The Bank Tellers

In this episode of The Bank Tellers, host Sheryl Chen sits down with David Raju, President and CEO of Peoples Group, to explore Canada's pivotal moment in payments modernization. As the infrastructure powering 1,500 fintechs and processing $135 billion CAD annually, Peoples Group operates as the quiet force behind Canada's payment ecosystem—and they're about to transform it.

David shares his unique journey from CEO to startup founder and back to leading a 40-year-old trust company, bringing an agile mindset to institutional banking. He discusses how Canada's approach to real-time payments is "different, not behind," leveraging lessons learned from the UK, India, Brazil, and Europe to build fraud prevention into the foundation from day one.

Key topics covered:

• Canada's 2027 Real-Time Rails Launch: What it means for consumers, small businesses, and the fintech ecosystem
• The Bank-Fintech Partnership Model: Why peaceful coexistence beats rivalry, and how infrastructure enables innovation
• Payment Modernization Challenges: From 24/7 liquidity management to AI-powered fraud detection
• The FiServ Partnership: How People's Group is leveraging proven technology to focus on strategy and execution
• The Cost of Being a Fast Follower: Why participating in standards development matters more than discounted technology
• The Future of Payments: Agentic payments, tokenized deposits, and what money movement will look like in 17 years

David offers a compelling vision of a future where payments happen seamlessly across borders, AI manages financial decisions on consumers' behalf, and the infrastructure supporting it all operates invisibly but flawlessly. 

Peoples Group: https://www.peoplesgroup.com/

Follow David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidraju-yyz/

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Recorded live from the Money20/20 Asia show floor, host Danny Levy sits down with Eddie Hui, Co-President and Chief Operating Officer of MetaComp, a Singapore-licensed financial institution pioneering the use of stablecoins for institutional cross-border payments.

Key Discussion Points:

The Cross-Border Payment Challenge Eddie breaks down the fundamental issues plaguing international money transfers today, from the 50-year-old SWIFT infrastructure to underserved jurisdictions and operational inefficiencies that can delay transactions for days.

Blockchain as the Solution Discover how MetaComp's flagship product, StableX, leverages blockchain technology to settle $10 million transactions in minutes instead of days, eliminating the need for prefunding and reducing counterparty risk.

Separating Blockchain from Crypto Eddie makes a crucial distinction between blockchain technology and cryptocurrency as an asset class, explaining how stablecoins serve as tokenized versions of fiat currency rather than speculative investments.

The Regulatory Landscape Gain insights into how Singapore's progressive regulatory framework since 2019 has enabled innovation, and what the recent U.S. GENIUS Act means for global adoption of stablecoin-based payments.

AI's Role in Financial Services Explore how MetaComp integrates AI for real-time transaction monitoring, automated KYC processes, and agentic payments while maintaining human accountability and governance.

Trust vs. Speed Eddie discusses the critical balance between transaction speed and regulatory compliance, explaining MetaComp's "Web 2.5" approach that combines on-chain transparency with traditional AML/CFT controls.

About Eddie Hui
With 23 years in banking and a background as an IT engineer, Eddie brings a unique perspective on how technology can transform financial infrastructure. His journey from discovering blockchain in 2019 to building MetaComp showcases the practical application of emerging technologies in solving real-world payment challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Cross-border payments using blockchain can settle in minutes versus 3-4 days with traditional rails
• Regulatory frameworks in Singapore, Hong Kong, and the U.S. are maturing to support stablecoin adoption
• Real-time compliance and transaction monitoring are essential for institutional adoption
• AI is revolutionizing KYC processes and transaction monitoring without replacing human oversight
• Simplicity, not complexity, is the key to sophisticated payment solutions

This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the future of payments, blockchain technology, financial regulation, and the intersection of AI with financial services.

MetaComp: https://www.mce.sg/

Follow Eddie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-hui-bon-hoa-16b580/

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This episode delves into the transformative role of stablecoins in global business payments. We examine the challenges of traditional cross-border transactions—slow settlement, high costs, and limited transparency—and highlight how solutions like OSL BizPay and USDGO are enabling secure, compliant, and near-instant settlement for enterprises.

Through real-world examples, including international trade, global payroll, and fintech integrations, we showcase how programmable stablecoin networks are bridging the gap between emerging digital finance and practical business applications, setting the stage for the next generation of enterprise payment infrastructure.

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When traditional banking collides with digital assets, most institutions freeze. Silicon Valley Bank leaned in. In this episode of Bank Tellers, we sit down with Anthony Vassallo, Senior Vice President of Crypto at SVB, to explore how one of the world's most established banks is building the infrastructure for crypto's next chapter.

Anthony takes us behind the scenes of SVB's crypto banking operation—a dedicated team that's onboarded over 1,600 blockchain companies this year alone. From Bitcoin miners to Layer 2 infrastructure providers, NFT marketplaces to money transmitters, SVB isn't just accommodating crypto companies—they're helping build the rails for digital asset innovation.

What You'll Learn:

• How SVB rebuilt trust and momentum after the events of 2023, proving their commitment to the innovation economy
• Why crypto CFOs choose SVB over competitors (hint: it's about understanding the business, not just tolerating it)
• What it actually takes to bank crypto—from 10-question due diligence to dedicated compliance teams with crypto punks
• Why fears about stablecoin cannibalization miss the bigger picture of how banks can thrive in a blockchain-powered payments world
• Where crypto adoption is creating the most impact, from emerging markets to onshoring trends in the US

SVB: https://www.svb.com/

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Banks and their clients are facing mounting pressures across the treasury landscape: fragmented payment rails, limited real‑time visibility, manual exception handling, and regulatory divergence across markets are making it increasingly difficult to manage liquidity and operational risk with confidence. In this environment, future‑ready treasury models require more than hype—they demand interoperability, regulatory alignment, and data‑driven control that work across borders.

