The BIGCast: Sharing the credit union industry's current breakthroughs in innovation and discussing the latest hot topics
The fintech industry is evolving rapidly, and the BIGcast is here to delve into its impact on the credit union industry. Our esteemed guests from across the financial, technology and security sectors will provide thrilling perspectives on the latest fintech innovations that are poised to revolutionize the way we handle our finances. Each week join thought-leader, John Best and subject matter expert, Glen Sarvady as they take a quick dive into the financial industry's current breakthroughs and latest hot topics.
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The State(s) of Financial Regulation
03/24/2026
The State(s) of Financial Regulation
Our final batch of America's Credit Unions GAC coverage- Glen speaks with Ncontracts’ Stephanie Lyon about the shifting yet inevitable regulatory/compliance landscape. Also- another Domino falls on Paze’s roadmap, and Illinois’ interchange debacle proves too geeky for prediction markets- but not for a punk rock reference. Links related to this episode: Ncontracts’ blog: Stephanie Lyon via LinkedIn: Paze’s addition of Citi and Domino’s: Taft Law’s PayTech practice: Our prior GAC coverage, featuring TruStage’s Stablecoin and Glia and CUltivate AI/ ACU’s Economics Team LAST CHANCE! Join us at , an unscripted, participant-powered gathering designed to foster unfiltered conversation on the topics participants deem most critical. The event is open to all credit union leaders, but the group will be kept intentionally small for maximum impact. Join us March 30 – April 2 at Visa’s Market Support Center in San Francisco- Visit to learn more and register. Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Stablecoins and AI- Need We Say More?
03/17/2026
Stablecoins and AI- Need We Say More?
Continuing our Americas Credit Unions Government Affairs Conference coverage, Managing Director Brian Kaas discusses TruStage’s new stablecoin designed specifically for credit unions, and CEO/Co-Founder Dan Michaeli shares data-driven insights from Glia’s new Banking AI Benchmarks Report. Also- fintech’s answer to the NBA Slam Dunk Competition. Links related to this episode: TruStage Stablecoin: Glia’s Banking AI Benchmarks Report: CU Broadcast’s segment recorded in DC with Glen, Anne Legg and Lou Grilli sharing their key GAC takeaways: Glen’s November 2023 interview with Penny Finance Founder Crissi Cole: CU Broadcast’s GAC interview with Penny Finance and Chimney Founders Crissi Cole and Chase Neinken: Our prior episode featuring GAC interviews with CUltivate AI (purpose-built LLM for credit unions) and Americas Credit Unions’ economics team: Check out CU Unplugged, an unscripted, participant-powered gathering designed to foster unfiltered conversation on the topics participants deem most critical. The event is open to all credit union leaders, but the group will be kept intentionally small for maximum impact. Join us March 30 – April 2 at Visa’s Market Support Center in San Francisco- Visit to learn more and register. Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday March 18 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions. This month we’ll discuss key takeaways from the recent Government Affairs Conference. If you missed GAC it’s a great chance to catch up. If you were there, compare notes with your colleagues. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Chicken Wings, Not Sharp Elbows
03/11/2026
Chicken Wings, Not Sharp Elbows
Our first batch of coverage from Americas Credit Unions’ Government Affairs Conference features an interview with the three leaders behind CUltivate- the new credit union-owned and curated foundational AI engine- plus our annual meetup with the ACU Economics Team to discuss their take on the outlook for CUs and the US economy overall. Links related to this episode: CUltivate: Filene Research Institute: Vizo Financial Corporate Credit Union: Vertice AI: OpenEvidence, the Mayo Clinic’s purpose-built AI tool for healthcare professionals cited as a model my CUltivate: America’s Credit Unions’ Economic Update/Blogs: Check out CU Unplugged, an unscripted, participant-powered gathering designed to foster unfiltered conversation on the topics participants deem most critical. The event is open to all credit union leaders, but the group will be kept intentionally small for maximum impact. Join us March 30 – April 2 at Visa’s Market Support Center in San Francisco- Visit to learn more and register. Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday March 18 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions. This month we’ll discuss key takeaways from the recent Government Affairs Conference. If you missed GAC it’s a great chance to catch up. If you were there, compare notes with your colleagues. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Credit Unions Acquiring Knowledge
03/04/2026
Credit Unions Acquiring Knowledge
