Fintech Confidential

Crypto regulation in Q1 2026 reshaped the stablecoin and digital asset markets with the OCC's 376-page Genius Act proposed rule, the SEC's five-category crypto asset classification, and new AML data from FATF and Chainalysis. Tedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and founder of Fintech Confidential, breaks it all down with Robert Musiala, Partner at Baker Hostetler and co-lead of their Web3 practice.The OCC introduced the PPSI framework that every future stablecoin issuer must follow, while at least 15 crypto-native companies raced to file trust charter applications. The SEC named 18 tokens as digital commodities, replaced the "decentralization" test with a central party control standard, and Chairman Atkins previewed up to three safe harbor proposals under a tentative Regulation CA. On the enforcement side, 84% of illicit crypto transactions in 2025 involved stablecoins, the DOJ seized $61 million in USDT, and North Korea expanded state-sponsored theft into remote IT worker schemes targeting US businesses.Find out more1️⃣ Map your Genius Act transition now; the 18-month implementation window is closing fast and companies that filed trust charters in late 2025 are already positioned.2️⃣ Vet every outsourced IT vendor accepting stablecoin payments for shell company ties to state-sponsored actors.3️⃣ Audit your tokens against the SEC's five-bucket test before the safe harbor proposals drop.4️⃣ Stress test your AML program against stablecoin-specific risks like peer-to-peer transfers, multi-hop wallet chains, and shell IT vendor payments flagged by the DOJ and FATF in Q1.5️⃣ Model your Q3 budget with and without yield revenue in case the OCC's related third-party restrictions survive.LINKSGuestRobert MusialaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-musiala/Baker Hostetler: https://www.bakerlaw.com/people/robert-musialaBlockchain Monitor: https://www.blockchainmonitor.com/CompanyBaker HostetlerWebsite: https://www.bakerlaw.com/Web3 & Digital Assets Team: https://www.bakerlaw.com/practices/web3-digital-assetsLegal Resources: https://www.bakerlaw.com/insightsHostTedd Huff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teddhuff/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialFintech ConfidentialYoutube: https://youtube.com/@fintechconfidentialPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNewsletter: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSUPPORTERSDFNS: Wallets as a service, API first, multi-chain, secured with MPC across 50+ blockchains - fintechconfidential.com/dfnsSkyflow: Zero trust data privacy vault for PCI, CCPA, GDPR, SOC 2 compliance - skyflowsecure.comHawk: AI tools for real-time payment screening and fraud prevention - gethawkai.comABOUTRobert Musiala is a Partner at Baker Hostetler where he co-leads the firm's Web3 practice. He authors The Blockchain Monitor, one of the longest-running legal blogs covering crypto regulation, enforcement, and policy developments. His practice spans both traditional financial institutions and crypto-native companies.Baker Hostetler is a national law firm with deep expertise in financial services, securities, and emerging technology law.Tedd Huff is the CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and founder of Fintech Confidential. The show is produced by DD3 Media and brings you the people, tech, and companies that change how you pay and get paid.CHAPTERS00:00 Episode Highlights01:18 Welcome to Fintech Confidential01:27 Dfns: Wallets as a Service (sponsor)02:47 Show Intro And Guests05:30 Genius Act Rulebook07:38 Reserve Rules Explained13:08 Charter Rush Begins18:11 Banks Vs Crypto Score20:49 Deposit Flight And Yield25:58 Wyoming And SoFi Models29:38 SEC Five Bucket Guide32:49 Digital Commodities Line37:35 Munchee Vs Meg Prime39:21 Sky Flow: Building Fast and Secure (sponsor)40:23 Back To Atkins Agenda40:58 Atkins Next Moves43:21 Regulation CA Safe Harbors45:39 Stablecoins And Illicit Use50:25 Freezing Burning Reissuing54:13 Offshore Crackdown FATF56:24 North Korea Crypto Threats59:28 Q2 Watchlist OCC Yield01:05:11 Safe Harbor And CLARITY01:10:33 Advice For Builders Q201:13:20 Wrap Up And Sponsor01:14:08 Hawk AI - Realtime Fraud Monitoring (sponsor)01:14:53 Disclaimer

Open finance infrastructure, agentic banking, and cross-border payments converge as Prometeo connects 7,500+ financial institutions across Latin America and the US through a single API. Tedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and founder of Fintech Confidential, sits down with Ximena Aleman, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Prometeo, to unpack what it takes to standardize fragmented banking systems across 30 countries and bring that playbook to the American market.Tedd and Ximena cover why US banking infrastructure is more fragmented than most people realize, how Prometeo's account verification now covers 85% of US bank accounts, and what agentic banking looks like when AI agents operate real bank accounts with built-in compliance controls. The conversation also addresses the open banking pricing debate, CFPB 1033 as a US expansion accelerant, the Nacha preferred partner announcement, and why only 2 to 3% of VC funding reaches female-led startups.Find out more1️⃣ Disaggregate your payment stack layer by layer; calling it "mature" hides gaps that cost you money.2️⃣ Build infrastructure for corridors, not single countries, starting with the highest-volume trade routes your customers operate.3️⃣ Bring non-bankers onto your product team to challenge workflows that insiders have normalized for decades.4️⃣ Give smaller financial institutions a revenue stream tied to open banking adoption instead of pricing them out.5️⃣ Pitch the outcomes your infrastructure enables, not the technical specs of what you built.LINKSGuest:Ximena Aleman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ximena-aleman-7913439a/Company:Prometeo Website: https://prometeoapi.comPrometeo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prometeo-openbankingFintech Confidential:Podcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNotifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSUPPORTERSUnder.io: Streamlines application and underwriting by digitizing PDFs for e-signature. under.io/FTCSkyflow: A zero-trust data privacy vault delivered as an API covering PCI, CCPA, GDPR, SOC 2, and beyond. skyflowsecure.comDFNS: Wallets as a service, API first, multi-chain, secured with MPC across 50+ blockchains. fintechconfidential.com/dfnsHawk AI: Real-time payment screening, AML transaction monitoring, and dynamic customer risk rating. gethawk.comABOUTGuest: Ximena Aleman is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Prometeo. She started her career in journalism before moving into marketing and tech leadership, completing an MBA at Universidad ORT Uruguay. She was named one of the Top 100 Women in FinTech in 2024 and is a World Economic Forum Agenda Contributor.Company: Prometeo is an open finance infrastructure company providing a single API for cross-border banking, connecting 7,500+ financial institutions across Latin America and the US. The company is backed by PayPal Ventures, Samsung Next, and Antler.Host: Tedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and host of Fintech Confidential. The show is produced by DD3 Media, delivering entertaining and informative content focused on the people, tech, and companies changing how you pay and get paid.DD3 Media is a multimedia and marketing agency founded by Tedd Huff specializing in content creation and production for the fintech and payments industry. As the production company behind Fintech Confidential, DD3 Media produces podcasts, live streams, video content, and onsite events for global audiences.CHAPTERS00:00 Episode Highlights00:54 Welcome to Fintech Confidential01:03 Dfns: Wallets as a Service (sponsor)02:25 Meet ProMateo Founder04:39 Outsiders Spot the Gap06:38 Infrastructure Before Open Banking10:21 Borderless Banking Explained16:21 Why US Banking Feels Messy18:56 Standardizing Fragmented Systems20:42 Agentic Banking Kickoff23:34 Limiting Agent Liability24:49 Compliance and B2B Accountability27:32 Monitoring Agents Like Card Rails30:07 Sky Flow: Building Fast and Secure (sponsor)30:30 Skyflow Privacy Vault31:10 AI Bookends And Middle32:01 US Credibility Milestones33:06 Account Verification Playbook35:56 FDATA Advocacy Meets Sales39:51 Crystal Ball Agentic Payments41:39 Open Banking Pricing Debate48:44 LatAm Vs US Open Finance51:27 Strategic Investors And Trust53:42 Women In Fintech Funding Gap55:36 Founder Advice And Farewell57:43 Show Wrap And Sponsor Reads58:29 Hawk AI - Realtime Fraud Monitoring (sponsor)59:15 DisclaimerThis has been a production of DD3 Media with all rights reserved. This content is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.© DD3 Media. All Rights Reserved.

Website compliance, ADA accessibility lawsuits, and privacy law enforcement are creating real financial exposure for small and mid-sized businesses. Tedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and founder of Fintech Confidential, sits down with Michael Williams, co-founder and CFO of Clym, to unpack the growing wave of website regulation hitting SMBs and why most operators have no idea they are at risk.Watch episode hereOver 5,100 federal ADA lawsuits were filed in 2025, up 30% from the prior year, with 78% targeting small businesses. Twenty US states now have active privacy laws, GDPR fines hit $1.2 billion globally, and California's CCPA issued a record $1.35 million penalty. Michael breaks down how enforcement works based on consumer location rather than business headquarters, why third-party scripts and chatbots create hidden liability, and how compliant websites saw roughly 30% more search visibility over the past year. New HHS enforcement requires healthcare organizations to meet elevated accessibility standards, with fines up to $150,000 per incident starting within weeks.Find out more1️⃣ Audit every third-party script, tracking pixel, and embedded tool on your website to identify consent gaps before a plaintiff's attorney does.2️⃣ Map your customer traffic by state and match it against the 20 active US privacy laws to build compliance around your actual footprint.3️⃣ Run accessibility and privacy fixes through your marketing budget since compliant sites rank higher and capture customers competitors are losing.4️⃣ Profile your own business first, including headcount, revenue, locations, and data collected, before evaluating any compliance vendor.5️⃣ Require audit-ready, timestamped consent records from day one so you have receipts when a regulator or attorney comes knocking.GUEST LINKSMichael Williams LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-williams-clym/COMPANY LINKSClym Website: https://www.clym.io/Clym LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clymLearn More: https://fintechconfidential.com/climbFINTECH CONFIDENTIALPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNotifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSUPPORTERSUnder.io streamlines application and underwriting by digitizing PDFs for digital signature: under.io/FTCSkyflow is a zero trust data privacy vault delivered as an API, covering PCI, CCPA, GDPR, SOC 2, and beyond: skyflowsecure.comDFNS provides wallets as a service that is API first, multi-chain by design, and secured with MPC: fintechconfidential.com/dfnsHawk AI offers real-time payment screening, AML transaction monitoring, and dynamic customer risk rating: gethawk.comABOUT THE GUESTMichael Williams is the co-founder and CFO of Clym. He started his career as a state and local tax attorney at Ernst & Young before serving as CFO of a global travel management company, where a failed $100,000 GDPR consulting engagement inspired the creation of Clym in 2018. Michael holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Connecticut School of Law.ABOUT CLYMClym is an all-in-one website compliance platform founded in 2018 that covers 160-plus regulations, catalogs over 1,200 third-party services, and integrates with WordPress, Shopify, Wix, Magento, and other major platforms.ABOUT THE HOSTTedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and founder of Fintech Confidential. Produced by DD3 Media, Fintech Confidential brings you the people, tech, and companies that change how you pay and get paid.CHAPTERS00:00 Episode Highlights01:03 Welcome to Fintech Confidential01:12 DFNS: Wallets as a Service (sponsor)02:30 Meet Michael Williams and Clym03:41 Why Compliance Gets Ignored05:24 SMB Lawsuit Reality Check06:49 ADA CCPA and GDPR by the Numbers08:21 How Big Is the Problem Really09:13 Consumer Location Based Enforcement10:12 Third Party Script Risks11:55 Compliance as a Growth Lever14:19 Restaurant Menus Losing Customers15:16 New ADA Enforcement Wave17:27 Will Enforcement Follow FTC Pattern18:36 Why Clym Goes Broad20:25 Clym Origin Story22:52 Staying Ahead of 160 Regulations24:32 Beyond Basic Cookie Banners26:38 Skyflow: Zero Trust Privacy Vault (sponsor)27:40 Edge Cases and Flexibility28:38 Company Intake Profiling29:54 Five Minute Setup Promise30:52 Ecommerce Platform Gaps32:34 Vibe Coding Compliance Risks33:49 Why Copying Big Brands Fails35:42 Trusted Advisor Partnerships37:29 Compliance as a Service Response39:05 Lawsuit Economics and Dress Shop Story40:45 Audit Ready Litigation Support42:25 Shared Liability Hosted Pages43:28 Third Party Script Tracking45:51 Enforcement Trends Ahead47:45 Crystal Ball Future Outlook49:49 Browser Companies Wont Fix It51:01 Proactive Compliance Benefits52:49 Wrap Up and Resources54:19 Hawk AI: Realtime Fraud Monitoring (sponsor)55:05 Disclaimer

Cash flow underwriting, explainable AI, and credit risk analytics are changing how lenders approve borrowers and set loan terms. Tedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and founder of Fintech Confidential, sits down with Jamie Twiss, CEO of Carrington Labs, and Kasey Kaplan, Chief Product and Commercial Officer, to break down how behavioral signals in bank transaction data outperform traditional credit scores.Over 50 percent of loan applicants cannot produce a reliable credit score, leaving self-employed workers, gig earners, and younger borrowers locked out of the system. Carrington Labs uses billions of lines of transaction data to build personalized, explainable machine learning models per lender, per product, and per customer segment. The conversation covers their "control point" approach to AI, lifecycle underwriting beyond origination, open banking friction in the US, and a five-year outlook on embedded, agent-driven lending.FIND OUT MORE1️⃣ Map analytics to every step of your lending funnel to find exactly where borrowers drop off and why.2️⃣ Buy best-of-breed origination and servicing tools instead of building proprietary underwriting tech in-house.3️⃣ Start with off-the-shelf models, lend small, collect performance signal, then shift to custom models fast.4️⃣ Offer higher loan limits to borrowers who sync more accounts through open banking.5️⃣ Track how borrowers respond to financial scarcity and build those behavioral patterns into your credit criteria.GuestJamie Twiss LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-twiss/Kasey Kaplan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaseykaplan/CompanyCarrington Labs: https://www.carringtonlabs.com/Carrington Labs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carringtonlabs/Beforepay Group: https://www.beforepaygroup.comFintech ConfidentialPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNotifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialAbout the GuestsJamie Twiss is CEO of Carrington Labs and Beforepay Group. He began his career at McKinsey & Company, held senior banking roles including Chief Data Officer at a major Australian bank, and now leads the development of explainable AI credit risk models for lenders globally.Kasey Kaplan is Chief Product and Commercial Officer at Carrington Labs. With over 15 years across payments, program management, and fintech lending, he leads commercial execution across credit risk scoring, cash flow underwriting, and loan limit solutions.About the CompanyCarrington Labs is the AI and enterprise software division of ASX-listed Beforepay Group. The company builds explainable AI credit risk scoring, cash flow underwriting, and loan limit solutions for banks and non-bank lenders worldwide, having powered over 4 million loans through its sister business.About the HostTedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and founder of Fintech Confidential. With 25+ years in fintech and payments, he brings entertaining and informative conversations focused on the people, tech, and companies that change how you pay and get paid.DD3 MediaFintech Confidential is a production of DD3 Media, a media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging fintech content globally.Chapters00:00 Episode Highlights01:04 Welcome to Fintech Confidential01:13 DFNS: Wallets as a Service (sponsor)02:34 Meet Carrington Labs04:48 Casey FinTech Origin06:05 Jamie Credit Risk Path07:59 Mission Beyond Scores10:16 Cashflow Underwriting13:35 Alternative Data Behaviors17:37 Built Inside Beforepay21:01 AI Control Points24:07 Deterministic Vs Inference28:35 Keeping Bias Out34:48 Real Client Turnaround36:44 Funnel Friction Signals38:25 Optimizing Drop Off39:21 Sky Flow: Building Fast and Secure (sponsor)40:21 Product Specific Risk Models42:32 From Shelf To Custom43:34 Model Retraining Workflow47:05 Siloed Versus Consortium48:59 Cashflow Behavior Insights50:25 Feature Engineering Matters51:41 Macro Shocks In Data56:07 Lifecycle Servicing Signals57:36 Limit Management Uplift58:55 Open Banking Pushback01:03:53 Crystal Ball AI Lending01:09:11 Advice And Wrap Up01:13:24 Hawk AI: Realtime Fraud Monitoring (sponsor)01:14:10 Disclaimer

Bitcoin Lightning payments, self-custody yield, and stablecoin interoperability are converging on one infrastructure layer, and the companies building it are already seeing massive demand. Tedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and founder of Fintech Confidential, sits down with Jesse Shrader, co-founder and CEO of Amboss Technologies, to break down how Lightning Network infrastructure is reshaping payment processing, treasury strategy, and compliance for fintech operators worldwide.Card networks charge 2% to 5% per transaction. Lightning brings that to 0.29%. Square just announced zero Bitcoin processing fees for its entire retailer network. The Genius Act is flooding the market with stablecoins, but those assets live on blockchains that do not talk to each other. Jesse explains how Taproot Assets on Lightning can unify fragmented stablecoin systems through cross-asset, in-flight currency exchange. He also walks through how Rails, a self-custodial Bitcoin yield product with over 2,600 on its waitlist, lets companies earn yield from payment routing without giving up custody. The conversation includes real founder lessons on fundraising, board strategy, and preparing for a future where AI systems pay each other.FIND OUT MORE1️⃣ Lightning payment processing at 0.29% is a 10x reduction from card network fees; run the math on what your business saves annually.2️⃣ Self-custody yield is now possible on Bitcoin without handing your asset to a third party; Rails automates the infrastructure so you do not need to be an expert.3️⃣ Build your board with the smartest people you have ever met, and replace anyone who is not fully invested in your success.4️⃣ Map your fiat compliance obligations into decentralized payment environments now, before a sanctions violation forces the conversation.5️⃣ Start designing guardrails for AI agents with spending authority; machine-to-machine payments are expected within three to five years.LINKSGuestJesse Shrader on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shraderjesse/CompanyAmboss Technologies: https://amboss.tech/Amboss Space (Lightning Network Explorer): https://amboss.space/Rails: https://www.amboss.tech/railsAmboss on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambosstechFintech ConfidentialPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNotifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSupportersDFNS provides wallets as a service that is API first, multi-chain by design, and secured with MPC so you can launch across over 50 blockchains without managing private keys. Request a demo at fintechconfidential.com/dfnsSkyflow is a zero trust data privacy vault delivered as an API that lets you collect, secure, and tokenize personal information with built-in features for PCI, CCPA, GDPR, and SOC 2 compliance. Visit skyflowsecure.comHawk AI provides AI tools for real-time payment screening, ML transaction monitoring, and dynamic customer risk rating to make compliance more effective and help fight fraud and financial crime. Visit gethawkai.comAboutJesse Shrader is the CEO and co-founder of Amboss Technologies. He holds a degree in Environmental Resources Engineering from Humboldt State University and previously worked in highway asset management at the Oregon Department of Transportation. His experience handling calls for class action lawsuits against banks exposed him to predatory overdraft practices and pushed him toward building decentralized payment infrastructure.Amboss Technologies is a payment infrastructure and data analytics company built on Bitcoin's Lightning Network, founded in 2021. Its products include Magma (liquidity marketplace), Rails (self-custodial yield), Reflex (compliance automation), and Amboss Space (network explorer).Tedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and host of Fintech Confidential. Fintech Confidential is a production of DD3 Media, bringing you the people, tech, and companies that change how you pay and get paid.Chapters00:01:02 DFNS: Wallets as a Service (Sponsor)00:02:20 Welcome to Web3 with FTC00:02:51 Meet Jesse Shrader and Amboss00:05:32 Rails Launch and Bitcoin Yield Demand00:06:37 From Engineering to Bitcoin Infrastructure00:09:18 Stablecoins, Genius Act, and Interoperability00:12:39 Self-Custody Yield with Rails00:16:40 Why Lightning Over Layer One00:19:08 Amboss Product Suite00:21:45 Compliance, Sanctions, and Reflex00:24:15 Skyflow: Data Privacy Vault (Sponsor)00:25:17 How Rails Generates Yield00:29:31 Lower Fees and Merchant Adoption00:35:24 Founder Lessons and Fundraising00:39:30 Build Your Board Strategically00:41:50 Crystal Ball: AI Paying AI00:45:18 Voltage Partnership Announcement00:47:12 Hawk AI: Fighting Financial Crime (Sponsor)00:47:57 Disclaimer

Unified commerce and European payments are under pressure as merchants juggle fragmented vendors, local debit schemes, and country-by-country compliance. Tedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and founder of Fintech Confidential, sits down with Niv Liran, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Unzer, to break down how one platform serves over 85,000 merchants across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Denmark.Niv explains how Unzer consolidated 13 acquired companies into a single system using a one-application-per-purpose rule, why local language sales and compliance expertise outperform global common-denominator approaches, and how open banking and the European Payments Initiative are creating new payment rails. The conversation gets specific on merchant migration tactics, daily workflow savings from eliminating multi-vendor reconciliation, and where AI-powered tools fit for small businesses within the next three to five years.FIND OUT MORE1️⃣ Gate your best features to the new platform so merchants have a reason to migrate without being forced.2️⃣ Ask prospects to walk through their daily actions before pitching; let the pain sell the solution.3️⃣ Set a one-app-per-purpose rule before consolidation starts to prevent political gridlock across acquired teams.4️⃣ Test every partnership against two filters: does it help the merchant, and will consumers actually adopt it.5️⃣ Connect directly to local accounting software in each market; it locks in retention and kills reconciliation overhead.GuestNiv Liran on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nivliranUnzer: https://www.unzer.comFintech ConfidentialPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNotifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSupporters of Fintech ConfidentialUnder.io: Streamlines application and underwriting by digitizing PDFs for e-signature. under.io/FTCSkyflow: A zero-trust data privacy vault delivered as an API covering PCI, CCPA, GDPR, SOC 2, and beyond. skyflowsecure.comDFNS: Wallets as a service, API first, multi-chain, secured with MPC across 50+ blockchains. fintechconfidential.com/dfnsHawk AI: Real-time payment screening, AML transaction monitoring, and dynamic customer risk rating. gethawk.comAbout the GuestNiv Liran is Chief Product and Technology Officer at Unzer. He entered fintech at Groupon in Berlin solving chargebacks on billions in monthly volume, then held leadership roles at Rocket Internet and AUTO1 Group, where he scaled the tech department from 5 to over 350 employees. He holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science and an MBA from INSEAD.About UnzerUnzer is a payments and commerce platform serving more than 85,000 merchants across Germany, Austria, Denmark, and Luxembourg with unified online, in-store, and back-office solutions through its UnzerOne platform.About the HostTedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and founder of Fintech Confidential. Produced by DD3 Media, Fintech Confidential brings you the people, tech, and companies that change how you pay and get paid.Chapters00:00 Episode Highlights01:02 Welcome to Fintech Confidential01:10 DFNS: Wallets as a Service (sponsor)02:32 Meet Niv Inbar05:08 Why Unified Commerce Is Hard07:02 Falling Into Payments09:46 Unser vs Stripe Adyen11:30 Localizing Across Europe12:44 One Platform Consolidation15:12 Merchant Migration Playbook17:43 Merchant Day to Day Example20:21 Skyflow - Your Privacy API (sponsor)21:18 Taming Local Debit Schemes23:29 Selling ROI and Reducing Risk26:29 Partnerships Open Banking EPI29:20 EPI and Digital Wallet Future31:06 Market Consolidation Ahead32:27 Crystal Ball Unified Commerce35:26 AI Agents for Small Business37:32 One Sentence Founder Advice39:11 Wrap Up Key Takeaways41:03 Hawk AI - Realtime Fraud Monitoring (sponsor)41:47 Disclaimer

