Bankadelic: The colorful side of finance

As part of our ongoing series on the biggest tech breakthrough in history, Bankadelic's "AI 5" experts tackle the subject of banks and data. The truth is, banks aren't doing nearly enough with customer data--and while the numbers often seem abstract to consumers, the freedom to move their money more freely isn't. From agentic AI to the question of banks getting their high-tech act together, our distinguished panel assesses the present and looks ahead to a future in data that promises to be like no other.

As artificial intelligence ascends to heights never before seen in banking, Bankadelic brings back a panel of experts to discuss the fine points and the future: "The AI 5." On this episode, our five fintech experts give us a glimpse into the perils and promise of cybersecurity. It's a time when hackers brandish more powerful tools than ever--but banks and consumers can fight back, even to the point of using an app that sounds like a confused granny who endlessly ties up the bad guys on the phone. Our guests: Emiliano Giacchetti, CEO, Parascript Mitch Rutledge, CEO, Vertice AI Mac Thompson, CEO, White Clay Jon Tvrdik, CEO, WaveCX Matthew Wood, Sr. Director of Banking, Tavant

It's all too common to find stale slogans like "Your hometown bank" among financial institutions that compete on the same tired turf for better rates and the like. But as Martha Bartlett Piland explains, banks really need to determine what they stand for before they can stand out. She's the author of a brand new book, "Don't Just Brand There, Do Something," and on this episode she discusses how businesses with purpose can brand themselves around it, and win over customers, prospective employees and community members alike.

Bankadelic is the only financial services podcast that features multiple music tracks written and performed by its host. Here Lou Carlozo introduces the theme for the new “AI 5” series of Bankadelic roundtable shows. “Highland Main Line: Edinburgh to Inverness” is a co-write between host Lou Carlozo and Kathryn Swezy, who plays tin whistle on this recording. Special thanks to Jim Quinn (percussion) and Mark Swezy (didgeridoo). Guitars, bass, keyboards, additional percussion, engineering and mixing by Lou; mastering by Mike Hagler.

With the tariff news out of Washington changing almost daily, even a brief reprieve isn't of much comfort. Whether you're a banker, a borrower or a consumer looking to buy a big-screen TV with your credit card, stability and peace of mind have given way to uncertainty and anxiety. In this special episode of Bankadelic, host Lou Carlozo chats with Will Tumulty of Rapid Finance and Dr. Daniel Ahn of Delfi to get their read on how tariffs could impact the financial services industry — including the small businesses that depend on it — in the months ahead.

What bank doesn't think it's great? The real question, though, is this: How many banks actually are great--or are they simply mediocre? In the second of two episodes, Joe Sullivan of Market Insights and Steve Ramirez of Behind the Arc cover a wide range of topics from how financial institutions can attract young employment prospects to the realities of neobank competitors doing a better job of serving customer needs.

Though the economy is going through a rough patch the climate still looks good for mergers and acquisitions, as financial institutions seek to build on competitive advantage, broaden customer base and embrace a future guided by AI. On this episode, the first of two parts, Stevemn Ramirez of Beyond the Arc (left) and Joe Sullivan of Market Insights (right) and break down the ins and outs of the M&A climate and delineate what drives success in this marketplace niche.

While the challenges of creating management and training programs for bank staff have meant long lead times -- often marked by frustrating roadblocks -- AI has changed the game in one noteworthy instance. John Findlay, CEO and Co-Founder of LemonadeLXP, shares how he developed InsightAI as a tool to revolutionize knowledge management and training for banks, credit unions, and other financial services. John also dives into the dilemmas financial institutions face as they try to solve myriad puzzles that come with AI implementation.

It's common sense that financial institutions that look out for their customers -- especially when it comes to improving their financial health -- would come on top where loyalty is concerned. But with a heavy bottom line focus and a "so what" attitude, many miss the mark by a mile. Rochelle Nawrocki Gorey, Co-Founder & CEO SpringFour, guides us through how her company is trying to close the gap and shares findings from the SpringFour Q4 2024 Impact Report.

