Financial Forward: The Future of Consumer Finance & Banking

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Guest: Ian Moloney, Head of Policy & Regulatory Affairs, American Fintech Council
Host: Jim McCarthy, Chairman of McCarthy Hatch and Founding Member of the CFPB
Podcast: Financial Forward

🔑 Key Topics:

• What the American Fintech Council Stands For
  Ian describes the AFC's role as a bridge between regulators and innovators, ensuring fintechs can grow while protecting consumers.
• Responsible Innovation in a Regulatory Vacuum
  With fragmented oversight across agencies, Ian explains how the AFC is driving the conversation around consistent, fair, and modern fintech regulation.
• Consumer Protection in the Digital Age
  Transparency, fairness, and inclusion are central to fintech’s success—and Ian shares how AFC helps make that happen.
• Policy Trends to Watch in 2025
  From open banking to earned wage access, Ian outlines the issues on regulators' desks that every fintech should prepare for.
• Why Fintechs Must Get Engaged in Policy Conversations
  A call to action for industry leaders to lean into policy—not avoid it.

📌 Memorable Quotes:

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In this episode of Financial Forward, Jim McCarthy sits down with Steve Bishop, one of the leading voices in Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) and founder of Ambassador. If you're in banking, fintech, or regulatory circles—you’ve heard Steve’s name. And if you haven’t yet, you will.

From humble beginnings on a gravel road in Missouri to becoming the go-to source for how BaaS should really work, Steve walks us through his unconventional career path, the transformation he led at OMB Bank, and what inspired him to launch Ambassador, a firm that’s quietly (and now loudly) reshaping the embedded finance ecosystem.

This episode is a deep dive into what BaaS is, what it isn’t, and where the industry must go to stay aligned with compliance, innovation, and customer needs.

🔍 What We Cover:

• Steve’s early roots and rise from Jack Henry to fintech founder
• The hard truths about BaaS, compliance, and regulatory expectations
• Why “infrastructure” is the real story behind successful embedded finance
• How Ambassador partners with banks to modernize without losing their core identity
• What’s coming next for community banks and fintech relationships
• Why compliance must be embedded from Day One

👤 About Steve Bishop

Steve is the founder and CEO of Ambassador, a financial technology platform purpose-built to help banks offer embedded financial services the right way. Prior to founding Ambassador, he was Chief Digital Officer at OMB Bank, where he led a full tech stack modernization and built their embedded finance division from the ground up. He’s a seasoned operator, programmer, and respected strategist in the rapidly evolving BaaS landscape.

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn.

🙌 Special Thanks

This episode features an ad from Mavin Communications, a woman-owned public relations firm led by Angela Nibbs. Mavin helps companies—from startups to industry giants—elevate their message and own their story. Learn more at maven-pr.com.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

• Ambassador – Banking-as-a-Service Infrastructure
• Mavin Communications – PR with Impact

🎧 Listen + Subscribe

Subscribe to Financial Forward wherever you get your podcasts and never miss a conversation at the intersection of regulation, innovation, and financial fairness.

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In this special Financial Forward rebroadcast, we’re sharing an essential panel discussion originally produced by The Bates Group, examining how the return of the Trump administration may reshape consumer financial protection, fintech regulation, and compliance strategies across the industry.

Recorded live, this expert panel dives into the shifting regulatory landscape and what financial institutions, money services businesses, fintech firms, and crypto players should expect in the months ahead.

🗣️ Featured Panelists:

• Eric Goldberg, Partner, Akerman LLP
• Kathryn Tomasofsky, Executive Director, MSBA
• Brandi Reynolds, CAMS-Audit, CCAS, Senior Managing Director, The Bates Group (Moderator)
• Jim McCarthy, Founder & Chair, McCarthy Hatch

🔍 Key Topics:

• The future of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) under new political leadership
• Likely regulatory rollbacks, changes to enforcement posture, and funding implications
• Compliance challenges for money transmitters, MSBs, and fintech platforms
• The evolving framework for cryptocurrency and stablecoin oversight
• Best practices to remain compliant amid uncertainty

🧁 Sponsored by:

This episode is brought to you by The Blue Eyed Bakery, a woman-owned small business crafting handmade baked goods with heart. Support women-owned businesses.