Crypto tax software flaws, IRS audit risk, and data manipulation are putting millions of investors in danger. Tedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and founder of Fintech Confidential, sits down with Janna Scott, founder and CEO of DeFi Tax and an IRS Enrolled Agent, to break down why the tools crypto investors trust may fail them in an audit.Janna conducted forensic audits of 14 major crypto tax platforms and 53 firms claiming crypto tax expertise. The same 70 transactions produced a $99 gain on one platform, a $2,990 gain on another, and a $351 loss on a third. She explains how platforms allow users to edit immutable on-chain data like dates, currency types, and cost basis, making reports inadmissible in audits the same way the IRS rejects QuickBooks files. Her peer-reviewed research, published in Tax Notes, was shared with the IRS crypto division and SEC FinHub, and contributed to pausing IRS crypto audits. With enforcement expected to resume within months, this is a wake-up call for anyone holding or trading crypto.FIND OUT MORE1️⃣ Screenshot your crypto tax reports now; platforms have silently changed algorithms, producing 25-35% different results on the same historical data without notifying users.2️⃣ Never edit immutable transaction fields like dates, spot prices, fees, or cost basis; the IRS treats altered reports the same way it treats manipulated bank statements.3️⃣ Connect every wallet and exchange login you have ever used, including discontinued US exchanges, so transfers are not misclassified as taxable income.4️⃣ Run your transaction data through multiple products and compare results; if the numbers diverge significantly, get professional review before filing.5️⃣ Ask any firm claiming crypto tax expertise whether they can manually calculate your transactions and defend the work in front of the IRS before you pay them.Guest LinksJanna Scott | DeFi TaxWebsite: https://defitax.us/X: https://x.com/defitax_usFintech Confidential LinksPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNotifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSupportersDFNS provides wallets as a service that is API first, multi-chain by design, and secured with MPC so you can launch across over 50 blockchains without managing private keys. Request a demo at fintechconfidential.com/dfnsSkyflow is a zero trust data privacy vault delivered as an API that lets you collect, secure, and tokenize personal information with built-in features for PCI, CCPA, GDPR, and SOC 2 compliance. Visit skyflowsecure.comHawk AI provides AI tools for real-time payment screening, ML transaction monitoring, and dynamic customer risk rating to make compliance more effective and help fight fraud and financial crime. Visit gethawkai.comAbout the GuestJanna Scott is the founder and CEO of DeFi Tax, an IRS Enrolled Agent, and an MBA with over 20 years of experience in tax compliance, financial analysis, and government finance. Her forensic research across 14 platforms and 53 firms was peer reviewed, published in Tax Notes, and shared with the IRS and SEC.About the CompanyDeFi Tax is a crypto tax compliance platform that calculates obligations using direct blockchain data, locks immutable transaction fields, traces NFT basis through the chain of custody, and supports users through audit and tax court.About the HostTedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and founder of Fintech Confidential. Produced by DD3 Media, Fintech Confidential brings you the people, tech, and companies that change how you pay and get paid.Chapters00:00 Episode Highlights01:07 Welcome to Fintech Confidential01:15 Dfns: Wallets as a Service (sponsor)02:37 Show Intro and Guest06:13 Jana Origin Story09:15 Inside Government View11:38 John Doe Summonses15:43 Forensic Platform Audits22:05 Transfers and 1099 Traps24:41 Variance and Real Costs29:04 Taking Findings to Regulators32:16 Terms Changes and Report Drift34:07 Building It Yourself34:59 Why Reports Fail Audits35:39 Sky Flow: Building Fast and Secure (sponsor)36:41 Cryto Tax and Quickbooks38:46 Editing Breaks Credibility40:27 Defi Tax Guardrails42:24 Validator Income Burn Fees43:25 NFT Basis Tracing45:08 Pricing Sources Averaging46:29 Self Transfer Verification48:53 Audit Packets Evidence49:41 Silent Algorithm Changes54:00 Enforcement Crystal Ball56:05 Middle Class Snowball59:08 Practical Wallet Tracking01:02:05 Recap And Next Steps01:05:09 Show Wrap01:06:18 Hawk AI (sponsor)01:07:04 Disclaimer

Banking as a service and embedded finance get a practical breakdown as Academy Bank's David Robinson explains how a family-owned Kansas City institution built a BaaS program from the ground up. Tedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and founder of Fintech Confidential, and co-host Stephen Bishop sit down with David to unpack what it takes to launch, staff, and scale an embedded banking practice at a community bank.Find out more at fintechconfidential.comAcademy Bank, a subsidiary of Dickinson Financial Corporation, operates alongside Armed Forces Bank with roughly $4.8 billion in combined assets and a stated goal of reaching $6 billion. David walks through why the bank chose Treasury Prime as its middleware provider, how it integrated Lithic for card processing, and why keeping compliance and BSA functions in-house was a non-negotiable. The conversation gets specific about due diligence red flags, deals that fell apart mid-process, fee income versus deposit economics, and what changed internally when embedded banking finally showed up in every team's annual goals.1️⃣ Prepare for bank meetings like an earnings call; anticipate every compliance question before the first conversation.2️⃣ Build your AML, BSA, and fraud monitoring team before approaching a sponsor bank, not after.3️⃣ Bring your operations and compliance leads to early bank meetings, not just the founder.4️⃣ Treat banker feedback as a data point; show how you tested it and what you changed.5️⃣ Ask your bank partner if embedded work appears in the annual goals of their compliance, risk, and legal teams.GUESTDavid Robinson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmrembeddedbanking/COMPANYAcademy Bank: https://www.academybank.comAcademy Bank BaaS: https://www.academybank.com/business/banking-as-a-serviceFINTECH CONFIDENTIALPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNotifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSUPPORTERSSkyflow: Build fast without breaking privacy. A zero-trust data privacy vault delivered as an API. Visit https://skyflowsecure.com Under: Streamline your application and underwriting process by turning PDFs into smart, signable forms. Get started free at https://under.io/ftcHawk AI: Real-time payment screening, AML transaction monitoring, and dynamic customer risk rating to fight fraud and financial crime. Sign up for a demo at https://gethawkai.comABOUTGuest: David Robinson is Director of Fintech and Embedded Banking at Academy Bank. He brings over 20 years of financial services experience across State Street, UMB Bank, and now Academy Bank, where he built the embedded banking practice from the ground up starting in December 2022.Company: Academy Bank is a full-service community bank under Dickinson Financial Corporation, headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Named one of Fortune's Most Innovative Companies in 2023, it operates over 70 branches across Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri.Host: Tedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and founder of Fintech Confidential. The show is produced by DD3 Media and brings you the people, tech, and companies that change how you pay and get paid.CHAPTERS00:00 Episode Highlights01:24 Skyflow Sponsor Read02:26 Meet the Hosts03:39 Introducing David Robinson04:37 Defining BaaS and Embedded Finance05:29 Academy Bank Growth Strategy06:56 Rapid Fire: This or That08:11 Choosing Treasury Prime09:22 Future Programs and Segments09:53 What Stays In-House12:42 Managed vs. Bank-Owned Compliance14:35 Marketplace Shift and Multi-Platform16:53 Partnerships Are a People Business18:26 Under Sponsor Read18:56 How Banks Vet Fintech Fit19:25 Diligence and Fit20:21 Regulators and Scale21:30 When Deals Fall Apart23:23 Greenlights and Redlines24:23 Advice for Fintechs26:12 Why Academy Bank27:49 Top Tips and Misconceptions29:38 Fees vs. Deposits30:46 Internal Shift and Speed35:47 Crystal Ball and Closing36:54 Final Advice for Founders38:51 Wrap Up39:23 Hawk AI Sponsor Read40:09 Disclaimer

Open banking fees, stablecoin regulation, and AI-first payment systems are reshaping how money moves in the US. Tedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and founder of Fintech Confidential, sits down with David Glaser, CEO of Dwolla, to unpack what's changing, what's breaking, and what smart operators are doing about it right now.Find out more JP Morgan's decision to charge for open banking access is forcing the entire industry to rethink how apps connect to bank account data. Real-time payment rails like RTP and FedNow are live but adoption is slow because not every use case needs instant settlement. Dwolla scaled without hiring a single net-new employee in two years by mapping every process into what can be automated and what still needs a human. This episode covers the frameworks, the data signals, and the strategy shifts that matter most if you're building or running anything in payments today.TAKEAWAYS1️⃣ Build with AI from day one and treat new hires as a last resort, not a first instinct.2️⃣ Rework your product fast because major AI releases absorb startup features every six months.3️⃣ Attack your biggest operational bottleneck first, even if you can only automate half of it.4️⃣ Track every internal handoff to find where delays, errors, and hidden costs are piling up.5️⃣ Set team values that reward discomfort so your people adopt new tools without waiting for a mandate.GUESTDavid Glaser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daglaserCOMPANYDwolla: https://www.dwolla.comDwolla LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dwollaDwolla YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/dwollaplatformFINTECH CONFIDENTIALPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNotifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSUPPORTERSUnder.io: Digitize your PDFs and streamline application and underwriting processes. Get started free at under.io/FTCSkyflow: A zero trust data privacy vault delivered as an API covering PCI, CCPA, GDPR, and SOC 2. Visit skyflowsecure.comDFNS: Wallets as a service, API first, multi-chain, secured with MPC across 50+ blockchains. Request a demo at fintechconfidential.com/dfnsHawk AI: Real-time payment screening and AML transaction monitoring to cut false positives. Sign up for a demo at gethawk.comABOUTGuestDavid Glaser is CEO of Dwolla with over 25 years of payments experience spanning global leadership roles at Mastercard, Worldpay, CyberSource, and Visa. He grew up in a small coal mining town south of Pittsburgh, originally planned to become a high school math teacher, and has since led teams through some of the industry's biggest deals including Worldpay's $10.4 billion merger with Vantiv. Outside of payments, he's completed multiple Ironman triathlons and 70.3 races.CompanyDwolla is a leader in account-to-account payments in the US, offering a full-service platform that replaces legacy technology with a unified solution supporting ACH, Same Day ACH, RTP, and FedNow. Over 500 businesses partner with Dwolla to improve payment security, data visibility, and cash flow.HostTedd Huff is CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and founder of Fintech Confidential. With 25+ years in the industry, he brings entertaining and informative content focused on fintech insights, market trends, and stories from leaders, thinkers, and doers.DD3 MediaFintech Confidential is a production of DD3 Media. All rights reserved.CHAPTERS00:00 Highlights02:06 Under.io: Streamlining Application Processes02:35 Introduction to FinTech Leaders One-on-One02:48 Meet David Glaser, CEO of Dwolla05:29 Payment Industry Then vs. Now08:03 Open Banking and AI in Payments08:55 JP Morgan's Open Banking Fee Announcement14:06 Payment Methods and Account Access14:36 Scaling Operations at Dwolla15:03 Modernizing Homegrown Systems16:26 AI and Automation in Payments17:20 Skyflow: Your Privacy API18:31 Balancing Founder Mindset with Scale19:22 Automating Back Office Processes21:52 Identifying What to Systemize Next29:52 Economic Signals in Transaction Data31:01 Interest Rate Impact on Fintech32:43 Predicting Trends with Payment Data35:04 Centralizing Data for AI Readiness37:21 Account-to-Account and Real-Time Rails38:21 Real-Time Payment Use Cases41:00 DFNS: Wallets as a Service42:39 Choosing the Right Payment Method44:09 Orchestrating Across Multiple Rails46:58 Vertical SaaS and Embedded Payments48:37 The Future of Stablecoins50:23 AI and Stablecoins Together54:21 Advice for Fintech Founders58:07 Hawk AI: Real-Time Fraud Monitoring58:52 Disclaimer

AI in customer experience, fraud prevention, and back-office operations is moving fast in banking and financial services, and the firms that fall behind risk losing both customers and competitive ground. Tedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and founder of Fintech Confidential, sits down with Mamta Rodrigues, Chief Client Officer of Banking, Financial Services and Insurance at TP, one of the largest employers in the world with over 500,000 people globally. Mamta brings decades of hands-on experience across American Express, MasterCard, Visa, and Synchrony, and she holds a patent, a signal that she has spent real time building products, not just advising on them. The conversation covers practical AI use cases in fraud, collections, and compliance, along with what separates clients who get results from those who stall out after a pilot.The pressure on banks and fintechs right now comes from two directions at once. Consumer expectations keep rising because people interact with payment products every single day. At the same time, fraud is accelerating. Every time the industry catches up, fraudsters adapt faster and the cycle resets. That means fraud teams, product teams, and customer experience teams are all fighting for resources and attention at the same time. For treasury managers, CFOs, and compliance leaders, this creates a real tension: how do you invest in AI-powered fraud prevention and still deliver a smooth experience that keeps customers loyal?The numbers from inside TP's client work tell a clear story. Fifty percent of TP's solutions are now AI-led, with the heaviest concentration in back-office operations like fraud, financial crime, and claims management. Mamta describes a recent deployment of TP's AI blueprint, tp.ai fab, layered into an existing client's operations to prevent and predict fraud. The results showed significant improvement in key metrics. On the collections side, predictive analysis now arms agents before a call even starts with propensity to pay, likely timing, expected recovery percentage, and recommended remediation paths. That kind of preparation changes the entire tone of a collections interaction from adversarial to solution-oriented, and the outcome is measurable: increased repayment, stronger loyalty, product expansion, and reduced breakage.One of the clearest signals Mamta uses to gauge whether a client will actually get results versus abandon the effort after a test: the composition of who shows up. When the cross-functional team walks through the door, operations, product, IT, and data leaders together, that's when real progress happens. She describes a design thinking approach where the client provides a problem statement in advance, both sides bring the right people, and in a single day they can shape a solution direction. The typical pattern is that they start with one problem statement and end the session with additional problem statements and new opportunities they had not considered. Clients who send a single department to "explore AI" without bringing the other stakeholders rarely make it past the pilot stage.Looking three to five years out, Mamta expects advanced AI and predictive analytics to fundamentally reshape how customer experience operates, powered by stronger data foundations and more mature tech stacks. She predicts continued growth in AI-led back-office solutions, deeper fraud protection capabilities, and a rising focus on elevating talent rather than replacing it. The human factor, she says, will always remain because both the customers and the agents serving them are still people. Her single piece of advice to fintech executives and founders: "Be comfortable with the uncomfortable." The firms that try, pivot, learn, and avoid the belief that they already know everything will be the ones that pull ahead.Key HighlightsFraud Signals Your Phone RevealsEvery mobile transaction generates thousands of hidden data points including gyroscope movement, touch pressure patterns, key press timing, and screen angle behavior that machine learning models use to verify identity. IP address matching combined with geolocation checks can confirm whether the person making a payment is physically located where their device says they are, adding layers of fraud protection most consumers never realize exist.Automation Is Not Replacing AgentsTP proposes automation first in every client engagement, yet the goal is augmenting agent performance through AI-powered training, quality assurance, and workforce management tools. Mundane tasks like balance inquiries have already moved to apps, while new roles in data analysis, predictive modeling, financial crime investigation, and fraud prevention are growing faster than the positions being phased out.Consumer Behavior Now Drives FintechBanking and payments typically lead BFSI adoption cycles because consumers transact with payment products daily, while insurance interactions are infrequent and purpose-driven. That frequency gap means consumer expectations hit banking and fintech firms first, forcing faster response times and creating pressure that insurance companies eventually absorb as a fast follower.Living On Cash Taught Product ThinkingOne of the sharpest product leadership lessons came from spending an entire month using only cash, no cards, no checks, no electronic payments, to understand what consumers actually experience when they lack access to modern payment tools. That hands-on immersion shaped a framework for understanding customer pain points from the inside out, a method still applied today when onboarding new clients by finding internal employees who already use the client's products.The Real Meaning Of DataThe phrase "so what of the data" reframes the entire conversation around why raw data collection means nothing without a clear connection to personalization, spend analysis, and predictive outcomes. Combining multiple data sources with analytics can reveal buying power, transaction patterns, location behavior, and propensity to pay, turning passive information into active intelligence that drives customer engagement and retention.Storytelling Aligns Stakeholders FasterComplex enterprise sales involving operations, product, and executive teams require more than technical specs to move forward, and framing solutions around a clear North Star with a human impact story accelerates buy-in. Using a collections call as an example, the narrative centers on saving a customer relationship rather than recovering a balance, which reframes cost of acquisition against breakage and makes the ROI case emotionally and financially persuasive.Banks Now Seek Outside PerspectiveA year ago, most banking clients told TP they would solve AI and CX challenges internally within their own teams and systems. In the last twelve months, that posture has shifted sharply toward requesting peer group insights, consortium-style knowledge sharing across 350+ global BFSI clients, and collaborative problem solving that treats the current wave of change as an industry-wide learning curve.Culture Shapes Customer Experience StrategyThree years of living and working in India reinforced that cultural context directly affects how customers respond to service interactions, communication styles, and engagement approaches across different regions. Global CX strategies that ignore cultural layers risk delivering a technically sound but emotionally flat experience, which is why regional adaptation matters as much as the tech stack powering the interaction.Hidden Fraud Detection Through BiometricsBeyond standard two-factor and three-factor authentication, financial services firms are now layering behavioral biometrics that track how a person physically handles their device during a transaction. Screen touch patterns, movement signatures, and Face ID verification create a composite identity profile that runs silently behind every interaction, catching anomalies that traditional password-based security would miss entirely.Meeting People Where They AreCross-functional leadership across global teams starts with something as simple as asking a new direct report which communication channel they prefer, whether that is Viber, WhatsApp, text, or another platform. That small signal of respect sets the tone for a people-first management approach where multiple perspectives are actively solicited, because the operating principle is that one brain is never as effective as seven or eight working together.Five Key Takeaways1️⃣ Bring Cross-Functional Teams To Every PilotSending one department to evaluate AI or data analytics tools is how pilots die quietly after 90 days. Get your operations lead, product owner, IT or data leader, and digital officer in the same room with one shared problem statement before you commit budget. That combination forces the real blockers to surface early, things like legacy system constraints, rule adjustments, and use case selection, so you can design around them instead of discovering them after you have already spent the money.2️⃣ Use Your Own Products Before SellingThe fastest way to understand a customer's pain is to become one. Before pitching a solution or onboarding a new client, find people inside your own organization who already use that client's product and pull them into the conversation. You will learn more about friction points, feature gaps, and real user behavior in one week of hands-on product use than in six months of reading market research decks.3️⃣ Arm...

Tedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and founder of Fintech Confidential, sits down with Nik Milanović, Founder and FinTech Enthusiast in Chief of This Week in FinTech, a global community of more than 200,000 members, and the founder of StableCon, the first conference built exclusively around stablecoins and payments. Nik also serves as a General Partner at The FinTech Fund, where he invests in the next generation of FinTech startups.Stablecoins have spent years being called either the future of money or a passing trend. What's changed isn't just the hype cycle: it's the regulatory foundation underneath it. The passage of the GENIUS Act, the repeal of SEC guidance SAB 121 on crypto custody, and a visible shift in how banks and financial institutions are engaging with stablecoins have moved this conversation from theoretical to operational. Banks that were quietly watching are now building. Companies that had no public stablecoin strategy 12 months ago are now processing stablecoin transactions in more than 150 countries.But here's what's worth paying attention to: the version of stablecoins that actually reaches everyday people won't look like what the original crypto community envisioned. No seed phrases. No self-custody. No libertarian utopia. What mass adoption looks like is a Stripe-powered merchant settlement that runs on blockchain rails while the customer sees something that looks exactly like a credit card transaction. As Nik puts it, "the revolution has to become a lot more boring first."That's not a failure of the original idea. That's how every major technology shift has played out, from radio to the internet. The infrastructure gets built, the guardrails go in, the corporates arrive, and what was once radical becomes routine.The same pattern is showing up in how banks and FinTech companies are working together. The old model of banks acquiring technology companies and absorbing them in-house has largely failed. What's replacing it is a partnership model: tech-forward institutions like FinWise, Column Bank, and Cross River Bank figuring out how to extend their capabilities without overreaching their charters. The tension between "you're either a bank or a tech company" has given way to something more practical.That shift in thinking is exactly what Nik built StableCon around. After six years of running This Week in FinTech and hearing repeated calls to launch a conference, the case for yet another general FinTech or crypto event wasn't there. There are more than 250 conferences globally with FinTech in the title. What didn't exist was a conference sitting at the specific intersection of banking, FinTech, and crypto, focused entirely on stablecoins: not asset price speculation, not blockchain theory, but the actual infrastructure of how money moves.The conference was announced January 17, 2025. It ran May 29 in New York City. That's five months to plan, hire, sell tickets, and pull off an inaugural event in one of the most expensive cities in the world. At the start of May, only 400 tickets had been sold. In the final two weeks, 500 more sold as word spread and people realized they needed to be in the room. Final attendance: more than 1,000.What the event revealed was as important as the numbers. Attendees were so focused on meeting each other that many skipped the general sessions entirely. That's not a failure: that's what happens when you gather a thousand people who are actually working in the same ecosystem and give them a room for the first time. The feedback confirmed it: StableCon filled a gap that BTC Vegas, Token2049, Permissionless, Money 2020, Consensus, Finovate, and FinTech Nexus weren't filling.The next StableCon US is expanding to three days, moving to Washington, DC at the Gaylord at National Harbor, and shifting to September to avoid scheduling conflicts. The goal is to bring in policy participants, regulators, law firms, and accounting firms alongside the operators, reflecting where the stablecoin conversation is actually heading.The current phase of stablecoin adoption has a name: skeuomorphic. Just like early apps made digital wallets look like leather wallets to make them feel familiar, today's stablecoin products largely rebuild what already exists on traditional rails. ACH replaced by stablecoin settlement. Wires replaced by on-chain transfers. The form looks the same; the infrastructure underneath is different.What comes after that phase is where things get genuinely interesting. Programmable payments with instructions built directly into the transaction. Conditional transfers that can't be replicated on analog rails. On-chain escrow, disputes, and chargebacks managed without customer service departments. Collateral composed from tokenized holdings across multiple asset classes, combined into a single deposit without requiring conversion into dollars first.That future isn't fully visible yet. As Nik says, "the coolest products that are built with stablecoins are products that we can't envision yet." What is visible is the direction: stablecoin rails becoming infrastructure people use without knowing it's there.For FinTech founders navigating all of this, Nik closes with one clear piece of advice: don't lose sight of the big picture. It's easy in FinTech to start solving a surface-level problem, discover a deeper infrastructure issue beneath it, and keep drilling down until the original purpose disappears. The work of building better financial products requires holding both: the immediate technical problem and the reason you started solving it in the first place. And, critically, doing it in a way that stays compliant.Key HighlightsBanks Are Finally MovingBanks and financial institutions are actually making inroads into working with digital assets and stablecoins. After the event, we've got the passage of the GENIUS Act. I can only see a path moving forward with that, but the revolution has to become a lot more boring first. The revolution's getting co-opted, and in a way, this is a great thing.500 Tickets in Two WeeksAt the start of May, we had only sold 400 tickets, and then in the last two weeks alone, I think we sold 500 tickets.The Moment FinTech Became RealThe attempted Visa acquisition of Plaid in early 2020 forced the entire industry to stop and ask a question nobody had seriously considered before: can a tech company actually become a scaled financial institution? When the deal fell apart, the answer became impossible to ignore. That single moment shifted how investors, founders, and banks looked at what was actually being built.The Deal That Changed EverythingBefore 2020, the prevailing belief was that building a scaled financial services company required a bank charter, a fund structure, or a major institutional sponsor. The attempted Visa acquisition of Plaid shattered that assumption. When the deal collapsed and everyone started asking why it mattered, the answer was impossible to ignore: a tech company had quietly built something so valuable that one of the world's largest payment networks was willing to pay billions to own it. That single moment rewired how investors, founders, and banks thought about what was actually possible in fintech.Stablecoins Must Get BoringStable coins, crypto, digital assets, they take off if you actually make them accessible to large institutional owners and corporates and retail investors and mom and pops. But that means that you need to add guardrails, and it's not gonna be like this libertarian Bitcoin vision where you self custody your wallet. It's gonna be a very, very boring mass market vision.250 Conferences, One GapWith over 250 FinTech-related conferences already competing for attention globally, launching another general event made no sense. The stablecoin space sat at a unique intersection of banking, FinTech, and crypto with no flagship conference to call its own. That gap was the only reason worth building something new.When Disaster Became the Highlight Two high-profile speakers dropped out within 36 hours of the conference. What could have derailed the entire event turned into one of the most talked-about sessions of the day. The unplanned replacement session delivered an hour of raw, unscripted conversation that attendees called the standout moment of StableCon.A Decade of Groundwork Is Paying OffJPMorgan has been running on-chain transaction experiments for close to ten years through its Onyx platform. The technology was never the problem; regulatory clarity was the missing piece. Now that the blessing has arrived, an institution at that scale turning on stablecoin settlement becomes one of the most significant signals in the market.Stripe Flipped in 12 MonthsIn 2024, Stripe had no meaningful public stablecoin initiatives. By the end of 2025, after acquiring Bridge, Stripe had enabled stablecoin transactions for merchants across roughly 150 countries. That shift from zero presence to global stablecoin infrastructure in under 12 months shows exactly how fast this space can move when a major player commits.The Advice Every Founder NeedsFinTech founders consistently start by solving one problem, only to discover deeper infrastructure issues underneath it that pull focus further and further from the original goal. The founders who build lasting companies are the ones who stay anchored to the outcome they set out to deliver, even as the technical complexity grows. Keeping the big picture in front of you at every stage of the build is what separates products that matter from ones that get lost...

