Fintech Hunting

Fintech Hunting

By Hosted By Michael HammondBusiness
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Fintech Hunting episodes

  • How Lenders Can Win in 2025: Streamline Tech, Drive Personalization, and Retain Borrowers |

    Welcome to another power-packed episode of the FinTech Hunting Podcast, hosted by Michael Hammond!

    In this episode, we’re joined by Nick Belenky, Managing Director of Solution Sales, and Matt Dowd, VP of Product Management at ICE Mortgage Technology, two of the brightest minds reshaping the mortgage tech space. If you're a lender, LO, or fintech leader navigating today's volatile market—this is the strategic blueprint you’ve been waiting for.

    🔍 What You'll Learn:

    • How to simplify your tech stack and eliminate “spaghetti code”

    • The real meaning of personalization—and why it's more than using a borrower's name

    • Why high-tech must meet high-touch for loan officers to succeed

    • How to create a “single pane of glass” that drives adoption and borrower engagement

    • The future of borrower retention and the myth of the post-close "set it and forget it"

    • Why lenders need to stop acting like tech companies and start focusing on scalable growth

    🎯 Whether you’re dealing with legacy systems, juggling five CRMs, or simply trying to get LOs to adopt your tech—this episode is packed with actionable strategies, empathy for your challenges, and a clear path to sustainable profitability.


    👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more expert insights every week!

    28 min
  • Why Your Website Traffic Is Dropping—and How to Fix It | SEO, AI Search Alizabeth Leng-Barton

    Website traffic is plummeting—and it’s not your fault. But there is something you can do about it.

    In this eye-opening episode of the FinTech Hunting Podcast, host Michael Hammond sits down with digital marketing powerhouse and Rank Writers co-founder Alizabeth “Allie” Leng-Barton to tackle the elephant in the room: AI search is fundamentally changing how people find your website—and it’s killing your organic traffic.

    ✅ Why Google’s AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and Perplexity are replacing traditional search behavior
    ✅ How to rethink your SEO around intent, not just keywords
    ✅ What marketing teams must do now to stay visible, relevant, and lead-generating
    ✅ Why use cases and content strategy are more critical than ever
    ✅ How omnichannel marketing drives better engagement and conversions

    If you're in fintech, mortgage tech, SaaS, or digital marketing—this episode is your wake-up call.

    🔗 Learn more about Rank Writers: https://rankwriters.com

    28 min
  • Consolidation, Tech Innovation & AI in Lending: Roy George on the Future of Mortgage Banking

    Consolidation, Tech Innovation & AI in Lending: Roy George on the Future of Mortgage Banking | FinTech Hunting


    📝 YouTube Description:

    🚀 Welcome back to another exciting episode of the FinTech Hunting Podcast! 🚀


    In this powerful conversation, Michael Hammond sits down with Roy George, President at More Lending, Certified Mortgage Banker, and industry thought leader, to dive deep into the current and future state of the mortgage industry.


    You'll learn: ✅ Why lenders must lean into technology and AI to survive and thrive

    ✅ How market consolidation and margin compression are reshaping the lending landscape

    ✅ The strategic advantages early tech adopters have over late followers

    ✅ How AI is driving operational efficiencies, marketing innovation, and underwriting improvements

    ✅ Why authentic networking at industry events is still critical in the digital age

    ✅ Insider tips on how Roy vets tech vendors and evaluates AI opportunities

    ✅ The impact of personal branding, CRM strategies, and building real relationships in today's competitive environment


    Roy shares candid insights about embracing AI-driven tools like ChatGPT, custom GPTs, and automation technologies while stressing that those who wait too long risk being left behind.


    ✨ If you’re a lender, loan officer, tech provider, or financial services professional trying to navigate today’s challenges — this episode is a must-watch!

    27 min
  • Housing Market Mayhem, AI Disruption & The Future of Homeownership: Diego Sanchez on Fintech Hunting

    Housing Market Mayhem, AI Disruption & The Future of Homeownership: Diego Sanchez on Fintech


    In this episode of the Fintech Hunting podcast, host Michael Hammond sits down with Diego Sanchez, President of HousingWire Media, to unpack the chaos in the current housing market and what it means for lenders, agents, and homebuyers.

    From Trump’s Liberation Day tariffs to the volatility in mortgage rates and the spring buying season slowdown, Diego shares sharp insights on market uncertainty and how it's shifting consumer behavior.

