In this episode of Conversations in Credit, host Jeremy Tsui sits down with Nicole Byrns, Partner at Dumar Capital Partners, to break down the latest trends in credit markets. Nicole shares her perspective on risk, liquidity, and how market shifts impact lending strategies.

They dive into the evolving role of private credit, why institutional investors are adjusting their portfolios, and what businesses should consider when accessing capital. Nicole also unpacks key factors shaping credit decisions, from interest rate movements to regulatory changes.

Whether you're a lender, investor, or finance leader, this conversation offers clear, actionable insights into today’s credit landscape. Tune in for a sharp, expert take on where the market is heading and what it means for you.

Guest-at-a-Glance

💡 Name: Nicole Byrns 

💡What they do: Partner

💡Company: Dumar Capital Partners

💡Noteworthy: Nicole Byrns is an Independent Director, Senior Advisor, and Executive Leader in asset-based finance, private credit, and alternative asset management. ​

💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn

In this episode of Conversations in Credit, host Jeremy Tsui sits down with Vikram Ramani, Chief Information Officer at Synovus Bank, to discuss the evolving landscape of banking technology. With over two decades of experience in financial technology, Vikram shares his journey from programming to leading technological innovation at a $60 billion asset bank. He emphasizes the importance of aligning technical advancements with business objectives, providing valuable advice for aspiring tech professionals.

Vikram delves into the challenges and opportunities of modernizing core banking systems. From integrating generative AI to enhancing customer experiences, he outlines how banks like Synovus are navigating innovation while adhering to strict regulatory guardrails. He also highlights the significance of collaboration across business units to implement sustainable, long-term technological changes.

The conversation wraps with Vikram’s vision for the future of fintech and his advice to startups aiming to thrive in a highly regulated industry. For a lighter moment, he shares his love for tennis, college football, and unwinding on weekends.

In this episode of Conversations in Credit, host Jeremy Tsui sits down with Stuart Cook, a seasoned FinTech advisor, investor, and operator, to explore the complex intersection of banking, innovation, and talent. Stuart shares insights from his 20-year journey in financial services, spanning his early career in the UK to leading transformative projects in U.S. banking and FinTech. He delves into his experiences as Chief Product Officer at Valley Bank and his efforts to blend traditional banking with forward-thinking innovation.

Stuart and Jeremy discuss the critical role of strategic capital in scaling FinTech ventures, emphasizing the importance of aligning investor goals with company vision. Stuart reflects on the potential pitfalls of strategic investments, drawing lessons from his experiences with major financial institutions and the complexities of balancing partnership dynamics with long-term growth.

The conversation also addresses the "war for talent" in banking, highlighting challenges in attracting mission-driven professionals and fostering adaptability in a traditionally risk-averse industry. Stuart provides actionable insights on leadership, collaboration, and building a culture of continuous learning in financial services.

In this episode of Conversations in Credit, host Jeremy Tsui talks with Jon Hershman, founder of TempoBD, about his transition from a structured banking career into the world of entrepreneurship. Jon shares how his experience at JPMorgan and other major financial institutions equipped him with skills that now help him guide startups on business development and risk management. He explains how banking’s policy-driven environment contrasts with the fast-paced, flexible nature of entrepreneurship.

Jon discusses the importance of calculated risk-taking in both finance and startups. He emphasizes that while banks focus on mitigating risk with precision, entrepreneurship often involves making decisions with incomplete information, testing hypotheses in real time. Jon highlights the necessity of balancing these two mindsets for success.

Finally, Jon reflects on the parallels between endurance sports and running a business. Drawing from his experience as a marathon runner, he shares how discipline, focus, and persistence play vital roles in achieving long-term entrepreneurial goals.