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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Is Trust Now the Most Precious Metal?
06/30/2026
Is Trust Now the Most Precious Metal?
Glen meets with Edelman Smithfield Managing Director Deidre Campbell to break down the annual Edelman Trust Barometer, the public’s “retreat into insularity,” and the resulting action items for banks and credit unions. Also- Illinois turns its focus to BNPL while JD Power highlights an FI opportunity, X Money broadens its reach, and the murky NCUA waters begin to clear. Links related to this episode: Edelman Smithfield’s Financial Services Trust Barometer: Edelman’s 2026 Global Trust Barometer: Illinois’ newly signed BNPL law: JD Power’s Buy Now Pay Later customer satisfaction study (good news for FIs): PYMNTS.com on X Money’s latest move toward general availability: Mark your calendar to join the next CU Town Hall- Wednesday July 15 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- our live and lively interactive monthly conversation where credit union leaders tackle the biggest issues facing the sector today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Fighting Amsterdam Fintech FOMO
06/24/2026
Fighting Amsterdam Fintech FOMO
Laura Gibson-Lamothe, the Georgia Fintech Academy’s Executive Director, provides firsthand coverage of the key takeaways from Money 20/20 Europe. Laura and Glen also discuss broader trends in talent development/demand and regional differences in banking (and smoking! ) regulation. Plus- process reflections spurred by the passing of longtime Fed Chair Alan Greenspan, and the Bank of England sets a new stablecoin standard. Links related to this episode: The Georgia Fintech Academy: Laura’s recent post pondering A Tale of Two Georgias: One of Laura’s Money 20/20 interviews onsite in Amsterdam, with The Fintech Accord’s West Richards on Stablecoins, AI & Global Fintech Policy: Fintech Futures’ coverage of the Bank of England’s new stablecoin policy: Glen’s blog on a VERY eventful month for interchange: Mark your calendar to join the next CU Town Hall- Wednesday July 15 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- our monthly live and lively interactive conversation where credit union leaders tackle the major issues facing the sector today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Financial Health, No Matter the Mission
06/16/2026
Financial Health, No Matter the Mission
Our second batch of interviews stemming from the Financial Health Network’s EMERGE conference, both with founders of compelling fintech startups: ROX CEO Lara Hodgson (breaking down barriers to SMB credit/liquidity) and Poncho CEO John Brown (financial wellness for military families). Also- the sudden twist in Fiserv’s turnaround story. Links related to this episode: ROX: Poncho: Poncho CEO John Brown on LinkedIn: The Financial Health Network: Glen’s blog on a VERY eventful month in interchange: A replay of Glen’s favorite EMERGE session, featuring Alex Johnson posing “lightning round” questions to a panel including former OCC head Michael Hsu: Sister publications Banking Dive and Payments Dive publish differing perspectives on Fiserv CEO Mike Lyon’s surprise departure: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Authentic Intelligence in Financial Health
06/05/2026
Authentic Intelligence in Financial Health
Glen shares highlights from the Financial Health Network’s EMERGE conference, including interviews with a pair of trailblazing co-founders: Debbie Rewards’ Frida Leibowitz and Prosprous.ai’s Ted Leung. Also- Illinois kicks the interchange can down the road (again), Pope Leo pleads for humanity in AI, and a campaign to repurpose dopamine hits for financial wellness. Links related to this episode: Debbie: Prosprous.AI: The Financial Health Network: Our interview with the Financial Health Network’s Andrew Warren on a reconsideration of the definitions of un- and underbanked: Our interview with co-founder Eric Berg of Duome, the belatedly crowned winner of NACUSO’s Next Big Idea Competition: Illinois has now double-punted on its interchange legislation and Colorado’s governor vetoed its similar version; nonetheless, here’s a savvy take on the underlying flaws that other states should consider before mimicking: Here’s Colorado Governor Jared Polis’ three-page letter explaining why he vetoed the bill: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Are We Approaching an AI Trough of Disillusionment?