Glen speaks with two Associate Professors- Anna-Leigh Stone (Samford University) and Jordan Van Rijn (University of Wisconsin) about the recent Credit Union Research Workshop and Stone’s paper analyzing the impact of CUs acquiring banks. Also- KYC risks morphing into Know Your Citizenship. Links related to this episode: Anna-Leigh Stone: Jordan Van Rijn: The CU Research Workshop: The Cato Institute on the proposed requirement for FIs to collect account holders’ citizenship data: TruStage’s announcement of its TSDA stablecoin for credit unions: The CU Daily on the latest Alabama brushfire re: a CU acquiring a bank: Check out CU Unplugged, an unscripted, participant-powered gathering designed to foster unfiltered conversation on the topics participants deem most critical. The event is open to all credit union leaders, but the group will be kept intentionally small for maximum impact. Join us March 30 – April 2 at Visa’s Market Support Center in San Francisco- Visit to learn more and register. Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday March 18 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Taking Turns, Catching Crucial Signals
02/25/2026
Taking Turns, Catching Crucial Signals
Glen offers two more interviews from our continuing Finovate Europe coverage- a chat with GSMA Head of Industry Security Samantha Kight on the latest efforts to combat financial fraud on mobile devices, and the leaders of startup Hagbad unveil a savings circle app with echoes of credit unions’ early days. Also- card interchange solidifies its role as America’s misunderstood punching bag. Links related to this episode: Hagbad: GSMA’s Connected Fintech and Commerce page: GSMA’s Open Gateway financial API initiative: Part 1 of our Finovate Europe coverage, including interviews with a pair of Best of Show winners: Finovate Europe demos are available for viewing: Our recent episode previewing GAC with Americas Credit Unions CEO Scott Simpson: Jared Bernstein’s proposed grocery affordability hack that pulls card interchange into the mix: Check out CU Unplugged, an unscripted, participant-powered gathering designed to foster unfiltered conversation on the topics participants most critical. The event is open to all credit union leaders, but the group will be kept intentionally small for maximum impact. Join us March 30 – April 2 at Visa’s Market Support Center in San Francisco- Visit to learn more and register. Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Putting an Accent on Identity, Code Modernization and Fraud
02/18/2026
Putting an Accent on Identity, Code Modernization and Fraud
Glen shares his takeaways from Finovate Europe, including interviews with two standout demoing companies- Tweezr and Keyless. Also- $15 billion becomes the new $10 billion, and Illinois’ interchange glass looks less than half full. Links related to this episode: Tweezr: Keyless: Finovate Europe: Payments Dive on the latest Interchange Fee Prohibition Act court ruling: The CU Daily on proposed legislation to index the Durbin Amendment’s $10 billion threshold: Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday February 18 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. This month’s session will feature guest Brian Bodell, CEO of Movemint (formerly Digital Storefront). The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: Check out CU Unplugged, an unscripted, participant-powered gathering designed to foster unfiltered conversation on the topics participants most critical. The event is open to all credit union leaders, but the group will be kept intentionally small for maximum impact. Join us March 30 – April 2 at Visa’s Market Support Center in San Francisco: Visit to learn more and register. Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Small Businesses, Big Policy Debates
02/11/2026
Small Businesses, Big Policy Debates
America’s Credit Unions CEO Scott Simpson reflects on his first 90 days in the role and offers a preview of March’s Government Affairs Conference. Barlow Research Managing Partner Sandy Hanson shares new and unexpected insights on how SMBs prefer to engage with financial providers. Also- PayPal’s plunge brings another of our 2025 BIGgo squares back into play, and an insider’s uncommon take on FTX. Links related to this episode: America’s Credit Unions: The Government Affairs Conference, March 1-5 in Washington DC- breakout sessions now announced: Barlow Research: Deluxe Exchange: Yahoo Finance on PayPal’s earnings miss and Elon Musk rumors: Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday February 18 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. This month’s session will feature guest Brian Bodell, CEO of Movemint (formerly Digital Storefront). The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: Check out CU Unplugged, an unscripted, participant-powered gathering designed to foster unfiltered conversation on the topics participants most critical. The event is open to all credit union leaders, but the group will be kept intentionally small for maximum impact. Join us March 30 – April 2 at Visa’s Market Support Center in San Francisco: Visit to learn more and register. Follow us on LinkedIn:
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How Many CUSOs Can Fit into a Yacht Club?