In this episode, Bank of America shares its approach to pragmatic innovation, exploring how AI and digital assets are already reshaping treasury workflows for both financial institutions and corporates—from intelligent forecasting and real‑time risk detection to more efficient settlement models. Rather than chasing buzzwords, the conversation focuses on where these technologies deliver immediate, operational impact across the financial ecosystem.

Bringing a human lens to the discussion, Sid Gupta reflects on his journey from corporate banking roles in London to leading transaction banking for financial institutions across APAC, and how that global experience has shaped his perspective on clients, teams, and the evolving role of treasury in the future of payments.

Fast‑paced, practical, and grounded in real‑world challenges, this episode outlines what financial institutions and their clients must act on now to build resilient, future‑ready treasury operations in an increasingly complex global environment.

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In this episode of The Bank Tellers, we sit down with Erin Crawford, VP and Head of Consumer Digital - Payments and Money Management at Fifth Third Bank. Erin shares her insights on how Fifth Third Bank is redefining customer experiences through innovative digital solutions, strategic fintech partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to community banking. 

From gamifying fraud awareness with Smart Shield to offering free wills through a groundbreaking partnership with Trust and Will, Erin reveals how the bank is staying ahead in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. 

Plus, we dive into the future of retail banking, the role of AI in streamlining processes, and the balance between frictionless experiences and customer security. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with one of the industry’s leading voices!

Fifth Third Bank - https://www.53.com/
Trust & Will - https://trustandwill.com/
Smart Shield by Fifth Third - https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en/personal-banking/digital/smart-shield.html

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Dive into the latest episode of The Bank Tellers podcast, where host Sheryl Chen sits down with Usman Arif, Senior Vice President of Global Network Services, APAC at American Express. Together, they explore the fast-paced payments industry, uncovering how Amex balances premium positioning with scale, builds impactful partnerships, and prepares for the future of financial services. 

Key Takeaways:

• American Express successfully balances its premium brand identity with the need for scale in cost-sensitive markets.
• Long-term partnerships are key to Amex’s strategy, enabling collaboration with banks, fintechs, and acquirers to deliver tailored products.
• Competitive markets like India require unique approaches, including partnerships with local banks to issue products that resonate with customers.
• Agentic commerce is predicted to drive major shifts in payments over the next decade, with Amex leveraging AI and machine learning to stay ahead.
• Banks and financial institutions must innovate, adapt, and make strategic choices to remain competitive in the evolving financial landscape.

American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/

Follow Usman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/usman-arif1/

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In this insightful episode of The Bank Tellers, we sit down with Kilian Thalhammer, Managing Director and Global Head of Merchant Solutions, Fintech, and Platform Sales at Deutsche Bank. Kilian shares his journey from Wirecard to Deutsche Bank, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of managing global banking operations, product innovation, and fintech partnerships.

Discover how Deutsche Bank strategically re-entered the acceptance space, the challenges of integrating new products into a traditional banking culture, and the importance of curiosity and adaptability in hiring and leadership. Kilian also dives into the evolving role of regulation, the unique needs of tech giants like Mastercard and TikTok, and his approach to balancing impatience with the realities of large corporate structures.

Deutsche: https://www.db.com/

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In this special episode of The Bank Tellers, recorded live at Money20/20 Europe, we sit down with Marianne Demarchi, Chief Executive Europe and Global Securities, to explore the cutting-edge innovations shaping the financial industry.

From the challenges of bridging Web2 and Web3 to the transformative potential of tokenization and digital assets, Marianne shares her insights on the future of cross-border payments, interoperability, and the evolving role of Swift in a fragmented global economy.

Note: At the time of recording, Marianne was Chief Executive of EMEA at SWIFT. She has since transitioned to a new role, Chief Executive Europe and Global Securities

Discover how Swift is driving change, fostering collaboration, and ensuring resilience in a rapidly transforming financial landscape. Plus, hear Marianne’s leadership advice, her vision for the next 50 years of finance, and her thoughts on the biggest challenges facing the industry today.

Swift: https://www.swift.com/

Follow Marianne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariannedemarchi/

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We're back with another Credit Union Special, and are honored to have of The Dietrich Kuhlmann, President and CEO of Navy Federal Credit Union back on as our guest! 

It was truly an honor to sit down with him again at Money20/20 USA, and to pick the brain of the man leading the #1 credit union in the United States. 

From groundbreaking technological advancements to unwavering commitment to members, Dietrich shares insights into Navy Federal’s unique approach to leadership, innovation, and trust-building. Discover how this 92-year-old institution continues to thrive, adapt, and inspire in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

Don’t miss this exclusive conversation with the leader of an organization that serves over 15 million members and stands as a beacon of purpose-driven growth.

Key Takeaways:

• How focusing on people and trust drives success at Navy Federal.
• Insights into Navy Federal’s transition to real-time banking and augmented intelligence.
• The importance of purpose-driven values in maintaining loyalty and growth.
• How upskilling and reskilling employees ensures organizational resilience and professional development.

Navy Federal Credit Union

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