💡 About Financial Forward:

Financial Forward is the podcast where consumer finance meets the marketplace, hosted by Jim McCarthy, Founder and Chair of McCarthy Hatch and a former founding member of the CFPB. Each episode features leading voices, real-time insights, and a shared commitment to fairness, transparency, and innovation in financial services.

More from Jim: 
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https://www.mccarthy-hatch.com/

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In This Episode:
In a departure from our usual finance and regulation discussions, this special episode of Financial Forward focuses on the emotional, financial, and personal challenges of caregiving. Whether you're a parent of a child with special needs, caring for an aging family member, or supporting a loved one through difficult times, today’s conversation is about giving yourself grace and understanding the importance of self-care.

Our Guests:

• Mario – A devoted father and advocate who found his voice through social media while navigating the healthcare system for his son with special needs. His journey has inspired thousands to rethink the role of caregivers and fight for financial and medical transparency.
• Linda Straub Jones – A financial compliance expert who understands both the professional and personal sides of caregiving. Linda brings insights into how financial planning, risk management, and emotional well-being intersect for caregivers.

Key Topics:
✅ The mental, emotional, and financial impact of being a caregiver
✅ Learning to advocate for your loved ones—and yourself
✅ Why self-care isn’t selfish: burnout, balance, and boundaries
✅ Financial strategies for navigating healthcare costs and support systems
✅ How financial institutions can better support caregivers and those facing medical or personal hardship

A Special Shoutout:
Today’s free ad for a woman-owned business features BoulevardCoffee.co. Because sometimes, the best way to take care of yourself is to take a break, sip a great cup of coffee, and recharge.

Where to Listen:
📌 Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | All Major Platforms

Join the Conversation:
If this episode spoke to you, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. And if you have a story to tell, we’d love to hear from you—reach out to continue the discussion.

➡️ Let’s remember: caregiving starts with caring for ourselves, too.

#CaregiverConversations

#FamilyCaregivers

#AutismAwareness

#TouretteSyndrome

#BrainTumorSupport

#CaregiverSupport

#MentalHealthMatters

#CaringForCaregivers

#ResilientFamilies

 #EmpowerCaregivers

#NavigatingDisabilities

#LivingWithAutism

#TouretteTalk

#BrainTumorWarriors

#SupportForCaregivers

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Finding Financial Success in the New Regulatory-Mandated Open Banking

Episode Description:
In this special episode, we rebroadcast a panel discussion from Bank Automation Summit 2025, where industry leaders explore the evolution of embedded finance, how financial institutions can ensure modern, compliant, and seamless payment processing, and the current state of open banking compliance.

This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Bank Automation News, the go-to publication for financial institutions and executives looking to stay ahead in the evolving world of banking technology.

Panelists:

• Steve Bishop, EVP & Chief Innovation Officer, Old Missouri Bank
  • Website: OMB Bank
• AnaLiza Grandner, Chief Payments Officer, First Bank of the Lake
  • Website: First Bank of the Lake
• Jim McCarthy, Founder & Chairman, McCarthy Hatch
  • Website: McCarthy Hatch
• Ethan Geiling, Strategic Financial Institution Partnerships Lead, Plaid
  • Website: Plaid

Moderator:

• Phil Goldfeder, Chief Executive Officer, American Fintech Council 
  • Website: American Fintech Council

Topics Covered:

• The evolution of embedded finance
• How financial institutions can provide modern, compliant, and seamless payment processing
• The current state of open banking compliance

Additional Resources:

• Bank Automation Summit 2025 – Learn more about the event: Bank Automation News
• Bank Automation News – Stay up to date with the latest in banking technology and automation: Bank Automation News

Sponsor Message:

Financial Forward and McCarthy Hatch are offering free one-minute advertising slots to women-owned and disadvantaged-owned small businesses. If you’re interested, reach out to us at [contact information].

Subscribe & Stay Connected:

• Website: Financial Forward Podcast
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Google Podcasts

Thank you for tuning in to Financial Forward. Stay ahead, stay informed, and we’ll see you next time!

More from Jim: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mccarthyhatch/
https://www.mccarthy-hatch.com/

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 At McCarthy Hatch, we believe in lifting up voices that deserve to be heard. That’s why we’re offering free ad space on our Financial Forward podcast for women-owned and disadvantaged businesses—because supporting diverse entrepreneurs isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do. This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight Boulevard Coffee, a woman-owned small business with a rich history and a passion for artisan-roasted, specialty-grade coffee. Founded by sisters Carie and Julie, Boulevard Coffee serves up smooth, clean-tasting coffee using the original Sivetz fluid bed air roaster, delivering fresh beans nationwide. We’re proud to share their story—and if you’re a woman-owned or disadvantaged business, reach out to us to share yours too! 