02/05/2026
How Many CUSOs Can Fit into a Yacht Club?
Glen connects with Randy Salser to discuss his initial takeaways as NACUSO’s new CEO, and why this April’s Reimagine conference is a must-attend for credit unions as well as CUSOs. Also- Playing 3-D Chess with Trump Accounts, and a deep-pocketed twist on a de novo CU. Links related to this episode: NACUSO: NACUSO’s Reimagine conference, April 27-30 at the Disney Yacht & Beach Club in Lake Buena Vista, FL: Visa’s initiative to enable cash back card rewards to be transferred directly to newborn Trump accounts: The CU Daily’s coverage of Aven’s role in launching Haven Federal Credit Union: Check out CU Unplugged, an unscripted, participant-powered gathering designed to foster unfiltered conversation on the topics participants most critical. The event is open to all credit union leaders, but the group will be kept intentionally small for maximum impact. Join us March 30 – April 2 at Visa’s Market Support Center in San Francisco: Visit to learn more and register. Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday February 18 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. This month’s session will feature remarks from Brian Bodell, CEO of Movemint (formerly Digital Storefront). The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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From One Nonprofit to Another
01/29/2026
From One Nonprofit to Another
Glen speaks with Karen Houghton, Co-Founder/CEO of Infinite Giving, about how to narrow the financial services gap facing nonprofit entities. Also- the latest on the Credit Card Competition Act and proposed 10% rate cap, and a new forum for tackling the real-time issues facing credit unions. Links related to this episode: Infinite Giving: Karen’s book “Funding Your Mission”: (Chapter 1 is available for free download at Infinite Giving’s website) Financial Health Network CEO Jennifer Tescher’s analysis of the proposed 10% credit card interest rate cap: NerdWallet’s take on the Credit Card Competition Act: Last week’s episode, featuring more detail on both CU Unplugged and the proposed 10% credit card rate cap: Check out CU Unplugged, an unscripted, participant-powered gathering designed to foster unfiltered conversation on the topics participants deem most critical. Open to all credit union leaders, but the group will be kept intentionally small for maximum impact. Join us March 30 – April 2 at Visa’s Market Support Center in San Francisco: Visit to learn more and register. Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday February 18 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Unplugged, Unscripted, Unfiltered
01/20/2026
Unplugged, Unscripted, Unfiltered
John and Glen connect with Defense Credit Union Council CEO Tony Hernandez to discuss CU Unplugged, the interactive credit union “un-conference” debuting in late March in San Francisco. Also, Glen surveys the chaos and mixed messaging stemming from the proposed 10% cap on credit card interest. Links related to this episode: CU Unplugged, March 30 – April 2 at Visa’s Market Support Center in San Francisco: The Defense Credit Union Council: Last week’s 2026 Predictions episode: Financial Health Network CEO Jennifer Tescher’s analysis of the proposed 10% credit card interest rate cap: Marketplace’s coverage of the cap’s likely impact, including an interview with Bankrate: Another “explainer,” this one with an MIT finance professor: Bilt’s announcement of a credit card complying with the proposed cap: Join us for our first CU Town Hall of 2026- Wednesday January 21 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. This session will tackle 2026 predictions in interactive form, covering additional ground including breaking news .The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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2026: Do Markets Still Hate Uncertainty?
01/13/2026
2026: Do Markets Still Hate Uncertainty?
