Leaders is a forum that brings together innovators and senior voices to share their leadership experiences and perspectives on today’s most pressing topics.

James Ragan

Thursday, March 21, 2024
1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT

Upcoming Livestream
Live asset_1280x720-Dan Snyder.png

Dan Snyder, CEO and co-founder of Lower discusses the state of the mortgage industry in 2024 and his experience of running a home lending business in past and current market conditions.

Leadership & the Workplace
Serving future borrowers in a high-rate landscape

Hispanics will make the majority of homeowners by 2030. How can lenders meet their needs now, and what strategies can they employ in today's lending landscape?

Wells Fargo's CEO of mortgage Kristy Fercho on equity in housing
American Banker's Most Powerful Woman in Banking, who is also wrapping a year's service as the Mortgage Bankers Association's first Black chairwoman, discusses closing the racial homeownership gap, rebuilding borrower trust and more.
Building trust in financial services from less than zero

There is a gaping hole in the financial system in North Minneapolis, where people are preyed upon by payday lenders and fringe bankers, according to Debra Hurston, executive director of the Association for Black Economic Power. Hurston is creating a credit union for this community to help break residents out of a cycle of exploitation and debt. But the issue is far bigger than one city, and the opportunity is one that any bank or credit union can seize.

How payments tech can improve inclusion and equity

Kristy Carstensen, U.S. Bank Payment Services' chief financial officer, discusses how digital innovation projects are opening finance to more communities, and the work that remains.

June 1
In conversation with Patti Cook, CEO of Finance of America Companies

In conversation with Patti Cook, CEO of Finance of America Companies

Banking & Bourbon

Join Maggie Kimberl, President of the Bourbon Women Association for a peek behind the scenes of the bourbon industry. Learn more about the women that are rising in the male-dominated spirits sector, the proper bourbon tasting technique and a little bit of the history of bourbon.

Inclusion: What it Means and How to Implement

Experts discuss the proliferation of chief diversity officers across the industry and what it may mean for future progress in diversity.

December 21
Has the Delta Variant thrown a wrench in your plans?

Hopes that the pandemic has been curbed have dimmed as infections and hospitalizations are on the rise again due to the introduction of the extremely dangerous Delta strain. For some companies, this has disrupted their plans to bring remote employees back to their offices or institute a “hybrid” arrangement. While some are going ahead with their reopening plans. Join Danielle Caricofe, EVP, Chief Human Resources Officer at Machias Saving Bank and Hollen Spatz, VP of People & Operations at ClassPass as they discuss: (1) What companies should consider as they weigh their options; (2) The impact on employee morale and mental well being from this prolonged pandemic and how organization improve morale and support mental well being; and (3) How should companies rethink employee experience

Navigating pay for performance during a pandemic

2020 was a challenging year for banks. The impact of COVID on the economy as well as changes to accounting for loan loss provisions were evident in weaker financial and stock price performance in 2020 for many banks and yet CEO compensation increased. Learn from experienced executive compensation consultants about the challenges Compensation Committees faced in 2020, why pay levels increased relative to 2019, what were common COVID-related compensation changes, and what changes were made for 2021 incentive plan design.

Meeting customers’ needs in the age of contactless and digital payments

People want their payments to be quicker, safer, and more readily available across a wider range of channels. How are industry leaders leveraging data to build stronger relationships with their clients?

April 29
Rewriting the rules: Why and how LGBTQ is this challenger bank’s focus

New brands are emerging to improve banking services to targeted consumer segments, and Daylight is one intent on winning over the LGBTQ market. What are mainstream banks getting wrong that leaves an opening for niche brands like Daylight?

Team over everything: Taking care of employees during times of uncertainty

As the pandemic continues to weigh on us all, BlueVine shares how it is putting employees first.

Revamping the LGBTQ+ Strategy to Improve Recruitment and Foster Inclusion

Reimagining LGBTQ+ efforts at UBS for improving diversity in their recruitment process

Leaders_Livestream VOD_Can fintech bring financial inclusion to all_V1.mp4

Financial inclusion is a key enabler to reducing poverty and Fintech is leading the way forward. New businesses and creative banking services are emerging with new means of providing financial services to the financially underserved. But technology is just part of the equation, not the whole solution. Join Daniel Wolfe, Editor-in-Chief of PaymentSource as he explores the issues surrounding financial services as infrastructure and how it can address the wealth gap in various communities with our special guests Wole Coaxum, Founder & CEO of MoCaFi and Marc Weill, Partner & Senior Advisor at Two Sigma Ventures.

Purpose is now mainstream: how Citi is leading the way

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles have moved from nice-to-have to business critical. Hear how Citi is facilitating and driving change.

Leadership Lessons Learned From An Undercover CIA Agent

Amaryllis Fox, former CIA Clandestine Service Officer, offers powership insights into leadership lessons gained from serving in conflicts across the globe. Using experiences from her overseas operations she will provide an inside look at the CIA’s practice of “red-teaming,” and how this practice can help negotiations and resolve conflicts, build empathy, and empower teams to work together.

