In this episode of What's Going On in Banking, Ron Shevlin and Stacey Bryant unpack the big waves reshaping the financial industry—from Chime’s bold IPO and Capital One’s acquisition of Discover to the shifting role of community banks in an increasingly digital world. Is the fintech revolution a threat or an opportunity? 

 Plus: the truth behind AI buzzwords, the risks of open banking, and why handshakes might still beat algorithms. A must-listen for bankers, fintech leaders, and anyone navigating the future of finance.

After a year-long hiatus, Ron Shevlin returns with a revamped What’s Going On in Banking, now co-hosted by the sharp and vibrant Stacey Bryant. In this episode, the co-hosts break down the FIS–Worldpay–Global Payments deal, questioning whether it’s as rosy as a deal for financial institutions as some assume.

They also dig into the chaos around artificial intelligence in banking—from vague definitions to overhyped return on investment expectations and argue that banks must improve the ways in which they use data.

Show notes

• Companies Are Struggling to Drive a Return on AI. It Doesn’t Have to Be That Way (WSJ subscription required)

Dive into the future of financial services in this highly-anticipated episode of What's Going on in Banking with Ron Shevlin and co-host Steve Williams. They unpack the evolving banking landscape—from a shift out of stormy pessimism to a cautiously optimistic outlook—covering key topics that matter most to banking professionals today.

In this episode, Ron and Steve discuss:

• Deposit Growth & Liquidity: Explore why deposit gathering remains a top priority, the impact of fintech disruption, and how banks are leveraging rate strategies and advanced analytics to compete for funds.

• Fintech Partnerships & Embedded Finance: Learn how banks and credit unions are rethinking partnerships, integrating fintech solutions, and innovating product offerings to capture younger, tech-savvy customers.

• Cybersecurity & Fraud Prevention: Delve into emerging challenges in cybersecurity and fraud, and discover why building a robust fraud tech stack is critical in today’s digital era.

• Regulatory Trends & Core Integration: Analyze the potential regulatory shifts—including changes to the CFPB’s role—and the challenges banks face in modernizing core systems while staying compliant.

• AI & Data Strategy: Uncover how generative AI and data-driven insights are poised to transform back-office operations and drive smarter banking, from credit services to customer experience.

Marketing majors at business schools are declining and boardrooms are dropping marketing’s seat. Even marketing professionals are failing to effectively market themselves. In this episode, Ron and guests Derik Sutton (CMO, Autobooks) and Mary Anne Keegan (CEO, Etch Advisors) discuss these challenges. They also explore the changing landscape of marketing and the need for a balance between short-term results and long-term attention.

In this episode, Ron Shevlin interviews Nigel Morris, co-founder and managing partner of QED Investors, about the current state of fintech. They discuss JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon’s annual shareholder letter, the impact of AI on financial institutions (and what to watch out for), what U.S.-based banks and fintech companies can learn from emerging markets, the underserved small business lending space, and much more.

On this episode, Ron examines how and why consumers are shaking up their banking habits with Liz Wolverton, the executive vice president and head of consumer banking and brand experience at Synovus. Together, they explore how next-gen digital bankers are – get ready – baby boomers and how younger consumers are downgrading their financial institution by moving some of their money elsewhere. Liz calls this trend “silent attrition.” They also explore what people want from a bank account, including features for adult children who are managing their aging parents' money, at a time when banks and credit unions remain in hot pursuit of deposits.

In this episode, Ron Shevlin and Steve Williams discuss some of the hottest findings of the 2024 What's Going On in Banking report. Come for the data. Leave with ideas on successful deposit strategies, faster payment prospects, and other ways to combat growing competitive threats. Also, hear some comments penned from your peers on the thorniest challenges and biggest opportunities they see in the months to come.

Download the full report now!

On this episode, Ron dives into PayPal's groundbreaking announcement to launch its own dollar-pegged cryptocurrency with special guest Todd Baker. Together they examine how PayPal's bold move into crypto could revolutionize payments.Learn why PayPal is betting big on stablecoins becoming the next generation of digital money, discover how decentralized finance may reshape transactions, and find out what risks challengers like PayPal pose to traditional banks and payment networks.Will privately-issued cryptocurrencies replace your credit card? Can they challenge the dominance of Visa and Mastercard? What could this mean for the future of how we pay?Tune in to hear insights on PayPal's crypto play, the coming payments revolution, and what it all might mean for your wallet.Subscribe to What's Going On In Banking for the latest in banking, fintech, and more!

The Credit Card Competition Act of 2023 aims to shake up the payments industry, but would its intended consequences actually happen? Let's dive into the proposed legislation that would let merchants route transactions through networks beyond just Visa and Mastercard.On this episode, Ron talks with Michele Alt (Co-Founder of the Klaros Group and former OCC Official), to explore whether this act would truly increase competition and lower costs for consumers and merchants alike. Or might it have unintended consequences that could negatively impact smaller banks, enable fraud, reduce tax revenue, and more?Get the insider take as we debate the merits and potential pitfalls of this bid to transform the credit card processing business. The hosts draw on decades of combined experience to pick apart the proposal and foresee its ripple effects.Whether you're a policy wonk or just pay with plastic, this episode breaks down the ambitious Credit Card Competition Act from every angle. Tune in to help shape your own informed opinion.Subscribe to What's Going On In Banking for the latest in Fintech, financial services, and everything banking!

On this episode, Ron Shevlin sits down with fintech analyst Alex Johnson to deep dive on why fintechs like Chime and Square captured nearly half of all new checking accounts in 2023. They explore the generational shifts towards fintech, whether niche players will survive, and if rate hikes can win back younger consumers. Unpacking the future of the checking account, they analyze the challenges digital upstarts face to retain and expand customer relationships over time. Get the data-driven insights on the tectonic shifts in consumer finance reshaping banking.Subscribe to What's Going On In Banking and stay informed on the latest in fintech and banking breaking news.