🎙 Host: Jim McCarthy
🎙 Guest: George Cook, Co-Founder & CEO of Honeycomb Credit

Episode Overview

In this episode of Financial Forward, we sit down with George Cook, co-founder and CEO of Honeycomb Credit, a groundbreaking crowdfunding platform that enables small businesses to access capital directly from their communities. Honeycomb Credit is redefining the way small businesses raise funds by leveraging community-sourced financing, allowing everyday people to invest in local businesses they believe in.

George shares his journey in launching Honeycomb Credit, the inspiration behind this community-driven lending model, and how it bridges the financing gap for small businesses. We discuss transparency, fairness, and the regulatory landscape of crowdfunding, as well as success stories of businesses that have thrived using the platform.

Key Topics Discussed

✔ What inspired the creation of Honeycomb Credit
✔ How Honeycomb Credit differs from traditional lending and other crowdfunding platforms
✔ The role of transparency and fairness in crowdfunding
✔ How small businesses can leverage Honeycomb for growth
✔ Challenges and regulatory hurdles in the crowdfunding industry
✔ Success stories of businesses that found funding through the platform
✔ The future of crowdfunding and community-based lending

Why This Episode Matters

• For Small Business Owners: If you're struggling to secure funding through traditional banks, Honeycomb Credit offers a new pathway to raise capital while strengthening your community ties.
• For Investors & Supporters: Learn how you can directly invest in local businesses and help them thrive while earning a return.
• For Financial Professionals & Regulators: Gain insights into how crowdfunding is shaping the financial landscape, including challenges and regulatory considerations.

Resources & Links

🔗 Learn more about Honeycomb Credit
📌 Connect with George Cook on https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-cook-honeycomb/
📌 Follow Financial Forward for more insights on consumer finance, innovation, and regulation

Listen & Subscribe

🔊 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms!

📢 Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to rate & review Financial Forward to help others discover the show!

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Episode Summary:
The Trump Administration wants to shut down the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)—a move that has divided the financial industry. Is it a necessary rollback of overreach or a dangerous erosion of consumer protections? To unpack this, Jim McCarthy sits down with Ron Shevlin, a nationally recognized expert on banking and credit unions, and Chief Research Officer at Cornerstone Advisors. Ron has spent years analyzing financial services trends, regulatory impacts, and the evolution of consumer finance. While he supports efforts to dismantle the CFPB, Jim does not—and yet, they found themselves in agreement on some surprising points.

This is not your typical debate. It’s a thought-provoking conversation about how financial regulation should evolve, the role of banks and credit unions, and what this means for the future of consumer finance.

What You’ll Learn:
✔️ Why the Trump Administration wants to shut down the CFPB
✔️ The biggest criticisms and defenses of the CFPB’s role
✔️ Ron Shevlin’s expert take on how regulation impacts banks and credit unions
✔️ Why Jim and Ron—despite differing views—agreed on key issues
✔️ What this means for the future of financial regulation

About Our Guest:
🔹 Ron Shevlin is a nationally recognized expert in banking and credit unions, the Chief Research Officer at Cornerstone Advisors, and a frequent contributor to Forbes, where he covers the intersection of financial services, technology, and consumer behavior. Follow him on LinkedIn and Twitter (@rshevlin).

Resources & Mentions:
🔹 The CFPB’s enforcement history
🔹 Recent regulatory challenges in banking and credit unions
🔹 Ron Shevlin’s latest insights from Forbes

Stay Connected:
💬 Follow Jim McCarthy on LinkedIn
🎙️ Subscribe to Financial Forward on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more
📩 Want to be featured? Contact us for free ad space for small, women-owned, and protected businesses

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🔹 Host: Jim McCarthy
🔹 Guest: 

Angela Nibbs

CEO

Maven PR

https://www.maven-pr.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelanibbs/

JP Snow

Founder/Principal

Customer Catalytics

https://customercatalytics.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpsnow/

Linda Straub Jones

https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-straub-jones/

Asaf Buchner

https://www.linkedin.com/in/asafbuchner/

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Financial Forward, Jim McCarthy discusses the rapidly evolving landscape of consumer finance regulation and how financial institutions can proactively manage compliance risks. He breaks down the CFPB’s latest regulatory actions, explores how AI-driven insights like McCarthy Hatch’s FSAi can help banks stay ahead of enforcement trends, and provides a forward-looking perspective on how institutions can build consumer trust while maintaining profitability.

