Web3, crypto, stablecoins, digtial assets and tokenized real world assets are reshaping finance. Blockchain expert Annelise Osborne joins Tedd Huff to reveal what’s actually working in real-world blockchain adoption. With years in traditional finance and deep knowledge of smart contract architecture, She shares what’s actually working for institutions right now.

The conversation focuses on the real adoption curve inside banking and finance. Stablecoins are quietly replacing old settlement systems. Institutions are using blockchain not for headlines, but for cost control and speed. Tokenization is making high-yield assets accessible to more investors. Identity and security are reshaping compliance needs. Tedd brings sharp questions backed by operational experience, while outlining what’s possible, what’s happening, and what’s next.

1️⃣ Stop Ignoring Payment Speed Gaps

2️⃣ Fix Identity Before Scaling Blockchain

3️⃣ Use Tokenization to Cut Minimums

4️⃣ Adopt Blockchain Quietly in Ops

5️⃣ Track Real Hiring, Not Headlines

Kadena

Website: https://www.kadena.io/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kadena-llc

Twitter/X: https://x.com/kadena_io

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KadenaBlockchain/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kadena.io.kda/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/kadenablockchain

Telegram: https://t.me/kadena_io

Annelise Osborne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annelise-osborne-7611176/

Twitter/X: https://x.com/anneliseosborne

Book: From Hoodies to Suits: Innovating Digital Assets for Traditional Finance https://amzn.to/43pZwcb

Fintech Confidential

Newsletter: https://fintechconfidential.com/access

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidential

X: https://x.com/FTconfidential

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidential

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidential

Supporters

Bitcoin 2025 - Bringing together Bitcoiners in Las Vegas to explore Bitcoin’s role in capital markets, featuring speakers like Michael Saylor, Caitlin Long, and Elizabeth Stark - https://fintechconfidential.com/btc25

DFNS - Offering Wallets as a Service with military-grade security and enterprise-grade scalability - https://fintechconfidential.com/dfns

Skyflow - Helping FinTechs build secure experiences without managing customer data directly - https://skyflowsecure.com

Hawk AI - Providing real-time fraud prevention and AML compliance for FinTechs - https://getHawkai.com

Guest: Annelise Osborne is Chief Business Officer at Kadena, with 20+ years in finance, real estate, and digital assets. She’s held leadership roles at Moody’s, Propellr, and Arca Labs, where she advanced blockchain adoption in institutional markets. Annelise is also the author of From Hoodies to Suits, focused on merging blockchain with traditional finance.

Kadena is a Layer-1 Proof-of-Work blockchain built for business, offering high-speed, low-cost transactions with secure smart contracts. Its Chainweb architecture and Pact language power use cases in DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and enterprise, making it a strong choice for institutional blockchain adoption.

HOST

Tedd Huff: Tedd Huff is the Founder of Voalyre, and Diamond D3, professional services consulting firms focused on global payments and marketing. He is also a video podcast host and executive producer on the Fintech Confidential network.

Over the past 24 years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for Global Payments OpenEdge, Heartland Payments, Nuvei, and TSYS, among others, focusing on growth while delivering innovation, process improvements and user experience-driven value to simplify the complexity of payments.

DD3, Media:

DD3 Media is a media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globally

Chapters

00:00 Episode Highlights

01:59 Bitcoin 2025 Event Announcement (sponsor)

02:52 Welcome to web3 with FTC

04:05 Welcome Annise Osborne

06:02 Current State of Blockchain and Digital Assets

15:37 Stable Coins as a Gateway to Digital Assets

17:41 Cross-Border Payments and Stable Coins

19:07 Dfns Secure Wallets Built right (Sponsor)

23:16 Institutional Adoption of Blockchain Technology

24:23 Programmability of Blockchain Tools

27:29 Real World Asset Tokenization

29:31 Retail Investment in Private Equity Funds

31:03 Real Estate Tokenization

32:39 Traditional Players Enter BlockChain

34:51 Man vs. Machine

36:38 Global Trust Growing for  Custodians and Blockchain

39:53 Community Banks and Blockchain

41:35 Digital Identity and Blockchain

43:38 Skyflow Secure Data Now (Sponsor)

45:55 Privacy in Blockchain

46:50 Fraud and Trust in Blockchain

48:27 DeFi and TradFi Collaboration

49:32 Hoodies to Suits: Bridging the Gap

51:55 Blockchain Job Market Growth

55:09 Blockchain in Retail and Supply Chain

57:09 Future Predictions for web3

58:49 Advice for Blockchain Enthusiasts

01:01:37 Final Thoughts

01:02:56 Hawk AI Tools for Fraud Prevention (sponsor) and Disclosures

In this episode of Fintech Confidential, host Tedd Huff is joined by CI (Confidential Informant), Robert Musiala, co-leader of the Web3 and Digital Assets team at BakerHostetler, to discuss the significant developments in the crypto and fintech space during April 2025. Robert shares his expertise on blockchain law and compliance, providing insights into the evolving regulatory landscape and its impact on the industry.