Banking as a service, community banks, and fintech partnerships are changing how small businesses access financial products. Tedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and founder of Fintech Confidential, along with Stephen Bishop of amBaaSsador and Fintech Confidential, Confidential Informant, sits down with Lindsay Borgeson, President of Partner Banking at Core Bank, to unpack how a community bank in Omaha, Nebraska built a full BaaS platform from scratch without a top-five bank playbook to follow.The BaaS space has had its share of high-profile failures. Consent orders, compliance breakdowns, and program manager implosions have made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Core Bank took a different approach. They spent time reading every consent order before writing a single line of code. They went to their regulators, both the FDIC and the state, before building anything. They presented their strategic plan, invited regulators back multiple times outside of formal exams, and built a reputation for transparency before they ever onboarded a single fintech client."We are not the biggest name in BaaS," Lindsay admits. "Yet, we certainly aim to be a well-known, respected name, but for the right reasons."That mindset shaped everything about how CoreX, their BaaS brand, was built. They did not try to bolt new capabilities onto an existing tech stack with bubblegum and duct tape. When their initial technology partner did not work out, they stopped, went back to the board, and interviewed over ten vendors before selecting Core Bank as their Side core and Oscilar for transaction monitoring. They later added Cobalt Labs for AI-driven compliance workflows. Each decision was made with long-term strategic alignment in mind, not speed to market.The compliance model at CoreX offers two paths. Fintechs can choose managed compliance, where the bank handles transaction monitoring, KYB, and KYC. Or they can run customized compliance if they have the internal muscle to own those functions themselves. Either way, the expectation is the same: compliance is not a phase, it is a constant. Lindsay puts it simply: "Compliance first. I should probably consider removing it because it's compliance always."What makes CoreX different from other sponsor banks is the focus on who they want to serve. Their ideal customer profile centers on fintechs that support small businesses, particularly vertical SaaS platforms in industries Core Bank already understands. Construction, real estate, property management, unions, aviation, medical, and hospitality are all sectors where the bank already has deep expertise on the traditional side of the house. That knowledge transfers directly into how they evaluate fintech partnerships.The "dinner test" came up more than once. If you would not want to sit down for a meal with a potential partner, you should not get into a contract with them. When things go wrong, and they will, the quality of the relationship determines whether both sides can work through it or walk away bitter.For fintechs considering a community bank partnership, the advice is direct. Know what matters to you before you start talking to banks. Do not compromise on compliance or risk management just because someone promises speed or a lower price. And if a bank says they can have you live in three months and profitable in twelve, something is off. Building this correctly takes time.For community banks thinking about entering BaaS, the message is just as clear. Do not dabble. This is not a side-of-desk project. It requires dedicated people, a separate tech stack, a documented risk appetite, and full alignment from the board down. If your executive team is not excited about it, you will not have the patience to do it right."It's not for the faint of heart," Lindsay says. "But it is really a great avenue for community banks to thrive."Core Bank is now expanding into embedded lending, aiming to become a full-service partner for fintechs focused on serving the SMB market. They are hiring, growing their team, and preparing for what comes next in a regulatory environment that continues to shift.The episode covers how to build a BaaS program that lasts, how to evaluate tech stack partners, how to structure compliance models, and what separates the banks that survive from the ones that make headlines for the wrong reasons. If you are a fintech founder looking for a sponsor bank, or a community bank executive weighing whether to enter this space, this conversation offers a grounded, practical look at what it actually takes.Key HighlightsSilicon Prairie Is RealOmaha, Nebraska has earned the nickname Silicon Prairie for a reason. Community banks in the Midwest are building serious fintech infrastructure without the spotlight of coastal tech hubs. The talent is there, the regulatory relationships are strong, and the results speak for themselves.Bank Within A BankBuilding a BaaS platform means constructing an entirely separate operation inside your existing institution. Different people, different tech stack, different risk frameworks, different regulatory considerations. Most banks underestimate this scope until they are already in it.BaaS In A Box FailsAnyone promising to have you up and running in three months is selling a shortcut that will cost you later. If you are profitable in twelve months, something was built wrong. Speed to market is not the same as sustainability.Read Every Consent OrderBefore writing any code or signing any contracts, study what went wrong at other banks. Build a gap analysis. Make sure there is not a single stone you have not turned over. The failures in this space are public record for a reason.Regulators Want Transparency FirstGoing to the FDIC and state regulators before building anything changed the entire trajectory. Presenting the strategic plan, inviting them back outside of exams, and maintaining open communication built trust that pays off when questions arise later.Profitable Fast Means ProblemsIf someone tells you profitability comes quickly in BaaS, walk away. This is a long game that requires patience, investment, and a board that understands the timeline. Rushing leads to the same mistakes that made headlines.Your Legacy Vendor Is LyingWhen existing technology partners say they can handle BaaS requirements, verify it. Many banks learned the hard way that bubblegum and duct tape on old systems does not scale. Interview ten vendors if you have to.Skills Do Not Transfer AutomaticallyThe people who excel in traditional community banking may not thrive on the partner bank side. The mindset is different, the pace is different, and the technical demands are different. Evaluate talent honestly before assuming they can make the shift.Know Your Why Before StartingCore Bank got into BaaS to grow deposits. That clarity shaped every decision about which fintechs to partner with, which verticals to serve, and which opportunities to decline. Without a clear why, every shiny opportunity looks like the right one.Fed Skinny Charters Loom LargeThe rush to new charters and Fed master accounts is noise that could reshape the entire BaaS model. No one fully understands the impact yet, but smart banks are watching closely and preparing to pivot if the landscape shifts.Five Key Takeaways1️⃣ First Call Energy Tells AllIf you leave a 30-minute intro call feeling drained, that is your answer. Walk away. The right partnerships should energize both sides from the first conversation.2️⃣ Stop Overcomplicating BaaSIt is still banking. The same principles apply: risk management, customer experience, and caring about the businesses you serve. Remove the mysticism and treat it like what it is.3️⃣ Competitors Will Help YouBanks in this space are surprisingly collaborative. They share what works and what does not because everyone benefits when the industry does it correctly. Reach out and learn from them.4️⃣ Assess Cultural Readiness FirstBefore committing resources, evaluate whether your organization has the mindset to operate a partner bank. Naysayers and internal resistance will slow you down if leadership is not fully aligned.5️⃣ Community Banks Offer Leadership AccessFintechs get direct access to executive decision-makers at community banks. That level of high-touch partnership is harder to find at larger institutions. Do not assume smaller means less capable.TLDRBanking as a service does not require billions in assets or a top-five bank playbook. Tedd Huff and Stephen Bishop sit down with Lindsay Borgeson, President of Partner Banking at Core Bank, to break down how a community bank in Nebraska built a full BaaS platform from scratch. The focus is on what actually works: reading every consent order before writing code, going to regulators before building anything, and choosing tech partners based on long-term alignment instead of sales pitches. The compliance model offers two paths, managed or customized, but the expectation stays the same either way. Fintechs serving small businesses through vertical SaaS get priority. The dinner test matters more than most banks admit. Speed and price should never outweigh quality. And if someone promises profitability in twelve months, something is wrong. This is the practical breakdown for fintech founders and community bank executives who want to enter sponsor banking the right

Stablecoins hit $50 trillion in transaction volume, surpassing Visa and MasterCard combined. Tedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and founder of Fintech Confidential, sits down with Keith VanderLeast, General Manager of Americas at BVNK, at FinTech Nerd Con in Miami to unpack what's really happening as blockchain-based payments reshape cross-border infrastructure.The numbers tell a story that's hard to ignore. By the end of October 2025, stablecoin transaction volumes hit somewhere between $46 trillion and $50 trillion. BVNK alone processes about $20 billion in total volume, with the Americas business making up roughly a third of that amount. This isn't about speculative crypto trading anymore. The conversation has shifted to real payment infrastructure that moves money across borders 24/7 without the friction that's plagued traditional rails for decades.Stablecoins offer instant settlement around the clock, transparency that traditional banking can't match, and costs that make high-ticket cross-border transactions actually viable. Banks and payment companies are moving from pilot programs to actual implementation.Payouts have gained more traction early on because companies prefer to test the waters by pushing payments out rather than accepting them in. The gig economy has become a major beneficiary. Companies can now pay workers anywhere in the world without routing through legacy banking systems that charge hefty fees and take days to settle.The compliance conversation gets interesting when you compare on-chain monitoring to traditional banking. With blockchain-based payments, every transaction leaves a permanent record. You can see where funds originated, every wallet they touched along the way, and where they end up.Visa and MasterCard have been testing stablecoin settlements for their issuers and acquirers, primarily in European markets where regulatory clarity arrived sooner. For companies doing high volumes of original credit transactions on weekends, the ability to pre-fund with stablecoins eliminates the need for expensive lines of credit.One surprise in the market comes from the reverse flow. Manufacturers in Latin America want to pay their US suppliers using stablecoins. BVNK converts those stablecoin payments to dollars and pays out through traditional rails.KEY TAKEAWAYS:1️⃣ Train compliance teams on blockchain monitoring tools before piloting stablecoin payments because BSA-AML frameworks work differently on-chain.2️⃣ Calculate what you spend on lines of credit just to pre-fund weekend settlement accounts and compare that against stablecoin settlement costs.3️⃣ Set up ongoing monitoring using tools that track transactions after they exit your custody to catch compliance issues before they become problems.4️⃣ Build infrastructure to accept payments from unexpected directions like Latin America to US and convert to traditional rails on the receiving end.5️⃣ Use smart contracts to handle escrow requirements in lending situations instead of relying on intermediaries.LINKSGuestKeith VanderLeastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithvanderleest/BVNK Profile: https://bvnk.com/about-usCompanyBVNKWebsite: https://bvnk.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bvnk/HostFintech ConfidentialPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNotifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSUPPORTERSDfns - Wallets as a service offering API-first, multi-chain infrastructure with security, compliance, and blockchain integration for fintech platforms - https://fintechconfidential.com/dfnsSky Flow - Zero trust data privacy vault for collecting, securing, and tokenizing personal information with PCI, CCPA, GDPR, and SOC 2 compliance - https://skyflowsecure.comHawk AI - Real-time payment screening, AML transaction monitoring, and dynamic customer risk rating tools for fighting fraud and financial crime - https://gethawkai.comABOUTKeith VanderLeast is General Manager of Americas at BVNK, leading strategy and customer success across the U.S. market for stablecoin-powered payment solutions. With over 20 years in payment infrastructure across Western Union, First Data, American Express, and Cross River Bank, Keith specializes in instant payments, compliance, and helping traditional institutions bridge fiat and blockchain-based payment systems.BVNK is a London-based stablecoin infrastructure platform founded in 2021 that provides enterprise-grade payment services bridging traditional banking and blockchain networks. With over 25 regulatory licenses and processing over $30 billion in annualized payment volume, BVNK offers managed and self-managed payment solutions supporting SWIFT, ACH, SEPA, and major blockchains for fintechs, payment providers, and financial institutions.Tedd Huff is CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and host of Fintech Confidential. Fintech Confidential delivers insights, trends, and stories from fintech leaders.Diamond D3 Media is a multimedia agency founded by Tedd Huff specializing in content creation and production for the fintech industry, producing podcasts, live streams, and video content that simplify complex financial technology topics.CHAPTERS00:00 Episode Highlights01:08 Dfns: Wallets as a Service (sponsor)02:29 Interview with Keith: FinTech Journey04:41 Cross-Border Payments and Stable Coins09:23 Stable Coins in the Gig Economy10:40 Managed vs. Self-Managed Solutions13:41 Sky Flow: Building Fast and Secure (sponsor)21:21 Future of Stable Coins and Tokenized Deposits23:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts24:19 Hawk AI (sponsor)

Small business cash flow solutions: Tedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and host of Fintech Confidential, interviews Receives' Founder & CEO Ariel Blum and Lithics' Co-Founder & CEO Bo Jiang on earned revenue access for 34M American businesses. How fintech infrastructure provides instant access to sales revenue without loans, solving payment delays and working capital challenges.Legacy banking systems force business owners to wait days or weeks for funds from completed sales, creating cash flow crises that lead 82% of small businesses to struggle with basic operations. Modern fintech companies are solving this through real-time access to earned revenue, flexible payment infrastructure, and strategic partnerships that eliminate artificial delays built into outdated financial systems.This episode of Fintech Confidential, recorded live from the Money Pot at Money 2020 in Las Vegas, breaks down how small businesses can access working capital faster, why traditional lending models fail Main Street America, and what partnerships between fintech innovators actually look like when building compliant, scalable solutions.TAKEAWAYS1️⃣ Pick partners, not vendors.Look for teams that treat your success as their own.2️⃣ Build in parallel, not sequence.Run development and compliance at the same time to cut launch timelines.3️⃣ Get the full customer picture.Visibility into earnings, accounts, and spending drives smarter decisions.4️⃣ Test options before you scale.Come to partners with presets already tested to speed approvals.5️⃣ Prepare for what you cannot see.Stay flexible enough to respond when something unexpected hits.LINKSAriel Blum | Founder and CEO of ReceiveLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielblum/Bo Jiang | Co-founder and CEO of LithicLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolingReceiveWebsite: https://www.nowreceive.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nowreceiveLithicWebsite: https://www.lithic.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lithicFintech ConfidentialPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNotifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSUPPORTERSUnder.io – Digitize your PDFs for applications and underwriting. Get started free: https://under.io/ftcDefense (Dfns) - Provides wallets as a service that's API first, multi-chain by design, and secured with MPC fintechconfidential.com/dfsHawk AI – Real-time payment screening, ML transaction monitoring, and dynamic risk rating for fraud prevention: https://gethawkai.comABOUTAriel Blum is the Founder and CEO of Receive. He previously held leadership roles at American Express, Green Dot, and Melio. He built Receive as the first earned revenue access platform for small businesses, helping them unlock cash they have already earned without borrowing.Bo Jiang is the Co-founder and CEO of Lithic. He and his co-founders started building together at age 14 and later founded Privacy.com before launching Lithic. He studied at MIT and leads the company from New York.Receive is a fintech platform that gives small businesses instant access to their earned revenue with no interest, no credit checks, and no traditional underwriting.Lithic is a card issuing infrastructure platform that empowers fintechs to build compliant, scalable payment products through developer-friendly APIs and direct network connections.Tedd Huff is the CEO of Voalyre and host of Fintech Confidential, bringing you the people, tech, and companies that change how you pay and get paid.CHAPTERS00:00 Highlights01:07 Welcome to Fintech Confidential01:16 Under.io: Streamline Applications & Underwriting (sponsor)02:06 Challenges Facing Small Businesses02:39 Meet Ariel Blum and Bo Jiang03:26 Breaking Down Barriers for SMBs04:19 Why the Financial System Is Broken05:39 Modern Infrastructure for Modern Businesses07:03 Adapting Fintech to Business Needs09:46 The Receive and Lithic Partnership11:40 Modern Businesses Need Modern Infrastructure14:19 The Democratization of Liquidity15:26 Compliance and Moving Fast16:37 DFNS: Wallets as a Service (sponsor)18:02 Balancing Speed with Regulation21:08 Lightning Round: Quick Takes24:27 Stablecoins and Real-Time Money Movement30:00 Advice for Fintech Founders30:36 Conclusion: Key Takeaways31:10 Closing Remarks and Call to Action32:02 Hawk AI: Fighting Fraud and Financial Crime (sponsor)32:47 Disclaimer

Tedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and host of Fintech Confidential, sits down with Fintech Confidential CI, Robert Musiala, Partner at Baker Hostetler and co-leader of their Web3 and Digital Assets team, to break down what made 2025 the most consequential year in crypto regulation. The SEC reversed course, the Genius Act passed at lightning speed, and stablecoins exploded from $205 billion to $308 billion in market cap. This is the month-by-month breakdown of how regulatory clarity supercharged the entire industry.The SEC declared most crypto assets are not securities, dismantling years of legal uncertainty. Banks got the green light to offer crypto custody and exchange services. Circle's IPO validated stablecoins as core financial infrastructure. The Genius Act created the first federal stablecoin framework while banning yield payments and imposing strict reserve requirements. NFTs gained legal clarity, DeFi got legitimized, and crypto-native firms started filing for bank charters. If you're building in crypto, investing in blockchain, or trying to understand where regulation is headed in 2026, this breaks down the exact moves that matter.TAKEAWAYS:1️⃣ Genius Act created federal stablecoin operating rules2️⃣ Stables finally legal under federal framework3️⃣ IRS solves crypto tax confusion overnight4️⃣ Stablecoin yield payments now completely banned5️⃣ SEC stops lawsuits, issues guidance insteadLINKS:Guest: Robert MusialaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-musiala/Baker Hostetler: https://www.bakerlaw.com/people/robert-musialaBlockchain Monitor: https://www.blockchainmonitor.com/Company: Baker HostetlerWebsite: https://www.bakerlaw.com/Web3 & Digital Assets: https://www.bakerlaw.com/practices/web3-digital-assetsFintech ConfidentialPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNotifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialSUPPORTERS:DFNS: Wallets as a service, API first, multi-chain, secured with MPC across 50+ blockchains - fintechconfidential.com/dfnsSkyflow: Zero trust data privacy vault for PCI, CCPA, GDPR, SOC 2 compliance - skyflowsecure.comHawk: AI tools for real-time payment screening and fraud prevention - gethawkai.comABOUT:Robert Musiala is Partner and co-leader of Baker Hostetler's Web3 and Digital Assets team, providing weekly analysis on the Blockchain Monitor blog. Baker Hostetler is a leading U.S. law firm with over 900 attorneys serving blockchain clients from startups to Fortune 500 companies.Tedd Huff is the Founder of Voalyre and Diamond D3, professional services consulting firms focused on global payments and marketing. He is also video podcast host and executive producer on the Fintech Confidential network. Over the past 25+ years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for global companies, focusing on growth while delivering process improvements and user experience-driven value to simplify the complexity of payments.CHAPTERS:00:00 Episode Highlights02:08 Dfns: Wallets as a Service (sponsor)04:01 2025 Regulatory Changes and Market Impact04:43 January: SEC's Tone Shift and Market Reactions06:11 February: The Genius Act Gains Momentum07:02 March: OCC and SEC Updates08:27 April: Stablecoins Get the Green Light09:18 May: OCC and SEC Further Clarifications10:53 June: Circle's IPO and Market Growth12:33 July: The Genius Act Becomes Law14:39 August: SEC's Groundbreaking Statement16:35 September: Stablecoins and Staking Products18:55 October: NFT Rulings and Market Reactions20:50 November: OCC Trust Bank Charters22:47 December: CFTC and Stablecoin Developments31:01 Sky Flow: Building Fast and Secure (sponsor)32:28 Stablecoin Reserve Regulations34:20 Impact of the Genius Act on DeFi35:14 Issuer Interest Prohibition and Revenue38:09 OCC Charters and Crypto Native Firms39:58 Stablecoin Issuer Strategies45:14 SEC's 180 Degree Pivot51:23 OCC Interpretive Letters and Bank Charters54:24 Key Takeaways for 202557:13 Looking Ahead to 202601:00:53 Closing Remarks and Fraud Prevention01:01:25 Hawk AI (sponsor)01:02:11 Disclaimer

Tedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre, sits down with Geetha Panchapakesan, Founder and CEO of Tesser, to explore how stablecoins are changing cross-border payments for enterprises tired of slow, expensive banking methods. Recorded live at Money 2020, this conversation cuts through the noise to address real pain points that treasury managers and CFOs face when moving money across borders.Traditional payment systems force companies to pre-fund accounts in multiple countries, tying up capital that earns nothing while transactions crawl through correspondent banks over days or weeks. Stablecoins offer instant settlement without pre-funding requirements, giving businesses real-time visibility into every transaction. The conversation covers practical adoption strategies, including how to test one payment corridor before scaling, and addresses regulatory clarity emerging from frameworks like the Genius Act. Geetha shares why remittance firms and cross-border payment companies are seeing immediate efficiency gains, and delivers actionable advice on calculating idle capital costs, measuring time savings, and leveraging blockchain traceability for compliance.TAKEAWAYS:1️⃣ Companies handling money transfers across challenging payment corridors are seeing the biggest wins right now with instant payouts.2️⃣ Stablecoin transactions can be checked in real time so you always know exactly where your payment stands.3️⃣ Calculate all the money sitting in foreign accounts earning zero interest; that capital could be deployed elsewhere.4️⃣ Track exact time savings and cost reductions from your test corridor before expanding to broader implementation.5️⃣ Every blockchain transaction creates a permanent record showing exactly where funds moved and when.LINKS:Guest - Geetha Panchapakesan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geethapanchapakesanCompany - Tesser: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tesser | https://x.com/tesser_xyzFintech Confidential:Youtube: https://youtube.com/@fintechconfidentialPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNewsletter: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialSUPPORTERS:Dfns: Wallets as a service with API-first, multi-chain design secured with MPC; powers crypto payments across 50+ networks. https://dfns.coSkyflow: Zero-trust data privacy vaults as an API to collect, secure, and tokenize personal information while keeping compliance and usability. https://skyflow.comHawk AI: Real-time screening, ML monitoring, and dynamic customer risk ratings to strengthen fraud and financial-crime prevention. https://hawk.aiABOUT:Geetha Panchapakesan is Founder and CEO of Tesser, a payments platform enabling banks, MSBs, and PSPs to make and receive stablecoin payments with the same ease as traditional payment rails. She brings 18+ years of experience leading product and strategy at MoneyGram, Visa Direct, and Circle.Tesser is a New York-based fintech company building stablecoin-based payments infrastructure that enables licensed financial institutions to move money across borders instantly and compliantly. The platform integrates stablecoin payment rails into existing financial systems in under a month, reducing cross-border settlement times from weeks to hours and cutting costs by up to 95%.Tedd Huff is Founder of Voalyre, a professional services and advisory firm focused on global payments and banking. He is also a video podcast host and executive producer on the Fintech Confidential network. Over the past 25+ years, he has contributed to fintech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for Global Payments OpenEdge, Heartland Payments, Nuvei, and TSYS, among others, focusing on growth while delivering process improvements and user experience-driven value to simplify the complexity of payments.DD3 Media: A media creation, management, & production company delivering engaging content globally.CHAPTERS:00:00 Intro01:04 Dfns: Wallets as a Service02:12 Live from Money 202003:27 Pain Points of Traditional Payments03:59 Stablecoins Change Everything05:05 Real-World Applications05:51 Enterprise Adoption06:35 Educating the Market07:44 Hype vs Reality08:19 Proof of Value12:34 Regulatory Uncertainty14:05 Experimenting with Stablecoins15:12 Skyflow: Building Fast and Secure16:37 Lightning Round20:25 Visa and MasterCard Expansion22:01 Choosing the Right Stablecoin24:17 Future of Stablecoins28:56 Final Thoughts30:55 Hawk AI