Topics Discussed:

✔ The biggest regulatory risks facing banks today
✔ How AI and data analytics are transforming compliance management
✔ The role of consumer sentiment in identifying financial risks
✔ What financial institutions should expect from the CFPB in 2025

Key Takeaways:

💡 Regulatory scrutiny is increasing—banks must be proactive, not reactive
💡 AI-driven risk monitoring like FSAi helps institutions identify and address compliance issues in real-time
💡 Consumer complaints matter—regulators are using sentiment data to shape enforcement actions

Connect With Us:

🌐 Website: McCarthy-Hatch.com
📩 Email: [email protected]
🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn: McCarthy Hatch LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Financial Forward on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

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Episode Title: The Speed of Risk: Bridging the Gap Between Compliance Models
Podcast: Financial Forward – A McCarthy Hatch Podcast
Duration: 43:33

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Financial Forward, host Jim McCarthy explores the evolving dynamics of risk management in the financial sector. Drawing on his expertise as a former founding member of the CFPB, Jim compares the traditional compliance methods of prudential regulators with the CFPB’s modern, data-driven approach. He highlights the challenges banks face in adapting to real-time risk identification and the urgent need for a mindset shift to align with 21st-century regulatory expectations.

What You’ll Learn:

• The limitations of legacy compliance models built for prudential regulators.
• How the CFPB uses consumer sentiment data to uncover harm in real time.
• Why time is no longer a luxury in managing regulatory risks.
• Strategies for modernizing compliance systems to meet today’s demands.
• Practical insights on how banks can proactively identify and mitigate risks.

Key Takeaways:

• Risk identification has dramatically accelerated with the CFPB’s innovative methods.
• Legacy compliance systems often delay actionable insights, increasing vulnerability.
• Embracing real-time analysis and modern compliance tools is essential for staying competitive.

Resources Mentioned:

• CFPB Consumer Complaint Database (consumerfinance.gov)
• McCarthy Hatch Insights on Compliance and Risk (McCarthyHatch.com)

Connect With Us:

• Website: McCarthy Hatch
• LinkedIn: McCarthy Hatch on LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]

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Episode Summary:
In this episode of Financial Forward, host Jim McCarthy, chairman of McCarthy Hatch, joins forces with Brandi Reynolds, Chief Growth Officer at Bates Group, to break down Section 1034(c) of the Dodd-Frank Act. This pivotal regulation emphasizes transparency and responsiveness in consumer complaint management, a cornerstone of consumer protection.

Together, Jim and Brandi discuss the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) approach to collecting and analyzing consumer complaint data and the compliance challenges facing financial institutions. Brandi shares her expertise on aligning institutional practices with regulatory expectations, particularly in fintech and banking sectors.

Key Takeaways:

• The role of Dodd-Frank Section 1034(c) in driving consumer complaint accountability.
• How the CFPB’s data collection influences compliance strategies.
• Tips for financial institutions to respond effectively to consumer complaints.
• Insights from Brandi Reynolds on compliance challenges in fintech and banking.

About the Hosts:
Jim McCarthy is the chairman of McCarthy Hatch and host of Financial Forward, leveraging his extensive experience in consumer finance and regulatory compliance.

Brandi Reynolds is the Chief Growth Officer at Bates Group, with over 19 years of expertise in anti-money laundering and consumer protection compliance, particularly in fintech and cryptocurrency sectors.

About Bates Group:
Bates Group offers compliance, regulatory, and litigation consulting for financial services firms. Their expert team helps organizations navigate complex regulations and achieve sustainable compliance.

Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more about Dodd-Frank Section 1034(c) here.
• Discover Bates Group: Bates Group.

Connect With Us:
Subscribe to Financial Forward for more discussions on consumer finance and compliance. Share your thoughts on social media and stay informed about the latest trends.

Disclaimer:
This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult your legal counsel for specific guidance.

More from Jim: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mccarthyhatch/
https://www.mccarthy-hatch.com/