    🔥 Highlights include:

        •    Why rates staying near 7% could stall the housing rebound

        •    How HousingWire's real-time data tools are changing the game

        •    Behind the scenes of the beard challenge and The Gathering event

        •    Exclusive scoop on Rocket’s latest acquisitions (Redfin + Mr. Cooper)

        •    Why AI, local data, and digital leadership are key to surviving 2025

    Plus, get a sneak peek at Varun Krishna's return to the main stage and how Rocket is building the “Apple of Homeownership.”

    📍 The Gathering: June 8-11 | Colorado Springs – Limited tickets available!

    🔗 Get your ticket: https://housingwire.com (https://housingwire.com/)

    🎧 Subscribe for weekly fintech insights, expert interviews, and bold predictions from the front lines of di

    gital mortgage innovation.

    24 min
  • Empowering Teens Through Financial Literacy | Rethink Everything You Know – Brooke Lapides & Dana Georgiou

    In this inspiring episode of the FinTech Hunting Podcast, host Michael Hammond sits down with two powerhouse women in financial services — Brooke Lapides, Director of Business Partner Development at MeridianLink, and Dana Georgiou, Chief Everything Officer and passionate financial literacy advocate.


    Together, they co-authored "Rethink Everything You Know About Financial Literacy: Teen Edition", a collaborative book written by 14 incredible women. From personal stories of financial missteps to practical lessons designed to empower teens and young adults, this episode is packed with insight, heart, and hope for the next generation.


    🎯 Key Takeaways:


    Why schools fall short on teaching financial literacy

    How everyday money mistakes turn into lifelong lessons

    Why this book is a must-have for every teen, parent, and educator

    The power of LinkedIn connections that sparked this movement

    How to order your copy — and even bulk orders for schools or nonprofits

    📚 Get your copy on Amazon: [Insert Link]

    📦 Interested in bulk orders? Connect with Brooke or Dana on LinkedIn.


    🔗 Connect with the Guests:


    Brooke Lapides: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookelapides

    Dana Georgiou: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danageorgiou

    📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode if you’re passionate about making financial literacy accessible to all generations.


    #FinancialLiteracy #FinTechHunting #TeenFinance #WomenInFinance #MoneyMatters #Leadership #MortgageIndustry #MichaelHammond #DanaGeorgiou #BrookeLapides #RethinkEverything #MeridianLink #FinancialEducation #FinServ #MoneySmarts

    23 min
  • From Pitch to Partnership: Jason Smith on Authentic Video, Fintech Sales, and AI in Mortgage

    From Pitch to Partnership: Jason Smith on Authentic Video, Fintech Sales, and AI in Mortgage.  In this powerful episode of the FinTech Hunting Podcast, Michael Hammond sits down with returning guest Jason Smith, Director of Partnership Development at Figure, host of One Take, and a well-known voice in fintech sales and relationship marketing.


    🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • Why authentic video content builds real trust in B2B sales

    • How to evolve beyond the "features and functions" pitch in tech sales

    • The shift from competition to collaboration and strategic partnerships

    • Where AI fits in today’s mortgage and fintech workflows (without losing your voice)

    • The untapped power of home equity in today’s financial markets


    Jason shares hard-earned insights from the field, deep truths about human-to-human selling, and why companies must stop leading with themselves and start focusing on the real why of their customers.


    🔗 Ready to rethink how you’re selling, partnering, and showing up in your market? Tune in now and fuel your fintech strategy with actionable insights.


    🎧 Listen. Learn. Lead.

    Subscribe to FinTech Hunting for more future-forward conversations.

    26 min
  • Unlocking Mortgage Profitability with AI, Innovation & Process: Paul Loftus

    Welcome to another power-packed episode of the Fintech Hunting Podcast! 💥


    In this episode, host Michael Hammond sits down with Paul J. Loftus, CEO of Loan Vision and a true industry visionary, to discuss how lenders can navigate today's turbulent market by focusing on process improvement, AI-driven innovation, and technology that actually moves the needle.


    🎙️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:


    Why IMBs are still losing money per loan—and how to reverse the trend

    The real role of AI in mortgage lending (hint: it’s NOT a magic wand)

    How to shine a light on the "dark areas" of your business

    Why profitability starts with process, not just tech

    The future of automation, reconciliation, and back-office transformation

    Exclusive insights on LV Comp, Loan Vision’s new LO compensation platform

    How to get started with AI—without the overwhelm

    🚀 Whether you're a lender, tech vendor, or mortgage executive, this episode is packed with insights that will help you drive efficiency, profitability, and innovation—even in a down market.


