FinTech @ IU

FinTech @ IU

By Eric Wong, Elijah Stein, Tim Nguyen (formerly James Demircioglu)Kids & FamilyEducation for Kids
Download on the App Store

FinTech @ IU episodes

  • Episode 20: Aaron Smith, Savi

    Aaron Smith, co-founder of Savi, discusses innovative solutions in student loan management and strategies for financial empowerment in academia. Discover Savvy's role in transforming financial decisions for students and graduates in this insightful discussion on FinTech's impact on education. 


    00:00 - 00:03: Introduction to the podcast and discussion on university cost decisions and student loan assistance with Aaron Smith from Savi. 

    00:03 - 00:06: Exploration of rising education costs, average student debt, and government loan forgiveness options. 

    00:06 - 00:09: Discussion on economic challenges for young people, policy work in D.C., and factors driving up college costs. 

    00:09 - 00:12: Debate on the value of college education versus debt, focusing on the financial impact on different socio-economic classes. 

    00:12 - 00:15: Continuation on college funding complexities, income share agreements, and the cyclical nature of college attendance. 

    00:15 - 00:18: Discussion on the ethics of college funding, disparities in student resources, and middle-class financial struggles. 

    00:18 - 00:21: Focus on legal aspects of student loans, importance of understanding repayment options, and impact of COVID-19 on loan payments. 

    00:21 - 00:24: Conversation shifts to entrepreneurship, with advice for students on starting businesses and addressing industry pain points. 

    00:24 - 00:27: Discussion on choosing and prioritizing business ideas, the role of co-founders, and challenges in disrupting industries. 

    00:27 - 00:30: Emphasis on timing and unpredictability in starting a business and the importance of long-term planning. 

    00:30 - 00:33: Conclusion with advice for college students on student loans and entrepreneurship, followed by acknowledgments and thanks. 

    33 min
  • Episode 19: Joshuah Lebacq, National Bank of Canada

    In this episode, Joshuah Lebacq, Principal of VC at the National Bank of Canada, discusses venture capital in fintech, emphasizing the key characteristics of successful startups and the importance of strong leadership and company culture. We discuss corporate governance, with a focus on the challenges of board responsibilities and decision-making, particularly in cases of CEO removal, using OpenAI as an example and explore the intersection of technology and finance, discussing topics like AI and robotics, the strategy behind Apple's credit card, and the dynamics of collaborations between financial institutions. 

     

    00:00 - 00:05: Introduction of Joshua Lebec from National Bank of Canada, discussing venture capital in fintech, investment in various financial services, and the role of venture capital in supporting startups. 

    00:05 - 00:10: Discussion on key characteristics of successful portfolio companies, challenges in scaling, and the importance of leadership and company culture. 

    00:10 - 00:15: Conversation about board responsibilities, challenges in corporate governance, and the complexities of removing a CEO, with a specific reference to a scenario at OpenAI. 

    00:15 - 00:20: Exploration of the limitations and potential dangers of AI and robotics, including a hypothetical scenario involving facial recognition and explosive drones, and thoughts on Neuralink. 

    00:20 - 00:25: 

    00:25 - 00:30: Discussion on Apple's credit card strategy, its impact on customers, and potential future directions for Apple's financial services. 

    00:30 - 00:35: Exploration of the Marriott Bonvoy credit card benefits, challenges of different financial institutions collaborating, and the sustainability of such programs. 

    00:35 - 00:40: A conversation about influential leaders in the financial sector, the risks and benefits of big financial ventures, and the impact of public image on business decisions. 

     

    43 min
  • Episode 18: Erin Papworth, Nav.it

    In this episode, Erin Papworth, CEO and co-founder of Nav.it, delves into the intricate relationship between financial health and behavioral science. She shares her unique journey from working on significant projects in Africa to spearheading innovations in fintech, focusing on the impact of financial education and services on behavioral change. The discussion also highlights the future of fintech, discussing the integration of AI, the ethical considerations in financial products, and strategies for financial wellness in the modern world. 


    00:00 - 00:03: Introduction of Erin Papworth, CEO of Nav.it, discussing her background in behavioral health and financial services in Africa. 

    00:03 - 00:06: Overview of Navit's financial health mission, blending behavioral wellness with a subscription-based financial service model. 