This inaugural Inside the Vault session was recorded live on the Money Pot stage at Money20/20 USA 2025. Tedd sits down with confidential informant Stephen, AnaLiza from First Bank of the Lake, and Rodrigo from Piedmont Bank to talk bluntly about Banking as a Service, embedded finance, and what happens when programs break under real pressure. The tone is direct, practical, and focused on what operators and sponsor banks actually care about when they decide who to work with. You hear why some BaaS programs never should have launched, how banks now review fintech partners with investor-style discipline, and what recent failures may signal about the next phase of sponsor bank risk. The group walks through real lessons from collapsed programs, missing funds, and weak unit economics, then ties those lessons to concrete steps you can take around funding, oversight, and unwind planning. If you care about BaaS, sponsor banks, or building a fintech that can survive a tougher market, this session is likely to shift how you prepare for your next partner meeting. 1️⃣ Pressure-test your BaaS idea Treat your concept like a risk team would, validate the use case, revenue model, and account growth with realistic numbers before you pitch a bank. 2️⃣ Use funding to build trust Show committed capital, sane burn, and a path beyond launch so a sponsor bank can see you are prepared to support customers for the long haul. 3️⃣ Plan for clean exits early Write reserves, unwind steps, and customer communication into your structure so a program failure does not turn into an emergency for the bank. 4️⃣ Align with bank operations Bring people, controls, and routines that fit how banks work so you feel like a responsible partner instead of another exception they must manage. 5️⃣ Budget past MVP to real scale Secure enough runway for product, compliance, and go-to-market through early scale, not just the first release, so you are less likely to stall when costs rise. Links: Fintech Confidential Youtube: https://youtube.com/@fintechconfidential Podcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listen Newsletter: https://fintechconfidential.com/access LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidential X: https://x.com/FTconfidential Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidential SUPPORTERS ABOUT AnaLiza Grandner is Executive Vice President and Chief Payments Officer at First Bank of the Lake, an internationally recognized leader in fintech banking with more than 17 years of experience. She leads the bank’s payments strategy and private-label banking efforts and has helped brands like Google Wallet, Chime, Varo, Simple, Seed, Walgreens, and Bento design and refine their products. Rodrigo Suarez is Chief Banking Officer at Piermont Bank, where he leads the bank’s high-growth client and payments businesses. He is responsible for product strategy, technology platforms, and channel delivery that support fast-moving entrepreneurial clients and keep the bank’s offering aligned with real market needs. Stephen Bishop is President of amBaaSsador, an education and advisory platform focused on embedded finance and Banking as a Service for banks and service providers. He previously held senior roles at OMB Bank building OMBX, as well as leadership positions at Jack Henry & Associates, Citi, and AT&T. Tedd Huff is the Founder and CEO of Voalyre and the creator and host of Fintech Confidential, with more than 26 years in fintech and payments advising startups and public companies on strategy, growth, and user experience. Fintech Confidential is a media platform of shows and newsletters that shares real operator stories about how money, risk, and technology products are built and scaled.Links: GuestAnaLiza Grandner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/algrandner/First Bank of the Lake: https://www.fblake.bankLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-bank-of-the-lakeRodrigo Suarez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigosuarezu/Piermont Bank: https://www.piermontbank.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/piermontbankHostsTedd Huff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teddhuff/Fintech Confidential: https://fintechconfidential.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialStephen Bishop: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenbishop1/amBaaSsador: https://ambaassador.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bankingambaassador Fintech ConfidentialYoutube: https://youtube.com/@fintechconfidential Podcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNewsletter: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSupportersSkyflow: Data privacy vault that helps keep payment and personal data off your core systems and reduces PCI scope for your teams https://skyflowsecure.com Under: A Tool that turns static PDF applications into fast, sign-ready flows for underwriting, onboarding, and internal approvals https://under.io/ftc Hawk AI: Real-time transaction monitoring and payment screening that uses machine learning to reduce false positives and strengthen financial crime defenses https://gethawkai.com Guests AnaLiza GrandnerAnaLiza Grandner is the Chief Payments Officer at First Bank of the Lake and a widely recognized leader in fintech-focused banking with more than 17 years of experience. She leads the bank’s payments strategy and its private-label banking business, drawing on a career that spans both banks and high-growth fintechs. Her work has helped major brands such as Google Wallet, Chime, Varo, Simple, Seed, Walgreens, and Bento design, launch, and refine payments programs. Before joining First Bank of the Lake, she led Banking-as-a-Service efforts at Cross River Bank and has been a featured keynote speaker at multiple global industry events.First Bank of the LakeFirst Bank of the Lake is a nationally active SBA lender with deep expertise in government-backed small business financing. From its roots in Osage Beach, Missouri, it has grown into one of the top SBA 7(a) and 504 lenders in the country, funding thousands of loans and more than a billion dollars in capital for businesses across the United States. The bank focuses on tailored SBA solutions, strong customer relationships, and a high-touch approach that helps business owners secure the funding they need to grow.Rodrigo SuarezRodrigo Suarez is the Chief Banking Officer at Piermont Bank, where he is responsible for keeping the bank ahead in modern product delivery and client service. He oversees the innovation-focused banking and payments lines of business and leads strategies that support fast-growing, entrepreneurial clients. Rodrigo also manages product development, technology applications, and channel delivery so that the bank’s offerings stay aligned with the needs of scale-ups and high-growth companies.Piermont BankPiermont Bank is a tech-forward commercial bank built for startups, scale-ups, and modern mid-market businesses. The bank focuses on fast decisions, flexible structures, and banking solutions designed around the pace of high-growth companies. It combines experienced bankers with modern technology to offer tailored lending, payments, and treasury services that help clients move from early growth to larger scale without getting stuck in rigid legacy processes.Confidential InformantStephen BishopStephen “Steve” Bishop is the President of amBaaSsador, an education and advisory platform focused on embedded finance and Banking-as-a-Service for both financial institutions and service providers. He previously led strategic growth and new initiatives at OMB Bank as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Innovation Officer, where he also helped create and build OMBX, the bank’s embedded finance brand. His background includes senior roles at Jack Henry & Associates, Citi, and AT&T, and he holds graduate degrees in operations, finance, strategy, and information management from Washington University in St. Louis.amBaaSsadoramBaaSsador is a strategic advisory and ecosystem platform dedicated to helping banks, fintechs, and service providers succeed in embedded finance and Banking-as-a-Service. The firm focuses on clear education, practical strategy, and curated connections, giving clients a neutral place to understand market shifts and choose a path that fits their goals. Its work spans consulting, community programs, training, events, and research, all designed to turn complex BaaS questions into...

A glimpse into what you can get from the first episode of Inside the Vault the new Fintech Confidential Series. Inside The Vault is a Fintech Confidential series for people who actually work in banking, fintech, and payments every day. It speaks to bank executives, fintech founders, product leaders, credit union leaders, sponsor banks, and the operators who sit between business, risk, and technology. The goal is simple: give you access to fintech banking moves that matter, in plain English, with enough detail that you can plug the lessons into your own work.Each episode breaks down how banks, neo-banks, and credit unions work with fintechs to grow, stay compliant, and serve customers in real markets. You hear specific stories about product launches, pricing decisions, partnership structures, risk calls, compliance pushback, and board-level debates from people who were actually in the room. Guests walk through what got approved, what died in a committee meeting, where partnerships made real money, and where they came apart. You hear the good, the bad, the ugly, and the unfortunate, with takeaways that are likely to sharpen your next move.The conversations go deep into core banking, embedded finance, payments, risk and compliance, and fintech partnerships without sliding into vague talking points or soft marketing. You get straight talk as operators explain what they tried, what worked, what failed, and what they would do differently if they had another shot. Some stories may suggest a fresh way to look at your roadmap, and to be fair, a few may sting a bit if you recognize your own playbook. The aim is to keep it practical and specific so you walk away with actions, not just nice phrases.Episodes are recorded around real industry moments, including sessions at Money20/20 and conversations on stages like the Money Pot, so the content stays tied to what is actually happening in the market right now. For what it is worth, if you care about modern banking, want clear views into banks, neo-banks, credit unions, and fintech partnerships, and need candid conversations that usually stay off the record, this series is likely to be well worth your time.Subscribe NowIf you care about modern banking, detailed breakdowns of how financial institutions work with fintechs, and partnerships that actually perform, and you want access to candid conversations that usually stay inside the vault, this series is built for you.Subscribe now to get the first episodes as soon as they drop and stay ahead of the next wave of bank-fintech moves.Listen on your favorite podcast platform: http://Listen.frominsidethevault.comWatch full conversations and clips: http://watch.frominsidethevault.comGet email recaps and future drops: http://subscribe.frominsidethevault.com

October 2025 shook the crypto world. Bitcoin crashed harder than any October since 2015, someone accidentally minted $300 trillion in stablecoins, and traditional banks started an all-out war against crypto companies trying to get federal charters. Tedd Huff, founder of Fintech Confidential and CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre, sits down with Rob Musiala, partner at Baker Hostetler who co-leads The Blockchain Monitor, to break down what moved Web3 when it mattered most. They walk through why stablecoins just crushed major card networks with $2.6 trillion in annual volume, how Western Union suddenly decided blockchain payments make sense, and what the Genius Act really means for everyone trying to operate in this space. This isn't theory. Banks are fighting to protect their turf while crypto infrastructure gets bought up for billions. The conversation covers enforcement crackdowns, court rulings that actually matter, regulatory battles over OCC charters, and why sitting this one out stopped being an option months ago. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1️⃣ Financial institutions must evaluate make-or-buy decisions on stablecoin infrastructure before competitors capture market share as platforms offering blockchain-based payments already process volumes exceeding major card networks. 2️⃣ Developers building on Ethereum layer-2 solutions can expect 30-60% lower transaction fees after Fusaka activates December 3rd, allowing projects to adjust pricing models or capture improved margins. 3️⃣ Stablecoin issuers, custodians, payment facilitators, and exchanges face different compliance requirements based on their specific business models under the Genius Act framework. 4️⃣ Retail investors and traders experienced 60-80% losses across major meme coins during October, while newcomers like Mini U and MemeCore surged during the same downturn. 5️⃣ Businesses operating cross-border payments between Japan and international markets gain new infrastructure as institutions push toward 10 trillion yen stablecoin circulation targets. LINKS Host:Tedd Huff (LinkedIn) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/teddhuff/Voalyre - https://voalyre.com CI (Confidential Informant):Rob Musiala (LinkedIn) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertmusiala/The Blockchain Monitor - https://www.theblockchainmonitor.com Company:Baker Hostetler - https://www.bakerlaw.com Fintech Confidential:YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@FintechConfidentialWebsite - https://fintechconfidential.comNewsletter - https://fintechconfidential.com/newsletterLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintech-confidential SUPPORTERS Dfns - Secure wallets built right. API-first, multi-chain MPC wallet infrastructure for payments platforms, custodians, and exchanges. Request demo: fintechconfidential.com/dfns Skyflow - Build fast without breaking privacy. Zero trust data privacy vault delivered as an API for PCI, GDPR, and SOC 2 compliance. Learn more: skyflowsecure.com Hawk AI - Fight fraud and financial crime with real-time payment screening, AML transaction monitoring, and dynamic customer risk rating. Sign up for demo: GetHawkAI.comAbout:GuestConfidential Informant - Robert Musiala - Partner - BakerHostetlerRobert Musiala has been working in the blockchain and digital assets market since 2012 and has led multiple digital asset investigations, including as the court appointed receiver over cryptocurrency investment funds used in a major fraud. Robert also advises on a variety of regulatory compliance issues involving digital assets and has drafted/negotiated agreements for a wide range of transactions in the fintech, digital assets, Web3 and NFT markets. The inventor of two blockchain patents, he works directly with tech teams to build solutions that are compliant by design. Robert is co-leader of the Web3 and Digital Assets team at BakerHostetler.BakerHostetler: A U.S. law firm with comprehensive blockchain practices serving clients from startups to Fortune 500 companies entering the asset class. Host:Tedd Huff:Tedd Huff is the Founder of Voalyre a professional services and Advisory firm focused on global payments and banking. He is also a video podcast host and executive producer on the Fintech Confidential network. Over the past 25+ years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for Global Payments OpenEdge, Heartland Payments, Nuvei, and TSYS, among others, focusing on growth while delivering innovation, process improvements and user experience-driven value to simplify the complexity of payments. DD3, Media:DD3 Media is a media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globally

Small businesses are owed over one trillion dollars in unpaid invoices. Host Tedd Huff the CEO of Voalyre a Fintech advisory firm and Founder of Fintech Confidential sits down with Prashant Fuloria, CEO of Fundbox, to discuss how embedded finance transforms working capital access for business owners managing teams of one or two while juggling payroll, invoicing, and growth decisions. Prashant left senior roles at Google, Facebook, and Yahoo to help solve this massive cash flow crisis affecting hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs. This conversation covers how Fundbox embeds financing directly into platforms like QuickBooks and Stripe, eliminating lengthy applications and delivering instant capital when business owners need it most. Prashant explains why leadership culture drives sustainable growth, how daily team huddles prevent executive isolation, and why transparent partnerships built on trust outperform traditional direct marketing. The episode reveals practical strategies for scaling fintech platforms while serving underserved small businesses with flexible, responsible lending.1️⃣ Use continuous platform integrations that monitor business health in real time and automatically adjust credit offers as revenue grows.2️⃣ Remove lengthy forms by using existing platform data from accounting software or payment processors to complete underwriting instantly.3️⃣ Access immediate capital when trucks break down or equipment fails without waiting for traditional loan approval timelines.4️⃣ Structure financing to align with actual cash flow patterns rather than rigid monthly schedules that ignore seasonal business cycles.5️⃣ Embed financing into industry-specific software platforms to create a one-stop experience where owners never juggle multiple logins.Get more at Fintech Confidential.com GuestPrashant FuloriaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prashant-fuloria/CompanyFundboxWebsite: https://fundbox.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fundbox/X: https://x.com/FundboxYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FundboxcomFintech ConfidentialYoutube: https://youtube.com/@fintechconfidentialPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNewsletter: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSupportersUnder: Streamlines application and underwriting with digital form processing. https://under.io/ftcSkyflow: Zero-trust data privacy vaults as an API to secure and tokenize personal information. https://skyflowsecure.comDfns: Wallets as a service secured with MPC; powers crypto payments across 50+ networks. https://fintechconfidential.com/dfnsHawk AI: Real-time screening and ML monitoring to strengthen fraud and financial-crime prevention. https://gethawkai.comAboutPrashant Fuloria is CEO of Fundbox, a product and technology leader with 25+ years of experience building platforms at Google, Facebook, and Yahoo. At Fundbox he has supported more than 500,000 SMBs and unlocked over $5 billion in working capital.Fundbox is an embedded working capital platform built for SMBs using accounting, payments, and vertical SaaS tools. By integrating with QuickBooks, FreshBooks, and other platforms, Fundbox provides fast, flexible credit using AI-powered underwriting and real-time data.Tedd Huff is Founder of Voalyre, a fintech advisory firm, and host of Fintech Confidential. Over 25+ years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer at Global Payments, Heartland, Nuvei, and TSYS.Chapters00:00 Highlights00:17 Challenges Faced by Small Businesses00:31 Customer Segmentation Struggles01:35 Under - Sponsor02:05 Welcome to Leaders One-on-One02:32 Prashant's Background05:54 Connection to Fundbox Mission06:33 Technology Levels Playing Field07:55 Misunderstandings About SMBs09:13 Trillion Dollar Opportunity11:06 Leadership and Culture14:29 Skyflow - Sponsor17:55 Daily Leadership Huddles18:53 Creating Psychological Safety19:25 Intellectual Curiosity21:03 Customer Segmentation22:13 Ideal Fundbox Customer23:34 Common Capital Use Cases25:41 Unique Capital Uses27:47 Embedding Financing Solutions28:04 Cash Efficient Acquisition30:48 Great Partners32:10 Customer Data Decisions34:41 Direct vs Partnership37:45 Dfns - Sponsor39:58 Future of Embedded Finance42:05 Alignment of Incentives44:35 Education and Transparency46:58 Advice for Founders47:55 Closing Thoughts50:22 Hawk AI - Sponsor51:06 Disclaimer

Bitcoin hit $116K before $3.45 billion in liquidations while stablecoins transferred a record $15.6 trillion with bots executing 70% of that volume. Host Tedd Huff, CEO of Voalyre, and BakerHostetler Partner Robert Musiala break down what happened in crypto this month and why it matters to your business now. The SEC issued two major no action letters creating roadmaps for DePIN networks and state bank custody while Treasury opened a 58 question comment period closing October 20th on Genius Act implementation. The Wolfsburg Group published global AML guidance requiring banks to know their customer’s customer when serving stablecoin issuers as nine European banks formed a consortium to launch a MICA compliant Euro stablecoin by 2026. Market fragmentation accelerates as purpose built stablecoins target specific communities while USDT and USDC slip to 84% combined share despite growing absolute volumes. Security threats remain the biggest adoption risk even as regulatory clarity emerges. Learn the five moves compliance and product teams should make today: display fees before sends, segment use cases by ecosystem, publish clear redemption rules, run cross chain incident drills, and build a one page control map that speeds both sales cycles and audits. If you manage risk, product, or finance in payments or crypto, this episode gives you the regulatory context and practical steps to act without waiting for Congress.LINKSConfidential Informant:Robert A. Musiala Jr., LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-a-musiala-jr-esq-cfcs-b6534bb/Firm Profile: https://www.bakerlaw.com/professionals/robert-a-musiala-jr/The Blockchain Monitor: https://www.theblockchainmonitor.com/BakerHostetler: https://www.bakerlaw.com/Fintech ConfidentialYouTube: https://fintechconfidential.com/watchPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNotifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://X.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSUPPORTERSDfns: Wallets as a service with API-first, multi-chain design secured with MPC; powers crypto payments across 50+ networks. Request demo: https://fintechconfidential.com/dfnsSkyflow: Zero-trust data privacy vaults as an API to collect, secure, and tokenize personal information while keeping compliance and usability. Learn more: https://skyflowsecure.comHawk AI: Real-time screening, ML monitoring, and dynamic customer risk ratings to strengthen fraud and financial-crime prevention. Sign up for demo: https://gethawkai.comABOUTConfidential Informant: Robert Musiala has worked in the crypto assets market since 2012. He has led major investigations, advised on compliance and product agreements across Web3 and NFTs, and co-leads BakerHostetler’s Web3 and assets team. He also authors The Blockchain Monitor with weekly legal insights.BakerHostetler: A U.S. law firm advising clients from startups to Fortune 500 on blockchain-related matters, policy, compliance, and risk.Host: Tedd Huff is Founder & CEO of Voalyre and DD3 Media and hosts Fintech Confidential, bringing clear, practical conversations on how money moves.DD3 Media: A media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging fintech and Web3 content.Chapters00:00 Highlights01:17 Dfns - Wallets as a Service (sponsor)02:38 Kickoff03:48 Lightning Round: Bitcoin and majors05:15 Lightning Round: XRP, memecoins, staking pressure06:28 Layer1 - Layer2 top News07:29 Stable Coin Top News09:02 Regulatory Landscape11:38 Secuity Threats and Compliance19:12 Bots = ~70% of the $15.6T stable coin transfers20:37 Skyflow - Provacy Vault API (sponsor)23:30 SEC pace and “rules of the road” setup26:01 SEC rulemaking agenda explained27:11 No-action letter: programmatic transfers and the Howey lens (DEPIN)30:31 More no-action letters plus Treasury request for comments (ANPRM)32:42 Wolfsberg guidance: bank risks and controls for stablecoin issuers36:02 September summary: regulatory momentum and market impact39:58 Rob's Top Three Take Aways40:47 Tedd's Top Three Take Aways43:22 Hawk Ai (sponsor)44:08 Disclaimer

Building a successful fintech consulting firm without venture capital requires more than industry knowledge. It demands a willingness to sacrifice, a clear understanding of what customers need, and the ability to treat compliance as a commercial function rather than a cost center.Tedd Huff founder & CEO of Voalyre a fintech advisory firm sits down with Jas Randhawa, founder and CEO of Strategybrix, a compliance consulting firm that serves high-growth fintechs, exchanges, and partner banks. The discussion covers the hard lessons learned from bootstrapping, the common mistakes fintech founders make, and why approaching compliance strategically can unlock growth rather than block it. Jas spent over 20 years working with major banks like Citibank, JP Morgan, Deutsche Bank, and HSBC. His background as a computer science engineer gave him an inside view of how compliance systems work, from KYC and onboarding to transaction monitoring and fraud detection.Takeaways:1️⃣ Prepare budget negotiations with specific numbers and risk examples so you walk in ready to win.2️⃣ Replace compliance roadblocks with conditions for approval that define the guardrails needed to say yes safely.3️⃣ Audit your onboarding flow against competitors to remove unnecessary friction that causes customer drop-off.4️⃣ Create a one-page explainer showing how your AI compliance tools process data and produce outputs for regulators.5️⃣ Build a trusted advisor network and schedule calls this week to validate major hiring and spending decisions.Links:Jas Randhawa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randhawajasStrategybrix: https://www.strategybrix.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/strategybrixFintech Confidential:Podcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNewsletter: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSupporters:Under: Streamlines application and underwriting with digital form processing. https://under.io/ftcSkyflow: Zero-trust data privacy vaults as an API to collect, secure, and tokenize personal information while keeping compliance and usability. https://skyflowsecure.comDfns: Wallets as a service with API-first, multi-chain design secured with MPC; powers crypto payments across 50+ networks. https://fintechconfidential.com/dfnsHawk AI: Real-time screening, ML monitoring, and dynamic customer risk ratings to strengthen fraud and financial-crime prevention. https://gethawkai.comAbout:Jas Randhawa is the Managing Partner at StrategyBRIX, a boutique Risk and Compliance Consulting firm. Before StrategyBRIX, Jas was the Head of Financial Crimes and Compliance at leading fintechs, including Stripe and Airwallex. In addition, at PwC, Jas built and led the firm's Financial Crimes practice across the US West Coast. He has over 18 years of experience building and managing programs in the Compliance space.StrategyBRIX is a boutique consulting firm specializing in risk and compliance management for fintechs, crypto platforms, and digital banks. Founded in 2021, the firm helps organizations build sustainable financial crime compliance programs that balance regulatory rigor with operational efficiency.Tedd Huff is the Founder of Voalyre, a professional services advisory firm focused on global payments. He is also a video podcast host and executive producer on the Fintech Confidential network. Over the past 25 years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer.DD3 Media is a media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globally.Chapters:00:00 Highlights01:34 Under (Sponsor)02:03 Welcome Jas Randhawa03:26 Bootstrapping Strategybrix04:45 Challenges in the Banking Sector09:36 The Importance of Customer Focus17:29 Skyflow Privacy Vault (Sponsor)18:45 Scaling a Consulting Firm25:41 Building and Leading a Team32:48 Sustaining a Consulting Business33:50 Importance of Team Dynamics34:30 Curiosity and Learning in Team Members36:01 Common Compliance Mistakes38:35 Budgeting for Risk and Compliance40:34 Effective Compliance Negotiation43:54 Onboarding and Compliance Design49:18 Dfns Wallet as a Service (Sponsor)56:59 AI and Technology in Compliance01:03:32 Advice for FinTech Founder01:05:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts01:06:40 Hawk AI (sponsor)01:07:27 Disclaimer

