Forget the keynote fluff and polished demo, this episode of Fintech Hustle drops you straight onto a sun-drenched San Diego balcony with the real players of Finovate Spring 2025. Host Sam Kilmer is joined by fintech rockstars Maya Mikhailov (SAVVI AI), Jason Henrichs (Alloy Labs), and Andy Ivankovich (Baker Hill) for a breakdown of what’s actually happening behind the scenes of the industry’s flashiest conference.

If you’re tired of hearing "AI for X" without substance, wondering what bankers are really doing with data, and curious whether fintech is facing a vibe shift—this is your episode.

What You'll Learn:

• AI Hype vs. Reality: Why everyone’s claiming to be “AI-powered”—and why that’s a problem
• From Vibes to Value: The dangers of “vibe-based banking” and the shift to data-backed decision-making
• Data Ponds vs. Oceans: A practical new take on building usable data systems without drowning in complexity
• Fintech Frustrations: The biggest annoyances of the show—and what needs to be fixed, fast
• What’s Actually Working: Real use cases where small banks are doing big things with automation and AI
• Inside Jokes & Honest Talk: Classic rock, Torrey Pines trivia, and bucket-list podcast moments

In this episode of the Fintech Hustle podcast, host Sam Kilmer sits down live at the AFT Spring Conference with Alex McLeod (CEO, Parlay Finance), Ben Metz (CTO/CDO, Jack Henry), and Will Bryant (COO, Quantalytix) for a high-energy conversation about the future of financial services.

The panel dives into key fintech trends, including the real-world impact of AI in banking, how institutions are rethinking efficiency ratios, and why consumer empowerment is reshaping the market. Beyond tech, they explore the cultural side of fintech – highlighting how music, creativity, and community fuel innovation.

Whether you're a bank or credit union leader, fintech founder, or just love the hustle of financial innovation, this episode delivers strategic insights and fresh perspective straight from the field.

🎧 In this episode:

• Why AI is more than just a buzzword in fintech (and how leaders are applying it)
• How collaboration and culture can solve banking’s toughest challenges
• Why efficiency doesn’t always require AI, and what to prioritize instead
• The increasing importance of human-centered digital experiences
• How events like AFT spark real industry transformation

🔑 Keywords: Fintech podcast, financial services, banking technology, AI in banking, fintech innovation, efficiency ratios, consumer empowerment, AFT conference, credit union trends, financial collaboration, future of fintech

The Acquire or Be Acquired conference was buzzing with optimism, big ideas, and strategic conversations about the future of banking. In this episode of Fintech Hustle, host Sam Kilmer and co-host Al Dominick sit down for an unscripted discussion with Margaret Hartigan (Founder & CEO, Marstone), Nikhil Lakhanpal (Co-founder, Narmi), and Todd Schell (Managing Director, Warburg Pincus) to break down what’s ahead for the financial services industry in 2025.

This candid conversation covers:

• The push for growth and scalability in an evolving market
• Why fraud concerns are rising across the industry
• The challenge of integration pain and how banks can overcome it
• The shift toward open APIs and stronger fintech partnerships
• How banks can move beyond pricing strategies to drive real innovation
• The importance of understanding customer needs and forecasting effectively

Like every episode of Fintech Hustle, this one is completely unscripted—just real insights from leaders who are shaping the future of financial services. Whether you're running a bank, credit union, or fintech firm, this is a conversation worth tuning into.

The first Fintech Hustle episode of the year kicks off with host Sam Kilmer and co-host Stacy Bryant joined by industry leaders Lee Farabaugh (Monarch), Brendan Tansill (Candescent), and Hank Seale (Hapax). This lively discussion dives into the dynamic world of fintech, covering the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the industry today.

The conversation shines a light on the vital role of community banks, cutting-edge fraud prevention strategies, and how technology is transforming customer experiences. The guests also share their perspectives on the growing impact of AI in banking, the challenges of system integration, and the regulatory landscape influencing financial institutions. With a focus on innovation and strategy, this episode offers fresh insights into the evolving fintech space.

In this episode of Fintech Hustle, Sam gathers his team of co-hosts (Ron Shevlin, Stacey Bryant, Al Dominick and Mary Wisniewski) to reflect on the key themes and highlights from the past year in the fintech industry, by looking back at memorable moments from the podcast over the last 12 months. They discuss the significance of deposits, the role of data in community financial institutions, the importance of predictive analytics, strategies for competing with larger banks, the challenge of staying focused amidst distractions, and the rising concern of fraud in the financial sector. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration and innovative thinking to navigate the evolving landscape of fintech, and the team delves into the pressing issues of fraud in community banking, the potential of AI in fraud prevention, and the challenges of talent acquisition in the banking sector. Also highlighted: the marketing challenges faced by financial institutions and the importance of effective communication and pitching in the Fintech space. The discussion wraps up with a light-hearted note on the fun aspects of the financial industry.