The BIGCast Gang ventures into the highly turbulent waters of 2026 fintech and credit union predictions- assessing the bright and dark sides of AI, vibe coding, the outlook for mergers, interest rates and of course, Bitcoin. Glen throws in a Rob Reiner/Stephen King reference for good measure. Links related to this episode: John Janclaes/The CEO Corner: Anne Legg/Thrive Strategic Services: Lou Grilli via LinkedIn: Money 20/20’s “Who the F Knows?” predictions: Plaid’s 2026 Predictions: December’s episode grading our 2025 predictions and marking off the BIGGo cards: Join us for our first CU Town Hall of 2026- Wednesday January 21 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. This session will tackle 2026 predictions in interactive form, covering additional ground including breaking news since this podcast was recorded. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Turning the Page… or Marking a Checkpoint?
12/23/2025
Turning the Page… or Marking a Checkpoint?
The BIGCast Gang convenes for its annual roundup of the biggest stories impacting credit unions and fintechs (zero points awarded for guessing #1 on the list). Some Q1 headlines seem like ancient history, while others are gifts that just keep on giving. Bitcoin delivered its usual wild ride- but in 2025 it had plenty of company. Links related to this episode: John Janclaes/ The CEO Corner: Anne Legg/ Thrive Strategic Services: Lou Grilli via LinkedIn: The AI Index John referenced: The BIGCast is taking a two-week holiday break; check in for new content on Tuesday January 13. Until then, check out our archives at for hundreds of past episodes. Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Calling “Bingo!” in a Crazy Year
12/16/2025
Calling “Bingo!” in a Crazy Year
We have a winner! John and Glen sort through the squares of our 2025 Bingo (or BIG-Go) cards to assess the “gimme” events, items that occurred but differently than expected, and a few things that didn’t wind up happening… yet. Links related to this episode: Our February blog explaining the BIG-Go game: PayPal/Venmo’s merchant relationship with Taco Bell: FedNow transaction volumes- which have already tripled over 2024: The merger of not-quite $10 Billion credit unions: Join us for our final CU Town Hall of 2025- Wednesday December 17 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. In this session we’ll recap 2025’s major events and tally up our Bingo Card predictions. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: https://www.cutownhall.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Humans in the Loop, on the App, and Sometimes in the Branch
12/10/2025
Humans in the Loop, on the App, and Sometimes in the Branch
Glen puts a bow on the 2025 conference calendar, wrapping up interviews with SAP Fioneer Global Head of Payments Carlos Figueredo and banking lifer/Association for Cannabis Banking co-founder Michael Beird. Also- constructive yet cautious takes on AI from a multitude of perspectives. Links related to this episode: Fintech Talents: SAP Fioneer: Carlos Figueredo’s LinkedIn: Michael Beird’s LinkedIn profile and Cannabis Banking playbook: The Association for Cannabis Banking: Join us for our final CU Town Hall of 2025- Wednesday December 17 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. In this session we’ll recap 2025’s major events and tally up our Bingo Card predictions. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Talkin’ Turkey with the Team
11/25/2025
Talkin’ Turkey with the Team
Continuing our holiday tradition, John and Glen welcome regular contributors Anne Legg and Lou Grilli to share thoughts on the happenings that made them grateful (Fintech and credit union-wise) over the past year. Includes takes on the GENIUS Act, shutdown relief, and the Napster Age of AI. Links related to this episode: Thrive Strategic Services- Where Anne Legg Creates More Awesome: Lou Grilli: Chip Filson’s “Just a Member” blog: Arnall Golden Gregory’s take on the proposed Visa/Mastercard settlement: LAST CALL for our BIG-Go Card: Join us for our final CU Town Hall of 2025- Wednesday December 17 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Venturing into the Credit Union Vanguard
11/18/2025
Venturing into the Credit Union Vanguard
Part 2 of our VentureTech coverage features Glen’s interviews with founders of all three finalists from the main stage event: Matt Dicou of Reset, Cary Fortin of Goodbuy and Jordan Mackler of ScribeUp. Also- Chase pushes forward with its “pay for data” model. Links related to this episode: Reset: Goodbuy: ScribeUp: Last week’s episode featuring Aries Fraud Solutions, KeySavvy and Remynt: VentureTech: CNBC’s take on JPMorgan Chase’s traction in charging for open banking data: William Mills’ annual Financial Trade Show/Conference Directory: Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday November 19 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Launching from Obscurity, Venturing into the Mainstream