Wall Street Pioneer on the Economy, Leadership and DE&I

If you haven't met Suzanne Shank you should. She is the chair and CEO of Siebert Williams Shank & Co. LLC, the nation’s largest female-and minority-owned, privately held finance firm, which she started with the legendary Muriel Siebert. Join us in an intimate conversation and hear her perspective on some of the most critical issues of the day.

January 6
Digital Banking 2020: Digital transformation - The cultural imperative

During 2020, our society has been faced with an economic crisis, health crisis, social justice crisis and environmental crisis. The pandemic has rapidly changed how banks engage with customers and employees; accelerating the shift from in-person interactions to digital engagements. Successfully leading a digital transformation requires much more than smart technology choices, culture is key.

December 31
Five Ways Women are Delivering on the Leadership Promise

It’s been proven time and again that women look at problems differently than male counterparts. It’s part of what makes balanced teams critical to the success of any organization. Women leaders, in particular, demonstrate heightened communication skills, a dedication to mentorship, a willingness to invest in continuous learning, a knack for building effective teams, and the ability to motivate employees with empathy and empowerment. This episode will provide perspectives from women leaders with real-world examples of achieving company goals without sacrificing humanity along the way.

December 22

The flow of assets and capital in manager selection, municipal bonds and business and mortgage capital reveals forms of systemic racism that often get overlooked.

December 7
Authenticity & allyship: Building corporate LGBTQ+ inclusivity

Invaluable insight for those in the LGBTQ community and all those who want to be better allies from the lived experience of Maeve DuVally from Goldman Sachs

November 25
Why haven't diversity efforts worked?

While many companies and organizations try, diversity and inclusion efforts within the financial services have generally failed. What needs to be done in order to succeed? Join us for a panel discussion featuring guests from the Access Denied: Systemic Racism in Financial Services podcast.

The banker and the Shark: A playbook for small businesses
Jill Castilla shares how she and Mark Cuban, the Shark Tank/Mavericks mogul, met and have been helping small businesses survive the pandemic.

In the first episode of the five-part Arizent documentary series, we look at how disparities in net worth and mortgage discrimination impact Black home ownership — and why it's impossible to close the gaps without attacking systemic racism.

October 26
Racism at the branch and workplace

From pervasive discrimination at work to the dangers of #BankingWhileBlack, Black people in America face serious hurdles when engaging with the financial services. Join us for a panel discussion featuring guests from the upcoming Access Denied: Systemic Racism in Financial Services podcast.

Is representation a step in the right direction — or a solution?

Despite tangible evidence dispelling that it's hard to find Black talent, the financial services have yet to crack the code when it comes to building a representational workforce. But is it a sufficient solution on its own?

The Most Powerful Women in Banking 2020: Women do support other women

Jane Fraser, President of Citigroup and CEO of Global Consumer Bank, shares her thoughts on becoming the firm’s next CEO, expresses her gratitude for the outpouring of support she’s received, and pays homage to all the women who have paved the path before her.

October 16
The Most Powerful Women in Banking 2020: Leadership and challenging assumptions

Innovation is key in today's dynamic market. Suni Harford, president, asset management at UBS walks us through two significant innovations she drove in the asset management industry this year — including a ground-breaking approach to climate change and sustainable investing.

October 15
The Most Powerful Women in Banking 2020: The new rules of customer experience

Customers' needs and expectations changed drastically in 2020, overturning conventional thinking about their experience in the process. How can we strike the right balance between embracing digital channels and recognizing the value of human touch?

October 15
Entrepreneurship in the WFH Era

What Jason Gardner, founder and CEO of Marqeta, has learned leading a 450-person fintech from home.

October 8

2020 has been a year of adapting and accelerating customer experience goals based on changing customer behaviors. Arizent CEO Gemma Postlethwaite speaks with Beth Johnson, Chief Experience Officer at Citizens Financial Group, about aligning an organization around the voice of the customer, taking a holistic view of front-end and back-end investments, and designing experiences for a full range of customer interactions, from answering daily needs to delivering higher value insights and deep advice.

October 6
Diversity and inclusion in municipal finance

The Bond Buyer's Rising Stars Week continues as three members of the newly minted class -- Moody's Investors Service senior analyst Adebola Kushimo, Stifel director Roberto Ruiz, and Fieldman, Rolapp & Associates senior vice president Rachel Chang-Kwei -- join moderator Andrew Belinfanti-Knight, a managing director at UBS and a member of the inaugural Rising Stars class of 2016, for a discussion on diversity and inclusion in municipal finance.

Wells Fargo: How to reinvent a culture
Mary Mack, who heads Wells Fargo's consumer banking and small business division, talks about the challenges of reforming a bank's culture from the inside, the rise of women in the banking industry and reaching customers who need their services the most
How to manage the workforce of tomorrow
City National Bank CEO Kelly Coffey talks about what she’s doing to create a more transparent and supportive workplace, as well as the challenges of expanding during a pandemic.
A small-business ‘dream job’ at BofA
Bank of America's Managing Director for Small Business Sharon Miller led the company's involvement in the Paycheck Protection Program, which produced more than 343.000 loans, most in the country.
Accelerating change during the pandemic

A conversation with Greg Carmichael, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Fifth Third Bancorp discussing the consumer banking trends and lessons learned during the pandemic.