05/27/2026
Are We Approaching an AI Trough of Disillusionment?
Glen and John dissect a recent online airing of grievances regarding AI’s perceived shortcomings. To Glen’s surprise, John finds validity to some of these criticisms. Also- the Pope weighs in, robots close the human gap, the term “neuro-symbolic AI” emerges, and the green shoots of a “slow tech” movement may be emerging. Links related to this episode: The Reddit thread- from the AGI community- that prompted this discussion: YouTube video on translating Claude’s AI thoughts into language: JB dissects ChatGPT’s new personal finance features on our recent CU Town Hall: Last week’s interview with Jack Henry’s Lee Wetherington, including data on AI as a bank/credit union strategic priority: The assembly line video of a package sorting robot (which *may* outperform a human, depending on your yardstick): The Associated Press on Pope Leo’s AI encyclical: A precursor to “slow tech”? The AP’s obit for Slow Food Movement founder Carlo Petrini Follow us on LinkedIn:
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What Keeps CEOs Up at Night May Depend on Their Charter…
05/20/2026
What Keeps CEOs Up at Night May Depend on Their Charter…
Glen chats with Lee Wetherington about Jack Henry’s newly minted survey of nearly 200 credit union and bank CEOs, exploring how strategic priorities and top concerns differ by group and how they’ve shifted over time. Also, a treasure trove of new industry data- on consumer payment choice, household economics, crypto/stablecoin usage, and a breezy 269-page NCUA stroke of GENIUS for your holiday reading pleasure. Links related to this episode: Jack Henry’s 2026 Strategy Benchmark Study: FRB Services’ Diary of Consumer Payment Choice: The Kansas City Fed’s paper on stablecoin use: The Federal Reserve Board’s 2025 Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking (SHED): CU Today on the NCUA’s proposed approach to implementing the GENIUS Act: Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday May 20 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. In this session, John will dissect OpenAI’s new personal finance offering. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Cool Parents, 21st Century Investors
05/14/2026
Cool Parents, 21st Century Investors
Our continuing coverage of the NACUSO Reimagine and Nacha Smarter Faster Payments conferences features a pair of interviews: NACUSO’s advocacy lead Zach Pfister on modernizing investment rules to match 2026 realities, and Dykema’s Lauren Quigley on FIs’ role as open banking realists, creating a safe environment for the inevitable. Links related to this episode: Lauren Quigley/Dykema’s Fintech/Payments practice: NACUSO CEO Randy Salser’s Interview with the Credit Union Connection re: the 1% investment cap: Security expert (and Friend of BIG) Roger Grimes voices his AI concerns: Our recent CU Town Hall “AI Fear Factory” session: Prominent tech VC investor a16z explains why it believes the term “stablecoin” may soon be obsolete: Nacha: NACUSO Reimagine: Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday May 20 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: Next on the conference calendar: The Financial Health Network’s EMERGE, May 19-21 in Atlanta: USE CODE “JOINME-GLEN” FOR A DISCOUNTED RATE Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Two Conferences, Two Coasts, One Exhausted Fintech Geek
05/07/2026
Two Conferences, Two Coasts, One Exhausted Fintech Geek
Glen gathers highlights from the annual conferences for both Nacha in San Diego and NACUSO in Orlando, including conversations with Nacha CEO Jane Larimer on Same Day ACH milestones, Duome Co-Founder Eric Berg on a Next Big Idea for housing, and the Digital Sovereignty Alliance’s Molly Woodman on the state of stablecoin. Links related to this episode: Nacha: Duome: and The Digital Sovereignty Alliance: and NACUSO Reimagine: Next on the conference calendar: The Financial Health Network’s EMERGE, May 19-21 in Atlanta: (USE CODE “JOINME-GLEN” FOR A DISCOUNTED RATE) Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday May 20 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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Agents & AI & Trust & Narrative Control
04/29/2026
Agents & AI & Trust & Narrative Control
Glen connects with Senso Co-Founder/CEO Saroop Bharwani about his firm’s approach to addressing some of the greatest disruptions emerging from the Agentic AI explosion. Also- Gen Z perspectives continue to evolve and surprise, and behavioral science gets a sidecar. Links related to this episode: Senso: Saroop Bharwani’s LinkedIn page: The near-classic Finovate debut Best of Show demo from Debbie (including a Noom reference): Debbie’s recent $5.3 million fundraise: Our recent episode on reevaluating the criteria of underbanked consumers: Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday May 20 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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Is the “Underbanked” Concept Ripe for a Rethink?