Having already shaken up financial services — and the world at large — artificial intelligence will ascend to heights in 2025 never before seen in the history of banking . But will the view look like from up there? And how will it affect the way customers transact business, and financial institutions move into a future that would've seemed stranger than science fiction just a generation ago? In the first of two parts, Bankadelic convenes a panel of five industry leaders in financial technology who deal with AI day in and day out. Join them as they give us a glimpse into the future that's already on the way. Our guests: Mac Thompson, CEO, White Clay Mitch Rutledge, CEO, Vertice AI Emiliano Giacchetti, CEO, Parascript Jon Tvrdik, CEO, WaveCX Matthew Wood, Sr. Director, Fintech, U.S. East, Tavant

Agentic AI. Quantum computing. New terms and tech are redefining the banking sector's use of artificial intelligence in 2025. Yet financial institutions can still get sucked into chasing a tricked-out gadget as opposed to a smart business solution. The bottom line is that applied right, AI promises a future where banks anticipate and fill customer needs like never before. In the second of two parts, Bankadelic explores the promising, sometimes confusing and always exciting road ahead for AI in banking. Our guests: Emiliano Giacchetti, CEO, Parascript Mitch Rutledge, CEO, Vertice AI Mac Thompson, CEO, White Clay Jon Tvrdik, CEO, WaveCX Matthew Wood, Sr. Director, Fintech, U.S. East, Tavant

Bankadelic is devoting two episodes to a crucial topic for 2025: where small businesses sit (and fit) in a challenging economic landscape. The U.S. Bank Small Business Perspective survey sheds light on the forces and concerns that matter — as reported by the business leaders themselves. In Port One we discuss the findings and what they reveal with Shruti Patel, U.S. Bank, Executive Vice President, Chief Product Officer for Business Banking.

In Part Two of a special Bankadelic presentation, we delve further into the latest U.S. Bank Small Business Perspective survey. Shruti Patel, U.S. Bank, Executive Vice President, Chief Product Officer for Business Banking, shares survey finding the gauge what truly makes workers happy and how SMBs are facing a future full of optimism and significant growth tasks. In an age where opinions pose as facts, ther report offers a clear-eyed view of the SMB landscape.

It's true: Bankadelic host Lou Carlozo writes, edits, engineers and performs most (and often all) the instruments on his podcast themes. Inspired by a visit to London a few decades ago, "Impossibly Sunny Day" started brewing as Lou strolled Carnaby Street and tried to imagine the scene when every cool Bristish band and celeb hung out there. Carnaby is kinda touristy today, but this instrumental longingly looks back at Swingin' London through psychedlic glasses. Enjoy!

Just when you think the bankers of the world couldn't be more in love -- with AI, that is -- along come four fintech experts to lay it all out for us in 2025. It promises to be the year of "agentic AI," among other things. And if that cute chatbot leaves roses on your desk, so much the better. Thanks to our special podcast guests: Joseph Ahn, CSO and Co-Founder, Delfi Amy Orosco, Director of Customer Success & Implementations, SWIVEL Mitch Rutledge, CEO and Co-Founder, Vertice AI Ed Vincent, CEO, SRA Watchtower

There's a lot of attention being paid to how banks can simultaneously team up with fintechs and best serve SMBs and entrepreneurs on the product side. Trouble is, there hasn't been a whole lot of action. Allan Rayson, Founder and CEO of Finov8r, talks us through the opportunities within “adaptive fintech ecosystems.” The idea is to create modular, flexible solutions that allow banks to remain agile in the face of regulatory and operational challenges — and embed banks into the product development before they sell.

While there's so much stress these days placed on chips and artificial intelligence, all the digital firepower in the world isn't going to create new products that people want. In this episode, Neil Stanley, Founder and CEO of The CorePoint, talks about how banks need to move beyond the rate sheets of old and start developing products for consumers living in an age of apps and e-commerce. He also touches on how banks, in responding to interest rate changes, can go beyond knee-jerk mentality and respond thoughtfully.

Whadda you lookin' at? It's Johnny Da Big, Bankadelic's official Wise Guy of Debatable Talent, lending his nit-so-dulcet tones and storytelling to the holiday classic "Do You Hear What I Hear?" Or "What I Hoid," as he likes to say in his South Philly patois. Listen if you dare, maybe even share, it's better than being a grinch and far more satisfying. Ya got a problem wit day?

