In one of our final Travillian Next episodes of 2024, join our Head of Bank Strategy, Michael Perito, for this can’t-miss conversation with one of the original architects of Banking-as-a-Service, the “Godfather” Brad Hanson. Brad’s career in banking and payments is vast, beginning at BankFirst, which later became The Bancorp, Inc. (TBBK), where he started a mortgage division and later a payment card division that became one of the largest in the country. He also was a key architect of building out a similar BaaS platform at Meta Financial Group, now Pathward Financial (CASH), where he lastly served as President and Chief Executive Officer.

In this episode of Travillian Next, Travillian's Brian Love, Head of Banking & Fintech, Keith Daly, Principal, Banking & Fintech Search, and Michael Perito, Head of Bank Strategy, break down what’s ahead for banking and fintech in 2025. With their sharp expertise and lively personalities, they make the tough topics—like succession planning, tech-driven leadership, and the demand for top-tier CFOs—sound anything but boring.

The trio breaks down why community banks need to balance big-picture vision with real-world execution, while also stressing the need for fresh strategies in risk management. Packed with insights and a few laughs, this episode shows how banks need to stay on their toes and adapt to a world that's changing faster than ever.

Earlier this year, Newsweek named DFCU Financial one of America’s Top Credit Unions. In this episode of Travillian Next, Brian Love, Head of Banking & Fintech at Travillian, was lucky enough to sit down with DFCU’s President & CEO, Ryan Goldberg, to uncover the story behind the bank’s success and what some would consider “his bold career moves.” What drives a leader to leave a memorable career in community banking and take on the unique challenges of the credit union world?

They discuss DFCU’s strategic growth through M&A, the approach to leadership and mentorship, and how they’re shaping the next generation of talent. Ryan also shares his perspective on the very nuanced task of navigating industry transitions.

Chapters

00:00 | Introduction to DFCU Financial and Ryan Goldberg

07:38 | Transition from Community Banking to Credit Unions

14:39 | Navigating Criticism in Credit Union Acquisitions

19:41 | Retention and Integration Post-Acquisition

27:39 | The Role of Mentorship in Career Growth

Brian Love, Head of Banking & Fintech at Travillian, chats with Tom Ogaard, CEO of Native American Bank, about their efforts to boost economic opportunities in Native American communities.

Native American Bank partners with other native loan banks and non-bank native CDFIs to bring financial services to reservation-based communities. They focus on projects such as healthcare facilities, housing, and economic development, aiming to create new jobs and improve the economic opportunities for tribes and tribal communities.

Learn more about how Native American Bank is driving change through these strategic partnerships and innovative projects.

Topics Discussed:

The 2024 NEXT Forum, hosted by Travillian and Newcleus LLC at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, NJ.

Day of Education – Session #8

Headliner: Johnny Allison, Chairman, CEO & Co-Founder of Home Bancshares Inc - The always colorful, passionate and genuine Johnny talks about the interesting journey of Home Bancshares, provides market commentary and shares stories that shaped his career and life.

This conversation is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Speaker:
Johnny Allison - Chairman/CEO/Co-Founder, Home Bancshares, Inc.

Moderators:
Joe Fenech, Founder and CIO, GenOpp Capital Management

Brian Love, Head of Banking & Fintech, Travillian

Join us for this can’t miss episode of Travillian Next with Scott Studwell, Stephens' Head of U.S. Depositories and Co-Head of Equity Capital Markets, and Frank Sorrentino, Managing Director at Stephens, as they join our own Michael Perito, Travillian’s Head of Bank Strategy, to discuss what the current outlook for bank M&A and capital issuing looks like post election. The political red wave that took over Washington D.C. over the past week leaves bank investors clearly optimistic about the outlook for the banking industry, although what does this mean for bank M&A and capital raising efforts, which have been at historic lows for about two years at this point.

The 2024 NEXT Forum, hosted by Travillian and Newcleus LLC at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, NJ.

Day of Education – Session #7

Shhh...Talking Politics in a Speakeasy - Tip a glass to the upcoming election, and gain invaluable insights about how the banking industry should prepare for either outcome.

Panelists:

Trey Maust, Executive Chairman, Lewis & Clark Bancorp

Pat Ryan, President & Chief Executive Officer, First Bank

Mary Kissel, EVP and Senior Policy Advisor, Stephens, Inc

Moderator:
Mike Perito, Head of Bank Strategy, Travillian

In the latest episode of Travillian Next, Keith Daly, Principal, Banking & Fintech Search at Travillian, speaks with Phil Goldfeder, CEO of the American Fintech Council. From Atlantic City to Utah to NYC to DC to Vegas – you never know exactly where he will be, but one thing is for sure, Phil is fighting tirelessly in the trenches for his members. Travillian is proud to be a Strategic Partner with the AFC to help educate and advocate for responsible and sound public policy so innovation at small banks and fintechs will not be stifled.

In this chat, Phil gives his insights on the vibe and trending topics of the many conferences he has attended and moderated over the past few months culminating with the much anticipated AFC Policy Summit on November 19th in Washington DC. The AFC Summit will bring together the top minds in government, technology & banking for an intimate and dynamic discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry heading into 2025.

In this episode of the Travillian Next, host Michael Perito, Head of Bank Strategy at Travillian, speaks with Isaac Wheeler, Managing Director, Head of Balance Sheet Strategy at Derivative Path, about the current state of interest rate hedging strategies in the banking sector. At a time of heightened rate uncertainty, it’s important to understand all the tools available to help reduce rate risk and free up human and financial capital to focus on growing the bank in a challenging competitive environment.

This conversation is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Key points covered:

The 2024 NEXT Forum, hosted by Travillian and Newcleus LLC at the Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ.

Day of Education – Session #6

Double Down on Your Balance Sheet Strategy - Two of the foremost experts in community bank balance sheet management reveal their perspectives and strategies for navigating risk and staying financially sound in today's volatile market.

Panelists:
Scott Hildenbrand, Head of Depository Fixed Income, Piper Sandler

Brian Leibfried, Head of Bank Insights, Performance Trust Capital Partners

Moderators:
Mike Perito, Head of Bank Strategy, Travillian

Isaac Wheeler - Managing Director, Head of Balance Sheet Strategy, Derivative Path