E-commerce fraud isn't just the work of a lone hacker anymore. Today's fraud is driven by organized criminal networks using artificial intelligence, automation, synthetic identities, and sophisticated attack strategies that challenge even the best fraud prevention systems.

In this episode of Payments Podium, Kevin Olsen sits down with Aviram Ganor of Riskified to explore how online fraud has evolved, why traditional payment defenses are falling behind, and what merchants, payment providers, and financial institutions must do to stay ahead.

In this episode you'll learn:

How organized crime has transformed e-commerce fraud

The growing role of AI in fraud attacks

Why identity-based fraud detection is replacing transaction-only analysis

How synthetic identities and coordinated fraud rings operate

Why fraud prevention requires a holistic view of the customer journey

What payment leaders should be doing today to prepare for tomorrow's threats

Whether you work for a bank, credit union, fintech, merchant, or payment processor, this conversation offers practical insights into the rapidly changing world of payment fraud.

Subscribe to Payments Podium for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of payments, risk, compliance, and financial technology.

#Payments #Fraud #Ecommerce #Cybersecurity #RiskManagement #AI #DigitalPayments #Fintech #Banking #CreditUnions #PaymentSecurity #RiskifiedLearn

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Healthcare payments have been stuck in the past… but not any longer

In this episode of the Payments Podium, Kevin “Payments Professor” Olsen sits down with Ryan Tennyson from SolutionReach to break down what’s really happening behind the scenes in healthcare payments—and why things are finally starting to change.

From agentic AI transforming revenue cycle management to ACH becoming a core payment strategy, this conversation dives into the real gaps, real challenges, and real opportunities shaping the future.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why healthcare payments have lagged behind retail and fintech

How AI is improving billing transparency and patient experience

The role of ACH, cards, and digital wallets in modern healthcare

Why communication (text + payment links) is becoming the new payment hub

What the future looks like for stablecoins, automation, and patient payments

If you’ve ever wondered why healthcare billing feels so complicated—and what’s finally being done about it—this is a must-watch.

Featuring: Ryan Tennyson, SolutionReach

Hosted by: Kevin “Payments Professor” Olsen

The payments world is heading into uncharted territory. In this episode, we explore what’s next for banking and treasury, from the rise of digital-asset-focused bank charters to AI agents executing payments on behalf of humans. We dig into identity, programmability, smart contract risk, and why immutability still makes treasurers nervous. The conversation also tackles regulatory clarity, quantum computing as a “Y2K redux,” and the growing gap between institutions that can afford innovation and those that can’t. A candid look at why 2026 and beyond may force hard choices, consolidation, and a redefinition of how financial institutions survive and compete.

2025 was a whirlwind for electronic payments, and this episode breaks it all down. The Payments Professor is joined by industry voices from treasury and fintech to unpack the biggest developments of the year, from explosive M&A in treasury management systems to AI-driven cash forecasting, fintech compliance concerns, stablecoins, instant payments, and the stubborn persistence of checks. We explore what’s hype, what’s real, and what treasurers, banks, and fintechs should actually be paying attention to as the industry evolves. This is your year-in-review of payments, with clear insights and candid perspectives you won’t hear anywhere else.

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!"

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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.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more global fintech insights.

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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.