    00:06 - 00:09: Insights into consumer credit use, savings trends, and effective strategies for managing debt and finances. 

    00:09 - 00:12: Discussion on personal financial management, importance of building credit history, and early financial education. 

    00:12 - 00:15: Exploration of employer-sponsored financial benefits and the role of financial coaching in employee wellness. 

    00:15 - 00:18: Ethical concerns around high-interest rates, debt management, and the impact of financial stress on health. 

    00:18 - 00:21: Analysis of economic trends, government debt, and their implications for personal finance. 

    00:21 - 00:24: Advice on investment strategies, diversification, and the role of cryptocurrencies in personal finance. 

    00:24 - 00:27: Discussion on financial health as an integral part of overall well-being and its impact on life decisions and happiness. 

    00:27 - 00:30: Future trends in fintech, financial education importance, and technology integration in financial planning. 

    00:30 - 00:33: Financial management and career planning advice for young professionals in the AI era. 

    00:33 - 00:35: Closing remarks, acknowledgments to participants and listeners, and concluding thoughts. 

    36 min
  • Episode 17: Jesse Greif, OneChronos
    Jesse Greif, COO at OneChronos, Ex Goldman Sachs, discusses topics ranging from startup culture challenges to the intricacies of optimizing trading execution for institutional clients. We discuss the expansion of OneChronos, emphasizing the significance of hiring decisions, managing financial resources, and encouraging calculated risks in the dynamic startup environment. The discussion further extends to the technical aspects of OneChronos' optimization model, its benefits for quantitative trading firms, and reflections on the role of psychology and personal growth in the fintech industry. 00:00-00:03: Podcast Kickoff and Company Introduction Fintech podcast intro with Jesse Greif, COO at OneChronos X Goldman Sachs. OneChronos overview, specializing in securities trading optimization, and a discussion on startup culture with an emphasis on guardrails.00:03-00:07: Startup Growth and Hiring Insights Team expansion from 6 to 15 members, highlighting individual impact. Hiring insights: balancing skills, motivation, and financial management, with advice on risks and entrepreneurship.00:07-00:11: Navigating Startup Challenges Managing financial resources, hiring based on attitude and values. Challenges and benefits of startup culture, with encouragement to take risks for positive outcomes.00:11-00:15: Building a Company and Reflections Hiring considerations and evolving startup culture. Emphasis on positive discussions and balancing guidance with trust in the team's abilities.00:15-00:22: Financial Markets and Trading Optimization Encouragement for calculated risks and entrepreneurship. Reflections on worst-case scenarios, advising extensive interviews, and an introduction to equity markets.00:22-00:30: Optimizing Trading Execution and Technical Insights Factors influencing order venue decisions and OneChronos' approach to optimization. Technical insights into optimization challenges and balancing global optimization with practical heuristics.00:30-00:37: Advanced Optimization Techniques Technical aspects of OneChronos' optimization model, algorithms, and benefits for trading firms. Expressive bidding, user-injected constraints, and the flexibility of the matching engine.00:37-00:45: Guest Insights, AI Impact, and Career Advice Guest's background, AI's impact, and advice for non-traditional fintech majors. Navigating disruptive product representation, encouraging exploration of career paths, and diverse experiences.00:45-00:53: Personal Growth and Finding Balance Psychology concepts, inclusivity, and reflections on self-discovery. Balancing work and life, enjoying the journey, and encouragement to explore, experiment, and take risks.00:53-01:07: Success, Vulnerability, and Outro Success attributed to hard work, encouraging vulnerability and growth. Recognizing challenges, revisiting priorities, and two actionable steps for early career individuals. The outro reflects on consistency and effort.01:07-01:08: Concluding Thoughts and Outro Final thoughts, summarizing the key points, and concluding the podcast with an outro.
    1 hr 6 min
  • Episode 16: Jamie Finn, Securitize