California State Treasurer Ma talks diversity

Treasurer Ma has championed programs to give minority and women-owned businesses a seat at the table throughout her career. A mission of the Treasurer is increasing diversity to increase equitable outcomes.

August 20
Is corporate travel dead?

It may be a long time before corporate travel resembles anything close to normal. While most organizations keep their generic travel bans in place, which increasingly look likely to last for the remainder of the year, what are the predictions around restarting business travel in the near future?

How 2020 rocked talent management

This year's social and economic upheaval due to the pandemic and protests against racism is also impacting hiring and recruitment at banks. Hear what companies are doing to change employment practices in response to these crises.

July 31

Claudine Gallagher, Head of Americas at PNB Paribas speaks with Arizent CEO Gemma Postlethwaite about servant leadership, sponsorship vs mentorship, and what it will take to attract and retain women in financial services.

July 31

Stephanie Epstein, Managing Director, Global Head of Models Infrastructure at BlackRock talked with Gemma Postlethwaite, CEO of Arizent in the early days of the Covid-19 crisis about purpose-led workforce management and how the crisis may have lessons for leadership in supporting the needs of diverse teams.

July 31

Michal Katz, Head of Investment and Corporate Banking in the Americas at Mizuho talks with Gemma Postlethwaite, CEO of Arizent, about organizational flexibility born out of the Covid-19 crisis and supporting the long-term diverse needs of a distributed workforce.

July 31

Erminia Johannson, Group Head North America, Personal and Business Banking at BMO and Gemma Postlethwaite, CEO of Arizent talk about adapting to new modes of working, discernment and decision making, and how the Covid-19 crisis has shown how to accelerate change in an organization.

July 31
The big decisions now facing all CEOs

Managing a major lender in the midst of COVID fears and social unrest has required a rethink of banking norms. Exploring the executive decisions all leaders must consider is the recipient of American Banker’s Banker of the Year award.

How banks can lead positive change
How Berkshire Bank is facilitating and driving change, inclusion and equity within their institution in an effort to authentically connect to the communities in which they serve.
Emerging Technology
ALL_Assets_SM_1200x628.png

Dark Matter CEO Rich Gagliano and CRO Sean Dugan join National Mortgage News to discuss how they're thinking about Empower pricing, new products and other key issues in mortgage technology in this livestreamed discussion.

Innovation and Governance and the FHFA

Anne Marie Pippin, associate director in the Federal Housing Finance Agency's Office of Financial Technology, weighs the forces shaping the industry's future.

December 1
AI and Compliance: How to ensure fairness in home lending tech

Kareem Saleh, CEO of "fairness-as-a-service" company FairPlay AI, walks us through key steps that must be taken to ensure automated decisioning models stay on track.

Is your tech agenda set for safety or standout growth?

Financial services firms are focusing on essential risk-related priorities, but must not lose sight of the importance of innovative technologies that drive business forward.

March 10
The benefits of blockchain-based mortgages

 Lenders can utilize blockchain technology to originate fully digital, tokenized mortgage assets on the chain. How does it work, and how can mortgage companies benefit from integrating with this technology?

October 25
Officials from the FHFA's new Office of Technology discuss its goals

Join three officials from the Federal Housing Finance Agency's recently establish Office of Technology to hear about their goals and initiatives for the department and how their work may impact every day lending activities.

Confronting the rising costs of cybersecurity

Cybersecurity expenses and threats

August 25
The crypto conundrum

Cathy Beardsley, the CEO of Segpay, and Christiaan Brand, a security expert from Google, discuss how to overcome the hurdles that are still in the way of cryptocurrencies being widely used for payments.

May 31
Security & privacy highlight: What are the implications for banks, payment companies and fintechs building trust post-COVID?

Experts discuss the latest ways firms are defining their value propositions and evolving their customer communications, experience and support.

December 16
Marketing to millennials: Time to rethink personalized banking for the next generation

An industry expert shares key takeaways on how institutions can implement sophisticated technologies to attract a younger generation of customers.

December 15
AI & emerging tech for an inclusive recovery

COVID-19 has shown us that technology can rapidly evolve to meet customer needs, in areas from contactless payments to digital banking to mobile wallets. However, we still see great disparities when it comes to the use of contactless and digital banking by low- to moderate-income (LMI) workers. The question is, will emerging tech in the post-COVID economy provide an opportunity to include new people in the financial system-- or leave them even further behind?

Solving for security as contactless payments grow

There is no doubt 2020 was a year of contactless transactions. But what implications do contactless payments present when it comes to security?

May 4
Bias in AI-based financial services: Is your firm at risk?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly gaining ground in a number of areas of banking and financial services. It’s deployed to identify fraud, make trading decisions, recommend banking and financial products, and evaluate loan applications. This helps to reduce the costs of financial products and improve their efficiency and efficacy. However, there is growing evidence that AI systems are biased. Join American Banker’s Executive Technology Editor, Penny Crosman as she explores key AI-bias issues for the banking and financial services industry with Sonja Kelly, Director of Research and Advocacy at Women’s World Banking and Wisam Dakka, Co-Founder of Meemo.

