Fintech Combine

What if AI could create a digital twin of you that understands your knowledge, judgment, and relationships? Kris Kovacs sits down with Lewis Z. Liu, Co-Founder and CEO of Twin1 AI, to explore how AI-powered digital twins are helping credit unions preserve institutional knowledge, improve productivity, and make employees' expertise available even when they're away.

They discuss AI privacy and governance, the future of human-centered automation, preserving knowledge after retirement, and how CURQL's investment is helping Twin1AI bring this technology to more credit unions.

Kris Kovacs sits down with Jody Bhagat, North American President of Engine by Starling, to discuss the next generation of banking technology. They explore the evolving digital banking landscape and the role modern technology could play in transforming financial institutions.

Kris Kovacs sits down with Nick Beique, founder and CEO of Helcim, to discuss why merchant services could be a major growth opportunity for credit unions. Nick shares how Helcim is bringing greater transparency to payment processing, helping credit unions better serve small business members, and using technology and AI to rethink how a modern payments company operates.

Kris Kovacs introduces the 12 fintech finalists selected to take the main stage at VentureTech 2026, November 16–18 in Fort Worth, Texas. From AI-powered banking solutions and cybersecurity to smarter lending, payments, and member engagement, these innovators share how their technologies are helping credit unions solve real challenges and prepare for the future.

Get an exclusive preview of the companies, their solutions, and what attendees can expect to see on stage at VentureTech 2026.

Kris Kovacs sits down with Pat Kinsel, founder and CEO of Proof, to explore what identity and trust look like in the age of AI. From deepfakes and AI agents to fraud prevention and persistent digital identity, Pat explains why credit unions could play a critical role in proving who members are and what they’ve actually authorized—and why financial institutions may have less time to prepare than they think.

Kris Kovacs introduces the first episode of TFC Training Sessions with a powerful look at Banking Beyond Bars, a program helping formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their financial lives. Scott shares how Connection Credit Union developed the program, why financial education and personal relationships are at its core, and how a small credit union has helped more than 130 participants while creating remarkable member loyalty and virtually no losses.

Kris Kovacs sits down with Brian Bodell, CEO of Movemint, to explore how credit unions can turn member data into meaningful growth. They discuss personalized product offers, transforming digital banking, branches, and contact centers into revenue-generating channels, and why credit unions need to move faster as competition from fintechs and neobanks intensifies. Brian also shares his perspective on AI, data strategy, fintech innovation, and what credit unions need to do now to remain competitive.

Kris Kovacs sits down with Alison Alvarez, CEO and Co-Founder of blastpoint, and Tomer Borenstein, CTO and Co-Founder, to explore how AI and member intelligence are helping credit unions compete with larger financial institutions. They discuss personalized member engagement, data-driven growth strategies, AI adoption, marketing automation, and how CURQL has helped accelerate blastpoint's mission to empower credit unions with actionable insights.

Kris Kovacs sits down with Christie Horvath, founder and CEO of WAGMO, to discuss how a personal pet emergency inspired her to rethink traditional pet insurance. Christie shares how WAGMO focuses on everyday wellness and preventative care, why the company shifted from direct-to-consumer to employer benefits, and how its partnership with CURQL could open new opportunities to bring pet benefits to credit union members and employees.

Kris Kovacs welcomes Frank Mazza, Director of Blockchain for Credit Unions and CUSOs at Metallicus, for an in-depth discussion on how blockchain, digital wallets, and stablecoins are reshaping financial services. They explore why credit unions are preparing for digital assets, how stablecoins can improve payments, reduce costs, enhance member experiences, and why education is still the biggest hurdle before widespread adoption. Whether you're curious about blockchain, digital wallets, or the future of payments, this conversation offers practical insights into what's coming next for community financial institutions.