The conversation covers the mainstream adoption of stablecoins, the implications of the Payment Stablecoin Act, and the integration of crypto with traditional financial systems. They also delve into the expansion of programmable money, the shifting regulatory environment, and the growing security threats in the crypto space.

1️⃣ Stablecoins are becoming a viable solution for faster and more transparent payments.

2️⃣ The Payment Stablecoin Act is prompting companies to adjust their strategies in anticipation of new regulations.

3️⃣ Kraken’s expansion demonstrates the blending of crypto and traditional finance.

4️⃣ Programmable money is enabling automation in financial processes.

5️⃣ Security remains a top concern, with sophisticated attacks targeting the crypto infrastructure.

Links:

Guest:

Robert A. Musiala Jr. BakerHostetler Profile: https://www.bakerlaw.com/professionals/robert-a-musiala-jr/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-a-musiala-jr-esq-cfcs-b6534bb/

Company:

BakerHostetler: https://www.bakerlaw.com/

The Blockchain Monitor: https://www.theblockchainmonitor.com/

Fintech Confidential:

Podcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listen

Notifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/access

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidential

X: https://x.com/FTconfidential

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidential

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidential

Supporters:

Bitcoin 2025 - Bringing together digital asset leaders in Las Vegas to explore Bitcoin’s role in capital markets, featuring speakers like Michael Saylor, Caitlin Long, and Elizabeth Stark - https://fintechconfidential.com/btc25

DFNS - Offering Wallets as a Service with military-grade security and enterprise-grade scalability - https://fintechconfidential.com/dfns

Skyflow - Helping FinTechs build secure experiences without managing customer data directly - https://skyflowsecure.com

Hawk AI - Providing real-time fraud prevention and AML compliance for FinTechs - https://getHawkai.com

About:

Guest: Robert Musiala has been working in the blockchain and digital assets market since 2012 and has led multiple digital asset investigations, including as the court-appointed receiver over cryptocurrency investment funds used in a major fraud. He advises on various regulatory compliance issues involving digital assets and has drafted/negotiated agreements for a wide range of transactions in the fintech, digital assets, Web3, and NFT markets. He is the inventor of two blockchain patents and co-leader of the Web3 and Digital Assets team at BakerHostetler.

Host: Tedd Huff is the Founder of Voalyre and Diamond D3, professional services consulting firms focused on global payments and marketing. He is also a video podcast host and executive producer on the Fintech Confidential network. Over the past 24 years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for global companies, focusing on growth while delivering innovation, process improvements, and user experience-driven value to simplify the complexity of payments.

Fintech Confidential: A media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globally.

00:00 Highlights

01:13 Bitcoin 2025 (Sponsor)

02:06 Welcome to Web3 with FTC

02:32 Introducing Robert Musiala

03:22 April 2025 Recap and Strategic Signals

04:16 Competitive Advantage of FinTech Integration

04:58 Integration of Blockchain and Web3

06:12 Kraken’s Expansion in Europe

06:49 Crypto’s Integration with Traditional Finance

07:27 Crypto as a Payment Method

08:43 Stablecoins in Merchant Payments

10:14 Pending Legislation: Payment Stablecoin Act

13:05 Benefits of Stablecoins in Payments

16:15 Wallets as a Service by DFNS (Sponsor)

17:53 Programmable Money and Innovation

19:48 Bitcoin’s Role in Capital Markets

20:52 Kraken’s Traditional Market Offerings

21:09 Approval of Global ETFs and Staking

22:50 Digital Asset Regulatory Environment in the US

26:10 Federal Regulators’ Alignment on Crypto

28:24 States and Digital Assets

30:27 Wyoming’s Digital Asset Initiatives

32:01 State-Based Strategic Bitcoin Reserves

35:23 Legal and Regulatory Enforcement

37:58 Skyflow Secure Data Now (Sponsor)

40:34 Crypto Theft and Security Threats

42:16 Sophisticated Hacks and Scams

46:18 April 2025: Key Developments

47:20 Future Trends in Stablecoins

47:56 Regulatory Environment Evolution

48:38 SEC Roundtables and Public Input

49:20 Conclusion and Future Announcements

50:04 Hawk AI Fraud Prevention (Sponsor)

50:47 Disclaimer

In this episode of FinTech Confidential Uncut, host Tedd Huff talks with Jeff Scheidel, VP of Operations at AuthID, about the rise of AI-driven fraud targeting financial institutions. They explore how deepfakes, voice cloning, and large language models are enabling scammers to impersonate executives, create synthetic identities, and build fake websites and phishing emails with alarming accuracy. Real cases include a $25 million loss from a deepfake video call and voice cloning scams using only seconds of audio.