Duncan Barrigan left his high-profile Chief Growth Officer role at GoCardless, a $2.2 billion payments platform, to solve what he calls the biggest challenge in financial technology: broken B2B payments. This $70 trillion market is stuck, with 98% of B2B payments handled by outdated, manual processes. Rideshare giants deploy 50-person teams just to manage accounts receivable, exposing an enormous need for modern payment processing solutions.Manual tasks and communication breakdowns are costing companies millions in wasted time. The core issue isn’t just sending or receiving money—it’s the chaos and disputes that slow down invoice payments and paralyze AP teams. Duncan saw that true progress means automating the entire workflow. Using the power of AI and AP automation, Lunos builds agents that handle accounts receivable at scale. These AI-powered tools negotiate, track, and resolve payment disputes without errors, never missing a detail, and supporting efficient electronic payments for modern businesses.1️⃣ Start with monitor mode first to build trust and understand AR patterns before advancing to suggest or act modes.2️⃣ Prevent disputes through real-time records instead of tracking payment promises in weekly spreadsheet downloads.3️⃣ Let email handle customer communication rather than forcing customers onto new portals that create friction.4️⃣ Use relationship-specific data for forecasting instead of broad machine learning patterns across different companies.5️⃣ Integrate like a human worker by connecting with existing ERPs, CRMs, and communication tools without forcing massive changes.GUESTDuncan Barrigan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncanbarrigan/LUNOSWebsite: www.lunos.aiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lunos-ai/FINTECH CONFIDENTIALPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNewsletter: https://fintechconfidential.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSUPPORTERSUnder - Streamlines application and underwriting with digital PDF processing - https://under.io/ftc Skyflow - Zero trust data privacy vault with simple API calls - https://skyflowsecure.com Hawk - AI tools for real-time fraud detection and transaction monitoring - https://gethawkai.comABOUTDuncan Barrigan is a technology entrepreneur and executive. He's the Founder and CEO of Lunos, the AI partner that manages receivables just like you would. Well, how you would if you worked on it 24/7, never forgot anything and read every message ever sent to you - you get the idea.He has spent more than a decade helping businesses get paid, previously as Chief Product Officer and Chief Growth Officer at GoCardless for eight years, playing a leading role in its rise from a UK-based direct debit provider to a global bank payments unicorn worth $2.2bn, with revenue growing for $1m to well over $100m ARR. Prior to that he worked as a consultant, leading projects advising PE & VC clients on fintech and financial services M&A and strategy at Oliver Wyman. He has an MA in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge.Lunos is an AI-powered accounts receivable platform that integrates with enterprise systems to automate tracking, communication, and resolution of unpaid invoices. The system operates like a human AR agent, managing customer interactions and adapting to responses in real time.Tedd Huff is the Founder of Voalyre a professional services and Advisory firm focused on global payments and banking. He is also a video podcast host and executive producer on the Fintech Confidential network.Over the past 25+ years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for Global Payments OpenEdge, Heartland Payments, Nuvei, and TSYS, among others, focusing on growth while delivering innovation, process improvements and user experience-driven value to simplify the complexity of payments.DD3, Media: DD3 Media is a media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globally*CHAPTERS*00:00 Highlights01:07 Under (sponsor)01:55 Meet Duncan Barrigan02:50 Communication Chaos in Business04:14 Duncan's Career Shift05:19 The Light Bulb Moment06:51 The Complexity of B2B Payments09:08 Building AI to Handle Real-World Chaos17:18 Skyflow (sponsor)19:13 The Importance of Accurate Records28:27 The Future of AI in B2B Payments31:57 Advice for FinTech Founders33:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts34:53 Hawk Ai (sponsor)35:39 Disclaimer

The web3, cryptocurrency and blockchain markets moved fast in August 2025 and we’re covering Bitcoin’s rise, Wyoming’s state-backed coin, SoFi joining the Lightning Network, and Circle’s new Layer 1. Host Tedd Huff teams up with Confidential Informant: Robert Musiala to unpack the GENIUS Act, stablecoin rules, bank use of Lightning, market structure, compliance shifts, custody standards, and global licensing moves that shaped August. You get what changed, why it matters now, and how to apply it. You get a clear read on why Bitcoin strength ties to supply behavior, how monthly reserve disclosures affect stablecoin design, and why a bank’s Lightning rollout cuts payment friction. The episode also covers risk programs moving to dynamic monitoring, custody standards that require segregation and clean recovery plans, and how Hong Kong licensing impacts cross-border builds.TAKEAWAYS1️⃣ Document Developer Programming Decisions2️⃣ Monitor Wyoming’s FRNT Ten Billion Threshold3️⃣ Assess EVM Compatibility Standards:4️⃣ Prepare for Supervisory Examinations5️⃣ Leverage Custody Guidance Roadmaps LINKSConfidential Informant:Robert A. Musiala Jr., LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-a-musiala-jr-esq-cfcs-b6534bb/Firm Profile: https://www.bakerlaw.com/professionals/robert-a-musiala-jr/The Blockchain Monitor: https://www.theblockchainmonitor.com/BakerHostetler: https://www.bakerlaw.com/Fintech ConfidentialYouTube: https://fintechconfidential.com/watchPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNotifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://X.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSUPPORTERSDfns: Wallets as a service with API-first, multi-chain design secured with MPC; powers crypto payments across 50+ networks. Request demo: https://fintechconfidential.com/dfnsSkyflow: Zero-trust data privacy vaults as an API to collect, secure, and tokenize personal information while keeping compliance and usability. Learn more: https://skyflowsecure.comHawk AI: Real-time screening, ML monitoring, and dynamic customer risk ratings to strengthen fraud and financial-crime prevention. Sign up for demo: https://gethawkai.comABOUTConfidential Informant: Robert Musiala has worked in the crypto assets market since 2012. He has led major investigations, advised on compliance and product agreements across Web3 and NFTs, and co-leads BakerHostetler’s Web3 and assets team. He also authors The Blockchain Monitor with weekly legal insights.BakerHostetler: A U.S. law firm advising clients from startups to Fortune 500 on blockchain-related matters, policy, compliance, and risk.Host: Tedd Huff is Founder & CEO of Voalyre and DD3 Media and hosts Fintech Confidential, bringing clear, practical conversations on how money moves.DD3 Media: A media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging fintech and Web3 content.CHAPTERS 00:00 Highlights 01:15 Dfns - Wallets as a service (sponsor) 02:36 Intro 03:06 Regulatory Landscape and Institutional Adoption 03:39 Market Context 06:01 Technological Innovations in Blockchain and Finance 09:08 Stablecoins and Their Impact on Financial Systems 12:04 The Future of Banking and Digital Assets 14:52 Challenges and Opportunities in Crypto Regulation 17:51 The Evolution of Financial Institutions in the Crypto Space 29:57 Regulatory Landscape of Digital Assets 30:19 Skyflow - Privacy has an API (sponsor) 36:12 The Genius Act and Its Implications 43:48 Global Perspectives on Stablecoin Regulation 51:55 Innovation vs. Regulation in the EU 57:41 The Future of Digital Assets and Banking 59:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 01:00:26 Hawk AI (sponsor) 01:01:12 Disclaimer

Fraud costs are climbing and fintech leaders face pressure to onboard customers faster while keeping trust intact. Host Tedd sits down with Ravi, a fintech veteran and CEO of KYXStart.AI, to break down how identity verification has shifted from a back-office task into a true growth driver.This conversation tackles the reality that fraudsters now use deepfakes, synthetic identities, and AI-built scams while many companies still rely on outdated methods like scanning licenses. Ravi shares how the right approach can reduce onboarding time by 80%, cut fraud rates by 60%, and boost revenue by 20%. The insights go beyond security to show how stronger data, smarter compliance, and customer-focused design actually increase revenue.TAKEAWAYS1️⃣ Rethink Compliance As StrategyUse compliance frameworks as tools to strengthen trust, open new markets, and support onboarding that scales growth.2️⃣ Use Contextual Identity SignalsGo beyond static IDs. Add phone, banking, and social signals to improve accuracy and cut false positives.3️⃣ Design Teams Around CuriosityBuild teams that question, test, and adapt. Curiosity drives better fraud defenses and stronger customer experiences.4️⃣ Adopt Continuous Verification ModelsMove past one-time checks. Continuous verification keeps accounts secure, reduces fraud risks, and maintains trust.5️⃣ Prioritize Deterministic Over PredictiveChoose deterministic checks for clear, real-time answers that deliver faster approvals and stronger compliance.LINKS:Guest: Ravi BijlaniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravibijlani/Company Website: https://kyxstart.aiCompany LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kyxstart/X: https://x.com/KYXStart_AiYouTube: https://youtu.be/meoKNa_C67AFintech ConfidentialPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNewsletter: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSUPPORTERS:Under - Streamlines application and underwriting with digital PDF processing - https://under.io/ftcSkyflow - Zero trust data privacy vault with simple API calls - https://skyflowsecure.com Hawk - AI tools for real-time fraud detection and transaction monitoring - https://gethawkai.comABOUT:Guest: Ravi Bijlani is the Founder & CEO of KYXStart.AI with more than 25 years in fintech. He previously served as GM at Equifax and Prove Identity. Ravi is an investor in SingularKey (acquired by Ping Identity) and holds multiple patents. He earned an MBA from Georgia Tech with Summa Cum Laude honors.KYXStart.AI is a global identity verification platform that offers AI-powered verification, fraud detection, and compliance solutions. It is designed to improve match rates, reduce costs, and streamline onboarding with real-time data across more than 200 countries.Host: Tedd Huff is CEO and Founder of Voalyre, a fintech advisory firm, and the host and executive producer of the FinTech Confidential network. With 25+ years in payments and fintech, Tedd has served as an advisor, co-founder, and executive, driving growth and simplifying global payment systems.DD3 Media is a media creation, management, and production company focused on delivering engaging content globally.CHAPTERS:00:00 Highlights01:38 Under Sponsor02:43 Welcome Ravi04:47 Getting Into FinTech06:29 Identity Verification Today08:54 Evolution of Identity11:05 Friction vs Security18:27 Skyflow Sponsor19:29 Market Dynamics34:17 Light vs Deep Search37:02 Success Story40:41 Leadership Philosophy45:07 Scaling Priorities50:43 Future of Identity57:01 Founder Advice59:34 Episode Wrap01:00:25 Hawk Sponsor

July 2025 marked when America officially positioned itself to become the crypto capital of the world. Tedd Huff and Rob Musiala break down the historic Genius Act, the White House digital assets report, and record $5.3 billion in monthly crypto funding. From Circle and Ripple chasing bank charters to Europe's USDG stablecoin launch, this episode covers how regulatory clarity triggered the biggest infrastructure shift in Web3 history.The regulatory uncertainty that kept institutional capital on the sidelines has vanished. Banking intermediaries face elimination as stablecoin issuers go direct to federal charters. International competitive pressure mounts as European regulators worry about digital dollarization risks. Meanwhile, Bitcoin hit $123,000, Ethereum corporate holdings surged 127%, and Coinbase posted a 6200% increase in average trading volume year over year.Key Takeaways:1️⃣ Genius Act creates first US cryptocurrency law with clear payment stablecoin framework2️⃣ Circle filed for National Digital Currency Bank charter while Ripple pursues Fed master account access3️⃣ Europe launched USDG under MICA regulation to counter US dollar stablecoin dominance4️⃣ Rex Osprey launched first US ETF combining Solana spot exposure with on-chain staking rewards5️⃣ S&P Dow Jones partnered with Centrifuge to tokenize the entire S&P 500 indexLinks:Guest:Robert Musiala LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-musiala/Robert Musiala Baker Hostetler: https://www.bakerlaw.com/people/robert-musialaBlockchain Monitor: https://www.blockchainmonitor.com/Company:Baker Hostetler Website: https://www.bakerlaw.com/Web3 & Digital Assets Team: https://www.bakerlaw.com/practices/web3-digital-assetsFintech Confidential:YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fintechconfidentialPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNewsletter: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSupporters:Dfns provides wallets as a service with API-first, multi-chain design secured with MPC technology, powering crypto payments for major financial institutions across 50+ blockchains. Request demo: https://fintechconfidential.com/dfnsSkyFlow delivers zero-trust data privacy vaults as an API, helping you collect, secure and tokenize personal information while maintaining compliance and data usability. Learn more: https://skyflowsecure.comUnder.io streamlines application and underwriting processes by digitizing PDFs effortlessly for upload and digital signature, transforming document workflows. Get started: https://under.io/FTCHawk AI offers real-time payment screening, ML transaction monitoring and dynamic customer risk rating to revolutionize fraud and financial crime prevention. Sign up for demo: https://gethawkai.comAbout:Robert Musiala: Robert Musiala is a Partner and co-leader of Baker Hostetler's Web3 and Digital Assets team, one of the most comprehensive legal practices serving the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry. As lead author of the Blockchain Monitor blog, Robert provides weekly analysis of the latest trends, regulatory developments, and legal implications in the crypto space. His expertise spans digital asset compliance, regulatory strategy, and emerging technology law, making him a trusted advisor to fintech companies, blockchain startups, and traditional financial institutions navigating Web3 integration.Baker Hostetler: Baker Hostetler is a leading U.S. law firm with over 900 attorneys providing comprehensive legal services across multiple practice areas. Their Web3 and Digital Assets team represents one of the largest and most experienced blockchain legal practices in the country, serving clients from early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies entering the digital asset space.HostTedd Huff: Tedd Huff is the Founder of Voalyre and Diamond D3, professional services consulting firms focused on global payments and marketing. He is also a video podcast host and executive producer on the Fintech Confidential network. Over the past 25+ years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for global companies, focusing on growth while delivering innovation, process improvements, and user experience-driven value to simplify the complexity of payments.DD3 Media: A media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globally, specializing in fintech and Web3 storytelling that makes complex topics accessible to business leaders and industry professionals.Chapters:00:00 Highlights04:33 The Genius Act and Its Implications08:02 Market Trends and Institutional Confidence10:05 Record Venture Capital Investments in Crypto12:47 The Rise of ETFs and Staking Opportunities14:38 Tokenization of Real-World Assets18:47 Market Dynamics: Bitcoin and Ethereum Surge24:11 The Impact of Regulatory Clarity on Market Growth27:05 Surprising Developments in Stablecoin Issuance34:27 Future Prospects for the Digital Asset Market37:49 Global Stablecoin Landscape and Regulatory Implications44:35 The Impact of the Genius Act on US Stablecoin Issuers48:35 The Shift in Stablecoin Infrastructure and Banking Access58:16 Competitive Strategies Among Stablecoin Issuers1:06:50 Future Outlook for Stablecoins and Digital Assets

[Guest Name] is the [Title] of the [Company Purpose/offering] company [CompanyName]. [Pronoun] shares [short summary of the episode]. Three essential items that we dive into. 1️⃣ [Item 1] 2️⃣ [Item 2] 3️⃣ [Item 3] Also, watch the entire episode on youtube. [link here]Links:[Company Name]Website: Linkedin: Facebook: Instagram:Twitter: Youtube: Fintech Confidential YouTube: https://fintechconfidential.com/watch Podcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listen Notifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialTwitter: https://twitter.com/FTconfidential Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSupportersSupport is provided by MPC 2023, the premier event for fintech leaders. This is your chance to shake hands and rub shoulders with the world's top experts in payments, loyalty, blockchain, digital currencies, cybersecurity, consumer privacy, and other emerging fintech solutions connecting you directly with the future of commerce. If you haven't already, mark your calendars for August 23rd through the 25th and join me and Fintech Confidential at the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North. When you sign up for FinTech confidential notifications, you will receive a discount from $50 to 100% off.Or use this link for $50 of registration. https://mpcevent.com/FTC50Time Stamps:[insert timestamps from transcript]This is a Production of Diamond D3, Media ABOUT: [Guest Name]: [Guest Bio][Company Name] : [Company info]Tedd Huff: Tedd Huff is the Co-Founder of Voalyre, and the President & Founder of Diamond D3, a professional services consulting firm focused on global payments and marketing. He is also a video podcast host and producer of Fintech Confidential.Over the past 24 years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for Global Payments OpenEdge, Heartland Payments, Nuvei, and TSYS, among others, focusing on growth while delivering innovation, process improvements and user experience-driven value to simplify the complexity of payments.Diamond D3, Media: A media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globally

Bitcoin payments, Lightning Network, and fast crypto payments are here. Learn about cryptocurrency payment processing and blockchain technology with Tedd Huff, CEO of Voalyre, and Voltage CEO Graham Krizek. This conversation cuts through the noise around Bitcoin's practical applications, digital currency, and modern financial solutions.The discussion reveals striking realities about payment processing that most people never consider. While traditional bank transfers take days and wire transfers take hours, Lightning Network transactions settle in under a second with complete finality. Graham shares how regulatory barriers are falling, with banks now able to hold cryptocurrency without special approval, and why businesses should default to Lightning for all Bitcoin transactions.Take Aways1️⃣ Switch to Lightning Payments2️⃣ Leverage New Banking Rules3️⃣ Avoid Infrastructure Building4️⃣ Target Global Markets5️⃣ Prepare for ConsolidationGet more @ Fintech Confidential.comSupportersDFNS delivers secure wallets as a service API-first, multi-chain by design across 50+ blockchains - https://fintechconfidential.com/dnfsSkyFlow provides zero trust data privacy vault API for collecting, securing, and tokenizing payment details - https://skyflowsecure.comUnder.io streamlines application and underwriting by digitizing PDFs for upload and digital signature - https://under.io/FTCHawk offers AI tools for real-time payment screening, ML transaction monitoring, and fraud prevention - https://gethawkai.comLinks:Graham KrizekLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamkrizekTwitter/X: https://x.com/gkrizekNostr: [email protected]: https://voltage.cloudLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/voltagecloud/X: https://x.com/voltage_cloudFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/voltagecloudYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@voltage_cloudNostr: [email protected] ConfidentialPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNewsletter: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialAbout:Graham Krizek is the Founder and CEO of Voltage. With 10+ years in cryptocurrency, he contributed to Bitcoin Core and worked at Salesforce. He builds Lightning Network infrastructure to help businesses scale global payments with low-cost, fast settlements.Voltage provides Bitcoin infrastructure enabling global payments via Lightning Network. It offers enterprise modular tools for exchanges, wallets, fintechs, and banks to cut costs, speed settlements, and simplify Bitcoin and stablecoin integration. Voltage powers fast, final low-fee transactions, bridging traditional finance and blockchain tech.Tedd Huff founded Voalyre, a professional services and advisory firm focused on global payments and banking. He hosts and produces Fintech Confidential. With 25+ years in fintech, he's advised, co-founded, and led startups like OpenEdge, Heartland, Nuvei, and TSYS, focusing on growth, process improvements, and user experience to simplify payments.DD3, Media: DD3 Media is a media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globallyChapters: 00:00 Highlights01:02 DFNS: Wallets as a Service (sponsor)02:23 Intro to Web3 with FTC03:06 Meet Graham Krizek: Founder and CEO of Voltage05:05 Bitcoin's Evolution to Mainstream07:04 Graham's Transition from Salesforce to Bitcoin08:36 Bridging the Digital Divide with Bitcoin11:30 Voltage: From Side Project to Real Company13:10 Sky Flow Privacy Vault (sponsor)14:09 Thunder Games16:12 The Lightning Network: Speed & Efficiency24:39 Real-Time Payments: Current State25:10 Public Lightning Network Insights26:48 Regulatory Landscape Shifts28:13 Crypto Integration in Traditional Finance30:45 Importance of Lightning Network Providers31:30 Setting Up Nodes Efficiently32:05 Under.io : Streamlining App Processes (sponsor) 32:38 Challenges in Node Setup33:47 Stable Coins on the Rise w/ Lightning Network37:28 AI & Payments39:45 TradFi Meets Crypto43:09 Real World & Digital Assets Converge44:39 Voltage's Role in the Crypto Ecosystem45:55 Encouraging Businesses to Adopt Lightning46:17 Case Studies and Success Stories46:59 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook47:34 Hawk : AI Fraud Fighting (sponsor)48:20 Disclaimer

GETMORE HEREDiscover how Victor “DIVINE” Lombard went from street hustler to fintech CEO, with guidance from Ben Horowitz, and a mission to transform how finance serves overlooked communities.Fintech entrepreneur Victor “DIVINE” Lombard shares his journey from street hustler to CEO, revealing how mentorship, compliance, and purpose-driven startups can transform access to financial tools with Tedd Huff Voalyre CEO on Fintech Confidential. They to expose the blind spots in today’s financial system and why creators are locked out before they even get started.With firsthand experience on both sides of the table, Victor reveals how he’s building purpose-driven fintech to empower independent artists with access to financial services, real mentorship, and education. This isn’t theory—it’s a blueprint, shaped by hard-earned lessons and grounded in reality.Together, they unpack: • Why traditional banking metrics fail creators • How compliance, when mastered, can build trust—not block progress • What it takes to design sustainable financial ecosystems from the ground up • Why mentorship often matters more than a credit scoreWhether you’re a startup founder, creative entrepreneur, or fintech builder—this conversation delivers rare, real insight.Takeaways1️⃣ Build Systems Before You Scale – Early structure avoids chaos later2️⃣ Use Compliance To Build Credibility – Master regulation before you need it3️⃣ Train Your Team Like Operators – Start onboarding with education4️⃣ Pitch Value, Not Your Backstory – Focus on what you’re solving5️⃣ Design Products For Real Use – Reflect real workflows, not trendsLinksVictor Lombard (aka DIVINE)Instagram: www.instagram.com/divine4thletterNotesWebsite: www.notestechnology.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/notestechnologyFacebook: www.facebook.com/notestechnologyincYouTube: www.youtube.com/@notestechnologyInstagram: www.instagram.com/notestechnologyFintech ConfidentialPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNewsletter: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSupportersUnder.io – Streamline your underwriting and application process by digitizing PDFs and enabling secure, fast digital signatures. https://under.io/ftcDfns – Launch wallets across 50+ blockchains with API-first, MPC-secured tools trusted by top fintechs and custodians. https://fintechconfidential.com/dnfsSkyflow – Secure, tokenize, and analyze personal data with a zero-trust privacy vault delivered via API. https://skyflowsecure.comHawk:AI – Detect fraud in real time with ML transaction monitoring and advanced risk scoring. https://getHawkai.comAboutVictor Lombard (aka DIVINE): Fintech founder and hip hop artist empowering urban music creators with capital access and financial education.Notes: Fintech platform helping artists build sustainable wealth through education, mentorship, and smarter financial tools.Tedd Huff: Founder of Voalyre and executive producer of Fintech Confidential, helping fintechs scale with strategy and clear messaging.DD3 Media: Production company powering high-impact media content globally.Chapters00:00 Highlights01:02 Under.io (Sponsor)01:46 The Intersection of Hip Hop and Banking04:29 Falling into Fintech06:05 The Importance of Financial Literacy07:47 Creating Financial Platforms for Artists09:01 The Role of Empathy in Financial Systems09:55 Streets to Startups12:29 The Power of Networking and Mentorship13:24 Dfns (sponsor)14:46 Challenges in Building FinTech Startups17:28 Addressing Bias in Financial Systems22:14 Leveraging Technology for Financial Empowerment26:09 The Importance of Knowledge and Awareness27:07 Pursuing Knowledge and Experience27:37 Challenges of Independent Artists28:27 Technology’s Role in Success29:36 Building FinTech with a Criminal Record30:08 Overcoming Barriers with Partnerships30:35 Navigating Startup Challenges32:45 Importance of Relationships in FinTech34:18 High Compliance and Risk Management35:56 Growth Challenges in FinTech36:49 SkyFlow: (Sponsor)38:41 Managing Multiple Financial Institutions39:22 Complexity in FinTech Backend40:01 Problem-Solving in FinTech41:28 Learning and Adapting in FinTech42:17 Regulatory Environment and Compliance42:50 Cannabis and Cryptocurrency Banking Issues43:36 Thinking Big but Starting Small44:51 Building Relationships for Success45:31 Soft Skills and Communication46:09 Blind Spots in FinTech Startups47:37 Future of Financial Technology49:37 Advice for FinTech Founders50:04 Final Thoughts50:37 FinTech Isn’t Just About Tech and Finance51:08 Creators Deserve Better Tools52:01 Hawk:AI (Sponsor)52:49 Disclaimer

