Host Larry K. Williams sits down with Beverly Anderson, President and CEO of BECU, to discuss the role of credit unions in promoting financial inclusion and the evolving FinTech landscape. They explore the impact of AI on financial services, the importance of partnerships between legacy financial institutions and FinTechs, and the unique innovations coming out of Georgia. Beverly shares insights into the future of the industry, with a focus on the challenges of fraud, financial health, and collaboration in the tech space.

In this episode:

• Beverly Anderson’s Leadership at BECU: Her role in driving financial inclusion and serving underserved communities.
• Georgia’s Role in FinTech: Atlanta as a hub of innovation and technology, attracting major players like Visa and Google.
• AI and Technology: The potential of AI to transform the financial services industry and help credit unions better serve members.
• Fraud and Cybersecurity: Insights from breakout sessions on the persistent threat of fraud and the need for better digital and physical security.
• Industry Partnerships: The growing trend of collaboration between FinTechs and established financial institutions to scale innovation.
• The Future of FinTech: Predictions around AI, consolidation in the financial sector, and the evolution of the FinTech industry.

Host Larry K. Williams sits down with Jonathan O'Connor, CEO of Maast and head of merchant services at Synovus, to discuss Georgia's pivotal role in the global fintech landscape. They explore the energy and collaboration at this year's FinTech South event, the rapid integration of AI in FinTech, and the regulatory challenges ahead. Jonathan shares insights into the future of transaction processing, the importance of Atlanta as a hub of innovation, and the value of industry collaboration.

In this episode:

• Overview of FinTech South 2024: Energy, collaboration, and the blend of experienced professionals and younger talent.
• Jonathan’s Role at Synovus and Maast: Leadership in merchant services and banking-as-a-service innovation.
• Atlanta and Georgia as FinTech Hubs: Talent attraction, fintech creativity, and the city's rich payments industry history.
• AI and Regulation: The importance of balancing innovation with regulatory challenges in the growth of FinTech.
• Collaboration and Leadership: Highlighting the contributions of industry leaders.
• Looking Ahead for FinTech: The future of the transaction community, the role of regulators, and the impact of rapid technological advances.

Lauren Patrick speaks with Kyle Tothill, co-founder of Collective Insights and Chairman of the Board for the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG). They discuss how Georgia is emerging as a global hub of FinTech innovation, the importance of fostering connections within the tech community, and the role TAG plays in driving growth. Tune in to hear Kyle’s insights on the pillars needed to make Georgia a leader in technology and what it means for the future of the state’s FinTech ecosystem.

In this episode:

• Georgia as a Global FinTech Hub: Discussion on how Georgia is positioning itself as a leader in FinTech innovation and what makes the state a key player in the global industry.
• Building and Supporting a Tech Ecosystem: Insights into the importance of fostering connections within the tech community, and the role organizations like TAG play in cultivating innovation, capital, and collaboration.
• The Role of TAG in Georgia’s Growth: Exploration of TAG’s contributions to the tech landscape, including initiatives in education, leadership development, and creating a supportive environment for startups and established businesses alike.
• Key Elements for Innovation: A conversation about the pillars needed to make Georgia a global tech hub, including investment in education, capital, and government alignment.
• FinTech Lives Here: Reflections on what the theme "FinTech Lives Here" means for Georgia and its impact on the local and global economy.

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Host Lauren Patrick, Vice President of Marketing at the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), sits down with Kristen Slink, FinTech Market Strategist at FIS and the host of FinTech South 2024. Kristen shares her journey from founding an online lending company in San Diego to becoming a key player in Georgia’s fintech community. They explore how Georgia has become an epicenter of fintech innovation and has attracted talent and attention from across the globe.  

In this episode: 
1:27 – Kristen shares her career journey from fintech founder to fintech market strategist at FIS.
3:43 – What the theme "FinTech Lives Here" means to Kristen and why Georgia is the perfect home for FinTech
5:53 – Kristen’s favorite moments from FinTech South, including her role as the event MC and the Innovation Challenge
8:27 – Kristen’s message to women in tech and her excitement about the potential of AI in FinTech
9:20 – Why tech professionals should get involved with TAG and its societies to grow their businesses and careers 

Connect with Us on LinkedIn:
Lauren Patrick, VP of Marketing at TAG
Kristen Slink, FinTech Market Strategist at FIS

Learn More About TAG and FinTech South:
TAG website 
FinTech South 2024

Host Larry K. Williams, President and CEO of the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), speaks with Nathan Feather, CFO of Prime Revenue and a platinum sponsor of FinTech South. Nathan, with over 18 years of experience at Prime Revenue, reflects on the company's evolution and how the fintech landscape has transformed. He shares his thoughts on why Georgia is a global tintech hub, the importance of collaboration within the community, and his insights on B2B fintech opportunities.

In this episode:

• Nathan reflects on his role as CFO of Prime Revenue and the company’s evolution over the last 18 years.
• Thoughts on the theme “FinTech Lives Here” and the importance of fostering a strong FinTech community in Georgia.
• The significance of global conferences like FinTech South in bringing together diverse voices and fostering innovation.
• Nathan’s favorite moments from FinTech South, including the Innovation Challenge and the impact of non-dilutive funding for startups.
• The unique collaborative culture in Georgia’s FinTech ecosystem and how TAG plays a role in fostering connections.
• Workforce development and the role of Atlanta’s talent pool in attracting companies to the region.
• Nathan’s outlook on the future of B2B FinTech and the opportunities in connecting businesses beyond internal processes.

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Host Larry K. Williams, President and CEO of the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), sits down with Brian Gorney, Managing Director of Enterprise Accounts at Verizon Business and the Chair of FinTech South 2024. Brian reflects on the success of this year’s event and shares insights into how Georgia’s tech ecosystem, particularly fintech, has become a global hub for innovation. They discuss the importance of community, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies like generative AI that are shaping the future of financial services.   

In this episode:

• Brian reflects on the success of FinTech South so far, including standout speakers and the importance of bringing the community together
• Why Georgia is the epicenter of FinTech and why it’s important for the community to gather at events like FinTech South
• Verizon’s role in FinTech and cybersecurity, including their participation in the Technology of Trust track
• Exciting innovations at FinTech South, including Blink Sky’s platform and discussions around generative AI
• The unique aspects of Georgia’s technology ecosystem and how Verizon is helping companies achieve their business goals
• Looking ahead: What’s next for Georgia’s technology and innovation ecosystem

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Host Larry K. Williams, President and CEO of the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), speaks with Mark Chambers, CEO and Founder of BlinkSky, about the company’s journey from its humble beginnings to becoming a leader in the digital payments space. Mark reflects on how the company’s vision to replace physical gift cards with digital solutions started at the inaugural FinTech South in 2018.   

In this episode:

• BlinkSky’s mission to disrupt the physical gift card market with digital solutions
• Thoughts on the theme “FinTech Lives Here” and why Georgia is a critical hub for financial technology
• Mark shares the success stories and new partnerships BlinkSky has formed at FinTech South, including a partnership with MasterCard and interest from international delegates
• The global nature of FinTech and Mark’s reflections on hosting the Jamaican Ambassador at FinTech South
• Mark looks into the future of FinTech, discussing the impact of AI and his bold vision for telepathic payments
• Final thoughts and the importance of being part of the TAG community for anyone in Georgia’s tech industry

Learn more about BlinkSky

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