The episode highlights the limitations of current security tools, such as facial recognition failing due to minor appearance changes, and the inefficiency of manual fraud reviews. Jeff explains how biometric systems using passive liveness detection and cryptographic keys offer stronger protection without storing facial data. The discussion makes clear that financial organizations must quickly adopt smarter authentication methods and better user education to stay ahead of rapidly advancing threats.

Takeaways

1️⃣ Stop Falling for Fake Customer Support

2️⃣ Watch How One Photo Fakes a Live Identity

3️⃣ Use Biometrics to Expose Deepfake Lies

4️⃣ Catch Scammers Building Fake Credit Profiles

5️⃣ Block Voice Scams Made in Under 5 Seconds

Jeff Scheidel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffscheidel/

authID

Website: https://www.authid.ai

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/authid

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authIDai

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authidai/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authid.ai/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@authID-we-are-digital-identity

Fintech Confidential

Podcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listen

Newsletter: https://fintechconfidential.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidential

X: https://x.com/FTconfidential

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidential

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidential

Skyflow – A zero trust data privacy vault API for secure data collection and compliance: www.skyflowsecure.com

Solvpath – AI-powered platform that reduces support tickets and guides users in real time: www.solvpath.com

Clearingworks – Unified accounts receivable platform for streamlined financial workflows: www.clearingworks.com

Hawk AI – Real-time fraud detection and compliance tools with AI-driven monitoring: www.get.hawkai.com

Guest

Jeff Scheidel is the Chief Operating Officer at authID, with over 40 years of experience in software, specializing in identity and access management. He has held leadership roles at Oracle and Socure, where he contributed to revenue growth and organizational restructuring.

authID (Nasdaq: AUID) delivers fast, accurate biometric identity verification that helps enterprises know who’s behind every login and transaction. With industry-leading authentication speeds and privacy-first design, authID stops fraud from onboarding through account recovery.

Host:

Tedd Huff is the Founder of Voalyre, and Diamond D3, professional services consulting firms focused on global payments and marketing. He is also a video podcast host and executive producer on the Fintech Confidential network.

Over the past 24 years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for Global Payments OpenEdge, Heartland Payments, Nuvei, and TSYS, among others, focusing on growth while delivering innovation, process improvements and user experience-driven value to simplify the complexity of payments.

Diamond D3, Media is a media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globally.

Tedd Huff & John Gordon, CEO of ValidiFI, explore key shifts in Fintech and focus on Account Validation Technology. The focus is on account validation, fraud detection, and customer risk. With over 25 years in financial services, Gordon shares insights from his work at TransUnion and ValidiFI. 

He explains how behavioral signals like multiple emails, landlines, or shared accounts—can trigger higher risk. Gordon also breaks down why ACH transactions remain dominant, and how high-risk accounts show 11.5x more return failures. The episode covers challenges with virtual bank accounts, especially from neo banks, and how lenders can better identify stable users.

John highlights how linking emails, phone types, and account behavior to reduce fraud and improve onboarding. He shares how AI and alternative data fill gaps left by outdated credit models, especially for BNPL users or consumers without full credit files.

He predicts a rise in consumer control over financial data and warns that limited access may hurt repayment assessments. For fintech founders, his advice is clear: look at the full data picture account history, contact info, and usage to make better, faster decisions.

🔹 Email Addresses Could Be Warning Signs

🔹 Landlines Are Worse Than You Think

🔹 Your Phone Type Says More

🔹 Fake-Looking Behavior That’s Actually Fraud

🔹 One Account, Too Many Users

🔹 Why Some Banks Get You Declined

🔹 ACH Still Beating Flashy Options

🔹 Manual Processes Are Still Everywhere

🔹 Stopping Fraud Without Losing Good Users

🔹 The Risk Hiding in Screen Scraping

1️⃣ This One Banking Habit Is Costing You

2️⃣ What ACH Return Rates Are Hiding

3️⃣ Why Neo Bank Users Are Getting Watched

4️⃣ Most Used Accounts Still Miss the Full Picture

5️⃣ The $100 Pizza You Didn’t Know About

John Gordon

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

ValidiFI

Website: https://validifi.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/validifi/

X: https://x.com/validi_fi

Fintech Confidential

Podcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listen

Notifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/access

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidential

X: https://x.com/FTconfidential

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidential

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidential

SkyFlow

Build fast without breaking privacy. Secure data, stay compliant with PCI, CCPA, GDPR, SOC2, and more. Visit https://skyflowsecure.com

Solvpath

AI-powered customer support with self-serve tools for fast issue resolution. Try it at https://www.getsolvpath.com

ClearingWorks

Simplify AR with a single login. Manage all receivables in one platform. Schedule your demo at https://clearingworks.com

HAWK

Cut false positives with real-time AI monitoring. Smarter, faster compliance. Learn more at https://gethawkai.com

John Gordon - John Gordon is CEO of ValidiFI with 25+ years in financial tech. He helps companies reduce fraud, assess risk, and validate accounts using real-time data strategies.