Databits: AI & automation

The industry has long talked about embracing digital technology — but the time for talk may be over.

October 6
How to make your AI dreams a reality

One banks journey of taking an AI idea from inception to experience. How organizations can ensure the shift from pilot projects to full-scale AI fluency goes right

August 27
Highlighting Wealth Management
Strategic planning: The health and wealth connection

There is little doubt that growing and protecting wealth is a critical pillar in everyone's financial plan. But what about maintaining and improving your health? So how can the financial planning industry innovate health and wealth management in the post pandemic era? Join Tobias Salinger, Chief Correspondent at Financial Planning as we explore these issues with Maria Elena Lagomasino, CEO & Managing Partner of We Family Offices and Carolyn McClanahan, Founder of Life Planning Partners.

The wealth management business is undergoing considerable transformation. The pandemic has created a new breed of investors, with distinct expectations and tastes formed by new technology and having lived through the financial crisis. This has resulted in new industry standards in terms of how advice and investment products are given. Join Tobias Salinger, Chief Correspondent at Financial Planning as he explores the state of the industry and the trends that will impact wealth management with Erinn Ford, Executive Vice President of Advisor Engagement at Advisor Group and Debra Shannon, Chief Compliance Officer and Co-Founder of Veritas Independent Partners.

Risk management for the future How advisors can bring value to their clients.mp4

Financial advisors have a variety of objectives in working with their investment-planning clients. But when all is said and done, clients are usually mainly interested in a successful road map to growing and protecting their wealth to and through retirement. Risk management is a crucial part of that plan and how wealth managers can bring value to clients. In this session Michael Moriarty, Chief Investment of Wealthspire and Rick Bookstaber, Founder & Head of Risk of Fabric will discuss how investors and markets are changing and how advisors can position themselves to excel in this new landscape.

What financial institutions need to be telling women about their finances

Women in the United States have a lot in common when it comes to managing their money. They prioritize financial stability and nearly half equate negative emotions with financial planning - far more than men. Join Financial Planning’s Lynnley Browning and Jennifer Barrett, Acorns’ Chief Education Officer as they discuss and explore how financial institutions can better engage with women and help them create a new model of wealth.

Disruption & Innovation
How the reverse mortgage servicing space is embracing AI

Sergey Dyakin, CIO of Celink, outlines the nuances of implementing new technology in the HECM servicing business

December 1
Ethical sourcing of data to serve automated mortgage processes

Kenon Chen, executive vice president, strategy and growth, at Clear Capital, discusses data sourcing that can best serve the mortgage and underwriting process and how it can be done in an ethical way to achieve maximum benefit.

November 30
The most important year-end tax planning questions

Two tax experts share the key strategies for financial planners and tax professionals to discuss with clients in the fourth quarter.

Home loan volume is slowing, heightening the need for effective outreach to new leads for lenders. Join industry mortgage marketing leaders for a discussion about best practices in the current landscape.

Tiktok and mortgage: how to leverage leads from social media

In this session, NFM Lending's Chief Business Development Officer Greg Sher discusses its influencer unit and how it built an infrastructure for handling the tidal wave of engagement that results from a successful social media presence.

October 6
Strategies for home lenders in 2023

With tight inventory and rising rates posing challenges to today's home buyers, mortgage lenders face a tricky environment for maintaining volumes. National Mortgage News chats with three of the top-ranked producers of 2022 to discuss strategies to stay competitive in the months ahead.

Talking P3s with infrastructure leaders Shawn Wilson and DJ Gribbin

Louisiana's Transportation Secretary and the former Assistant to the President for Infrastructure discuss the state of play in the U.S. P3 sector, the impact of the new infrastructure law, and what's in store for the next decade.

Bridging the future of finance: How Bitcoin is making its mark

Is Bitcoin at a "tipping point" and could it one day be the currency of choice for trade? The future for digital currencies can be bright, but there are still risks involved. In this session join Yan Zhao, President of NYDIG as she explores: (1) the overall discussion of how Bitcoin is experiencing wider adoption in the traditional finance world, and why that is; (2) Recent partnerships in the financial sector and how they've helped evolve the space; and (3) how and why organization are embedding Bitcoin in various financial services products like lending, payroll, banking, and investing.

Mortgage lending trends to watch in 2022

The home buying process has undergone significant changes. The pandemic has profoundly altered the mortgage lending market. The continuation of remote work, relocation out of key urban areas, a growing preference for online possibilities, and the deployment of artificial intelligence applications are only a few trends that are shaping the industry. Join Heidi Patalano, Editor-in-Chief of National Mortgage News and Beth O'Brien, Founder and CEO of CoreVest Finance as they discuss how lenders can stay competitive and meet the needs of home buyers in the fast evolving mortgage business.