You want presents? You bet your ask we've got presents, thanks to the presence of The Five Wise Finance Stars, who in our book outclass any number of elves you can cram around the dining room table. Join us as we tick off our gift list for the industry, banking's bad holiday reruns and what the happy new year ahead looks like in professional and personal ways. Plus, all hail Johnny Da Big as he returns — by invitation, if you can believe it — to sing a shattering rendition of “Do You Hear What I Hear?” The guests who keep on giving: Stephen Curry, CEO, Endurance Advisory Partners Scott Earwood,  Head of Community Banking, White Clay Shelly Nischbach, SVP, Verification Services, Equifax Workforce Solutions Preetha Pulusani, CEO, Deep Target Cindy Snow, VP of Customer Success, Core10

With all the stress on engineers needing to make smart tech for consumers, it's just as important to remember that engineers work with consumable tech that's easy to implement, stack and tweak. Joshua Luke, Chief Technology Officer at Swivel, outlines the symbiotic relationship between customers, financial institutions and engineers who appreciate the same tech traits: Simplicity, seamlessness and elegance.

Though overall interest rates have softened, credit card APRs rates continue their stratospheric run, averaging 23% APR or more. Matt Potere, the new CEO of Happy Money, explains how his company is working to make debt consolidation loans available through its online platform -- and fulfilling its mission to develop and deliver affordable, accessible financial tools.

Bankadelic host Lou Carlozo has a mind that's inhabited by odd, surreal characters -- from executioners to bubbas, Morrissey wannabes to wise guys belting Christmas carols. These 13 skits represent the epitome, the very peak of Bankadelic humor. That's probably not saying much ... unless some of this makes you snort your morning java out your nose. Then, we can say we've truly achieved something.

Once again, Bankadelic takes a break from Mickey D's and heads over to the enormous living room table to chaos down on great banking banter and tasty sound bites. Join our four fabulous guests as they talk highlights, buzzkills, and industry bright spots as we look ahead to 2025 and (a long overdue shopping season). And: Will Lou finally, finally ditch his corny Uncle Mortimer and his most uninvited wise guy dinner guest? The All-Star Turkey Day Team: Alexandra McLeod, Founder @ Parlay Tadgh Spradlin. VP of Sales and Partnerships Quantalytix Jon Tvrdik, Founder @ WaveCX Erin Wynn, Executive Director of Product Management, Candescent

Wrapping up a 16-episode Bankadelic series taped live at 2024's Money 20/20 in Las Vegas, host Lou Carlozo chats with Leo Patching, the CEO and Co-Founder of Kompliant. Leo shares how, in the wake of the TD Bank 's woes, compliance has become front of mind for financial services leaders. He also takes us under the hood of his compliance fintech, which will turn four in 2025.

As part of a 16-episode Bankadelic series taped live at 2024's Money 20/20 in Las Vegas, Ed Maslavekas, CEO and Co-Founder of Bud Financial, returns to update us on everything that's happened since he spoke with us at the 2023 convention. It's in part a story of how one forward-thinking company cracked the code for integrating artificial intelligence into banking long before “AI” became the buzzword of the 2024 conference.

In a series of podcasts taped live at 2024's Money 20/20 in Las Vegas, host Lou Carlozo brings you the latest from one of the premier financial services conferences in the world. On this episode, we chat with Kivanc Onan, SVP, Global Strategic Partnerships & Innovation at Payoneer, who shares about his efforts to expand the company's market as it streamlines and simplifies payments worldwide, especially for small business and solopreneurs. Kivanc brings a unique perspective to global payments, as he's worked on four continents—but not Antarctica (yet).

In a series of podcasts taped live at 2024's Money 20/20 in Las Vegas (and in this case at The Venetian's Dandelion Chocolate shop), host Lou Carlozo brings you the latest from one of the premier financial services conferences in the world. Rachel Castro, U.S. Bank's  SVP of Business Banking Go-to-Market and Strategy, covers a broad range of topics from ecosystem around Money 20/20 to U.S. Bank's payments, software, and banking tech that services small business, an often overlooked market segment.

In a series of podcasts taped live at 2024's Money 20/20 in Las Vegas, host Lou Carlozo brings you the latest from one of the premier financial services conferences in the world. On this episode Zeta's Chief Marketing Officer Shashank Mehrotra shares key findings from Zeta's new report on credit card programs, “The Future of Cards In Now.” He also brings us up to speed on the latest in its efforts to bolster the programs of U.S. banks and credit unions.

What are the top marketing and communications trends to look for in 2025? This Money 20/20 live session pairs two industry leaders: Binna Kim, Co-Founder and CEO of Group Vested and Amy Bonitatibus, PayPal's SVP, Chief Corporate Affairs & Communications Officer. Together they look at some success stories and what the industry's top storytellers can teach us.