ValidiFI - ValidiFI provides account and payment intelligence to help businesses verify bank accounts, reduce fraud, and improve approvals using real-time, bank-sourced data.

Tedd Huff: Tedd Huff is the Founder of Voalyre.com, a professional services advisory firm focused on global payments and DD3 Media.

Over the past 26 years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for Global Payments OpenEdge, Heartland Payments, Nuvei, and TSYS, among others, focusing on growth while delivering innovation, process improvements and user experience-driven value to simplify the complexity of payments.

Diamond D3, Media: A media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globally

In this episode of Fintech Confidential: Leaders One on One, host Tedd Huff speaks with Pascale Elie, Co-FOunder & Chairperson of Cellpay and co-founder of HaitiPay, about her work in improving financial services in LatinAmerica and the Caribbean. Pascale shares how the 2010 earthquake highlighted the need for accessible financial tools, leading to the launch of HaitiPay, Haiti’s first privately regulated fintech company. She discusses the importance of building partnerships, fostering trust, and addressing regulatory gaps to provide effective solutions.

Expanding her efforts, Pascale established Cellpay to connect diaspora funds with local economies, supporting small business investments and community development. She explains how understanding local dynamics and forming strong partnerships are essential for delivering meaningful financial services.

The conversation also covers challenges in working with traditional banks and the process of collaborating with Haiti’s central bank to create regulations that allowed fintech companies to operate independently. Pascale emphasizes practical tools like digital systems for community savings clubs, which offer secure and transparent ways for members to manage their funds.

Pascale shares advice for fintech entrepreneurs, urging them to focus on clear goals, collaborate with the right people, and adapt to unregulated markets by advocating for necessary changes. She also highlights the potential of artificial intelligence to increase efficiency and expand access to financial services, stressing that ethical use of such tools is critical.

Join Tedd Huff and Pascale Elie at the FinTech Islands Conference in Barbados from January 22-24, 2025, where they will share additional insights on improving financial services in underserved regions.

 📌  How a Letter Changed Fintech in Haiti Forever

📌  Why Trust Matters More Than Tech in Financial Services

📌  The Bold Move That Made HaitiPay Stand Out

📌  The Surprising Role of the Diaspora in Local Economies

📌  The Biggest Barrier to Financial Growth Nobody Talks About

📌  What Cellpay Teaches Us About Serving Local Markets

📌  The One Question Every Fintech Founder Must Answer

📌  How Local Partnerships Became the Secret to Success

📌  How Artificial Intelligence Could Change Financial Access

📌  What Fintech Can Learn From HaitiPay’s Early Struggles

1️⃣ Build Trust by Prioritizing Transparency

2️⃣ Offer Instant Payment Confirmations

3️⃣ Promote Financial Literacy Programs

4️⃣ Create a Team Aligned with Your Vision

5️⃣ Digitize Savings Systems for Security and Growth

Pascale Ellie

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascaleelie/

X: https://x.com/PascaleElie

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pascale.elie.rene

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pascaleelie/

CellPay

Website: https://cellpay.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cellpaydotcom/

X: https://x.com/cellpaydotcom

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CellPaydotcom

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cellpaydotcom/

Fintech Confidential

YouTube: https://fintechconfidential.com/watch

Podcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listen

Notifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/access

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidential

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FTconfidential

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidential

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidential

Supporters

Fintech Islands - FiX25: Use code SPKFIX25 to Save 15% and Discover the Future of Finance at FinTech Islands! From January 22–24, 2025, at the iconic Sam Lourdes Castle in Barbados, this transformative 3-day conference gathers global leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs driving change in financial services. Immerse yourself in visionary talks, hands-on workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities to shape the future of financial access and opportunity. Don’t miss this must-attend event—register now at https://fitnechconfidential.com/fix25

HAWK: Enhance compliance with real-time monitoring and advanced AI. https://gethawkai.com for better compliance

[insert timestamps from transcript]

Pascale Elie is a Haiti-native entrepreneur and co-founder of HaitiPay, Haiti’s first privately regulated fintech company. Initially launched as a mobile wallet operator, HaitiPay has grown to offer a broad range of payment solutions, including account transfers, cross-institution services, and international remittance deposits.

Pascale also co-founded and leads CellPay Corporation, a U.S.-based fintech focused on linking global remittances to local merchant networks in Latin America and the Caribbean. Using a community-driven approach, CellPay channels diaspora funds to boost local economies through earmarked transfers.