Details Here: https://fintechconfidential-newsletter.beehiiv.com/p/web3-june-2025-recapHost Tedd Huff the CEO of Voalyre teams up with confidential informant, Robert Musiala , partner at Baker Hostetler’s Web3 team and author of the Blockchain Monitor blog, to break down June 2025’s seismic shifts in cryptocurrency markets and blockchain technology. This episode covers Circle’s spectacular $1.1 billion IPO success, the Senate’s bipartisan GENIUS Act passage, and nearly $6 billion flowing into crypto ETFs.The conversation explores how regulatory clarity is accelerating institutional adoption while $2.1 billion in security losses highlights ongoing challenges. Robert shares legal insights on Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade, ZKSync’s technical breakthroughs, and how global coordination through EU MiCA, Singapore policies, and Hong Kong frameworks creates unprecedented opportunities for compliant builders positioning for mainstream Web3 adoption.Takeaways1️⃣ Track 98.7% scam rate: avoid pump.fun marketplace tokens since research shows nearly every token exhibits pump and dump characteristics.2️⃣ Leverage ultra high net worth security: implement specialized protection strategies beyond standard measures, including estate planning for crypto assets.3️⃣ Deploy Ethereum staking now: take advantage of validator limit increase from 32 ETH to 2,048 ETH per validator for profitable institutional models.4️⃣ Monitor NFT legal precedents: watch court-approved NFT service processes in your jurisdiction for recovering stolen funds and serving papers.5️⃣ Build surgical compliance framework: prepare for targeted regulatory actions rather than broad enforcement sweeps with flexible systems.LinksGuestRobert Musiala• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-musiala/• Baker Hostetler: https://www.bakerlaw.com/people/robert-musiala• Blockchain Monitor: https://www.blockchainmonitor.com/CompanyBaker Hostetler• Website: https://www.bakerlaw.com/• Web3 & Digital Assets Team: https://www.bakerlaw.com/practices/web3-digital-assets• Legal Resources: https://www.bakerlaw.com/insightsFintech Confidential• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@fintechconfidential• Podcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listen• Newsletter: https://fintechconfidential.com/access• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidential• X: https://x.com/FTconfidential• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidential• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSupportersDfns - Wallets as a service that's API first, multi-chain by design and secured within MPC with no single point of failure for launching across over 50 blockchains - fintechconfidential.com/dnfsSkyFlow - Zero trust data privacy vault delivered as an API that lets you collect, secure, and tokenize personal information like card data and payment details - skyflowsecure.comUnder.io - Streamlines application and underwriting process by digitizing PDFs effortlessly for upload and digital signature - under.io/FTCHawk - AI tools for real-time payment screening, ML transaction monitoring, and dynamic customer risk rating to fight fraud and financial crime - gethawkai.com

Tedd Huff, Founder of Voalyre and Host of Fintech Confidential Leaders One on One Series, teams up with Israel Mazin, CEO and Co-Founder of Memcyco, to break down what really matters for protecting sensitive data and customer trust in finance. This episode uncovers how real-time security, AI-powered defense, and practical compliance can set you apart in a fast-changing world. Learn how to take immediate action against cyber threats, show proof of safety to your users, and build long-term growth through real trust. Get clear steps to boost your security and keep your business ahead with real solutions for fintech, banking, and online businesses.The Rest of the StoryTakeaways: 1️⃣ Question Every Access Point Review all customer-facing sites and login pages right now. Remove anything not used and confirm all security checks are active.2️⃣ Set Up Instant Threat Alerts Get notified the moment something suspicious happens. Don’t wait for a report—flag real risks in real time.3️⃣ Test AI Defenses Against Real Threats Run real-world attack scenarios with your team and tune your AI filters to block the latest tactics.4️⃣ Make Trust Part of Onboarding Show new customers exactly how their info is protected. Give them clear proof your security works.5️⃣ Document Compliance For Every Update Keep a simple log of every regulatory step and system change. This saves time at audit and keeps you covered.LinksIsrael Mazin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/israelmazin/ Memcyco Team Profile: https://www.memcyco.com/team/israel-mazin/Memcyco:Website: https://www.memcyco.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/memcyco/Fintech Confidential:YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fintechconfidential Podcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listen Newsletter: https://fintechconfidential.com/access LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidential X: https://x.com/FTconfidential Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSupportersUnder.io – Digitize underwriting and signatures for faster, secure workflows. https://under.io/ftc Skyflow – Zero-trust data vault to secure, tokenize, and govern data with ease. https://skyflowsecure.com CheckAlt Clearingworks – Automate receivables and treasury management for banks and businesses. https://checkalt.com Hawk:AI – Real-time fraud prevention with smarter compliance tools. https://getHawkai.comAbout:Israel Mazin is CEO and Co-Founder of Memcyco, recognized for building, scaling, and exiting cybersecurity companies with a focus on teamwork, execution, and directly solving industry challenges. Memcyco delivers real-time detection and protection against website impersonation and account takeovers, helping banks, retailers, and online businesses secure customer interactions and stay compliant.Tedd Huff is Founder of Voalyre, a professional services and advisory firm focused on global payments and banking. With over 25 years in fintech, payments, and financial services, Tedd has launched and led startups and advised enterprise firms on digital strategy, user experience, and innovation. As host and executive producer of Fintech Confidential, he delivers direct conversations that highlight practical leadership and new ideas shaping fintech.Fintech Confidential features trusted insights, actionable strategies, and interviews with leaders shaping the future of finance.DD3 Media produces engaging digital content, powering global shows and media brands like Fintech Confidential.Chapters: 00:11 – Episode Highlights 01:20 – Sponsor: Under.io 02:03 – Guest Introduction 03:43 – Cybersecurity Career Insights 04:50 – Industry Shifts & Threat Landscape 05:30 – Real-Time Protection 06:03 – Regulation and Compliance 07:08 – Leadership Lessons 08:42 – Building Strong Teams 09:37 – AI in Security 10:33 – Mission and Vision at Memcyco 12:18 – The Case for Real-Time Detection 13:33 – Sponsor: Skyflow 17:00 – Customer Trust 20:27 – Consortiums & Collaboration 21:53 – Advanced Threat Detection 26:49 – Reducing False Positives 28:36 – AI and Compliance 30:02 – Sponsor: CheckAlt 36:22 – Quantum Computing 37:37 – Proactive vs. Reactive 38:18 – Advice for Founders 39:16 – Closing Thoughts 40:05 – Sponsor: Hawk AI 40:50 – Disclaimer

Get MoreHost Tedd Huff & Robert Musiala, co-leader of Baker Hostetler’s Web3 Digital Assets team, break down May 2025’s crypto developments.May 2025 just changed a lot for crypto and Web3. Bitcoin hit $111,970, total crypto assets reached $136 billion, & ETF inflows topped $3.3 billion in a 1 month. The SEC clarified that proof-of-stake mining isn't a security, while the DOJ dropped charges against Ethereum hackers, signaling a major shift in regulatory approach.Ethereum's Petra upgrade increased validator staking limits from 32 to 2,048 ETH, opening doors for massive institutional operations. Yield-bearing stablecoins crossed $9 billion, proving they're no longer experimental tokens. Courts in the US, UK, and EU approved using NFTs for legal service of process, creating new accountability in crypto disputes.The dark side persists: $244 million was stolen in hacks, with $157 million recovered. A Solana report found 98.7% of tokens on pump.fun showed pump-and-dump characteristics. Physical security threats against crypto executives are escalating globally.Institutional investors now represent 50% of trading volume. Circle launched real-time payment APIs, Ripple acquired Hidden Road for $1.25 billion. The convergence of regulatory clarity, institutional adoption, and technical improvements is creating perfect conditions for mainstream crypto adoption.Takeaways1️⃣ Track Validator Staking Changes2️⃣ Research Before Token Investments3️⃣ Explore Programmable Wallet Features4️⃣ Consider Legal NFT Applications5️⃣ Prepare for Staking ComplianceLinks:Guest:Robert A. Musiala Jr. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-a-musiala-jr-esq-cfcs-b6534bb/Company:BakerHostetler: https://www.bakerlaw.com/The Blockchain Monitor: https://www.theblockchainmonitor.com/Fintech Confidential:Podcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNotifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSupporters:DFNS - Offering Wallets as a Service with military-grade security and enterprise-grade scalability - https://fintechconfidential.com/dfnsSkyflow - Helping FinTechs build secure experiences without managing customer data directly - https://skyflowsecure.comUnder – Streamlines application and underwriting by digitizing PDF processes for fast digital signatures https://under.io/ftcHawk AI - Providing real-time fraud prevention and AML compliance for FinTechs - https://getHawkai.comAbout:Guest: Robert Musiala has been working in the blockchain and digital assets market since 2012 and has led multiple digital asset investigations, including as the court-appointed receiver over cryptocurrency investment funds used in a major fraud. He advises on various regulatory compliance issues involving digital assets and has drafted/negotiated agreements for a wide range of transactions in the fintech, digital assets, Web3, and NFT markets. He is the inventor of two blockchain patents and co-leader of the Web3 and Digital Assets team at BakerHostetler.Host: Tedd Huff is the founder of Voalyre and Diamond D3. He’s spent over 24 years helping fintechs grow by improving payments, user experience, and go-to-market strategies. DD3 Media creates and produces content for Fintech Confidential.

Click here to learn moreIn this episode of Fintech Confidential, host Tedd Huff and guest co-host Jordan Greenberg from LoanPro sit down with Jay King and Aimee Ford of Alorica. Together, they share how banks and fintechs are transforming customer service with scalable operations, AI-powered tools, and real empathy. Jay and Aimee bring decades of hands-on experience helping financial institutions build smarter systems that actually work for people.The conversation cuts through the noise to expose what matters most, personalization, speed, and clarity. Lending has become easier to launch, but real growth depends on aligning with brand culture, meeting customers where they are, and fixing problems before they escalate. This episode explains what that looks like in real life, with real examples from real industry leaders.Takeaways1️⃣ Fix Customer Pain Before It Escalates 2️⃣ Match Agents With Natural Strengths 3️⃣ Skip Scripts, Train for Authenticity 4️⃣ Turn Survey Data Into Scripts 5️⃣ Use Voice Analytics to Boost ROILinksGuest Aimee Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fordaimee/ Jay King: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-king-a75b64/Company Alorica: https://www.alorica.com/ Alorica LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alorica/Fintech Confidential YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fintechconfidential Podcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listen Newsletter: https://fintechconfidential.com/access LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidential X: https://x.com/FTconfidential Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fintechconfidentialSupportersLoanPro – Allows lenders to enhance their origination, servicing, collections, and payments using the foundation of a modern lending core https://loanpro.ioUnder – Streamlines application and underwriting by digitizing PDF processes for fast digital signatures https://under.io/ftcDFNS – Provides API-first, MPC-secured wallets as a service for payments, exchanges, and DeFi platforms https://fintechconfidential.com/dfnsHawk AI – Offers tools for real-time payment screening, transaction monitoring, and dynamic customer risk rating to fight fraud and financial crime https://gethawkai.comAboutAimee Ford is VP of Client Experience at Alorica. She is known for building strong partnerships and creating customer strategies that deliver results. Jay King is Head of Operations at Alorica, focused on efficiency, performance, and strategic growth. Alorica is a global leader in customer experience solutions, serving clients across multiple sectors. Host: Tedd Huff is the founder of Voalyre and Diamond D3. He’s spent over 24 years helping fintechs grow by improving payments, user experience, and go-to-market strategies. DD3 Media creates and produces content for Fintech Confidential. Co-host: Jordan Greenberg leads strategic partnerships at LoanPro, helping banks and fintechs build embedded finance products.

Get More HERE! Web3, crypto, stablecoins, digtial assets and tokenized real world assets are reshaping finance. Blockchain expert Annelise Osborne joins Tedd Huff to reveal what’s actually working in real-world blockchain adoption. With years in traditional finance and deep knowledge of smart contract architecture, She shares what’s actually working for institutions right now.The conversation focuses on the real adoption curve inside banking and finance. Stablecoins are quietly replacing old settlement systems. Institutions are using blockchain not for headlines, but for cost control and speed. Tokenization is making high-yield assets accessible to more investors. Identity and security are reshaping compliance needs. Tedd brings sharp questions backed by operational experience, while outlining what’s possible, what’s happening, and what’s next.Takeaways 1️⃣ Stop Ignoring Payment Speed Gaps 2️⃣ Fix Identity Before Scaling Blockchain 3️⃣ Use Tokenization to Cut Minimums 4️⃣ Adopt Blockchain Quietly in Ops 5️⃣ Track Real Hiring, Not Headlines Links: KadenaWebsite: https://www.kadena.io/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kadena-llc Twitter/X: https://x.com/kadena_io Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KadenaBlockchain/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kadena.io.kda/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/kadenablockchain Telegram: https://t.me/kadena_io Annelise OsborneLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annelise-osborne-7611176/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/anneliseosborne Book: From Hoodies to Suits: Innovating Digital Assets for Traditional Finance https://amzn.to/43pZwcb Fintech ConfidentialNewsletter: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSupportersBitcoin 2025 - Bringing together Bitcoiners in Las Vegas to explore Bitcoin’s role in capital markets, featuring speakers like Michael Saylor, Caitlin Long, and Elizabeth Stark - https://fintechconfidential.com/btc25DFNS - Offering Wallets as a Service with military-grade security and enterprise-grade scalability - https://fintechconfidential.com/dfnsSkyflow - Helping FinTechs build secure experiences without managing customer data directly - https://skyflowsecure.comHawk AI - Providing real-time fraud prevention and AML compliance for FinTechs - https://getHawkai.comGuest: Annelise Osborne is Chief Business Officer at Kadena, with 20+ years in finance, real estate, and digital assets. She’s held leadership roles at Moody’s, Propellr, and Arca Labs, where she advanced blockchain adoption in institutional markets. Annelise is also the author of From Hoodies to Suits, focused on merging blockchain with traditional finance.Kadena is a Layer-1 Proof-of-Work blockchain built for business, offering high-speed, low-cost transactions with secure smart contracts. Its Chainweb architecture and Pact language power use cases in DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and enterprise, making it a strong choice for institutional blockchain adoption.HOST Tedd Huff: Tedd Huff is the Founder of Voalyre, and Diamond D3, professional services consulting firms focused on global payments and marketing. He is also a video podcast host and executive producer on the Fintech Confidential network.Over the past 24 years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for Global Payments OpenEdge, Heartland Payments, Nuvei, and TSYS, among others, focusing on growth while delivering innovation, process improvements and user experience-driven value to simplify the complexity of payments. DD3, Media:DD3 Media is a media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globallyChapters00:00 Episode Highlights01:59 Bitcoin 2025 Event Announcement (sponsor)02:52 Welcome to web3 with FTC04:05 Welcome Annise Osborne06:02 Current State of Blockchain and Digital Assets15:37 Stable Coins as a Gateway to Digital Assets17:41 Cross-Border Payments and Stable Coins19:07 Dfns Secure Wallets Built right (Sponsor)23:16 Institutional Adoption of Blockchain Technology24:23 Programmability of Blockchain Tools27:29 Real World Asset Tokenization29:31 Retail Investment in Private Equity Funds31:03 Real Estate Tokenization32:39 Traditional Players Enter BlockChain34:51 Man vs. Machine36:38 Global Trust Growing for  Custodians and Blockchain39:53 Community Banks and Blockchain41:35 Digital Identity and Blockchain43:38 Skyflow Secure Data Now (Sponsor)45:55 Privacy in Blockchain46:50 Fraud and Trust in Blockchain48:27 DeFi and TradFi Collaboration49:32 Hoodies to Suits: Bridging the Gap51:55 Blockchain Job Market Growth55:09 Blockchain in Retail and Supply Chain57:09 Future Predictions for web358:49 Advice for Blockchain Enthusiasts01:01:37 Final Thoughts01:02:56 Hawk AI Tools for Fraud Prevention (sponsor) and Disclosures

See More HERE! In this episode of Fintech Confidential, host Tedd Huff is joined by CI (Confidential Informant), Robert Musiala, co-leader of the Web3 and Digital Assets team at BakerHostetler, to discuss the significant developments in the crypto and fintech space during April 2025. Robert shares his expertise on blockchain law and compliance, providing insights into the evolving regulatory landscape and its impact on the industry.The conversation covers the mainstream adoption of stablecoins, the implications of the Payment Stablecoin Act, and the integration of crypto with traditional financial systems. They also delve into the expansion of programmable money, the shifting regulatory environment, and the growing security threats in the crypto space.Takeaways:1️⃣ Stablecoins are becoming a viable solution for faster and more transparent payments.2️⃣ The Payment Stablecoin Act is prompting companies to adjust their strategies in anticipation of new regulations.3️⃣ Kraken’s expansion demonstrates the blending of crypto and traditional finance.4️⃣ Programmable money is enabling automation in financial processes.5️⃣ Security remains a top concern, with sophisticated attacks targeting the crypto infrastructure.Links:Guest:Robert A. Musiala Jr. BakerHostetler Profile: https://www.bakerlaw.com/professionals/robert-a-musiala-jr/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-a-musiala-jr-esq-cfcs-b6534bb/Company:BakerHostetler: https://www.bakerlaw.com/The Blockchain Monitor: https://www.theblockchainmonitor.com/Fintech Confidential:Podcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNotifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSupporters:Bitcoin 2025 - Bringing together digital asset leaders in Las Vegas to explore Bitcoin’s role in capital markets, featuring speakers like Michael Saylor, Caitlin Long, and Elizabeth Stark - https://fintechconfidential.com/btc25DFNS - Offering Wallets as a Service with military-grade security and enterprise-grade scalability - https://fintechconfidential.com/dfnsSkyflow - Helping FinTechs build secure experiences without managing customer data directly - https://skyflowsecure.comHawk AI - Providing real-time fraud prevention and AML compliance for FinTechs - https://getHawkai.comAbout:Guest: Robert Musiala has been working in the blockchain and digital assets market since 2012 and has led multiple digital asset investigations, including as the court-appointed receiver over cryptocurrency investment funds used in a major fraud. He advises on various regulatory compliance issues involving digital assets and has drafted/negotiated agreements for a wide range of transactions in the fintech, digital assets, Web3, and NFT markets. He is the inventor of two blockchain patents and co-leader of the Web3 and Digital Assets team at BakerHostetler.Host: Tedd Huff is the Founder of Voalyre and Diamond D3, professional services consulting firms focused on global payments and marketing. He is also a video podcast host and executive producer on the Fintech Confidential network. Over the past 24 years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for global companies, focusing on growth while delivering innovation, process improvements, and user experience-driven value to simplify the complexity of payments.Fintech Confidential: A media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globally.Chapters:00:00 Highlights01:13 Bitcoin 2025 (Sponsor)02:06 Welcome to Web3 with FTC02:32 Introducing Robert Musiala03:22 April 2025 Recap and Strategic Signals04:16 Competitive Advantage of FinTech Integration04:58 Integration of Blockchain and Web306:12 Kraken’s Expansion in Europe06:49 Crypto’s Integration with Traditional Finance07:27 Crypto as a Payment Method08:43 Stablecoins in Merchant Payments10:14 Pending Legislation: Payment Stablecoin Act13:05 Benefits of Stablecoins in Payments16:15 Wallets as a Service by DFNS (Sponsor)17:53 Programmable Money and Innovation19:48 Bitcoin’s Role in Capital Markets20:52 Kraken’s Traditional Market Offerings21:09 Approval of Global ETFs and Staking22:50 Digital Asset Regulatory Environment in the US26:10 Federal Regulators’ Alignment on Crypto28:24 States and Digital Assets30:27 Wyoming’s Digital Asset Initiatives32:01 State-Based Strategic Bitcoin Reserves35:23 Legal and Regulatory Enforcement37:58 Skyflow Secure Data Now (Sponsor)40:34 Crypto Theft and Security Threats42:16 Sophisticated Hacks and Scams46:18 April 2025: Key Developments47:20 Future Trends in Stablecoins47:56 Regulatory Environment Evolution48:38 SEC Roundtables and Public Input49:20 Conclusion and Future Announcements50:04 Hawk AI Fraud Prevention (Sponsor)50:47 Disclaimer

Click here to see MORE!In this episode of FinTech Confidential Uncut, host Tedd Huff talks with Jeff Scheidel, VP of Operations at AuthID, about the rise of AI-driven fraud targeting financial institutions. They explore how deepfakes, voice cloning, and large language models are enabling scammers to impersonate executives, create synthetic identities, and build fake websites and phishing emails with alarming accuracy. Real cases include a $25 million loss from a deepfake video call and voice cloning scams using only seconds of audio.The episode highlights the limitations of current security tools, such as facial recognition failing due to minor appearance changes, and the inefficiency of manual fraud reviews. Jeff explains how biometric systems using passive liveness detection and cryptographic keys offer stronger protection without storing facial data. The discussion makes clear that financial organizations must quickly adopt smarter authentication methods and better user education to stay ahead of rapidly advancing threats.Takeaways 1️⃣ Stop Falling for Fake Customer Support2️⃣ Watch How One Photo Fakes a Live Identity3️⃣ Use Biometrics to Expose Deepfake Lies4️⃣ Catch Scammers Building Fake Credit Profiles5️⃣ Block Voice Scams Made in Under 5 SecondsLinks: Jeff Scheidel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffscheidel/authID Website: https://www.authid.ai LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/authid Twitter: https://twitter.com/authIDai Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authidai/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authid.ai/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@authID-we-are-digital-identityFintech ConfidentialPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNewsletter: https://fintechconfidential.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSupportersSkyflow – A zero trust data privacy vault API for secure data collection and compliance: www.skyflowsecure.comSolvpath – AI-powered platform that reduces support tickets and guides users in real time: www.solvpath.comClearingworks – Unified accounts receivable platform for streamlined financial workflows: www.clearingworks.comHawk AI – Real-time fraud detection and compliance tools with AI-driven monitoring: www.get.hawkai.comAbout:Guest Jeff Scheidel is the Chief Operating Officer at authID, with over 40 years of experience in software, specializing in identity and access management. He has held leadership roles at Oracle and Socure, where he contributed to revenue growth and organizational restructuring.authID (Nasdaq: AUID) delivers fast, accurate biometric identity verification that helps enterprises know who’s behind every login and transaction. With industry-leading authentication speeds and privacy-first design, authID stops fraud from onboarding through account recovery.Host: Tedd Huff is the Founder of Voalyre, and Diamond D3, professional services consulting firms focused on global payments and marketing. He is also a video podcast host and executive producer on the Fintech Confidential network.Over the past 24 years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for Global Payments OpenEdge, Heartland Payments, Nuvei, and TSYS, among others, focusing on growth while delivering innovation, process improvements and user experience-driven value to simplify the complexity of payments.Diamond D3, Media is a media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globally.