    Jamie Finn, Co-Founder and President of Securitize, discusses a range of fintech topics from the evolution of blockchain technology and the complexities of cryptocurrency scams, to the importance of investor diligence in the current crypto climate. The episode explores Securitize's growth, highlighting the challenges and successes in the blockchain space, and the crucial role of strategic decision-making in such a dynamic industry. Jamie shares his personal experiences with crypto scams, providing valuable insights into the psychology behind these frauds and offering essential advice for those navigating the fintech sector. The discussion also encompasses the integration of blockchain in mainstream applications, the shifting landscape of big tech in the blockchain arena, and critical reflections on the future of fintech and digital security. 00:00-01: Introduction and Jamie Finn's background in blockchain security.  00:01-02: Discussion on FTT token's value surge and cryptocurrency optimism.  00:02-03: Challenges in cryptocurrency, unrealistic expectations, and the Dogecoin phenomenon.  00:03-04: Shift in investor diligence and reckoning in crypto valuations post-2021.  00:04-05: Addressing fatal flaws in cryptocurrency due diligence post-FTX meltdown.  00:05-06: Experiences with fraudulent behavior in the crypto space.  00:06-07: Psychology of scammers and the importance of thorough due diligence.  00:07-08: Personal scam experience with a fake blockchain project.  00:08-09: Dealing with the aftermath of being scammed and recognizing red flags.  00:09-10: Distinguishing genuine expertise from fraud in fintech.  00:10-11: Differentiating real knowledge from pretense and the concept of 'fraud as a service.'  00:11-12: Discussion on GPT's impact and exploring new fintech opportunities.  00:12-13: Institutional interest in blockchain for back-office transformation.  00:13-14: (Incomplete transcript for this minute)  00:14-15: (Incomplete transcript for this minute)  00:15-16: NFT technology applications in ticketing and its potential in fintech.  00:16-17: Internet evolution analogy to explain blockchain's current state and potential.  00:17-18: The need for further development and ease of use in blockchain infrastructure.  00:18-19: Speculation on tech giants' responses to blockchain and changing business models.  00:19-20: Future integration of Web 3 in mainstream social media and its impact.  00:20-21: Consumer confidence in crypto via mainstream platforms; discussion on super apps.  00:21-22: Potential of Apple as a super app and the future of fintech.  00:22-23: The fintech industry's challenges and the next big technological advancements.  00:23-24: Speculation on Apple's future and the evolution of technology.  00:24-25: Debate on Apple's potential in blockchain and the role of PayPal in fintech.  00:25-26: PayPal's stablecoin and its impact on the payment system landscape.  00:26-27: The potential of PayPal and Square in blockchain and fintech.  00:27-28: Discussion on fintech liabilities and security concerns in crypto wallets.  00:28-29: The future of sophisticated financial products and asset digitization.  00:29-30: U.S. government debt, reserve currency status, and blockchain as a catalyst.  00:30-31: The role of U.S. power and the importance of digitization in asset management.  00:31-32: Future of large financial firms moving to blockchain technology.  00:32-33: Advice for young people entering the blockchain field.  00:33-34: Closing remarks and gratitude to the guest.
    34 min
  • Episode 15: Mary Wisniewski, Cornerstone Advisors
    Join us on Fintech at IU as we sit down with Mary Wisniewski, Editor-at-Large at Cornerstone Advisors. Dive into co-innovation in banking, AI's impact on cryptocurrency, and insights from Mary's journey in the fintech landscape. Discover the past, present, and future of finance and technology in this insightful episode.  00:00-00:01: Podcast Welcome and Introduction  00:01-00:02: Co-innovation Impact on Banking  00:02-00:03: Memorable Stories and Favorite Features  00:03-00:04: Morning Motivation and Life Crisis  00:04-00:05: Money 1033, AI Domains, and Funding  00:05-00:06: Crypto Scandal and Industry Impact  00:06-00:07: Trial Coverage and Cryptocurrency Setback  00:07-00:08: Crypto Hype, Scandals, and Industry Perception  00:08-00:09: AI, Crypto, and Changing Public Image  00:09-00:10: US Economy Uncertainty and Surprises  00:10-00:11: Federal Pressure on Banks and Interchange  00:11-00:12: Credit Cards vs. Debit Cards  00:12-00:13: Banks' Resilience During Recessions  00:13-00:14: Rhetoric vs. Reality in Changing Banking  00:14-00:15: Fintech Products and Their Similarities  00:15-00:16: BNPL and Impulsive Decisions  00:16-00:17: Saving vs. Debt with BNPL  00:17-00:18: Future of Fintech and Large Banks  00:18-00:19: Financial Discipline and Impulsive Decisions  00:19-00:20: Cash Back vs. Overdraft Fees  00:20-00:21: Wells Fargo Scandal and Customer Loyalty  00:21-00:22: City's Fine and Account Practices  00:22-00:23: Banking with Large Organizations  00:23-00:24: Branches During the Pandemic  00:24-00:25: Fintech vs. Traditional Banks and Regulations  00:25-00:26: Government Regulations and Fintech Challenges  00:26-00:27: AI-Generated Voices and Deep Fakes  00:27-00:28: Tech Replacing Human Aspects  00:28-00:29: Traditional Banks' Government Advantage  00:29-00:30: Advice: Insert Yourself into Opportunities