CellPay Corporation is a U.S.-based fintech company that provides payment solutions aimed at linking global remittances to local merchant networks across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) markets. The company’s unique approach focuses on connecting diaspora funds to local economies, fostering growth through productive use of transferred money. CellPay’s mission is to boost local economies while ensuring fast, cost-efficient money transfers.

Tedd Huff: Tedd Huff is the Founder of Voalyre, and the President & Founder of Diamond D3, a professional services consulting firm focused on global payments and marketing. He is also a video podcast host and producer of Fintech Confidential.

Over the past 24 years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for Global Payments OpenEdge, Heartland Payments, Nuvei, and TSYS, among others, focusing on growth while delivering innovation, process improvements and user experience-driven value to simplify the complexity of payments.

Diamond D3, Media: A media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globally

In this episode of Accrued, Tedd Huff and Colton Pond talk with Georgina Merhom, founder of Solo, about rethinking financial services by addressing the flaws in traditional credit scoring systems like Experian, Transunion and FICO. Georgina explains how Solo creates a personalized, verified financial profile for each consumer, enabling lenders to make better decisions without relying on outdated metrics or subjective trust. The discussion covers the limitations of current credit scores, the benefits of replacing them with tailored evaluations, and the importance of consumer-controlled data. Georgina also shares practical advice for entrepreneurs, emphasizing the value of flexibility and learning from market signals to achieve long-term success.

• Why Credit Bureau Scores Are Outdated for Today’s Economy
• The True Cost of Collecting Financial Data
• Breaking the Bias in Banking Trust
• How Solo Turns Financial Data Into Real-Time Insights
• What Makes “One Score Fits All” a Problem?
• The Future of Financial Decisions Without Bias
• How Solo Simplifies Credit Evaluations
• Taking “No” as a Signal, Not a Setback
• What Consumers Gain With Verified Financial Data
• Why Banks Need Flexibility in Credit Scoring

1️⃣ Stop Depending on Outdated Credit Scores

2️⃣ Slash Costs With Smarter Verification Methods

3️⃣ Take Charge of Financial Information

4️⃣ Use “No” to Strengthen Your Strategy

5️⃣ Create Fairer Financial Systems With Verified Data

Website: https://solo.one/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/soloapi/

X: https://x.com/soloapi

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJ4pCxocO64 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georginamerhom/

Notifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/access

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidential

X: https://x.com/FTconfidential

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidential

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidential

LoanPro: Enhance lending operations with LoanPro's modern core. Learn more at https://loanpro.io/demo

Skyflow, privacy platform trusted by leading financial institutions, to protect customers’ data. www.skyflowsecure.com

HAWK: Enhance compliance with real-time monitoring and advanced AI. https://gethawkai.com for better compliance

Georgina Merhom: Before founding Solo, Georgina began her career as a researcher and compliance director at the G7 & G20 Information Centre. She later trained as a data scientist and investigative analyst, focusing on developing algorithms to detect illicit activity on the dark web. In 2020, she launched Zivmi, Egypt's first cross-border payments app, in collaboration with the National Bank of Egypt, offering invoice factoring services to unbanked digital freelancers. In 2022, she divested the entire venture to the National Bank.

Solo: The credit bureau of tomorrow — verified and standardized first-party customer data collection, enabling banks and lenders to identify previously invisible opportunities.

Tedd Huff: Tedd Huff is the CEO & Founder of Voalyre and the President & Founder of Diamond D3, a consultancy renowned for its expertise in global payments and marketing. With over two decades of experience in FinTech, Huff has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry through his contributions to various startups and established companies, focusing on growth, innovation, process improvements, and enhancing user experience in the complexity of payments. 

Colton Pond: Colton Pond is a seasoned marketing executive with a strong fintech and financial services background. In his latest role, Colton is the CMO for LoanPro's API-first lending platform, aiming to meet the increasing market demands. His track record includes a significant tenure at Truv, where he led the marketing team to achieve a 300% growth in year-over-year revenue. Colton has also held key marketing and sales positions at MX, Lucid, and HealthEquity, demonstrating his ability to drive success and innovation within the fintech sector.

DD3 Media: DD3, Media: A media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globally

In this episode of Accrued a Fintech Confidential series presented by LoanPro, Tedd Huff and Colton Pond talk with Ben Boyer of World Acceptance about evolving financial strategies. They discuss how businesses can build lasting customer relationships by focusing on customer needs, expanding product offerings, and leveraging alternative data. Ben highlights the importance of realistic credit-building products, empathetic customer service, and accessible financial tools. The conversation emphasizes trust, transparency, and tailoring services to meet client needs while adapting to economic changes. A must-listen for businesses aiming to stay competitive and customer-focused in the financial sector.