    🔗 Connect with Paul Loftus

    🌐 LoanVision.com

    📩 [email protected]


    🎧 Don’t forget to: 👍 Like

    🗨️ Comment

    🔔 Subscribe for more Fintech insights

    📢 Share this episode with your network!

    20 min
  • FinTech Hunting Featuring Christine Beckwith: The Truth About Today’s Market, Coaching, Rising Again

    The FinTech Hunting Podcast | Featuring Christine Beckwith: The Truth About Today’s Market, Coaching, and Rising Again


    🔥 In this jam-packed episode of the FinTech Hunting Podcast, host Michael Hammond welcomes back a true industry legend—Christine Beckwith, Founder & CEO of 20/20 Vision for Success.


    From breaking down current market conditions to sharing game-changing strategies for loan officers, Christine delivers raw, real, and relevant insights every mortgage and real estate professional needs to hear.


    🎯 What You'll Learn:


    Why the biggest challenge today isn’t the market—it’s mindset

    What savvy LOs are doing NOW to prepare for the next boom

    How financial pressure is creating new opportunities

    The untapped value of coaching during tough times

    The rise of Lighthouse Advisors and MLL Force—and why fractional consulting is the future

    🚀 Christine doesn’t just predict the future—she equips you to thrive in it. Whether you're struggling to revive your database or wondering how to stay visible on social, this episode is your playbook.


    👉 Ready to stop waiting and start leading? Tune in now and level up your business before the market shifts.


    🔗 Learn more: https://visionyoursuccess.net

    📧 Contact Christine: [email protected]


    🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.


    #MortgageMarketing #FinTechHunting #LoanOfficerSuccess #Christine

    26 min
  • Unlocking the Power of Data in Mortgage Lending | FinTech Hunting Podcast with Richard Lombardi

    Unlocking the Power of Data in Mortgage Lending | FinTech Hunting Podcast with Richard Lombardi


    In this episode of FinTech Hunting, host Michael Hammond sits down with Richard Lombardi, EVP of Property Data Solutions & Data Strategy at ICE Mortgage Technology, to explore how data is transforming the mortgage industry.


    🏡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:


    ✅ How data integration is driving efficiency in mortgage workflows

    ✅ The role of ICE Fee Solutions, Flood Reports, and AVM models in loan processing

    ✅ How lenders can reduce TRID violations & save millions with data-driven insights

    ✅ The future of AI, automation, and predictive analytics in lending


    📌 Key Takeaways:


        •    ICE’s advanced fee monitoring & dashboards are minimizing costly errors for lenders

        •    Seamless data integration into Encompass & servicing platforms enhances borrower experience

        •    The latest industry trends on data-driven decision-making in financial services



    💡 Don’t miss out on the latest insights in mortgage tech innovation!

    17 min
  • FinTech M&A Shakeup: How to Survive & Thrive in 2024 | Fintech Hunting Podcast.

    inTech M&A Shakeup: How to Survive & Thrive in 2024 | Fintech Hunting Podcast.   In this must-listen episode, host Michael Hammond sits down with Julia Brown, an industry thought leader, process efficiency evangelist, and &A expert. They dive into the state of the FinTech, PropTech, InsurTech, and MortgageTech markets, the consolidation trend shaping the industry, and how companies can achieve profitability in today’s challenging environment.


    🔹 What You’ll Learn:

    ✅ The boom of 2020-2021 and how it shaped today’s market

    ✅ Why M&A and consolidation are at the forefront of financial services

    ✅ The importance of strong unit economics and automation

    ✅ Why companies must run their business as if they were for sale

    ✅ How expertise as a service (EASE) is changing the game


    Julia also shares insights about her new company, Telescope, and how it’s helping companies find clarity, drive efficiency, and unlock profitability in financial services.


    🎧 Tune in now! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert insights on FinTech and financial services trends.

    23 min

About Fintech Hunting

From the publisher's feed

The podcast host will be Michael Hammond JD, CMT, keynote speaker, author and founder of NexLevel Advisors. Join Michael as he seeks out will tech visionaries, leading lenders, trailblazing…