11/12/2025
Launching from Obscurity, Venturing into the Mainstream
In our first wave of VentureTech coverage Glen speaks with a trio of co-founders, from Launch Party winners Aries Fraud Solutions (unveiling its Obscurity Card) and main stage standouts KeySavvy and Remynt. Also- skepticism meets déjà vu on the proposed Visa/Mastercard settlement. Links related to this episode: Aries Fraud Solutions: KeySavvy: Remynt: VentureTech: Reuters’ take on the proposed Visa/Mastercard merchant settlement: Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday November 19 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Agents, Stablecoins, and a Touch of Friction
11/04/2025
Agents, Stablecoins, and a Touch of Friction
Glen boils down the prevailing themes from this year’s Money 20/20 conference, upping the ante via interviews with a pair of compelling startups (Eloquent AI and RentFlow) and Paze’s update on securing identity through the digital wallet. Also- Fiserv shakes investors to the core, and open banking continues to ruffle feathers. Links related to this episode: Eloquent AI: RentFlow: Paze: A credit union-specific take on Fiserv’s stock meltdown: Western Union’s stablecoin play: PayPal and Google Cloud’s agentic AI gambit: Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday November 19 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Muddying the Stablecoin Waters- Not a Genius Move
10/28/2025
Muddying the Stablecoin Waters- Not a Genius Move
John and Glen tackle the key takeaways from recent market headlines: Open Ai’s commercial relationship with Walmart, the temporary “de-pegging” of so-called stablecoin Ethena (USDe), and the warning flare it sets off for broader stablecoin adoption. Plus- Zelle goes global, and people still have a lot to say about Section 1033. Links related to this episode: The Open AI/Walmart partnership: The Crypto Times’ coverage of USDe’s brief “depeg” incident: Zelle’s move into stablecoin and cross-border payments: Payments Dive’s article on the deluge of Section 1033 comments: FedNow’s Q3 transaction and volume data: RTP’s Q3 transaction and volume data: Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday November 19 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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The Complicated Road to Financial Health
10/22/2025
The Complicated Road to Financial Health
Glen speaks with the Financial Health Network’s Andrew Warren about takeaways from the newly minted Financial Health Pulse Trends report, including the persistent challenges in maintaining gains in financial stability. Also- the latest real-time payments data begs new questions, and Glen eats crow on Nvidia. Links related to this episode: The Financial Health Network’s 2025 US Pulse Trends report: The Financial Health Network’s EMERGE 2026 conference, May 19-21 in Atlanta: FedNow’s Q3 transaction and volume data: RTP’s Q3 transaction and volume data: VentureTech in Frisco, Texas November 3-5; A FEW SCHOLARSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE FOR CUs UNDER $250M: : The Underground Collision at Money 20/20 (Saturday Oct 25, separate admission): USE PROMO CODE “50BIGFIN” FOR A 50% DISCOUNT Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday November 19 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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The Smart Money in Vegas
10/15/2025
The Smart Money in Vegas
The Smart Money in Vegas Glen connects with Money 20/20 CEO Tracey Davies to discuss what to expect from this year’s extravaganza following a year of remarkable disruption and advancement. Also- a not-so-genius stablecoin wake-up call, and why “digital gold” may be a more accurate descriptor for Bitcoin than intended. Links related to this episode: Money 20/20, October 26-29 in Las Vegas: CB Insights on the Money 20/20 Award finalists: The Underground Collision at Money 20/20 (Saturday Oct 25, separate admission): USE PROMO CODE “50BIGFIN” FOR A 50% DISCOUNT Glen’s 2023 blog encapsulating Money 20/20’s eras in t-shirts: CNN on last Friday’s crypto hiccup: Live Bitcoin News on USDe’s murky status: Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday October 15 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. Quantum computing will be among the topics discussed this session, but expect some stablecoin talk as well. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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An Alternative Voice, an Assertive Approach