• The Key to Retaining Customers You Might Be Overlooking
• Why One-Size-Fits-All Credit Scores Could Be Holding You Back
• The Secret to Offering Financial Products Customers Actually Want
• How Expanding Your Offerings Can Keep Customers Coming Back
• What Makes a Great First Financial Product
• Why Data-Driven Decisions Beat Gut Instinct Every Time
• Breaking Down Barriers to Financial Success
• How to Balance Profitability and Customer Care
• What Most Financial Companies Get Wrong About Credit Building
• Why Lifelong Customers Start with Exceptional Service

1️⃣ Set Clear Expectations to Earn Trust

2️⃣ Simplify Financial Tools for Better Engagement

3️⃣ Prioritize Trust Over Immediate Profits

4️⃣ Stay Ahead by Analyzing Market Trends

5️⃣ Be Proactive in Reaching Customers

World Finance: https://www.loansbyworld.com/about

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/worldfinance/

Ben Boyer Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-boyer-535a272/

Fintech Confidential

Podcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listen

Notifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/access

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidential

X: https://x.com/FTconfidential

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidential

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidential

Supporters LoanPro: Enhance lending operations with LoanPro's modern core. Learn more at https://loanpro.io/demo

Skyflow, privacy platform trusted by leading financial institutions, to protect customers’ data. www.skyflowsecure.com

HAWK: Enhance compliance with real-time monitoring and advanced AI. https://gethawkai.com  for better compliance

Ben Boyer: Ben Boyer is a finance executive in Product Development at World Finance, previously serving as COO at Simpliphy and VP of FP&A at Newrez. He has extensive experience in portfolio management and a proven track record of enhancing client implementations and financial forecasting. Ben’s expertise reflects a commitment to creating flexible, customer-centric financial products and improving the overall customer experience.

World Finance: With over 60 years of experience and branches across 16 states, World Finance offers the stability of a large financial company and the trust of a neighborhood lender. Through personal loans, tax services, and unbeatable customer service, they help customers unlock their financial good. World Finance stands out from competitors by offering inclusive, transparent, and flexible lending solutions, with a strong focus on credit building, customer support, and comprehensive financial services, including tax preparation.

Hosts:

Tedd Huff is the Co-Founder of Voalyre and the President & Founder of Diamond D3, a consultancy renowned for its expertise in global payments and marketing. With over two decades of experience in FinTech, Huff has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry through his contributions to various startups and established companies, focusing on growth, innovation, process improvements, and enhancing user experience in the complexity of payments.

Colton Pond: Colton Pond is a seasoned marketing executive with a strong fintech and financial services background. In his latest role, Colton is the CMO for LoanPro's API-first lending platform, aiming to meet the increasing market demands. His track record includes a significant tenure at Truv, where he led the marketing team to achieve a 300% growth in year-over-year revenue. Colton has also held key marketing and sales positions at MX, Lucid, and HealthEquity, demonstrating his ability to drive success and innovation within the fintech sector.

Diamond D3, Media: A media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globally

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In this episode of Accrued by FinTech Confidential presented by LoanPro, hosts Tedd Huff and Colton Pond discuss these issues with Jeff Adamson, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of the company. Jeff shares how his team built an in-house technology stack to overcome these limitations, allowing them to offer personalized credit rates and a cashback system tailored to spending habits. AI tools further enhance the platform by simplifying financial management and providing actionable insights. Despite navigating complex regulatory requirements like the Retail Payments Activity Act, the company maintains a focus on creating transparent, user-friendly products. By integrating credit, savings, investments, and more into a cohesive system, the organization delivers added value while setting a high standard for customer-focused financial services. The conversation offers practical takeaways for FinTech professionals and entrepreneurs seeking to thrive in a challenging market.

Takeaways

1️⃣ Stop Waiting for Support—Build It Yourself

2️⃣ Make Fair Lending Your Priority

3️⃣ Turn Regulations into Opportunities

4️⃣ Create Value Beyond Basic Rewards

5️⃣ Focus on Clear and Simple Communication

Fintech Confidential

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Supporters

LoanPro: Enhance lending operations with LoanPro's modern core. Learn more at https://loanpro.io/demo

CheckAlt ClearingWorks: Your one-stop solution for AR needs. Learn more at https://clearingworks.com

Under.io: Revolutionize merchant applications with digital transformation. Discover more at https://under.io/ftc

Skyflow, privacy platform trusted by leading financial institutions, to protect customers’ data. www.skyflowsecure.com

HAWK: Enhance compliance with real-time monitoring and advanced AI. https://gethawkai.com for better compliance

[Guest Name]: [Guest Bio]

[Company Name] : [Company info]

Tedd Huff: Tedd Huff is the Co-Founder of Voalyre, and the President & Founder of Diamond D3, a professional services consulting firm focused on global payments and marketing. He is also a video podcast host and producer of Fintech Confidential.