    33 min
  • Episode 14: Sanjib Kalita, Gupy.ai
    In this episode, we explore the dynamic intersection of technology and finance, with a focus on blockchain and cryptocurrency. Today we talk with Sanjib Kalita, Head of Industry at Fintech Meetup and CEO of Gupy.ai, about his experiences at Google, launching Money 20/20, and his insights on the evolving fintech landscape. The conversation covers blockchain's potential, challenges in public perception, and the promising innovations in startups. Sanjid also shares valuable advice for college students and reflects on wealth dynamics.   00:00 to 00:01:Intro to podcast and guest, Sanjib Kalita, on college-focused fintech.00:01 to 00:02:Sajid's excitement for creative work and turning ideas into reality.00:02 to 00:03:Discussing blockchain for credit report issues and timing challenges.00:03 to 00:04:Insights into blockchain benefits, early adoption challenges, and fraud prevention.00:04 to 00:05:Exploring public perception, differentiating blockchain from crypto.00:05 to 00:06:Discussing blockchain in healthcare, advocating open-mindedness.00:06 to 00:07:Emphasizing blockchain's positive impact, tackling fraud.00:07 to 00:08:Reflecting on negative perceptions of crypto, need for education.00:08 to 00:09:Comparing global regulatory perspectives on blockchain.00:09 to 00:10:Highlighting fintech startups in entertainment and sports.00:10 to 00:11:Focus on startups in entertainment and sports for financial services innovation.00:11 to 00:12:Importance of risk appetite, innovation, and cutting out middlemen.00:12 to 00:13:Exploring challenges of cutting out middlemen, importance of support.00:13 to 00:14:Changing landscape of the financial industry, early adoption challenges.00:14 to 00:15:Reflecting on experiences of being too early in the market.00:15 to 00:16:Insights into marketing strategies, challenges of sounding too good.00:16 to 00:17:Reflecting on wealth dynamics, maturity, and consequences.00:17 to 00:18:Comparing crypto market growth with historical manipulations.00:18 to 00:19:Reflecting on the evolution of blockchain and crypto markets.00:19 to 00:20:Discussing missed opportunities, challenges of predicting trends.00:20 to 00:21:Reflecting on marketing's influence on public perception.00:21 to 00:22:Discussing personal encounters with billionaires, wealth impact.00:22 to 00:23:Exploring generational perspectives on wealth, pitfalls.00:23 to 00:24:Sharing experiences of first paychecks and financial independence.00:24 to 00:25:Drawing parallels between excitement over paychecks and a candy store.00:25 to 00:26:Closing remarks, gratitude to guest, audience, and advisors.00:26 to 00:27:Asking advice for college students: Learn functions, bridge finance and tech.00:27 to 00:28:Emphasizing understanding functions, financial vocabulary, interdisciplinary knowledge.00:28 to 00:29:Expressing gratitude to guest, contributors, and concluding the episode.Tell me more about blockchain benefits.What are some fintech startup trends?
    30 min
  • Episode 13: Eric Eager, SumerSports
    In this podcast episode, Eric Eager, a sports analytics expert, discusses the impact of mathematical analysis on decision-making in sports, explores historical examples, evaluates the role of key figures like Bill Belichick, and delves into the challenges and advancements in football data analytics. The conversation also touches on the intersection of AI and sports analytics, Eric's favorite NFL model, and the evolving landscape of sports analytics as a career.  00:00 to 00:04:  Introduction to the podcast with guest Eric Eager.  Exploring decision-making and lack of mathematical analysis in sports. 00:04 to 00:09:  Historical examples of decisions in sports.  Impact of decisions on player outcomes and success. 00:09 to 00:14:  Success and decisions related to quarterbacks.  Bill Belichick's role in New England Patriots' success. 00:14 to 00:19:  Influence of game strategy on score outcomes.  Challenges in tracking and rating football data. 00:19 to 00:24:  Impact of poor officiating on game results.  Challenges in evaluating quarterbacks in the draft. 00:24 to 00:29:  Transition from academia to sports analytics.  Growth and specialization in sports analytics. 00:29 to 00:34:  Impact of AI and machine learning on sports analytics.  Favorite model built for the NFL. 00:34 to 00:40:  Role of proprietary models in sports analytics.  Financial considerations in sports trades and opportunities in fantasy sports analytics.