Databits: The good, bad and ugly about fast money

The speed of money movement represents the future - success for those who deliver, challenges for those who don't

November 3
Round Z: The generation gap vs. the future of mortgage and finance

With today’s generation of home buyers so rooted in a digital world, how will the financial services industry need to change to meet their needs? What new consumer technology will they need to adopt to meet consumers where they are? How will those approaches differ from how things have been done historically in the industry? Join us in a discussion with Blend’s Founder, Nima Ghamsari as we chat through how banks and financial institutions need to think through these questions.

Join Janet King, Arizent VP of Research and Brian Elkins, Senior Director of Strategy at Monigle for a discussion of a new, prescriptive framework that helps banks and other financial institutions identify why customers choose to bank with one financial institution over another. Developed in conjunction with creative experience agency Monigle, the Humanizing Customer Experience research from American Banker draws on more than 5,000 customer responses to show what matters most in customer experience and ranks which financial institutions do it best. Join this discussion to learn more about how you can optimize your bank's approach to CX to improve customer satisfaction and earn higher net promoter scores.

From popularity to profitability: How neobanks and Fintehcs are catering to younger consumers

Neobanks and Fintechs have raised the bar in terms of client experience and expectations, forcing incumbents to break free and innovate. Now they are coming after the next generation, launching next-gen youth-focused offerings. Europe is leading this charge with nearly half of the startups based in the region. With the increased popularity and competition how are these neobanks finding different ways to market and monetize? In this session hear from Taylor Burton, co-founder of Till Financial on why there is a race to capture the next generation and how Fintechs like Till Financial is turning is a popular trend into a profitable business.

The future of one-stop-shop for banking and finances

Dave banking app originally created to do away with overdraft charges has taken the industry by storm. It's on a mission to advance financial opportunities for all Americans. Join Penny Crosman, Executive Editor of American Banker and Jason Wilk, CEO and Co-Founder of Dave as they talk about how this app is changing the way people manage their money and what’s in store for the future of one-stop-shops for finances.

Disrupting the disruptors: Unlocking digital business building trends for small business banking

After a year that’s been disrupted by COVID-19, business owners have drastically altered their financial habits to keep up with evolution in consumer preference. The competitive landscape, meanwhile, is becoming more challenging as digital technology lowers barriers to entry. Our session will explore what the role of banks is in a far more competitive environment and how banks can utilize digital tools for business building, which will ultimately serve as a growth and success engine for their small-business clients.

The future of digital payments: which trends will rule in 2021 and beyond
2020 was the year of contactless payments and transactions. To keep up with this contactless way of business, every company and transaction had to undergo a digital transformation. Cash is no longer king and set to be the least common payment method worldwide by 2022. It'll be fascinating to see what the future of payment looks like as the security of digital payments and wallets improves. Our speakers take a closer look at the trends shaping the industry such as biometric authentication, QR codes, real-time and frictionless payments, NFC-based payment, and AI learning to prevent frauds and boost security.
Rewriting the rules: Why this neobank is building a financial brand for Black America

Dozens of digital tools are billed as democratizing finance. But a number of entrepreneurs still see massive gaps. Here’s why Donald Hawkins and Asya Bradley, co-founders of First Boulevard, believe building a financial brand for Black America is imperative. Join us in a conversation with Mary Wisniewski, editor at Bankrate and First Boulevard’s co-founders as they discuss what banks have missed in serving Black America and how the neobank aims to improve the financial livelihood of the community.

The future of wealth management with Catherine Keating, CEO, BNY Mellon Wealth Management

How the pandemic is accelerating trends in financial advice and changing the way Americans manage their money.

What's amazing in fintech now: Maria Gotsch, President and CEO, Partnership Fund for New York City

What are the most exciting trends in financial technology today, and which startups are poised to win?

May 11
Tech and the city: Attracting innovative companies and workers

Juliet Weissman of New York City's Cornell Tech campus discusses the role of higher education and partnerships in luring startups and their workforces.

May 10
The next phase of payments transformation

The digital transformation of payments has reached its next phase — with banks and fintechs leading the way. Avoiding the one-size-fits-all approach to deliver the experience customers want is key.

May 5
The FinTech boom is aimed at the wrong customer

An interactive dialogue with Founder and CEO of NorthOne on the fintech industry, the growing needs of challenger banks, and the future of SMB banking.

Is inflation about to take off?

The markets and the Fed are not on the same page about the future of inflation. Luke Tilley Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at Wilmington Trust will discuss the economy and inflation.

Building a one-stop shop in the global digital payments ecosystem

Bradley Riss is chief commercial officer at Checkout.com, a firm that acts as a payment gateway, acquirer and processor through a single channel, covering cards, passthrough wallets, stored value wallets and alternative payment options such as point of sale credit. It charges a fee based on processing and card payment costs rather than the percentage+ model that most payment API companies charge. The model is designed to make the service customized to different merchants and serve as a base to offer other merchant products.

March 26
Incumbents and Fintechs: Collaborate or Compete?
Industry analysts say we will see more Fintechs and incumbents collaborating in the post-pandemic era. We have already seen this phenomenon play out and it will continue as online advisory, banking, lending, and digital payments are most likely permanent. In this episode, we explore: (1) what’s ahead for Fintech and incumbents in investments, acquisitions, and partnerships; (2) how incumbents are closing the gap in Fintech collaboration; and (3) what a successful partnership looks like.
Databits: Fear, malaise, and eroding trust

How consumer attitudes toward privacy threaten to overturn long-standing industry assumptions about customer data and personalization.