04/22/2026
Is the “Underbanked” Concept Ripe for a Rethink?
Glen speaks with Andrew Warren about the Financial Health Network’s new report which makes the case for modernizing the definition of underbanked consumers. Also- X Money makes its long-promised debut, and the OCC potentially rides to the rescue of interchange (and workable payment processes). Plus a discount code for May’s fast-approaching EMERGE conference. Links related to this episode: The Financial Health Network’s latest 26-page “brief”: The Financial Health Network’s EMERGE conference, May 19-21 in Atlanta: USE CODE “JOINME-GLEN” FOR A DISCOUNTED RATE Ron Shevlin’s take on the prospects for X Money- Payments Dive on the OCC’s move to short-circuit Illinois’ Interchange Fee Prohibition Act: Our recent conversation with Ncontracts’ Stephanie Lyon about the shifting regulatory environment, including interchange battles: If CU Unplugged’s style of hands-on problem solving sounds like your cup of collaborative tea, check out our Innovation Club. This group of forward thinkers meets virtually each month, and our twice-annual in-person session is coming up in May. Reach out about a guest pass: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Keeping It Small, Sustainable
04/14/2026
Keeping It Small, Sustainable
Glen speaks with the CEOs of two sub-$100 million CUs (Josh Urbick and Doug Wadsworth) about their respective efforts to advance the small credit union cause. Also, the latest developments at Anthropic and Coinbase highlight the perils facing CUs- and financial services in general. Links related to this episode: The NSCUA’s LinkedIn page: The Endangered Small Credit Union Defense’s LinkedIn group: CU Daily’s coverage of the NSCUA’s formation: Doug Wadsworth’s Profitability Guidebook for Small CUs: Doug’s recent CU Daily article: Wellesley Hill’s thoughtful analysis of Coinbase’s new Federal Trust Charter: Reuters on the race for FIs to defend against threats posed by Anthropic’s new capabilities: Our recent episode recapping CU Unplugged, including an interview with small CU CEO Maggie Sayer: Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday April 15 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: If CU Unplugged’s style of hands-on problem solving sounds like your cup of collaborative tea, check out our Innovation Club. This group of forward thinkers meets virtually each month, and our twice-annual in-person session is coming up in May. Reach out about a guest pass: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Mission (Rock) Accomplished
04/08/2026
Mission (Rock) Accomplished
Glen recaps an action-packed CU Unplugged “un-conference,” featuring unique perspectives from leaders of three participating credit unions (Keys FCU, Mid Hudson Valley FCU, State Department FCU) and real-time reflections from Defense Credit Union Council President & CEO Tony Hernandez. Links related to this episode: Keys Federal Credit Union: State Department Federal Credit Union: Jonathan Cilley, CIO of Mid Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union: The Defense Credit Union Council: Visa’s Innovation and Market Support Center in San Francisco’s Mission Rock Neighborhood: Our recent stablecoin conversation with TruStage Managing Director Brian Kaas: Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday April 15 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required: If CU Unplugged’s style of hands-on problem solving sounds like your cup of collaborative tea, check out our Innovation Club. This group of forward thinkers meets virtually each month, and our twice-annual in-person session is coming up in May. Reach out about a guest pass: Follow us on LinkedIn:
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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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