Over the past 24 years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for Global Payments OpenEdge, Heartland Payments, Nuvei, and TSYS, among others, focusing on growth while delivering innovation, process improvements and user experience-driven value to simplify the complexity of payments.

Diamond D3, Media: A media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globally

In this episode of Accrued, hosts Tedd Huff and Colton Pond engage with Ensemblex leaders Shawn Budde and Chloe Zhu to explore challenges and opportunities in lending and financial technology. The discussion highlights common pitfalls for fintech startups, such as prioritizing customer acquisition while neglecting critical processes like servicing and collections, which are essential for long-term success. The importance of clean, organized data for informed decision-making is emphasized, along with strategies to enhance operational efficiency through structured approaches. They also address the role of AI, stressing the need for human oversight to prevent errors and biases while using it as a tool to improve automation and decision-making. Practical advice is provided on meeting evolving regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance is integrated into business operations. Finally, the episode examines advanced financial practices in countries like India and Brazil, offering lessons on improving accessibility and efficiency in U.S. markets. This conversation delivers actionable insights for professionals seeking to refine their strategies in fintech and lending.

1️⃣ Avoid the Biggest Lending Mistake Startups Make

2️⃣ AI Won’t Fix Everything

3️⃣ Start Compliance Early to Save Time and Money

4️⃣ What’s Your Customer’s Long-Term Value

5️⃣ Look Globally to Stay Ahead

EnsembleX: https://www.ensemblex.com/

EnsembleX LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ensemblex/

Shawn Budde LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-budde-584aa4/

Chloe Zhu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-zhu-cfa/

 Fintech Confidential

Notifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/access

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidential

X: https://x.com/FTconfidential

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidential

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidential

LoanPro: As default rates continue to rise and margins compress in lending, financial organizations are searching for solutions that combine operational efficiency with innovation. Look no further, as LoanPro allows lenders to enhance their origination, servicing, collections, and payments using the foundation of a modern lending core. Check out loanpro.io/demo to learn how 600+ financial organizations have modernized their tech stack with LoanPro.

Skyflow, the leading data privacy platform trusted by top financial institutions. Protect your customers' data with Skyflow's innovative solutions. Get started at www.skyflowsecure.com

HAWK:AI - A game-changing approach to compliance. With real-time monitoring, adaptive learning, and advanced AI, it cuts false positives, simplifying your compliance efforts. Upgrade your surveillance with ease. Visit https://gethawkai.com for more intelligent, more effective compliance.

Shawn Budde: Shawn Budde is a Principal at Ensemblex and has over 30 years of experience in consumer finance. His career includes leadership roles at Capital One, where he managed various divisions, including subprime credit cards and customer marketing. Shawn co-founded Zest AI, applying machine learning to lending decisions, and has consulted with numerous lenders to optimize their credit operations. He holds a B.A. from Columbia University and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Chloe Zhu: Chloe Zhu is the Director of the Venture Studio at Ensemblex and brings a diverse background in investment banking, impact investing, and fintech. She has held roles at J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs and led new product initiatives at Mission Lane. Chloe also co-founded projects at Gestalt and Stealth. Her expertise includes building scalable credit products and managing investment portfolios, focusing on improving financial inclusion and operational efficiency in fintech.

Ensemblex: Ensemblex partners with companies worldwide to help start, scale, and improve credit products. Their clients range from fintech startups to global financial institutions. With deep expertise across every credit product, customer segment, and stage of the credit lifecycle, Ensemblex focuses on tailored business solutions, operational efficiency, and advanced analytics to meet their clients’ needs.

Tedd Huff is the Co-Founder of Voalyre and the President & Founder of Diamond D3, a consultancy renowned for its expertise in global payments and marketing. With over two decades of experience in FinTech, Huff has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry through his contributions to various startups and established companies, focusing on growth, innovation, process improvements, and enhancing user experience in the complexity of payments.

Colton Pond: Colton Pond is a seasoned marketing executive with a strong fintech and financial services background. In his latest role, Colton is the CMO for LoanPro's API-first lending platform, aiming to meet the increasing market demands. His track record includes a significant tenure at Truv, where he led the marketing team to achieve a 300% growth in year-over-year revenue. Colton has also held key marketing and sales positions at MX, Lucid, and HealthEquity, demonstrating his ability to drive success and innovation within the fintech sector.