10/08/2025
An Alternative Voice, an Assertive Approach
John and Glen speak with Defense Credit Union Council CEO Tony Hernandez about his organization’s rapidly increasing visibility and how the armed forces’ impact on the credit union movement extends well beyond the expected nameplates. Also- the shutdown creates new complexities for earned wage access, Bitcoin breaks the $125K barrier, and plenty of bingo card calls. Links related to this episode: The Defense Credit Union Council (including government shutdown resources): The CU Daily’s recent interview with DCUC CEO Tony Hernandez: Create your own 2025 BIGGo card: Our recent interview with earned wage access provider Veep Software (among other startups): Our April blog about the Executive Order “eliminating” government paper checks: BCG’s 2025 Global Payments Report: McKinsey’s 2025 Global Payments Report: Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday October 15 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. Quantum computing will be among the topics discussed this session, given HSBC’s announced financial services breakthrough. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Fintech Pregaming Reaches New Heights
10/02/2025
Fintech Pregaming Reaches New Heights
Sports metaphors run deep this week, as Nick Evens and Jenny Jackson preview this year’s VentureTech, the annual fintech showcase (and pickleball showdown). Not to be outdone, Early Warning’s Paze digital wallet dials up its marketing efforts with a key NBA partnership. Plus- The Curql Fund does a 360, and HSBC brings real-world application of quantum computing into focus. Links related to this episode: VentureTech: The Atlanta Hawks/Paze partnership: Paze: Three-minute video on HSBC’s quantum computing bond trading breakthrough: HSBC/IBM press release on the algorithmic trading first: BIG’s Innovation Club: Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday October 15 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. Quantum computing will likely be among the topics discussed this session, but other breaking industry news is sure to enter the chat. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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The Great Wealth Transfer/Great Inheritance Drain
09/25/2025
The Great Wealth Transfer/Great Inheritance Drain
Our second wave of FinovateFall coverage includes interviews with the founders of Gentreo and Wysh- two young firms aiming to preserve member deposits across life cycles- as well as Veep Software, which delivers early wage access alongside financial education through the FI channel. Also- Glen reveals his Best of Show ballot, and touches on the startling plot twists with Plaid, Chase and open banking (spoilers entirely warranted). Links related to this episode: Wysh: Gentreo: Veep Software: Veep’s post-interview announcement of its partnership with financial education content provider nudge: Videos of all 63 FinovateFall demos: FinovareFall’s Best of Show Winners: Alex Johnson’s Fintech Take on the Prisoner’s Dilemma aspect of JPMC, Plaid, and open banking: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Getting Real About Artificial Intelligence at Finovate
09/16/2025
Getting Real About Artificial Intelligence at Finovate
Key takeaways from last week’s Finovate Fall conference, including interviews with the founders of Best of Show winners Casap and Vertice AI. Also- Glen’s recap of the full Best of Show slate, and thoughts on what the 63 demo firehose tells us about today’s state of fintech. Links related to this episode: Casap’s case study with MidSouth Community FCU: Vertice AI: Finovate Fall’s full demo roster: Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday September 17 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. This session we’ll be doing a deep dive on AI’s impact on financial fraud. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Pardon the Innovation
09/10/2025
Pardon the Innovation
John and Glen share perspectives on credit unions’ potential stablecoin play, a new reason to explore digital wallets, and the need for speed in the innovation arena- revisiting the “rapid response” model of our recent live Town Hall event. Also- more IPO mayhem and how weather patterns could impact loan portfolios. Links related to this episode: Replay of the CU Town Hall recorded live at America’s Credit Unions’ Strategic Growth Conference: CNBC’s initial reporting on Klarna’s pending IPO: UPDATE: Klarna is slated to debut on the NYSE Wednesday 9/10: Another update since our recording: Learn more about BIG’s Innovation Club and request a guest pass for our in-person meeting September 23-25 (link at bottom of page): Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday September 17 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Answering the Innovation Challenge
