Podcasts

Alex Marsh, head of global policy at Klarna, talks about the company’s response to the CFPB report last week that called for buy-now, pay-later firms to be regulated and examined like credit cards. He also discusses the growth of the sector, including the recent drop in valuations for BNPL firms, and where he sees it going next.

Darrin Williams, the CEO of Southern Bancorp. in Arkansas, talks about how a huge capital infusion from the Treasury Department’s Emergency Capital Investment Program is changing his bank and how similar infusions are impacting fellow community development financial institutions.

Lauren Anderson, Senior Vice President at the Bank Policy Institute, discusses the various approaches regulators are taking, both internationally and in the U.S., to banks and climate change - and how institutions are responding. That includes blowback to the SEC’s proposed climate disclosure standards and new climate guidelines from the FDIC and OCC.

Karen Thomas, the outgoing Senior Executive Vice President of government relations and public policy at the Independent Community Bankers of America, talks about how the political influence of community banks has changed in the past two decades - and the biggest policy challenges facing them now. Those include closing the ILC loophole, CBDCs, and more.

Ramon Looby, the head of the Maryland Bankers Association, talks about financial education, financial inclusion and how crypto impacts both. He also tackles the need for a cannabis banking bill and what it’s like to be the first black leader of a state banking trade group.

Brad Tidwell, CEO and President of VeraBank in Texas, talks about how he is handling some of the biggest issues facing his institution and the industry, including his response to Fed interest rate hikes, how the bank finds new customers, and the struggle for talent acquisition. He also reveals the prize possession in his classic rock memorabilia collection.

The always quotable Richard Hunt, who is the departing president and CEO of the Consumer Bankers Association, sits down to reflect on his tenure, including his biggest regret and what it was like to manage a large-bank trade group during the financial crisis and the pandemic. He also looks forward, discussing his views on CRA reform, student lending, CBDCs and more. Bonus: Richard goes through a “lightning round,” where he must give his reactions to a range of topics in under 30 seconds.

Nicole Lorch, President and Chief Operating Officer of First Internet Bank, talks about how the bank has altered its approach from its start as the first state-chartered, FDIC-insured institution to operate entirely online. She also discusses its recent decision to eliminate overdraft fees, raise its minimum wage, and why its recent acquisition of First Century Bank was called off.

Jill Castilla, the president and CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond in Oklahoma, talks about the different ways her $354 million-asset bank has expanded its reach and stays relevant, including launching a new niche lending platform designed to help veterans get mortgages. She also discusses staffing challenges, why her bank launched a music festival and the biggest issues facing the industry.

Neil Stanley, founder and CEO of The CorePoint, talks about how banks should be thinking about their deposit rate strategy as the Fed raises interest rates and customers begin seeking higher returns for their savings. How quickly should banks be raising their own rates - and what alternatives should they be pursuin

Former Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Mark Calabria says the housing industry is poised for another meltdown, citing high delinquency rates, low supply and loosening credit standards. In an expansive and candid interview, the former GSE regulator predicts Fannie and Freddie will likely fail again despite his best efforts. He details what went wrong and why, and offers an inside take on the GSEs' relationship with their regulator.

Lauren Seay, reporter for S&P Global Market Intelligence, talks about how the controversy began over credit unions buying banks, efforts by several states to block such deals, and where the debate is going next.

Randal Quarles, former Fed vice chair for banking supervision, talks about how quickly the central bank will tackle inflation, whether the Fed is at risk of becoming too political, and what it was like to help prevent another financial crisis while a pandemic raged. He also talks about his strong views on central bank digital currencies and gives an inside look at whether the Fed really wants to create one.

Steven Schnall, founder and CEO of $900 million-asset Quontic Bank in New York, talks about why the bank is one of the few to fully embrace cryptocurrency, offering a checking account that grants rewards in bitcoin. He also talks about its newly deployed banking wearable device, plans for the metaverse, and why this CDFI wants to continue to push the banking envelope.

Banks saw record inflows of deposits during the pandemic. But just how sticky are those customers - and deposits - going to be? Scott Hildenbrand, Chief Balance Sheet Strategist and Head of Financial Strategies Group for Piper Sandler, talks about the common fears bankers are facing right now when it comes to funding and liquidity - and what they need to be doing now to prepare for the uncertain road ahead.

James Ballentine, who is set to retire soon after more than 20 years at the American Banker Association’s policy shop, talks about how and why Washington has changed when it comes to making bank legislation. He also previews the fights ahead for bankers on pot banking, the CFPB’s Section 1071 rules, stablecoins and more.

Kate Davidson, the author of Politico’s Morning Money, talks about how she approaches writing one of the financial services industry's most influential newsletters. She also discusses why the Biden administration keeps struggling with its finreg nominations, how the Fed will tackle climate change, and what’s next for interest rates.

Bill Donius, the former CEO and Chairman of Pulaski Financial Corp. in Missouri, talks about how he used research into the brain to help grow his St. Louis community bank and write a New York Times bestseller, “Thought Revolution: How to Unlock Your Inner Genius.” Bill discusses how he uses that research to help companies think outside the box when they approach challenges and opportunities - and how his fellow bankers can learn to do this too.

Sheila Bair, the former Chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., discusses her fears if financial regulation becomes too partisan, as well as tackling several hot-button topics including central bank digital currencies and CRA reform. She also discusses the risks of buy-now, pay-later services and why she writes children’s books aimed at improving kids’ financial literacy.

Isaac Boltansky, Director of policy research at BTIG, offers his analysis on a busy week in D.C., including two days of testimony by Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, President Biden’s State of the Union address and the economic impact of Russian sanctions. He also talks about whether the Fed will create a digital dollar and whether banks can soften two key pending rulemakings by the CFPB.