Diamond D3, Media: A media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globally

Chapters:

03:27 Introducing Ensemblex Guests

06:13 Challenges in Scaling Credit Products

08:17 Common Mistakes in Lending and Credit

11:47 Importance of Servicing and Collections

15:13 Data and Analytics in Financial Services

18:08 AI in Financial Services

23:45 Regulation and AI in Lending

24:18 Challenges with Machine Learning Models

27:46 Regulatory Interactions and Compliance

29:06 Community Banks and AI Adoption

31:20 Future Opportunities in FinTech

35:53 Global Innovations and Predictions

40:49 Conclusion and Final Thought

In this episode of Fintech Confidential, recorded live at the 2024 Money 20/20 event in Las Vegas, Tedd Huff and Stephany Kirkpatrick, founder and CEO of Orum, dive into the world of money movement technology. The discussion flows naturally, covering the many ways Orum is simplifying payments and enhancing access to funds. Kirkpatrick brings a unique perspective, sharing how her background as the daughter of an immigrant and a former financial planner shaped her understanding of money access and inspired her to start Orum.

🚀 Making Instant Payouts Possible for Businesses

🍩 Time to Make the Donuts

💸 Why Wait for Money Movement?

💲 Real-Time Payments Without High Costs

🔒 Making Compliance Easy

💼 The Power of Clear Pricing

📊 CFPB’s 1033 Rule and Data Access

🌐 Stablecoins in International Payments

🏗 Building a Strong Product First

🤝 Trusted Partnerships for Reliable Payments

1️⃣ Apply Financial Planning Insights to Your Startup Vision

2️⃣ Keep Remote Teams Engaged with Simple Tools

3️⃣ Streamline Payment Solutions with Easy APIs

4️⃣ Enhance Security in Transactions with Verification Tools

5️⃣ Choose Strong Partnerships to Boost Your Business’s Credibility

Stephany Kirkpatrick

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephany-kirkpatrick/

Orum:

Website: https://orum.io/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/helloorum

X: https://twitter.com/hello_orum

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helloorum/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orum.io/

Fintech Confidential

YouTube: https://fintechconfidential.com/watch

Podcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listen

Notifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/access

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidential

X: https://X.com/FTconfidential

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidential

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidential

Supporters

Under: Transform Your Merchant Applications with Under. The Under platform revolutionizes the way ISOs handle merchant applications, offering a seamless transition to digital forms. Say goodbye to outdated processes and hello to efficiency. Discover the future of financial applications at https://under.io/ftc

CheckAlt: a game-changer in the financial world: ClearingWorks. Simplify your financial management with a one-stop solution for all your AR needs and with a single login. Intrigued? Visit https://clearingworks.com to schedule your demo today

HAWK:AI - A game-changing approach to compliance. With real-time monitoring, adaptive learning, and advanced AI, it cuts false positives, simplifying your compliance efforts. Upgrade your surveillance with ease. Visit https://gethawkai.com for more intelligent, more effective compliance.

Solvpath, an A.I.-driven customer support system that uses a visual format and self-serve technology to quickly and effectively resolve issues, resulting in satisfying support experiences for customers. Get the best customer support system for your business. Get Solvpath. Get started by visiting www.getsolvpath.com 

Skyflow, the leading data privacy platform trusted by top financial institutions. Protect your customers' data with Skyflow's innovative solutions. Get started at www.skyflowsecure.com

Stephany Kirkpatrick is the CEO and founder of Orum, a pioneering API-based company enabling instant payouts across major payment networks. With over 15 years of experience, she has led digital product initiatives at major firms like Northwestern Mutual and LearnVest. Stephany, who began her career as a certified financial planner, founded Orum in 2019 to provide immediate financial access for businesses and consumers. Driven by her background as the daughter of an immigrant, her mission centers on enhancing financial freedom and efficiency through streamlined payment solutions.

Orum is a simple API for fast, reliable payments. Orum’s API solution delivers access to rails including Same Day ACH and standard ACH – and instant bank account verification. Orum allows businesses to launch instant payments and instant bank account verification in just days, without costly bank integrations or prolonged compliance. This in turn empowers businesses and banks to launch new payment experiences that attract and monetize more customers. Founded by Stephany Kirkpatrick and led by expert fintech operators from LearnVest, Square, N26, Klarna, Marqeta, and Stash, Orum has raised over $82 million from leading investors, including Accel, Canapi, Bain Capital Ventures, Inspired Capital, Homebrew, Acrew, BoxGroup, Clocktower Ventures, Primary Ventures and American Express Ventures. We provide the technology and expertise required to power a better financial system where everyone has the freedom to build to their potential.

Tedd Huff is the Founder of Voalyre, a professional services advisory firm focused on global payments and DD3 Media.

Over the past 24 years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for Global Payments OpenEdge, Heartland Payments, Nuvei, and TSYS, among others, focusing on growth while delivering innovation, process improvements and user experience-driven value to simplify the complexity of payments.

DD3 Media is a  creation, management, and production company that delivers engaging content globally