In this conversation, Payments Professor and Kari Mitchum discuss the role of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) in supporting community banks and the electronic payments industry. Kari shares her personal journey into the field, the importance of community banks in local economies, and the advocacy efforts ICBA undertakes to represent these institutions. The discussion also covers ICBA's educational initiatives, innovation in banking, and the future of community banking.

In this episode, the Payments Professor, Kevin Olsen, speaks with Ashley Mustico from Nacha about the AAP (Accredited ACH Professional) accreditation. They discuss the importance of the AAP in the electronic payments industry, the journey into electronic payments, the benefits of obtaining the AAP for both individuals and organizations, the format and preparation for the AAP exam, and what to do after passing the exam, including maintaining the accreditation. The conversation emphasizes the value of education and professional development in the payments industry.

Takeaways:

Nacha governs the ACH network and offers accreditations.

The AAP accreditation signifies expertise in the ACH network.

Individuals should pursue AAP after gaining at least two years of payment experience.

Getting an AAP can enhance career prospects and salary.

Organizations benefit from having AAPs on staff for compliance and risk management.

The AAP exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, with 100 scored.

Candidates can find out if they passed the exam on the same day.

Preparation through Payments Associations significantly increases the chances of passing.

Continuing education is required to maintain AAP accreditation every five years.

Celebrating the achievement of AAP is essential for personal and professional growth.

Learn more from the Payments Professor

"We make learning about payments rules and regulations fun and easy!"

www.PaymentsProfessor.com

In this eye-opening episode of The Payments Podium, the Payments Professor welcomes a special guest from Nairobi, Kenya — Patrick Tanui, a seasoned expert in risk, compliance, and governance across banking, telecom, and fintech sectors in Africa.

Patrick shares invaluable insights on how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation in Africa’s financial landscape. From the rise of mobile wallets and fintech collaborations to the increasing role of AI in fraud detection, Patrick unpacks how innovation is reshaping financial access, especially for the unbanked.

Topics covered include:

The merging of telecom and banking through digital wallets

The impact of blockchain and crypto on cross-border payments

How Africa is leapfrogging traditional banking models

The real-time risks of digital finance — and how to combat them

Regulatory challenges and the need for robust compliance tools

The future of a unified digital ecosystem in Africa

Advice for fintech startups and young professionals entering the space

Whether you’re in fintech, banking, or just curious about how payments are evolving globally, this conversation offers a rare and real-time look into Africa’s rapidly advancing digital economy.

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Class dismissed

Are checks becoming obsolete? Not so fast! In this conversation, Payments Professor Kevin Olson and Steve Cree explore the surprising resilience of checks in today's electronic payments landscape. They discuss the history, misconceptions, and ongoing importance of checks for key transactions like rent and utilities. Learn why checks still hold significant dollar value, how millennials are using them more than expected, and why expertise in check processing remains a valuable skill in the industry.

🔹 The hidden power of checks in payments

🔹 Why checks are still used for high-value transactions

🔹 The role of checks in a digital world

🔹 Career opportunities in check processing

In this episode of the Payments Podium Podcast, the Payments Professor, Kevin Olsen, sits down with special guest Karen Sylvester to unravel the complexities of UDAP (Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts and Practices) and its impact on electronic payments and financial institutions.

Discover how Karen’s journey from part-time teller to industry expert has shaped her perspective on consumer protection, compliance, and regulations. Learn about the two versions of UDAP – one overseen by the FTC and the other by the CFPB – and how they govern business and financial institution practices.

📌 Key Takeaways:

The four Ps of UDAP: Prominent, Presented, Placement, and Proximity.

The critical role of clear disclosures for compliance.

How evolving regulations, like those on fees, impact financial institutions.

The importance of consumer responsibility and financial literacy.

Practical career advice: Embrace challenges and learn from every opportunity.

Learn more from the Payments Professor

"We make learning about payments rules and regulations fun and easy!"

www.PaymentsProfessor.com

In this Payments Podium episode, Gary Stein discusses the role and importance of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in the payments industry. He shares insights into the regulatory landscape, including the significance of various regulations and the recent developments in open banking and fintech. The discussion also touches on the challenges and opportunities in the payments sector, emphasizing the need for consumer protection and the evolving nature of financial services.

In this episode of the Payments Podium Podcast with our host, the Payments Professor, with special guest Tedd Huff from Fintech Confidential, Joe Casali from Wrestling Payments, and Peter Tapping from PTap Advisory, we dive into the complex and ever-evolving world of payments, innovation, and technology. From the intricate "digital maze" of systems, rules, and regulations to the fascinating intersection of risk, faster payments, and open banking, this episode is packed with insights and revelations.

Key Topics Covered:

🔹 The rise of faster payments and their exponential growth.

🔹 Bridging the gap between financial institutions and technology companies through effective "technology translation."

🔹 A closer look at Cash App, Venmo, and Zelle in small business transactions.

🔹 Challenges in cross-border payments and the role of AI in streamlining processes.

🔹 Open banking and the regulatory hurdles shaping its implementation.

🔹 The parallels between professional wrestling and the payments industry—because sometimes, opinions need to be wrestled with!

Join the Payments Professor as he deciphers the latest trends, tackles tough industry questions, and provides actionable insights to help you navigate the complex world of payments and technology.

In this episode of Payments Podium, the Payments Professor, Kevin Olson, sits down with Ian McAllister, COO of Unit21, to discuss combating fraud in instant payments. Explore trends like AI’s role in scams, real-time fraud monitoring, and tips for banks to enhance their defenses. Learn how Unit21 is empowering financial institutions with cutting-edge strategies and insights to stay ahead in the fast-paced world of real-time payments.

Join the Payments Professor as he chats with Marshall Greenwald about the future of instant payments, fraud prevention, and how Ionia is revolutionizing merchant payment solutions. Learn how instant settlement, reduced fraud risk, and consumer-focused innovation are shaping the payments industry. Whether you're a merchant or a payment professional, this episode offers valuable insights on enhancing cash flow, leveraging AI, and navigating the evolving world of digital payments. Don't miss this engaging discussion—subscribe for more expert insights!

In this compelling episode of the Payments Podium Podcast, the Payments Professor dives into the innovative world of offline payments with Anurag Dubey from Lipis Advisors. Explore the crucial role of offline payments in extending financial inclusion, enhancing payment system resilience, and ensuring continuity during internet outages or in remote locations. Anurag breaks down the technology behind offline payments, including the security protocols and hardware involved, and discusses how countries like India are already successfully implementing these solutions for low-value transactions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the next frontier of instant payments and how it will reshape global financial systems.