In this episode of the Fintech Hustle podcast, host Sam Kilmer and co-host Mary Wisniewski sit down with guests Parilee Wang (Alloy), Charles Potts (ICBA, BankTech Ventures), and Joe Cody (Q2) to chat about the exciting world of fintech. They dive into what a typical day looks like for fintech pros, how banking and tech are blending, and why responsible innovation matters. They focus on the changing landscape of fraud and security, highlighting just how important consumer trust is for fintech solutions, exploring the many tools out there to fight fraud and emphasizing the balance between growth and risk. They also discuss how community banks are bouncing back from recent challenges and the fresh strategies they’re using to stand out in a crowded market.

In this episode of the FinTech Hustle podcast, host Sam Kilmer and co-host Al Dominick engage with industry leaders Melissa Kopp (Neural Payments), Sarah Fankhauser (DCI), and Jacob Bouer (Array) at the AFT Fall Summit. The conversation explores their daily experiences in the FinTech sector, insights gained from the conference, especially from April Dunford, and the challenges faced in the industry. The guests emphasize the importance of relationships, transparency, and collaboration in navigating the evolving landscape of financial technology.

In this episode of the Fintech Hustle podcast, host Sam Kilmer and co-host Stacey Bryant chat with Barb MacLean (Coastal Community Bank), Danny Payne (Jack Henry), and Nick Evens (Curql Collective) at the Finovate Fall conference about their roles in the fintech industry. They discuss topics such as enabling community banks through technology, modernizing tech stacks, the importance of being a platform company, and the need for consolidation in the industry. They also share their thoughts on the demos and presentations at the Finovate conference.

Takeaways

• Enabling community banks through technology is a key focus for Coastal Community Bank.
• Modernizing tech stacks is essential for banks to keep up with customer expectations.
• Being a platform company and offering broader solutions is important for fintech companies.
• Consolidation in the industry is needed to streamline operations and improve collaboration.
• Demos and presentations at conferences should focus on solving real problems and providing valuable solutions.

In this episode of Fintech Hustle, host Sam Kilmer and co-host Mary Wisniewski are joined by a panel of guests including Allison Cerra (Alkami), Laura Broderick (Abrigo), Sam Das (TruStage Ventures), and Brian Bauer (Revio), where they discuss the impact of generational shifts on financial institutions, the need for data strategy and AI implementation, the importance of customer insights and talent acquisition, and the potential ripple effect of large banks charging more for accounts. The guests also highlight the role of regional and community banks in providing financial education and personalized experiences to attract younger generations. The conversation covers various topics related to the future of banking, including the use of technology, the gig economy, customer experience, fraud prevention, and the importance of a sales culture. The participants discuss how megabanks are leveraging technology to replicate the personalized customer experience offered by community financial institutions (CFIs). They also highlight the need for CFIs to invest in business model innovation and adapt to the changing banking landscape. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the challenges and opportunities in the industry, including the importance of employee experience, the prevalence of fraud, and the need for a mindset shift in the boardroom.

Takeaways

• The fintech industry is experiencing exponential change, driven by generational shifts, new technologies, inflationary rate environments, and uncertain government regulations.
• Financial institutions are focusing on data strategy and AI implementation to improve efficiency, streamline operations, and meet customer needs.
• Regional and community banks face challenges in talent acquisition and customer acquisition costs, but they can leverage their ability to provide financial education and personalized experiences to attract younger generations.
• The potential ripple effect of large banks charging more for accounts could impact the competitive landscape and drive customers towards regional and community banks.
• Customer insights and talent are key pillars for financial institutions to navigate the evolving fintech landscape and drive secure growth. Megabanks are using technology to replicate the personalized customer experience offered by community financial institutions (CFIs).
• CFIs need to invest in business model innovation and adapt to the changing banking landscape.
• The gig economy and the preferences of Gen Z customers, such as freedom and flexibility, are important considerations for CFIs.
• Fraud prevention is a significant concern for FIs, and there is a need for increased investment in this area.
• A sales culture that focuses on serving the customer's best interests is crucial for success in the industry.
• CFIs should prioritize employee experience and embrace a mindset of continuous improvement.
• The boardroom mentality needs to evolve to be more inclusive and forward-thinking.
  
  

In this conversation, Sam Kilmer, Ron Shevlin, Nicky Senyard (Fintel Connect), and Ted Brown (Digital Onboarding) discuss the role of CEOs and founders in the fintech industry. They talk about the evolving nature of the CEO role and the importance of building a strong team. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities in the banking industry, including the need for better customer engagement and the impact of technology. The conversation highlights the importance of clear objectives and the need for banks to adapt to the digital age.