08/27/2025
Answering the Innovation Challenge
Glen connects with the founders of three early stage startups- Lulo, PromptWrx and Thryft Ship- who pitched for the $25,000 Innovation Challenge prize at Fintech South last week, each addressing a quite different pain point. Also- Visa gives up on US open banking, Wyoming (kind of) launches the first state-issued stablecoin, and our own audience vote for best startup. Links related to this episode: to vote for your favorite of the three Innovation Challenge Finalists. Lulo: PromptWrx: Thryft Ship: Reuters on Visa’s shuttering of its US open banking unit: CoinTelegraph’s reporting on Wyoming’s stablecoin launch: Fintech Business Weekly’s assessment of Wyoming’s FRNT stablecoin: Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday September 17 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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It’s a Small (and Chaotic) World After All
08/20/2025
It’s a Small (and Chaotic) World After All
Glen catches up with Lou Grilli for a first-hand recap of the recent World Credit Union Conference in Stockholm, Sweden, and to trade perspectives on a flurry of recent fintech news: open banking, stablecoin interest/”rewards,” debit interchange and another Zelle lawsuit. Also- a new leader at America’s Credit Unions, and have we entered the Era of the Do-Over? Links related to this episode: The World Council of Credit Unions: Connect with Lou Grilli on LinkedIn: CU Broadcast’s interview with America’s Credit Unions’ incoming CEO Scott Simpson: Payments Dive on the court ruling altering debit card regulations: PYMNTS.com on yet another twist in the CFPB Open Banking saga: Fintechs, crypto, AI players band together to press President Trump on open banking: Cracks in stablecoin “regulatory clarity” created by the GENIUS Act are already emerging: Banking groups’ letter appealing for a revision of GENIUS Act provisions: CNBC on the NY Attorney General’s lawsuit against Zelle: Our recent interview with Finovate’s Greg Palmer: ***Use Code BIG20 for a 20% registration discount on Finovate Fall, September 8-10 in NYC***: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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448 Minutes of Fintech Demos for 475 FIs (and Others)
08/12/2025
448 Minutes of Fintech Demos for 475 FIs (and Others)
Glen gets the lowdown from Finovate’s Greg Palmer on what to expect at September’s New York City demo-fest, including a dedicated credit union track. Also- unanswered questions in the President’s de-banking Executive Order, and a showdown regarding BNPL’s role in credit reporting. Links related to this episode: Finovate Fall, September 8-10 in NYC: ***Use Code BIG20 for a 20% registration discount*** Fox Business’ take on the sudden twist in BNPL credit reporting: The President’s Executive Order (EO) on “de-banking”: The Cato Institute’s critique of the debanking EO: The National Law Review adds its two cents: A special time for our next CU Town Hall: Mark your calendars for our next Town Hall session- Monday, August 18 at 3:30pm ET/12:30pm PT- streaming live from America’s Credit Unions’ Strategic Growth Conference. It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required. Visit to request an invitation. Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Loaded Wallets, Long Tails- Paze Powers Forward
08/05/2025
Loaded Wallets, Long Tails- Paze Powers Forward
Glen connects with Early Warning’s Chief Partnerships Officer Eric Hoffman about the latest progress of Paze’s digital wallet, and Payfinia GM Keith Riddle on his firm’s deal to bring Paze to credit unions. Also- yet another twist in the open banking road, and hints of momentum for de novo institutions. Links related to this episode: Paze: Payfinia: Our interview with Paze’s Head of Operations Catherine Murchie at Money 20/20 last October: Planet Money’s episode on Fortuna Bank’s de novo journey: Our recent conversation with the CU De Novo Collective’s Denise Wymore: Payments Dive on the CFPB’s plan to “substantially rework” its Open Banking rule: Fintech Business Weekly on Chase’s plan to charge for open banking data: Fintech South August 19-20 in Atlanta: USE CODE BIGCAST25 FOR A REGISTRATION DISCOUNT A special time for our next CU Town Hall: Mark your calendars for our next Town Hall session- Monday, August 18 at 3:30pm ET/12:30pm PT- streaming live from America’s Credit Unions’ Strategic Growth Conference. It’s free to attend, but advance registration is required. Visit to request an invitation. Follow us on LinkedIn:
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