Watch on YouTubeTedd Huff & John Gordon, CEO of ValidiFI, explore key shifts in Fintech and focus on Account Validation Technology. The focus is on account validation, fraud detection, and customer risk. With over 25 years in financial services, Gordon shares insights from his work at TransUnion and ValidiFI. He explains how behavioral signals like multiple emails, landlines, or shared accounts—can trigger higher risk. Gordon also breaks down why ACH transactions remain dominant, and how high-risk accounts show 11.5x more return failures. The episode covers challenges with virtual bank accounts, especially from neo banks, and how lenders can better identify stable users.John highlights how linking emails, phone types, and account behavior to reduce fraud and improve onboarding. He shares how AI and alternative data fill gaps left by outdated credit models, especially for BNPL users or consumers without full credit files.He predicts a rise in consumer control over financial data and warns that limited access may hurt repayment assessments. For fintech founders, his advice is clear: look at the full data picture account history, contact info, and usage to make better, faster decisions.Key Highlights🔹 Email Addresses Could Be Warning Signs🔹 Landlines Are Worse Than You Think🔹 Your Phone Type Says More🔹 Fake-Looking Behavior That’s Actually Fraud🔹 One Account, Too Many Users🔹 Why Some Banks Get You Declined🔹 ACH Still Beating Flashy Options🔹 Manual Processes Are Still Everywhere🔹 Stopping Fraud Without Losing Good Users🔹 The Risk Hiding in Screen ScrapingTakeaways1️⃣ This One Banking Habit Is Costing You2️⃣ What ACH Return Rates Are Hiding3️⃣ Why Neo Bank Users Are Getting Watched4️⃣ Most Used Accounts Still Miss the Full Picture5️⃣ The $100 Pizza You Didn’t Know About Links:John Gordonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfgordon/ValidiFIWebsite: https://validifi.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/validifi/X: https://x.com/validi_fi Fintech ConfidentialPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNotifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSupportersSkyFlowBuild fast without breaking privacy. Secure data, stay compliant with PCI, CCPA, GDPR, SOC2, and more. Visit https://skyflowsecure.comSolvpathAI-powered customer support with self-serve tools for fast issue resolution. Try it at https://www.getsolvpath.comClearingWorksSimplify AR with a single login. Manage all receivables in one platform. Schedule your demo at https://clearingworks.comHAWKCut false positives with real-time AI monitoring. Smarter, faster compliance. Learn more at https://gethawkai.comAbout:GuestJohn Gordon - John Gordon is CEO of ValidiFI with 25+ years in financial tech. He helps companies reduce fraud, assess risk, and validate accounts using real-time data strategies.ValidiFI - ValidiFI provides account and payment intelligence to help businesses verify bank accounts, reduce fraud, and improve approvals using real-time, bank-sourced data.Tedd Huff: Tedd Huff is the Founder of Voalyre.com, a professional services advisory firm focused on global payments and DD3 Media.Over the past 26 years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for Global Payments OpenEdge, Heartland Payments, Nuvei, and TSYS, among others, focusing on growth while delivering innovation, process improvements and user experience-driven value to simplify the complexity of payments.Diamond D3, Media: A media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globally

See More Here! In this episode of Fintech Confidential: Leaders One on One, host Tedd Huff speaks with Pascale Elie, Co-FOunder & Chairperson of Cellpay and co-founder of HaitiPay, about her work in improving financial services in LatinAmerica and the Caribbean. Pascale shares how the 2010 earthquake highlighted the need for accessible financial tools, leading to the launch of HaitiPay, Haiti’s first privately regulated fintech company. She discusses the importance of building partnerships, fostering trust, and addressing regulatory gaps to provide effective solutions.Expanding her efforts, Pascale established Cellpay to connect diaspora funds with local economies, supporting small business investments and community development. She explains how understanding local dynamics and forming strong partnerships are essential for delivering meaningful financial services.The conversation also covers challenges in working with traditional banks and the process of collaborating with Haiti’s central bank to create regulations that allowed fintech companies to operate independently. Pascale emphasizes practical tools like digital systems for community savings clubs, which offer secure and transparent ways for members to manage their funds.Pascale shares advice for fintech entrepreneurs, urging them to focus on clear goals, collaborate with the right people, and adapt to unregulated markets by advocating for necessary changes. She also highlights the potential of artificial intelligence to increase efficiency and expand access to financial services, stressing that ethical use of such tools is critical.Join Tedd Huff and Pascale Elie at the FinTech Islands Conference in Barbados from January 22-24, 2025, where they will share additional insights on improving financial services in underserved regions.Key Highlights 📌  How a Letter Changed Fintech in Haiti Forever📌  Why Trust Matters More Than Tech in Financial Services📌  The Bold Move That Made HaitiPay Stand Out📌  The Surprising Role of the Diaspora in Local Economies📌  The Biggest Barrier to Financial Growth Nobody Talks About📌  What Cellpay Teaches Us About Serving Local Markets📌  The One Question Every Fintech Founder Must Answer📌  How Local Partnerships Became the Secret to Success📌  How Artificial Intelligence Could Change Financial Access📌  What Fintech Can Learn From HaitiPay’s Early StrugglesTakeaways1️⃣ Build Trust by Prioritizing Transparency2️⃣ Offer Instant Payment Confirmations3️⃣ Promote Financial Literacy Programs4️⃣ Create a Team Aligned with Your Vision5️⃣ Digitize Savings Systems for Security and GrowthLinks:Pascale EllieLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascaleelie/X: https://x.com/PascaleElieFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pascale.elie.reneInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pascaleelie/CellPayWebsite: https://cellpay.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cellpaydotcom/X: https://x.com/cellpaydotcomFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/CellPaydotcomInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cellpaydotcom/Fintech Confidential YouTube: https://fintechconfidential.com/watch Podcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listen Notifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialTwitter: https://twitter.com/FTconfidential Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSupportersFintech Islands - FiX25: Use code SPKFIX25 to Save 15% and Discover the Future of Finance at FinTech Islands! From January 22–24, 2025, at the iconic Sam Lourdes Castle in Barbados, this transformative 3-day conference gathers global leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs driving change in financial services. Immerse yourself in visionary talks, hands-on workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities to shape the future of financial access and opportunity. Don’t miss this must-attend event—register now at https://fitnechconfidential.com/fix25HAWK: Enhance compliance with real-time monitoring and advanced AI. https://gethawkai.com for better complianceTime Stamps:[insert timestamps from transcript]This is a Production of Diamond D3, Media ABOUT: Pascale Elie is a Haiti-native entrepreneur and co-founder of HaitiPay, Haiti’s first privately regulated fintech company. Initially launched as a mobile wallet operator, HaitiPay has grown to offer a broad range of payment solutions, including account transfers, cross-institution services, and international remittance deposits.Pascale also co-founded and leads CellPay Corporation, a U.S.-based fintech focused on linking global remittances to local merchant networks in Latin America and the Caribbean. Using a community-driven approach, CellPay channels diaspora funds to boost local economies through earmarked transfers.CellPay Corporation is a U.S.-based fintech company that provides payment solutions aimed at linking global remittances to local merchant networks across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) markets. The company’s unique approach focuses on connecting diaspora funds to local economies, fostering growth through productive use of transferred money. CellPay’s mission is to boost local economies while ensuring fast, cost-efficient money transfers.Tedd Huff: Tedd Huff is the Founder of Voalyre, and the President & Founder of Diamond D3, a professional services consulting firm focused on global payments and marketing. He is also a video podcast host and producer of Fintech Confidential.Over the past 24 years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for Global Payments OpenEdge, Heartland Payments, Nuvei, and TSYS, among others, focusing on growth while delivering innovation, process improvements and user experience-driven value to simplify the complexity of payments.Diamond D3, Media: A media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globally

Click Here for MoreIn this episode of Accrued, Tedd Huff and Colton Pond talk with Georgina Merhom, founder of Solo, about rethinking financial services by addressing the flaws in traditional credit scoring systems like Experian, Transunion and FICO. Georgina explains how Solo creates a personalized, verified financial profile for each consumer, enabling lenders to make better decisions without relying on outdated metrics or subjective trust. The discussion covers the limitations of current credit scores, the benefits of replacing them with tailored evaluations, and the importance of consumer-controlled data. Georgina also shares practical advice for entrepreneurs, emphasizing the value of flexibility and learning from market signals to achieve long-term success.Key HighlightsWhy Credit Bureau Scores Are Outdated for Today’s EconomyThe True Cost of Collecting Financial DataBreaking the Bias in Banking TrustHow Solo Turns Financial Data Into Real-Time InsightsWhat Makes “One Score Fits All” a Problem?The Future of Financial Decisions Without BiasHow Solo Simplifies Credit EvaluationsTaking “No” as a Signal, Not a SetbackWhat Consumers Gain With Verified Financial DataWhy Banks Need Flexibility in Credit ScoringTakeaways1️⃣ Stop Depending on Outdated Credit Scores2️⃣ Slash Costs With Smarter Verification Methods3️⃣ Take Charge of Financial Information4️⃣ Use “No” to Strengthen Your Strategy5️⃣ Create Fairer Financial Systems With Verified DataLinks:SoloWebsite: https://solo.one/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/soloapi/X: https://x.com/soloapiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJ4pCxocO64 Georgina MerhomLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georginamerhom/Fintech ConfidentialNotifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSupportersLoanPro: Enhance lending operations with LoanPro's modern core. Learn more at https://loanpro.io/demoSkyflow, privacy platform trusted by leading financial institutions, to protect customers’ data. www.skyflowsecure.comHAWK: Enhance compliance with real-time monitoring and advanced AI. https://gethawkai.com for better complianceAbout:GuestGeorgina Merhom: Before founding Solo, Georgina began her career as a researcher and compliance director at the G7 & G20 Information Centre. She later trained as a data scientist and investigative analyst, focusing on developing algorithms to detect illicit activity on the dark web. In 2020, she launched Zivmi, Egypt's first cross-border payments app, in collaboration with the National Bank of Egypt, offering invoice factoring services to unbanked digital freelancers. In 2022, she divested the entire venture to the National Bank.Solo: The credit bureau of tomorrow — verified and standardized first-party customer data collection, enabling banks and lenders to identify previously invisible opportunities.Hosts:Tedd Huff: Tedd Huff is the CEO & Founder of Voalyre and the President & Founder of Diamond D3, a consultancy renowned for its expertise in global payments and marketing. With over two decades of experience in FinTech, Huff has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry through his contributions to various startups and established companies, focusing on growth, innovation, process improvements, and enhancing user experience in the complexity of payments. Colton Pond: Colton Pond is a seasoned marketing executive with a strong fintech and financial services background. In his latest role, Colton is the CMO for LoanPro's API-first lending platform, aiming to meet the increasing market demands. His track record includes a significant tenure at Truv, where he led the marketing team to achieve a 300% growth in year-over-year revenue. Colton has also held key marketing and sales positions at MX, Lucid, and HealthEquity, demonstrating his ability to drive success and innovation within the fintech sector.DD3 Media: DD3, Media: A media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globally

In this episode of Accrued a Fintech Confidential series presented by LoanPro, Tedd Huff and Colton Pond talk with Ben Boyer of World Acceptance about evolving financial strategies. They discuss how businesses can build lasting customer relationships by focusing on customer needs, expanding product offerings, and leveraging alternative data. Ben highlights the importance of realistic credit-building products, empathetic customer service, and accessible financial tools. The conversation emphasizes trust, transparency, and tailoring services to meet client needs while adapting to economic changes. A must-listen for businesses aiming to stay competitive and customer-focused in the financial sector. Key HighlightsThe Key to Retaining Customers You Might Be OverlookingWhy One-Size-Fits-All Credit Scores Could Be Holding You BackThe Secret to Offering Financial Products Customers Actually WantHow Expanding Your Offerings Can Keep Customers Coming BackWhat Makes a Great First Financial ProductWhy Data-Driven Decisions Beat Gut Instinct Every TimeBreaking Down Barriers to Financial SuccessHow to Balance Profitability and Customer CareWhat Most Financial Companies Get Wrong About Credit BuildingWhy Lifelong Customers Start with Exceptional Service Takeaways1️⃣ Set Clear Expectations to Earn Trust2️⃣ Simplify Financial Tools for Better Engagement3️⃣ Prioritize Trust Over Immediate Profits4️⃣ Stay Ahead by Analyzing Market Trends5️⃣ Be Proactive in Reaching Customers Links:World Finance: https://www.loansbyworld.com/aboutLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/worldfinance/Ben Boyer Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-boyer-535a272/ Fintech ConfidentialPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNotifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSupportersSupporters LoanPro: Enhance lending operations with LoanPro's modern core. Learn more at https://loanpro.io/demoSkyflow, privacy platform trusted by leading financial institutions, to protect customers’ data. www.skyflowsecure.comHAWK: Enhance compliance with real-time monitoring and advanced AI. https://gethawkai.com  for better compliance About:GuestBen Boyer: Ben Boyer is a finance executive in Product Development at World Finance, previously serving as COO at Simpliphy and VP of FP&A at Newrez. He has extensive experience in portfolio management and a proven track record of enhancing client implementations and financial forecasting. Ben’s expertise reflects a commitment to creating flexible, customer-centric financial products and improving the overall customer experience. World Finance: With over 60 years of experience and branches across 16 states, World Finance offers the stability of a large financial company and the trust of a neighborhood lender. Through personal loans, tax services, and unbeatable customer service, they help customers unlock their financial good. World Finance stands out from competitors by offering inclusive, transparent, and flexible lending solutions, with a strong focus on credit building, customer support, and comprehensive financial services, including tax preparation.   Hosts:Tedd Huff is the Co-Founder of Voalyre and the President & Founder of Diamond D3, a consultancy renowned for its expertise in global payments and marketing. With over two decades of experience in FinTech, Huff has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry through his contributions to various startups and established companies, focusing on growth, innovation, process improvements, and enhancing user experience in the complexity of payments. Colton Pond: Colton Pond is a seasoned marketing executive with a strong fintech and financial services background. In his latest role, Colton is the CMO for LoanPro's API-first lending platform, aiming to meet the increasing market demands. His track record includes a significant tenure at Truv, where he led the marketing team to achieve a 300% growth in year-over-year revenue. Colton has also held key marketing and sales positions at MX, Lucid, and HealthEquity, demonstrating his ability to drive success and innovation within the fintech sector. Diamond D3, Media: A media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globally 

See More Here: In this episode of Accrued by FinTech Confidential presented by LoanPro, hosts Tedd Huff and Colton Pond discuss these issues with Jeff Adamson, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of the company. Jeff shares how his team built an in-house technology stack to overcome these limitations, allowing them to offer personalized credit rates and a cashback system tailored to spending habits. AI tools further enhance the platform by simplifying financial management and providing actionable insights. Despite navigating complex regulatory requirements like the Retail Payments Activity Act, the company maintains a focus on creating transparent, user-friendly products. By integrating credit, savings, investments, and more into a cohesive system, the organization delivers added value while setting a high standard for customer-focused financial services. The conversation offers practical takeaways for FinTech professionals and entrepreneurs seeking to thrive in a challenging market.Takeaways 1️⃣ Stop Waiting for Support—Build It Yourself2️⃣ Make Fair Lending Your Priority3️⃣ Turn Regulations into Opportunities4️⃣ Create Value Beyond Basic Rewards5️⃣ Focus on Clear and Simple CommunicationFintech Confidential Podcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listen Notifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/access LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidential X: https://x.com/FTconfidential Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidential SupportersLoanPro: Enhance lending operations with LoanPro's modern core. Learn more at https://loanpro.io/demo CheckAlt ClearingWorks: Your one-stop solution for AR needs. Learn more at https://clearingworks.com Under.io: Revolutionize merchant applications with digital transformation. Discover more at https://under.io/ftc Skyflow, privacy platform trusted by leading financial institutions, to protect customers’ data. www.skyflowsecure.com HAWK: Enhance compliance with real-time monitoring and advanced AI. https://gethawkai.com for better complianceThis is a Production of Diamond D3, Media ABOUT: [Guest Name]: [Guest Bio][Company Name] : [Company info]Tedd Huff: Tedd Huff is the Co-Founder of Voalyre, and the President & Founder of Diamond D3, a professional services consulting firm focused on global payments and marketing. He is also a video podcast host and producer of Fintech Confidential.Over the past 24 years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for Global Payments OpenEdge, Heartland Payments, Nuvei, and TSYS, among others, focusing on growth while delivering innovation, process improvements and user experience-driven value to simplify the complexity of payments.Diamond D3, Media: A media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globally

Get the full story HERE!In this episode of Accrued, hosts Tedd Huff and Colton Pond engage with Ensemblex leaders Shawn Budde and Chloe Zhu to explore challenges and opportunities in lending and financial technology. The discussion highlights common pitfalls for fintech startups, such as prioritizing customer acquisition while neglecting critical processes like servicing and collections, which are essential for long-term success. The importance of clean, organized data for informed decision-making is emphasized, along with strategies to enhance operational efficiency through structured approaches. They also address the role of AI, stressing the need for human oversight to prevent errors and biases while using it as a tool to improve automation and decision-making. Practical advice is provided on meeting evolving regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance is integrated into business operations. Finally, the episode examines advanced financial practices in countries like India and Brazil, offering lessons on improving accessibility and efficiency in U.S. markets. This conversation delivers actionable insights for professionals seeking to refine their strategies in fintech and lending.Takeaways1️⃣ Avoid the Biggest Lending Mistake Startups Make2️⃣ AI Won’t Fix Everything3️⃣ Start Compliance Early to Save Time and Money4️⃣ What’s Your Customer’s Long-Term Value5️⃣ Look Globally to Stay AheadLinks:EnsembleX: https://www.ensemblex.com/EnsembleX LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ensemblex/Shawn Budde LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-budde-584aa4/Chloe Zhu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-zhu-cfa/ Fintech Confidential Notifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/access LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidential X: https://x.com/FTconfidential Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidential SupportersLoanPro: As default rates continue to rise and margins compress in lending, financial organizations are searching for solutions that combine operational efficiency with innovation. Look no further, as LoanPro allows lenders to enhance their origination, servicing, collections, and payments using the foundation of a modern lending core. Check out loanpro.io/demo to learn how 600+ financial organizations have modernized their tech stack with LoanPro.Skyflow, the leading data privacy platform trusted by top financial institutions. Protect your customers' data with Skyflow's innovative solutions. Get started at www.skyflowsecure.comHAWK:AI - A game-changing approach to compliance. With real-time monitoring, adaptive learning, and advanced AI, it cuts false positives, simplifying your compliance efforts. Upgrade your surveillance with ease. Visit https://gethawkai.com for more intelligent, more effective compliance. About:GuestShawn Budde: Shawn Budde is a Principal at Ensemblex and has over 30 years of experience in consumer finance. His career includes leadership roles at Capital One, where he managed various divisions, including subprime credit cards and customer marketing. Shawn co-founded Zest AI, applying machine learning to lending decisions, and has consulted with numerous lenders to optimize their credit operations. He holds a B.A. from Columbia University and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.Chloe Zhu: Chloe Zhu is the Director of the Venture Studio at Ensemblex and brings a diverse background in investment banking, impact investing, and fintech. She has held roles at J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs and led new product initiatives at Mission Lane. Chloe also co-founded projects at Gestalt and Stealth. Her expertise includes building scalable credit products and managing investment portfolios, focusing on improving financial inclusion and operational efficiency in fintech.Ensemblex: Ensemblex partners with companies worldwide to help start, scale, and improve credit products. Their clients range from fintech startups to global financial institutions. With deep expertise across every credit product, customer segment, and stage of the credit lifecycle, Ensemblex focuses on tailored business solutions, operational efficiency, and advanced analytics to meet their clients’ needs.Host:Tedd Huff is the Co-Founder of Voalyre and the President & Founder of Diamond D3, a consultancy renowned for its expertise in global payments and marketing. With over two decades of experience in FinTech, Huff has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry through his contributions to various startups and established companies, focusing on growth, innovation, process improvements, and enhancing user experience in the complexity of payments.Colton Pond: Colton Pond is a seasoned marketing executive with a strong fintech and financial services background. In his latest role, Colton is the CMO for LoanPro's API-first lending platform, aiming to meet the increasing market demands. His track record includes a significant tenure at Truv, where he led the marketing team to achieve a 300% growth in year-over-year revenue. Colton has also held key marketing and sales positions at MX, Lucid, and HealthEquity, demonstrating his ability to drive success and innovation within the fintech sector.Diamond D3, Media: A media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globally Chapters:03:27 Introducing Ensemblex Guests06:13 Challenges in Scaling Credit Products08:17 Common Mistakes in Lending and Credit11:47 Importance of Servicing and Collections15:13 Data and Analytics in Financial Services18:08 AI in Financial Services23:45 Regulation and AI in Lending24:18 Challenges with Machine Learning Models27:46 Regulatory Interactions and Compliance29:06 Community Banks and AI Adoption31:20 Future Opportunities in FinTech35:53 Global Innovations and Predictions40:49 Conclusion and Final Thought

See MoreIn this episode of Fintech Confidential, recorded live at the 2024 Money 20/20 event in Las Vegas, Tedd Huff and Stephany Kirkpatrick, founder and CEO of Orum, dive into the world of money movement technology. The discussion flows naturally, covering the many ways Orum is simplifying payments and enhancing access to funds. Kirkpatrick brings a unique perspective, sharing how her background as the daughter of an immigrant and a former financial planner shaped her understanding of money access and inspired her to start Orum.Key Highlights🚀 Making Instant Payouts Possible for Businesses🍩 Time to Make the Donuts💸 Why Wait for Money Movement?💲 Real-Time Payments Without High Costs🔒 Making Compliance Easy💼 The Power of Clear Pricing📊 CFPB’s 1033 Rule and Data Access🌐 Stablecoins in International Payments🏗 Building a Strong Product First🤝 Trusted Partnerships for Reliable PaymentsTakeaways 1️⃣ Apply Financial Planning Insights to Your Startup Vision2️⃣ Keep Remote Teams Engaged with Simple Tools3️⃣ Streamline Payment Solutions with Easy APIs4️⃣ Enhance Security in Transactions with Verification Tools5️⃣ Choose Strong Partnerships to Boost Your Business’s CredibilityLinks: Stephany KirkpatrickLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephany-kirkpatrick/Orum:Website: https://orum.io/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/helloorumX: https://twitter.com/hello_orumFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/helloorum/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orum.io/Fintech ConfidentialYouTube: https://fintechconfidential.com/watchPodcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenNotifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://X.com/FTconfidentialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSupportersSupportersUnder: Transform Your Merchant Applications with Under. The Under platform revolutionizes the way ISOs handle merchant applications, offering a seamless transition to digital forms. Say goodbye to outdated processes and hello to efficiency. Discover the future of financial applications at https://under.io/ftcCheckAlt: a game-changer in the financial world: ClearingWorks. Simplify your financial management with a one-stop solution for all your AR needs and with a single login. Intrigued? Visit https://clearingworks.com to schedule your demo todayHAWK:AI - A game-changing approach to compliance. With real-time monitoring, adaptive learning, and advanced AI, it cuts false positives, simplifying your compliance efforts. Upgrade your surveillance with ease. Visit https://gethawkai.com for more intelligent, more effective compliance.Solvpath, an A.I.-driven customer support system that uses a visual format and self-serve technology to quickly and effectively resolve issues, resulting in satisfying support experiences for customers. Get the best customer support system for your business. Get Solvpath. Get started by visiting www.getsolvpath.com Skyflow, the leading data privacy platform trusted by top financial institutions. Protect your customers' data with Skyflow's innovative solutions. Get started at www.skyflowsecure.comAbout:Guest Stephany Kirkpatrick is the CEO and founder of Orum, a pioneering API-based company enabling instant payouts across major payment networks. With over 15 years of experience, she has led digital product initiatives at major firms like Northwestern Mutual and LearnVest. Stephany, who began her career as a certified financial planner, founded Orum in 2019 to provide immediate financial access for businesses and consumers. Driven by her background as the daughter of an immigrant, her mission centers on enhancing financial freedom and efficiency through streamlined payment solutions.Orum is a simple API for fast, reliable payments. Orum’s API solution delivers access to rails including Same Day ACH and standard ACH – and instant bank account verification. Orum allows businesses to launch instant payments and instant bank account verification in just days, without costly bank integrations or prolonged compliance. This in turn empowers businesses and banks to launch new payment experiences that attract and monetize more customers. Founded by Stephany Kirkpatrick and led by expert fintech operators from LearnVest, Square, N26, Klarna, Marqeta, and Stash, Orum has raised over $82 million from leading investors, including Accel, Canapi, Bain Capital Ventures, Inspired Capital, Homebrew, Acrew, BoxGroup, Clocktower Ventures, Primary Ventures and American Express Ventures. We provide the technology and expertise required to power a better financial system where everyone has the freedom to build to their potential.Host: Tedd Huff is the Founder of Voalyre, a professional services advisory firm focused on global payments and DD3 Media.Over the past 24 years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for Global Payments OpenEdge, Heartland Payments, Nuvei, and TSYS, among others, focusing on growth while delivering innovation, process improvements and user experience-driven value to simplify the complexity of payments.DD3 Media:DD3 Media is a  creation, management, and production company that delivers engaging content globally