March 2
How to adjust your business response to changing macro conditions

Like so many other businesses, Credit Karma was not spared by the pandemic and its rippling effects on the economy. Their business was prone to the same macro conditions, particularly the tightening of lending standards and credit limits. Join Paul Centopani, National Mortgage News’ reporter and Andy Taylor, Credit Karma’s General Manager of Home & Mortgage as they discuss how FinTechs can pivot to adapt to the new normal.

How venture capital sees Fintech now

The fintech world is expanding at a sometimes breathtaking pace. Much of that growth is driven by venture capital, but how do VCs decide which companies to invest it in--or not? Join Greycroft partner Will Szczerbiak in a discussion with Olugbenga Agboola, the founder and CEO of Flutterwave, the San Francisco-based startup building the largest payments infrastructure in Africa. Guest host James Ledbetter, editor and publisher of the fintech newsletter FIN, will explore these questions: What are VCs looking for in a fintech startup? What are the hottest fintech sectors in 2021? How has the rise in fintech valuations affected the market? Where will growth be strongest in the next few years?

Surveillance capitalism and the new economic order

An exclusive Arizent consumer survey indicates that consumers are becoming increasingly uneasy with the tradeoff of letting companies use their personal data in exchange for a customized experience. What does that portend for the future? Mark Weinstein is already tackling this head-on in the social media sphere. Join us in a conversion with Mark Weinstein, as we discuss: Privacy and security Combating the virus of disinformation Corporate social responsibility and ethical business practices

Innovation and Strategy in the Post-COVID Economy

New technological innovations, consumer behavior shifts, competition from fresh digital entrants, and regulatory reforms herald the payment environment of tomorrow. In addition, the current pandemic is pushing players to rethink their market fundamentals in an already transitioning industry. Join John Adams, Executive Editor of PaymentsSource and our special guest, Andrew Jamison a virtual card expert with twelve plus years at American Express and CEO & Co-Founder of Extend, in a discussion about the business strategy, management, and innovations in the post pandemic ecosystem and how it can serve the way the economy is headed.

Serving the underbanked

If you are underbanked you probably have limited access to mainstream financial services normally offered by retail banks. Many fintech startups offer alternative ways to measure credit risk, and assert that their products can help extend financial services to consumers who have not been well-served by traditional banks.

Mapping Jiko’s Innovation

A new path forward for digital banks and their customers.

The fintech industry in 2021

Join Jim McKelvey, co-founder of Square as he offers his insights into where the Fintech industry is headed next year. Will a Biden administration insist on greater regulation? What will happen in the cryptocurrency markets? What will be the big IPOs in the sector? Will GooglePlex make a big splash? What new technologies or applications should we be expecting?

How Aflac is preparing for next-generation consumers

There is an emotional and human aspect in all relationships and that holds true for the bond between individuals and brands. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought both the strengths and weaknesses in customer experience under the spotlight. This episode will focus on how connecting with customers and ensuring they have a positive experience with a company is paramount, particularly in a pandemic-driven world. Join our host, Brooke Worden, President of The Rudin Group and guest speaker, Virgil Miller, Chief Operating Officer of Aflac U.S. and President of Aflac Group in a discussion that will highlight how and why Aflac is emphasizing three key aspects of the customer experience in 2020.

December 11
Databits: The future of money

The COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed consumers’ attitudes and behaviors toward money and payments. What has changed?

December 8
DigMo 2020: The Importance of Agility in an Uncertain Time

When both origination and forbearance demand spiked in the early weeks of COVID-19, quick thinking lenders were able to leverage their expertise and tech stacks to respond quickly.

October 22
DigMo 2020: How Can Fintechs Best Position Themselves For an Acquisition?

From finding new efficiencies to redefining the customer experience; fintechs are permanently changing financial services. But what does the actual acquisition process look like?

October 22
DigMo 2020: The Year of Unexpected Disruption

The coronavirus pandemic has turned every industry on its head. For lending, it exposed the need for modernized, fully digital platforms.

October 22
DigMo 2020: The pandemic’s impact on mortgage digitization

Banks, lenders, and fintechs have been on a path toward digitizing the mortgage process from end-to-end — long before the term coronavirus entered our daily lexicon. How has the pandemic affected progress?

October 22
Municipal finance in the age of COVID-19

Kicking off its Rising Stars Week, The Bond Buyer announces the 2020 class and sits down with three newly-minted members to discuss the muni market's adaptation to and recovery from pandemic-driven challenges.

The Most Powerful Women in Banking 2020: The future of consumer banking

The events of 2020 have only served to accelerate a number of potentially disruptive trends among consumers when it comes to banking and financial services — What does the emerging future of consumer and retail banking now look like?

