The Payments Perspective by Wespay

Join host Jeff Duffy and guest Chris VanHuysse from MentorMate for the second installment of the Payments Perspective Podcast series, where they dive deeper into therapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This episode addresses critical questions about the ethics and safety of AI. Tune in to discover how AI can become a true differentiator and learn about approaches that blend technical expertise with behavioral design principles to create ethical, effective solutions for people and businesses alike.

Learn more about MentorMate’s philosophy and solutions: mentormate.com

Interested in becoming a Wespay member? Learn more about membership benefits here: WespayMembership.

In part one of this two-part Payments Perspective Podcast series, host Jeff Duffy welcomes Chris VanHuysse from MentorMate for an insightful conversation on the expanding influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As AI becomes integral to industries worldwide, questions surrounding its safety and compliance grow increasingly urgent. The technology has been on the market for a while, yet the regulations around AI are still forming. It leads to natural uncertainty in how financial institutions should treat AI and integrate it into their operations and customer relations.

Learn more about MentorMate’s philosophy and solutions: mentormate.com

Interested in becoming a Wespay member? Learn more about membership benefits here: WespayMembership.

In this second episode a two-part series of the Payments Perspective Podcast, Jim Petkovits, Vice President of Education & Events at Wespay, welcomes back Dan Wood from Pillsbury Law to unpack the GENIUS Act—a new bill aimed at regulating payment stablecoins in the United States. They explore how the Act could create a safer, more stable framework for digital currency, its potential impact on cross-border payments, and how it fits with existing laws like BSA and OFAC. Dan also shares what financial institutions should know before engaging in crypto services.

For more information about Dan at Pillsbury Law, please visit https://www.pillsburylaw.com/en/lawyers/daniel-wood.html

If you are interested in becoming a Wespay Member, more information can be found on our website at https://www.mywespay.org/public/s/about-wespay/membership

In this first episode of a two-part series, host Jim Petkovits, Vice President of Education & Events at Wespay, sits down with Dan Wood, Counsel at Pillsbury Law, and together they break down the foundational concepts of cryptocurrency, blockchain, digital currency, and distributed ledgers—cutting through the jargon to help you understand what really matters. Whether you're new to crypto or just looking to sharpen your understanding, this episode lays a strong foundation in a rapidly evolving landscape.

For more information about Dan at Pillsbury Law, please visit https://www.pillsburylaw.com/en/lawyers/daniel-wood.html

If you are interested in becoming a Wespay Member, more information can be found on our website at https://www.mywespay.org/public/s/about-wespay/membership

In this episode, Jim Petkovits, Vice President of Education at Wespay, sits down with Jerry Adona, CTP and Senior Solutions Consultant at Alkami, to explore how financial institutions can help combat human trafficking. From leveraging KYC and data analytics, to spotting red flags and trusting your “Spidey Senses,” Jerry shares actionable insights on how banks and credit unions can be the first line of defense against one of the world’s most devastating crimes, in this must-listen episode for financial professionals committed to protecting their institutions and communities.

Find the resource from FinCEN that Jerry suggested, "Guidance on Recognizing Activity that May be Associated with Human Smuggling and Human Trafficking – Financial Red Flags," at https://www.fincen.gov/resources/advisories/fincen-advisory-fin-2014-a008 

For more information about Alkami, please visit https://info.alkami.com/l/778723/2025-05-12/3nflch

If you are interested in becoming a Wespay Member, more information can be found on our website at https://www.mywespay.org/public/s/about-wespay/membership

In this episode of the Payments Perspective Podcast, host Carmen Murphy takes a look at the annual Wespay Payments Symposium, as she sits down with Wespay staff members Kim Bickford and Angie Smith to uncover what makes this event a must-attend for payments professional. Plus, hear firsthand experiences from a Symposium vendor, FPS Gold, a first-time attendee, and a longtime participant as they share what keeps them coming back year after year.

Ready to join the conversation? Register for the Wespay Payments Symposium here: Wespay Payments Symposium.

Interested in becoming a Wespay member? Learn more about membership benefits here: Wespay Membership.

In this episode, Jim Petkovits, Vice President of Education at Wespay, sits down with Erin O'Donnell, co-founder of the Association for Cannabis Banking (ACB), to unpack the evolving world of cannabis banking. As cannabis legalization grows, financial institutions face both risks and opportunities in serving this high-risk industry. Join us as we break down compliance challenges, fintech innovations, and why cash is still dominant. We cover best practices, the evolving regulatory landscape, and what the SAFE and SAFER Acts could mean for the future of cannabis banking.

Check the episode description for a link to Erin’s newly published book on cannabis banking, available at https://www.amazon.com/Cannabis-Banking-Frameworks-Cultivating-Compliance-ebook/dp/B0DVDFM16T?ref_=ast_author_mpb

If you are interested in becoming a Wespay Member, more information can be found on our website at https://www.mywespay.org/public/s/about-wespay/membership

In this episode, Jeff Duffy is joined by special guests to dive into Wespay’s Emerging Leaders in Payments Program, a career-developing opportunity for the next generation of payments leaders that is offered only to Wespay members. Hear firsthand from past and current participants as they reflect on their experiences, the skills they gained, and how the program helped shape their professional journeys. Find out why this opportunity may be the perfect fit for you or someone that you know. Check our website for when applications should be submitted https://www.mywespay.org/public/s/emergingleaderspaymentsprogram 

If you are interested in becoming a Wespay Member, more information can be found on our website at https://www.mywespay.org/public/s/about-wespay/membership 

In this episode of the Payments Perspective Podcast, Jeff Duffy sits down with Robert Mascio, Director of the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, to delve into the world of financial fraud and scams. They discuss common types of fraud and scam tactics, how to identify them, and what steps consumers can take to protect themselves.

Rob also shares several valuable resources to support consumers who have been affected by fraud:

FINRA – www.FINRA.org/investors

FINRA Helpline – 844-574-3577

FINRA Foundation – www.Finrafoundation.org/fraudfighter

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center – www.IC3.gov

Securities and Exchange Commission – www.investor.gov

Give an Hour Financial Fraud Peer Support and Resources – www.giveanhour.org/financialfraud

Fight Cybercrime Romance Scam Recovery Group – www.fightcybercrime.org

AARP Fraud Watch Network – https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/

Better Business Bureau – www.BBB.org/scamtracker

If you are interested in becoming a Wespay Member, more information can be found on our website at https://www.mywespay.org/public/s/about-wespay/membership

In today's episode of the Payments Perspective Podcast, we introduce the new President and CEO of Wespay, Menekse Gencer. Menekse shares her extensive experience in the payments industry and her vision for Wespay in the rapidly evolving world of instant payments. Join Connie LaChance and Menekse Gencer as they reflect on the evolution of the payments industry and discuss how Wespay can support its members in navigating these changes.

If you are interested in becoming a Wespay Member, more information can be found on our website at https://www.mywespay.org/public/s/about-wespay/membership