In a series of podcasts taped live at 2024's Money 20/20 in Las Vegas, host Lou Carlozo brings you the latest from one of the premier financial services conferences in the world. Live from the Press Lounge, SwayStack CEO and co-founder Har Rai Khalsa covers a wide range of topics from the latest in payments to what fuels his self-styled mission to help banks and credit unions take back business from megabanks and neobanks.

From deep within the haunted wood there arises a beast so powerful not even an AI trained to execute account openings can stop it. Join us as our three intrepid ghostbusters go on the hunt to stop such banking nonsense and instead wax wise on the tricks, treats and fearless forecasts look like as the year winds towards a close. Our goovie ghoulie guests: Lee Farabaugh, President, Monarch Professional Services Group Barry Kirby, Co-founder, CRO, Union Credit Stephanie Foster, Managing Director, ThinkTECH Accelerator, ICBA

In a series of podcasts taped live at 2024's Money 20/20 in Las Vegas, host Lou Carlozo brings you the latest from one of the premier financial services conferences in the world. Live from the Press Lounge, Kristina Morris -- Director of Innovation for the Independent Community Bankers of America -- talks about how community banks have not only embraced fintech, but have proven willing and energetic partners in pushing the needle forward in tech-banking teamwork.

In a series of podcasts taped live at 2024's Money 20/20 in Las Vegas, host Lou Carlozo brings you the latest from one of the premier financial services conferences in the world. Lou speaks from the Money Pot booth with Stephany Kirkpatrick, Founder and CEO of Orum. It's a fascinating episode that embraces topics from speed and security in fast payments to how Stephany has embraced her role as a first-time CEO learning to lean on others to creat a powerhouse payments company.

In a series of podcasts taped live at 2024's Money 20/20 in Las Vegas, host Lou Carlozo brings you the latest from one of the premier financial services conferences in the world. On this episode, Beth McCoy and Simon Nicoll of CORA group discuss the news and share their views on a broad range of subjects--from the growth in loyalty points (Beth) to building a software company that respects its workers as much as its clients (Simon). Beth is the President at RewardOps; Simon is CORA Groups's Chief Growth Officer.

In a series of podcasts taped live at 2024's Money 20/20 in Las Vegas, host Lou Carlozo brings you the latest from one of the premier financial services conferences in the world. In this episode, Kerry Mullen, Vice President at Vested, tackles subjects ranging from what fabulous financial PR looks like to the leadership role of women in fintech as on display at the conference. Disclosure: Lou Carlozo, the host of Bankadelic, is the fractional Editor in Chief of Qwoted, a platform operated by Vested.

In a series of podcasts taped live at 2024's Money 20/20 in Las Vegas, host Lou Carlozo brings you the latest from one of the premier financial services conferences in the world. In this episode, Chad Killingsworth of Jack Henry touches on a wide range of subjects from the promise of open banking to the issue of "whose data is it anyway?" and how banks can leverage what the numbers tell them about consumers instead of locking it away.

In a series of podcasts taped live at 2024's Money 20/20 in Las Vegas, host Lou Carlozo brings you the latest from one of the premier financial services conferences in the world. On this episode, we hear from Imran Riaz, CEO and Founder of Cadnz. While he's earned the right to rest on his laurels after more than three decades in financial services, Imran took a bold step when he realized there was a better way to streamline the lending cycle, fix fragmentation and connect willing lenders with clients longing to form solid relationships.

In a series of podcasts taped live at 2024's Money 20/20 in Las Vegas, host Lou Carlozo brings you the latest from one of the premier financial services conferences in the world. On this episode, Howard Hall--who serves in dual managing director roles at 1414 Ventures and Consult Hyperion--discusses the imperative to reverse the bombastic private equity mentaility that surrounds startup funding and restore the sense of purpose and teamwork that marked its beginnings. Hall also shares the delightful story of how 1414 got its name. Hint: Bone up on your King Henry V history.

In a series of podcasts taped live at 2024's Money 20/20 in Las Vegas, host Lou Carlozo brings you the latest from one of the premier financial services conferences in the world. In this episode, Will Tumulty of Rapid Finance talks about the needs small business owners face as an overlooked clientele. He describes how his company is working to meet those needs and in the process, combine technology and smart customer interaction to paint a new picture of how SMB business is done.