October 16
How COVID-19 changed consumer spending

The pandemic has had a tremendous impact on the global and US economies, household incomes, and consumer spending. The world's most valuable financial services firm is ready to share insight around the global and US effects of COVID-19.

July 31
The power of persistence

Great leaders emerge from failure in the world of financial services and fintech is no exception. Moven founder Brett King shares his take on persistence and how it’s worked for him.

How fintechs can survive — and thrive — during crises

Fintechs are facing unique challenges in the pandemic. There might be a resurgence in funding on the horizon, but startups are looking to see what they can do now to weather the storm.

July 31
The importance of digital and retail in a post-pandemic world

Nationwide lockdowns forced banks to close brick and mortar outlets and rely heavily on drive up windows, mobile and online access. BBVA has proven that even in the middle of crisis and chaos, retail still fits into the banks overall strategy.

Policy, Politics & Regulation
When will the FOMC cut rates?

The Federal Reserve expects to cut interest rates three times this year, some say as early as March, if data alllow those moves. Following the Jan. 30-31 FOMC meeting, Garrett Melson, portfolio strategist at Natixis Investment Managers Solutions, will provide his take on the meeting and Chair Jerome Powell's press conference.

A look ahead with Scott Colbert

Commerce Bank Executive Vice President Scott Colbert joins us for a discussion of what to expect in 2024.

Watching Fed monetary policy

The Federal Open Market Committee meets Dec. 12 and 13 and in addition to their statement, they will issue a Summary of Economic Projections.

Mastering the Balance of Governance, Policy, and Leadership in America's Banking and Financial Sectors

Statesman and Vice Chairman at Wells Fargo Bill Daley discusses the balancing act between governance and banking in achieving America's soft landing

Analyzing the FOMC Meeting

All eyes are on the Federal Reserve and monetary policy. Join us as Scott Anderson, chief U.S. economist and managing director at BMO Economics, breaks down the latest FOMC meeting.

Mark Calabria on how to make the housing market healthy again

The former Trump-appointed Federal Housing Finance Agency head offers insights on the road ahead for mortgage lenders and residential real estate at large.

November 21
Analyzing the FOMC decision

The Federal Reserve is expected to pause at its September meeting. Jeff Timlin, a managing partner at Sage Advisory, will join us on Sept. 21 to provide analysis of the meeting.

Tackling housing affordability through public policy

Economic disruption of the past several years has led to the inventory and affordability challenges the housing market faces today. But while efforts have been introduced to address them, many are looking at what the government might do to help alleviate the current situation.

Hike or hold: which will the Federal Reserve choose?

After holding at its last meeting, the Federal Open Market Committee may decide to raise rates again in July.

Analyzing the Federal Reserve's latest monetary policy action

The FOMC meets June 13-14. Join us June 15 at 2 p.m., Eastern time, as Jeffrey Cleveland, chief economist at Payden & Rygel, provides his take on the meeting statement, Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell's press conference and the latest Fed projections.

Yelena Shulyatyeva

The Federal Reserve meeting May 2-3 will be closely watched for hints about what the FOMC's next move is. Join BNP Pariba U.S. Economist Yelena Shulyatyeva at 11 a.m. May 4 as she takes a look at the meeting and Chair Powell's press conference.

What's next for banks after the Silicon Valley Bank failure

Is the banking sector in crisis? What happened, and what can bankers learn from this turmoil? Two of American Banker's reporters discuss the fallout and what comes next with the magazine's editor-in-chief.

What's next in banking regulation?

Navigating challenges and what's ahead in banking regulation.

March 15
With inflation cooling, what's the Fed's next move?

The markets are looking for a Fed pivot, but central bankers continue to say more hikes are coming and rates will stay higher longer. OANDA's Ed Moya joins us after the meeting to give a comprehensive look at what the Fed signals for the future.

Leaders_Regulation Best Interest

The central bank has raised rates aggressively for nearly a year, but experts believe the hiking cycle is nearly over.

Why the lending industry needs to make homeownership more inclusive

The homeownership gap between Black and white populations has widened in the years since the Great Recession, putting obstacles in the way of achieving wealth for a large percentage of Americans. How did we get here, and what do the housing and home lending industries need to do to change the current course?

November 29
Where does the FOMC go from here?

The day after the FOMC announces its policy decision, Christian Scherrmann, U.S. Economist at DWS Group, will offer his take on the meeting, Fed Chair Powell's press conference and what comes next.

How banks will navigate the geopolitical storms

As the world reshapes its alliances around the Ukraine war, how will banks work with companies and governments to keep trade and the financial system running?

Tracking the FOMC

The Federal Reserve has started a hiking cycle that's expected to continue with half-point increases in June and July, Marvin Loh, senior macro strategist at State Street Global Markets, will assess the June Federal Open Market Committee meeting and tell what he expects the panel to do in the future.

Millennials and obstacles to home ownership

New research shows that young Americans are finding it increasingly difficult to buy a home of their own. The co-author of a series of reports will delve into discoveries around the factors why.

Regulation and policy outlook: How climate change impacts banking

Join industry experts to explore how financial institutions can better prepare for future compliance issues associated with the evolving landscape.