    23 min
  • Episode 12: Kenon Chen, Clear Capital
    In this episode, Kenon Chen, discusses the nuances of property valuation, from data points to valuation methods, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities in the industry. Keenan shares insights on the transformative role of technology, the digitization of homes, and the impact on traditional appraisers, emphasizing the need for unbiased opinions and recent, accurate data.00:01-00:05: Explore property valuation nuances, data points, and complexities. Explain valuation methods, historical data use (especially for new construction), and the importance of accurate valuation for property stakeholders.00:06-00:10: Discuss challenges, opportunities, and technology's role in property valuation. Introduce human-based evaluation, emphasize unbiased opinions post-financial crisis, and overview traditional appraisal, emphasizing digitization's necessity.00:11-00:15: Discuss technology's role in creating digital floor plans for homes. Address concerns about digitization's impact, mention a free digital home appraisal process, and compare the U.S. real estate market with other countries.00:16-00:20: Discuss digital floor plan benefits, challenges in relying on property records, and real estate industry regulatory changes. Mention programs allowing property data collection for consumer cost savings and credit rating agencies supporting innovative valuation approaches.00:21-00:25: Briefly discuss experiences during the 2008 financial crisis, share anecdotes about networking and building business relationships, reflect on personal growth, and emphasize the significance of relationships in career success amid market uncertainties.00:26-00:30: Discuss increasing housing affordability, supporting new homeownership models, and encouraging innovation and change in the real estate market. Overview fractional ownership models and collaborative approaches to homeownership. Offer advice for young individuals to focus on relationships, authenticity, and adding value to others' lives.00:31-00:35: Reflect on personal growth, finding authenticity through education and self-discovery. Acknowledge the importance of relationships in career development and success. Recognize the mistake of trying to lead like someone else and the value of authenticity. Discuss the transformational moment of going back to school, gaining new perspectives, and offer advice on continuous practice, staying authentic, and finding passion in impacting others positively.00:36-00:40: Explain the importance of relationships in both short-term and long-term success. Conclude with final advice for young individuals to focus on relationships, authentic interactions, and adding value. Acknowledge the challenge of maintaining relationships in the business world and reference a quote from "The Big Short." Offer closing remarks and express gratitude to the audience and hosts.
    41 min
  • Episode 11: Aryeh Furman, Emergent Cognition
    In this episode, founder of Emergent Cognition, Aryeh Furman, delves into the dynamic realms of fintech, entrepreneurship, and the profound intricacies of life. From navigating startup ventures to unraveling the challenges of modern hustle, join us in exploring the intersections of burnout, holistic wellness, balanced lifestyles, and professional empowerment.00:00 to 00:05: Introduction and Startup Ventures00:05 to 00:10: Challenges and Transitions00:10 to 00:15: Transformations and Business Models00:15 to 00:20: Alumni Reflections and Fintech Landscape00:20 to 00:25: Industry Dynamics and Entrepreneurial Risks00:25 to 00:30: Balancing Passion and Practicality00:45 to 00:50: Living for a Grand Purpose and Optimism00:50 to 00:53: Encouragement to Students and Gratitude
    56 min

About FinTech @ IU

From the publisher's feed

A podcast about all things FinTech tailored for college students. Our guests are the leading Founders, Professors, and Influencers heading some of the most innovative startups in the industry.