In a series of podcasts taped live at 2024's Money 20/20 in Las Vegas, host Lou Carlozo brings you the latest from one of the premier financial services conferences in the world. On this episode from The Money Pot, Sam Das, Managing Director at TruStage Ventures, talks about he's seeking to find innovators who can deliver for customers and live up to the promise of their lofty ambitions. He also talks about TruStage VEntures' focus on strategic investments in early-stage fintech and insurtech startups that disrupt the financial services landscape.

Some outliers who deserve loans can't get them--and in many cases, it's because banks don't know to reach them, or determine whether they're worth the risk. Bradley Tompkins. the Chief Information Officer of Vergent LMS, explains how software as a service can help consumers and financial institutions hook up--a more urgent matter than ever for survivors of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

While many people write books about how to retire wealthy, retirement income coach Steve Selengut is a) very wealthy, b) well past 65 and c) refuses to slow down as he passes on his knowledge. On this episode, the retirement investment guru pulls back the lid on a tasty recipe for wealth that centers on smart profit-taking, as outlined in his new book, "Retirement Money Secrets."

Glia's Lead Research Analyst Rick DeLisi returns to Bankadelic to introduce the 2024 Unified Interactions Index, which goes beyond measuring customer experience to also incorporate efficiency and effectiveness in contact centers. Using data from data from more than 3 billion customer interactions, the index represents a valuable tool to help financial institutions know where they stand among their peers. Rick also shares his views on how responsible AI plays out in the real world.

Coming in hot off the heels of the 2024 U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction Study, Jennifer White, Senior Director of Banking and Payments Intelligence at J.D. Power, discusses key findings from the report. Among the disconnects: The same banking industry that loves to say it puts its customers first has little clue how much their fees annoy them. Trust also comes high on the list for consumers, and White shares the best practices that banks can apply to build it.

It's part two of Bankadelic's discussion with Aditya Khandekar of Corridor Platforms, where he discusses the ins and outs of best-in-class decision intelligence within financial services. This fintech leader covers ground from the need for robust third-party assessment to organic loan growth -- and the hazards that can block it.

Sharpen those No. 2 pencils, open your blue books and get ready for the lesson of the year, as four financial services savants talk about the year in banking: the standouts, those with the not-so-great grades, and the new lessons we all can take away as school season gets underway. The honor roll: Tyler Brantley, VP of Revenue, Core10 Landon Glenn, CEO and Founder, ASA Wilder Rumpf, CEO and Founder, FinTron Edward Vincent, CEO, SRA Watchtower

As the Chief Revenue Officer of Corridor Platforms, Aditya Khandekar brings a wealth of experience and eagle-eye views to his post in areas that range from financial services consolidation to the risks and rewards in the bank-fintech relationship. In the first of two parts, Aditya dives deep into the state of play in 2024, making sense of today's industry volatility and "insource-versus outsource" decisioning, to name a few hot topics.

With credit card APRs reaching record levels -- and greedy payday lenders charging 800% or more -- it's time for fintech to step in. Enter Ryan Duitch, CEO and co-founder of Arro, who is using AI, gamification and behavioral science to enable fair credit and financial literacy. Duitch explains how his AI financial coach, Artie, makes financial guidance and education possible.

Martha Bartlett Piland, President and CEO of Banktastic, stands out in financial services for her ability to make complex marketing concepts relatable--and her role in giving millennials a voice. Though they may be set to benefit from the greatest wealth transfer in history, millennials also face high barriers to entry in the housing market, massive student loan debt, and a system that doesn't understand their financial needs. Bartlett Piland shares what she's learned from her millennial advisory board and doesn't mince words when it comes to how most banks fail at marketing creativity.

How much is the bank branch footprint shrinking? Or is it growing on a stealth level? Where are redundancies? Efficiencies? And why are branches, even if rethought, here to stay? Steven Reider, President of Bancography, draws on more than a quarter century of experience in the company's latest report, "Outlook 2024: Industry Trends and the Challenges Ahead." It's a must-read, just as this podcast is a must-listen from a financial services leader.

The Spirit of Independence lives on in this special episodes, where our five guests wax patriotic on banking's breakthroughs, paths to improvement and causes for celebration worth raising the sparklers on high. Join them and our Dear Old Uncle Sam, who recites his freshly written preamble to the Banking Constitution. Our Stars and Swipes guests: Zach Duke, CEO, Finosec Joshua Jordan, Digital engagement director, Jack Henry Steve Kelley, Director of Market Strategy, Pulsate Philip Paul, CEO, Cotribute Keith Riddle, SVP, Business Development, Tyfone