December 15
Community banks: Their role in political advocacy and supporting local economies across the country

Community banks have played and will continue to play a key role in supporting local economies across the country. Join us in a lively conversation with Dennis E. Nixon, President & CEO of International Bank of Commerce (Laredo, Texas) & Chairman, International Bancshares Corporation and Eddie Aldrete, Senior Vice President at International Bank of Commerce as we discuss: (1) the need for bankers and the business community to become involved in political issues. From minimum wage and issues that affect small businesses to regulatory issues that directly affect the banking industry, banking and business leaders need to be thought leaders in the public conversation and (2) how bankers can play a pivotal advocacy role in the free trade process.

The economy, inflation and the Federal Reserve

Edward Al-Hussainy, senior interest rate and currency analyst at Columbia Threadneedle, will discuss the economy, inflation and the Federal Reserve.

FDIC to banks: What are we doing to help “unbanked’ Americans?

According to the latest Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)’s “How America Banks” report, there is an estimated 7.1 million unbanked households in 2019. Given the record levels of unemployment, the pandemic has brought on the FDIC expects this number to rise. Join Joe Adler, American Banker’s Washington Bureau Chief and Leonard Chanin, Deputy to the Chairman of the FDIC as they discuss the FDIC’s stance on financial inclusion and how banks can get millions of unbanked Americans into the traditional banking system.

Munis, inequity, and future of the American city

Municipal bonds have a direct effect on the social and cultural character of cities, metropolitan areas, counties, and states. Munis and the initiatives they support such as public education, housing subsidies, public transit systems, and more, can often be linked to local or regional politics. Join Lynne Funk, Executive Editor at The Bond Buyer and Destin Jenkins, Neubauer Family Assistant Professor of History at the University of Chicago as they explore how municipal bond mismanagement can have contrasting influences on the different ethnic groups in our cities.

How credit scores could change under Biden & the impact on consumers

Credit scores have an effect on almost every aspect of a person's financial life. A less-than-ideal credit score can make it much harder to get a house or car loan, start a business, or even get a job. President Biden plans to change credit reporting So what does the new administration’s plan mean for consumers and lenders? In this episode, we explore the pros and cons of the Biden proposal, what it means for consumers, and how it will impact lending institutions’ strategy and operations.

Fraud and financial crime risk forecast: A post-pandemic outlook
In this post-pandemic era, FIs must meet increasingly complex regulatory requirements, as they are subject to stricter standards of accountability for financial crime. Our panel of industry leaders will delve into the most important financial crime trends in the coming year and discuss what types of adjustments banks need to make to meet these challenges. This thought-provoking conversation will provide key takeaways that will identify meaningful improvements to address the dynamic challenges ahead for your organization.
How banks can thrive amidst new financial and operational challenges

The operating environment is dramatically different than it was pre-pandemic and presents all-new challenges for financial institutions. Tried-and-true strategies that led to high performance for many years are no longer going to be successful. Join Bonnie McGeer, Executive Editor of American Banker, and Claude Hanley, Partner at Capital Performance Group, as they highlight important trends and comb through data from top-performing banks across the country for insights that will help regional and community financial institutions thrive in 2021. Executives will learn what metrics will be most critical to focus on to maintain high performance going forward.

Cannabis Banking: Myths and Truths

A growing number of states have chosen to decriminalize or legalize cannabis in recent years. As a result, the legal cannabis industry has experienced exponential growth. Yet banks and other financial institutions are still largely reluctant to partner with cannabis firms due to the lingering conflict between state and federal law. In this episode we will explore: (1) how financial institutions can navigate the regulatory, compliance, and operational challenges facing this sector; and (2) the steps the Biden Administration may take to improve the environment for banking this industry.

The SAR Landscape in 2021: Four Things You Must Know

Come away better prepared for what’s ahead after hearing Satish Kini and David Sewell of Debevoise & Plimpton and Darin Jarrett, Deputy BSA/AML Officer at American Express, in conversation with Bonnie McGeer, Executive Editor of American Banker, as they explore: •How the new administration might change the BSA/AML Act •Are there easy wins in relieving the burden of suspicious activity reports without undermining effectiveness? •New ways that companies are innovating within AML compliance and risk •What banks are doing to drive next-gen efficiency and effectiveness of risk and compliance

Digital dollar, inclusion and the stimulus bill

The events of 2020 have only helped to intensify a range of potentially disruptive developments in the payment industry. As the central bank's digital currencies advance, how will the government and the private sector work together to bring projects to an effective conclusion?

November 16
Election Impact: The Future of Banking

The pivotal issue of the November vote will be a divided government versus a united government, and its possible effect on policies that can drive the economy and markets.

The Future of Cities
Former HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros and Regional Plan Association president Tom Wright join The Bond Buyer for a discussion on the ways life and work in American cities are being altered by the pandemic — and future challenges it illuminates.
Are you prepared for regulatory shocks?

The regulatory road ahead is as uncertain and risky to banks as the pandemic.

A new beginning for digital banking

A historic charter award defines a new beginning for digital banking, Varo Money becomes the first consumer fintech in US history to gain full regulatory approval to become a national bank