extensive experience in the industry.

Additional Resources

• Get Andrew's take on the latest financial services launches in his bi-weekly newsletter ⁠Lightbulb Moments⁠
• ⁠OpenBrand⁠ is pioneering the future of AI-driven data intelligence for durables brands and retailers, financial services, insurance and beyond.

Note: This episode originally aired on October 13, 2025 as part of the Mintel Little Conversation podcast.

Host Andrew Davidson speaks with Jacob Zachs, founder and CEO of Fasten Rewards, about the innovative Fasten Rewards Visa credit card, which uniquely offers points on auto-related expenses such as loans, leases, insurance, and maintenance.

Jacob discusses the card's target market, early adoption insights and the challenges of launching a new financial product.

Listen to the conversation and find out more about marketing strategies, dealer partnerships, and the competitive landscape, highlighting Fasten's unique value proposition in the auto financing space.

Additional Resources

• Get Andrew's take on the latest financial services launches in his bi-weekly newsletter ⁠Lightbulb Moments⁠
• ⁠OpenBrand⁠ is pioneering the future of AI-driven data intelligence for durables brands and retailers, financial services, insurance and beyond.

Note: This episode originally aired on October 6, 2025 as part of the Mintel Little Conversation podcast.

Host Andrew Davidson is joined by David Johnson, CEO of Vervent, to explore the company’s journey from a specialist provider to a global force in financial services.

They unpack how economic uncertainty is reshaping consumer needs — particularly among subprime audiences — and how Vervent is responding with innovation, agility and a consumer-first mindset. David shares his perspective on building trust in financial services, the evolving role of brand strategy, and how AI is shaping the future of the industry.

Additional Resources

• Get Andrew's take on the latest financial services launches in his bi-weekly newsletter ⁠Lightbulb Moments⁠
• ⁠OpenBrand⁠ is pioneering the future of AI-driven data intelligence for durables brands and retailers, financial services, insurance and beyond.

Note: This episode originally aired on September 2, 2025 as part of the Mintel Little Conversation podcast.

Host Andrew Davidson sits down with Sumit Agarwal, Head of Cards at Upgrade, to unpack the strategy behind one of the most distinctive products in cards.

Sumit explains how the Upgrade Card turns each month's balance into a fixed-term installment loan, why it went from the fastest-growing card in the country to a deliberate reset, and why no one has copied it yet.

They also discuss the challenge of marketing a product that breaks the mold, Upgrade's test-and-learn approach, the future of the OneCard as Visa Flexible Credential gains traction, and why Sumit believes AI is the trend that will reshape cards over the next five years.

Additional Resources

• Get Andrew's take on the latest financial services launches in his bi-weekly newsletter ⁠Lightbulb Moments⁠
• ⁠OpenBrand⁠ is pioneering the future of AI-driven data intelligence for durables brands and retailers, financial services, insurance and beyond.