See More In this episode of Fintech Confidential’s Leaders, Tedd Huff talks with Ariel Blum, CEO of Receive, about how fintech can transform cash flow for small businesses. Receive’s unique model provides immediate, fee-free access to earned revenue, giving small businesses the “spending power” they need without relying on costly credit. Tedd and Ariel discuss the importance of simplifying financial tools, building a customer-centered company culture, and the role of regulation in supporting fintech innovation. They explore how access to essential financial tools can empower underserved entrepreneurs globally, highlighting fintech’s potential to make finance more accessible and responsive to real-world business needs.Key Highlights-  No Fees Just Freedom-  Beyond Credit Scores-  Spending Power Not Loans-  Say Goodbye to Jargon-  Empathy as a Business Strategy-  Tech-Driven Liquidity-  Smarter Business Growth-  A New Approach to Regulation-  Going Global with Financial Access-  Focus on Cash FlowTakeaways 1️⃣ Unlock Immediate Spending Power2️⃣ Put Empathy First in Your Business Strategy3️⃣ Use Jargon-Free Language in Client Interactions4️⃣ When to Consider an Interchange-Based Revenue Model5️⃣ Look Beyond Borders for Business GrowthLinks: Ariel Blum LinkedInReceiveLinkedInFacebookInstagramFintech ConfidentialYouTubeNotificationsLinkedInXInstagram FacebookSupportersUnder: Transform Your Merchant Applications with Under. The Under platform revolutionizes the way ISOs handle merchant applications, offering a seamless transition to digital forms. Say goodbye to outdated processes and hello to efficiency. Discover the future of financial applications at https://under.io/ftc CheckAlt: a game-changer in the financial world: ClearingWorks. Simplify your financial management with a one-stop solution for all your AR needs and with a single login. Intrigued? Visit https://clearingworks.com to schedule your demo todayHAWK:AI - A game-changing approach to compliance. With real-time monitoring, adaptive learning, and advanced AI, it cuts false positives, simplifying your compliance efforts. Upgrade your surveillance with ease. Visit https://gethawkai.com for more intelligent, more effective compliance.Solvpath, an A.I.-driven customer support system that uses a visual format and self-serve technology to quickly and effectively resolve issues, resulting in satisfying support experiences for customers. Get the best customer support system for your business. Get Solvpath. Get started by visiting www.getsolvpath.com Skyflow, the leading data privacy platform trusted by top financial institutions. Protect your customers' data with Skyflow's innovative solutions. Get started at www.skyflowsecure.comAbout:Guest Ariel Blum,  Founder & CEO | ReceiveOver the past decade, Ariel Blum has been dedicated to payment innovation, playing an instrumental role in advancing the democratization of digital payments globally. In his current role at Melio, Ariel steers large-scale partnerships and integrations with major financial institutions and tech companies to democratize B2B payment solutions for SMBs throughout the U.S.ReceiveAs the first-ever Earned Revenue Access provider for SMBs, Receive’s mission is to provide the SMBs of America with on-demand liquidity anytime, anywhere, and for free.Host: Tedd Huff: Tedd Huff is the Founder of Voalyre, a professional services advisory firm focused on global payments and DD3 Media.Over the past 24 years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for Global Payments OpenEdge, Heartland Payments, Nuvei, and TSYS, among others, focusing on growth while delivering innovation, process improvements and user experience-driven value to simplify the complexity of payments.DD3, Media: DD3 Media is a media creation, management, and production company that delivers engaging content globally

See More In this episode of FinTech Confidential, host Tedd Huff and co-host Colton Pond speak with Timothy Li, CEO of LendAPI, on core strategies for fintech success. Key topics include the importance of fraud detection advancements, the need to build comprehensive products rather than features, and the role of partnerships in providing complete solutions for financial institutions. They also discuss the potential of international payments using blockchain and stresses the importance of customer feedback for relevant product development. Finally, they emphasize execution over ideas, highlighting the need to act on customer needs swiftly to remain competitive in fintech.Key HighlightsHow Fintech Tackles Fraud: The Latest Security TrendsBuilding Products, Not Features: The Key to Lasting ImpactPartnerships: The Secret Behind Fintech SuccessInternational Payments: The Next Big Opportunity in FintechCustomer Feedback Drives Product DevelopmentExecuting Ideas: Why Action Beats Theory in FintechFraud Prevention Tools: Enhancing Security for Financial ServicesWhy Complete Solutions Win Over Piecemeal FeaturesThe Essential Role of Partnership in Fintech GrowthWhy Customer Listening is Fintech’s Competitive EdgeTop 5 Takeaways1️⃣ Make Fraud Detection Your Top Priority2️⃣ Focus on Product Fit Over Flashy Features3️⃣ Build Partnerships to Extend Your Reach4️⃣ Stay Customer-Centered for Lasting Success5️⃣ Prioritize Action and Execution Over TheorySupportersLoanPro: As default rates continue to rise and margins compress in lending, financial organizations are searching for solutions that combine operational efficiency with innovation. Look no further, as LoanPro allows lenders to enhance their origination, servicing, collections, and payments using the foundation of a modern lending core. Check out loanpro.io/demo to learn how 600+ financial organizations have modernized their tech stack with LoanPro.CheckAlt: a game-changer in the financial world: ClearingWorks. Simplify your financial management with a one-stop solution for all your AR needs and with a single login. Intrigued? Visit https://clearingworks.com to schedule your demo today.Skyflow, the leading data privacy platform trusted by top financial institutions. Protect your customers' data with Skyflow's innovative solutions. Get started at www.skyflowsecure.comUnder: Transform Your Merchant Applications with Under. The Under platform revolutionizes the way ISOs handle merchant applications, offering a seamless transition to digital forms. Say goodbye to outdated processes and hello to efficiency. Discover the future of financial applications at https://under.io/ftcHAWK:AI - A game-changing approach to compliance. With real-time monitoring, adaptive learning, and advanced AI, it cuts false positives, simplifying your compliance efforts. Upgrade your surveillance with ease. Visit https://gethawkai.com for more intelligent, more effective compliance.This is a Production of Diamond D3, MediaABOUT: Timothy Li: Timothy Li is a tech entrepreneur specializing in banking technology. Throughout his career, he has worked with teams to develop mission-critical software for leading organizations like Intel and JPMorgan. Timothy is the co-founder of multiple fintech startups, including LendAPI, Magic, Alchemy, MaxDecisions, Fluid Credit, and Kuber.LendAPI: LendAPI is a no-code, end-to-end digital onboarding platform designed to help banks, lenders, and insurance companies quickly launch digital onboarding solutions. With LendAPI, organizations can create a seamless online onboarding process in minutes, providing a suite of tools like Product Studio, Pricing Engine, and Rules Studio, all integrated into one platform.Host:Tedd Huff is the Co-Founder of Voalyre and the President & Founder of Diamond D3, a consultancy renowned for its expertise in global payments and marketing. With over two decades of experience in FinTech, Huff has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry through his contributions to various startups and established companies, focusing on growth, innovation, process improvements, and enhancing user experience in the complexity of payments.Colton Pond: Colton Pond is a seasoned marketing executive with a strong fintech and financial services background. In his latest role, Colton is the CMO for LoanPro's API-first lending platform, aiming to meet the increasing market demands. His track record includes a significant tenure at Truv, where he led the marketing team to achieve a 300% growth in year-over-year revenue. Colton has also held key marketing and sales positions at MX, Lucid, and HealthEquity, demonstrating his ability to drive success and innovation within the fintech sector.Diamond D3, Media: A media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globallyTimestamps:03:47 Timothy Lee's Entrepreneurial Journey04:44 LendAPI: Revolutionizing Onboarding08:18 Challenges in FinTech Today12:29 The Future of International Payments17:56 Partnerships: The Key to Success26:56 Key Lessons for FinTech Founders27:14 The Importance of Execution29:15 Inbox Zero vs. Inbox Thousands30:44 Advice for Aspiring FinTech Founders31:00 Building Products, Not Features33:23 The Pitfalls of Pivoting35:50 Investing in FinTech Companies37:09 The Reality of Fundraising42:20 Future of FinTech: A Realistic View44:15 Unbundling and Rebundling in FinTech45:05 Shoutouts to Impactful FinTech Companies47:29 The Role of Partnerships in FinTech49:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Click Here to read moreIn this episode of Uncut by Fintech Confidential, host Tedd Huff discusses the FTC’s new Click-to-Cancel rule with legal expert Linda Goldstein (Baker Hostetler), Carl D’Agostino (CEO, Solvpath), and Jayare Charron (VP of Partnerships). This new rule, aimed at simplifying subscription cancellations, requires businesses to offer easy, transparent processes for consumers to opt out of services. The conversation covers the four key components of the rule: prohibiting misleading ads, ensuring clear billing disclosures, obtaining consumer consent, and simplifying cancellations.The guests explain how businesses can adapt by implementing self-service tools, improving customer retention, and avoiding the hefty fines associated with non-compliance (up to $50,000 per violation). They also highlight the importance of using AI-driven platforms like Solvpath to enhance customer experience while staying compliant.This episode is a must-listen for any subscription-based business looking to stay ahead of FTC regulations, reduce churn, and improve customer satisfaction.Key Highlights - New FTC Rules Demand Simple Cancellations - Massive Fines Ahead for Non-Compliant Businesses - Why Self-Service Options Are Key for Subscription Success - Proactive Adjustments Could Save Your Business - Retention Beats Acquisition: The Smart Strategy - Building Trust with Transparent Billing - Automation: The Secret Weapon for Compliance - How Transparent Cancellation Policies Build Loyalty - Data-Driven Strategies for Reducing Churn - The Future of Subscription Services Depends on CompliancTakeaways 1️⃣ Make Cancellations Effortless to Stay Compliant2️⃣ Stop Misleading Ads Before the FTC Hits You with Fines3️⃣ Streamline Billing Disclosures for Consumer Trust4️⃣ Implement Self-Serve Tools for Smooth Subscription Management5️⃣ Use Data to Prevent Cancellations Before They Happen04:08 FTC's New Click to Cancel Rule05:33 Legal Implications of the New Rule05:47 Industry Experts Weigh In07:04 Core Tenets of the FTC Rule11:19 Changes from Proposal to Final Rule15:42 Effective Dates and Business Adjustments16:42 Impact on Subscription Businesses17:10 Solvpath's Role in Adapting to Changes21:10 Data-Driven Approaches to Reduce Churn22:28 Challenges and Compliance Strategies33:54 In-Person and Telephone Sales Compliance42:56 Final Thoughts and Recommendations43:43 Pre-Canned Solutions for Easy Compliance43:58 The Benefits of Easy Cancellation44:40 Understanding the Full Billing Cycle45:11 FTC's Perspective on Cancellation47:13 Post-Sale Strategies for Customer Retention48:53 The Importance of Compliance49:41 Challenges for New Advertisers50:14 The Role of Self-Serve Automation50:32 Impact of New Regulations on Advertisers58:41 Long-Term Perspective on Compliance59:57 Future Expectations in the Marketplace01:11:10 Aligning with Card Brand Rules01:18:51 Final Thoughts and Positive TakeawaysLinks:Solvpath: https:getsolvpath.com/Bakerhsosltetler: https://www.bakerlaw.com/Fintech Confidential YouTube: https://fintechconfidential.com/watch Podcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listen Notifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialTwitter: https://twitter.com/FTconfidential Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSupportersTime Stamps:[insert timestamps from transcript]This is a Production of Diamond D3, Media

Click Here See More In this episode of FinTech Confidential, host Tedd Huff interviews Jordan Olivas, the founder of Harvv, a B2B accounts receivables financing platform. The conversation focuses on how Harvv is helping businesses in traditional industries, such as recreational vehicles, construction, raw materials, and consumer packaged goods, by offering innovative financial solutions that streamline their payment processes and improve cash flow. Throughout the discussion, Jordan shares valuable insights on the challenges these industries face and how Harvv’s platform addresses these issues by making the payment and financing process easier for both sellers and buyers.Key HighlightsWhy Flexible Payment Terms Are the Key to Faster Cash FlowThe Secret to Reducing Financial Risk with Payment SolutionsHow Automation Saves Time in Managing PaymentsWhy In-House Financing Comes with Hidden CostsWhat Traditional Industries Need to Know About Payment TermsWhy Customer Service Plays a Big Role in Payment SuccessHow Tight-Margin Industries Can Improve Financial StabilityStreamlined Onboarding Can Make or Break Payment SystemsWhy Reverse Factoring Beats Traditional FinancingThe Importance of Perseverance in Business Success Takeaways1️⃣ Get Paid Faster with Flexible Payment Options2️⃣ Automate to Eliminate Manual Payment Chasing3️⃣ Shift Credit Risk to Buyers for Safer Deals4️⃣ Reduce Hidden Costs by Outsourcing Financing Tasks5️⃣ Offer Multiple Payment Methods for Customer ConvenienceSupportersUnder: Revolutionize merchant applications with digital transformation. Discover more at https://under.io/ftcSkyflow, privacy platform trusted by leading financial institutions, to protect customers’ data. www.skyflowsecure.comHAWK: Enhance compliance with real-time monitoring and advanced AI. https://gethawkai.com for better compliance. Links:[Company Name]Website: Linkedin: Facebook: Instagram:Twitter: Youtube: Fintech Confidential YouTube: https://fintechconfidential.com/watch Podcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listen Notifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialTwitter: https://twitter.com/FTconfidential Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidentialSupportersSupport is provided by MPC 2023, the premier event for fintech leaders. This is your chance to shake hands and rub shoulders with the world's top experts in payments, loyalty, blockchain, digital currencies, cybersecurity, consumer privacy, and other emerging fintech solutions connecting you directly with the future of commerce. If you haven't already, mark your calendars for August 23rd through the 25th and join me and Fintech Confidential at the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North. When you sign up for FinTech confidential notifications, you will receive a discount from $50 to 100% off.Or use this link for $50 of registration. https://mpcevent.com/FTC50This is a Production of Diamond D3, Media ABOUT: Jordan Olivas: Jordan is the founder of Harvv, a rapidly growing B2B factoring platform that's revolutionizing financing for traditional industries like raw materials, solar, construction, and consumer packaged goods.Before Harvv, he founded QisstPay, which became one of the largest Buy Now, Pay Later services in Asia. Under Jordan's leadership, QisstPay partnered with over 1,000 brands, including major players like Samsung and Lenovo.Jordan's experience spans from startups to corporate leadership roles. He's worked with some of the biggest names in fintech, including Klarna and ChargeAfter. His expertise in lending, revenue growth, and strategic partnerships has made him a sought-after leader in the industry. Harvv: Harvv is a B2B financing platform that helps businesses improve cash flow. Offering flexible payment terms and shifting credit risk to buyers, it allows companies to get paid upfront. With seamless automation and integration with accounting software, it simplifies invoicing, reduces delays, and cuts the costs of in-house financing, enabling businesses to grow confidently.Tedd Huff: Tedd Huff is the Co-Founder of Voalyre, and the President & Founder of Diamond D3, a professional services consulting firm focused on global payments and marketing. He is also a video podcast host and producer of Fintech Confidential.Over the past 24 years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for Global Payments OpenEdge, Heartland Payments, Nuvei, and TSYS, among others, focusing on growth while delivering innovation, process improvements and user experience-driven value to simplify the complexity of payments.DD3, Media: A media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globallyChapters00:00 - Leaders 1:1 Jordan Olivas PreviewIntroduction to the episode and guest Jordan Olivas.03:06 - Jordan Olivas’ Journey and Harvv’s ImpactOverview of Jordan’s background and the creation of Harvv.05:03 - Transitioning from BNPL to B2B FinancingJordan explains his shift from consumer Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) to B2B financing.06:45 - Challenges in B2B FinancingDiscussion of the obstacles Harvv faced in traditional industries.07:47 - Educating Traditional IndustriesThe importance of educating businesses about modern financing solutions.12:47 - Sales Strategies and Market FocusHow Harvv targets sales and focuses on specific industries.14:19 - Leveraging Technology for CashflowHow technology and automation enhance cash flow and reduce manual work.15:18 - Automation and IntegrationDiscussion of Harvv’s automation features and system integration capabilities.20:39 - Hidden Costs of In-House FinancingExplanation of the unseen expenses businesses face with in-house financing.21:54 - Customer Payment ChallengesChallenges businesses face with late payments and customer creditworthiness.23:07 - Understanding Factoring in BusinessInsight into how factoring works and how Harvv’s reverse factoring differs.26:10 - Future Trends in B2B FinancingPredictions for the future of B2B financing and emerging trends.27:27 - Innovative Solutions for Accounts ReceivablesHarvv’s unique solutions for modernizing accounts receivable management.36:18 - Risk Management in B2B FinancingHow Harvv helps businesses manage financial risks effectively.36:56 - Advice for EntrepreneursJordan shares key advice for entrepreneurs about resilience and perseverance.40:58 - Closing Thoughts and Final WordsFinal reflections from Jordan on Harvv’s mission and Tedd Huff wraps up the episode.

In this episode of FinTech Confidential, Tedd Huff and Colton Pond chat with Jonathan Awad, co-founder and CEO of Baselayer. They cover some pretty interesting topics around identity verification and fraud prevention for businesses, especially small and medium-sized ones. The conversation is packed with useful insights into how financial institutions are dealing with these challenges, and how new tech is changing the game for everyone involved.The main focus of the discussion is about making business identity verification smoother and faster. Financial institutions are constantly trying to figure out how to trust the businesses they work with. Traditionally, this process has been slow, complicated, and full of risks. Nowadays, technology helps solve these problems by verifying business identities in real-time. The result is a more secure onboarding process, which cuts down on fraud and makes it easier for businesses to prove who they are.What’s really cool is that it doesn’t stop at just checking identities. Companies now have tools that can keep an eye on businesses long after they’ve been verified. Instead of just doing a one-time check, financial institutions get real-time updates if something about a business changes. So if a new risk pops up or fraud becomes more likely, they’re alerted immediately. This continuous monitoring is a big win for risk management, helping financial institutions stay ahead of any potential issues.Another important takeaway from the episode is how AI is used. There’s a lot of talk about AI in the world of fintech, but the key here is that it’s not about the technology itself—it’s about what it can do. AI makes fraud detection faster and more reliable, but what really matters is that it helps solve problems in a practical way. The conversation makes it clear that financial institutions are less interested in how fancy the tech is and more interested in whether it works efficiently. And it does—by preventing fraud and helping businesses stay compliant with regulations.The episode also touches on what it takes to secure funding and build a successful fintech company. There’s a lot of emphasis on having a strong team and a clear vision. Investors want to see that the company can actually deliver results, and that the team behind it knows what they’re doing. This is especially important in fintech, where the stakes are high and customers expect things to work flawlessly. It’s not enough to just have a good idea—you need to prove that it can succeed in the real world.One of the more eye-opening parts of the episode is about the future of managing identities. The idea of controlling your identity through apps is something that could make things a lot easier for everyone, from individuals to large companies. While it’s still in the early stages, the potential is clear. If done right, it could make identity verification quicker and more secure, leading to better financial access for more people.Toward the end, they discuss some up-and-coming companies that are also making waves in fintech. There’s mention of Not K, Solo, and LoanPro—companies that are tackling big problems like fraud prevention and business lending. These are the types of companies that could really change how the financial industry operates in the future.All in all, this episode is filled with useful information for anyone interested in fintech or business risk management. The focus is on how technology is helping solve real-world problems like fraud and compliance, and the tips on building a strong team and securing funding are especially helpful for anyone looking to break into the space. It’s definitely worth a listen if you want to understand where the industry is headed and how these challenges are being tackled with new tools and strategies.Key Highlights The Secret to Fraud Prevention Nobody Talks AboutIn this episode, you’ll learn how real-time data monitoring can help financial institutions stay ahead of fraudsters. Instead of waiting for fraud to happen, companies now have tools that keep constant track of business activities. This helps them get alerted immediately when something looks off, saving both time and money.Why AI Isn’t the Hero of This StoryWe’ve all heard about AI, but it’s not the focus here. What matters is how it’s used to solve problems. You’ll find out how AI works behind the scenes to speed up fraud detection and make identity verification smoother, without it being just a flashy headline.How to Win Over Investors with a Solid TeamOne of the biggest takeaways is that investors care more about the team behind a product than just the product itself. Learn how having the right people in place is key to securing funding, and why investors need to believe in the team’s ability to deliver results.The Future of Identity Verification—What’s Next?Controlling your identity through apps could soon become the norm. This segment explores how the future of identity management is changing and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. The possibilities are exciting, especially when it comes to improving security and access.Ongoing Monitoring: The Fraud Prevention Tool You Didn’t Know You NeededWhy stop at verifying a business once? With ongoing monitoring, financial institutions get updates anytime something changes, helping them stay on top of new risks. This clip explains how this constant watch is a game-changer in risk management.Stop Pitching AI—Start Solving ProblemsToo many companies make a big deal out of using AI. But what really matters is solving the customer’s problem. In this episode, you’ll hear how focusing on real solutions, rather than technology buzzwords, is what sets successful companies apart.How Real-Time Data Changes the Game for Fraud PreventionThe speed of fraud detection is critical. Financial institutions need to act fast to prevent losses. This highlight explains how using real-time data gives companies the edge they need to quickly catch fraud before it spirals out of control.Raising $6.5M: What Investors Really Want to SeeJonathan breaks down how Baselayer raised $6.5 million in seed funding. This clip covers the importance of demonstrating real-world applications and having a team that can back it up, showing that investors want more than just a good idea.The Growing Threat of Credit Stacking and Synthetic Identity FraudWith businesses lending bigger amounts, the risk of fraud grows. This segment dives into how companies are using new tools to fight credit stacking and synthetic identities, protecting themselves from these rising threats.Business Lending Done Right—How Companies Are Staying SafeLending money to businesses can be risky, but new tools are making it easier to decide who to trust. This clip looks at how businesses are using real-time analysis and ongoing monitoring to make smarter decisions when it comes to lending money.Takeaways1️⃣ Stick to a Long-Term StrategyDon’t get sidetracked by short-term goals. Founders who prioritize a long-term strategy, like Baselayer does with its focus on risk management and compliance, set themselves up for sustainable success. Baselayer’s tools help fintech companies manage risks more efficiently, freeing them to focus on growth.2️⃣ Balance Confidence with Humility for SuccessFintech founders need to believe in their vision, but they also need to listen to smarter people around them. Success comes from balancing confidence with humility, knowing when to push forward and when to lean on expert advice. Dropping your ego and accepting help is key to navigating the challenges of the fintech world.3️⃣ Build Strong Relationships to Win in FintechNetworking is crucial in fintech. Focus on creating genuine relationships that can help you grow your company. Whether you’re pitching to investors or partnering with other businesses, solid connections are essential to long-term success.4️⃣ Prevent Fraud with Real-Time MonitoringTake action by incorporating Baselayer’s real-time monitoring into your operations. Baselayer continuously tracks business activities, providing instant alerts when risks or fraud arise. This proactive approach gives your company the tools to prevent issues before they escalate, improving trust and security.5️⃣ Prepare for the Future of Identity ControlThe future of fintech could be all about controlling your identity through apps. This could dramatically reduce fraud and make financial services more accessible. Understanding these trends can help your company stay ahead of the curve.Links:Baselayer:Website: https://baselayerhq.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/baselayerhq/Jonathan Awad LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsawadd/Fintech Confidential YouTube: https://fintechconfidential.com/watch Podcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listen Notifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialTwitter: https://twitter.com/FTconfidential Instagram:...

Learn MoreIn this episode of Leaders One on One by Fintech Confidential, Tedd Huff talks with Scarlett Sieber, the Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at Money 20/20, about the key trends and issues shaping the fintech industry. The episode focuses on topics like fraud prevention, artificial intelligence (AI), regulations, and how fintech events like Money 20/20 help companies connect and grow.Key HighlightsHow AI is Redefining Fraud DetectionTightening Regulations in FintechSuper Apps Are Changing Everyday TransactionsSimplifying Cross-Border PaymentsOpen Banking Drives New ServicesFintech Events: More Than Just NetworkingThe Growing Focus on Fraud PreventionThe Power of Networking in FintechFlexibility Is Key for Fintech StartupsCompliance: A Growing Concern for FintechTakeaways1️⃣ Leverage Competitive Networking at Conferences2️⃣ Make the Most of Focused Content Sessions3️⃣ Use Customer Feedback to Improve Fintech Offerings4️⃣ Adapt to Market-Specific Models5️⃣ Capitalize on Strategic Partnerships with Tech GiantsSupportersUnder: Revolutionize merchant applications with digital transformation. Discover more at https://under.io/ftcSkyflow, privacy platform trusted by leading financial institutions, to protect customers’ data. www.skyflowsecure.comHAWK: Enhance compliance with real-time monitoring and advanced AI. https://gethawkai.com for better compliance. About: Scarlett Sieber: Scarlett is the Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at Money20/20 and a bestselling author, having recently published "Embedded Finance: When Payments Become An Experience. Scarlett's expertise has been recognized by her appointment as a senior advisor to NASA, and her diverse career spans various roles in the finance and tech sectors. She was previously Vice President at USA where she led their newly created business development initiative and as Chief Innovation Officer of Opus Bank, she led the digital strategy and transformation for Opus and its $15B trust subsidiary, Pensco.Money 20/20: Founded in 2011, Money20/20 creates destination shows where the most innovative people in payments, fintech, and the broader financial services industry connect. Famed for their high-impact networking, theUSA, Europe and Asia editions are regarded as unmissable by financial services professionals. Money20/20 is the space where the industry's smartest visionaries and innovators come together to create the future of money. Money20/20 is an Ascential show.Tedd Huff: Tedd Huff is the Co-Founder of Voalyre, and the President & Founder of Diamond D3, a professional services consulting firm focused on global payments and marketing. He is also a video podcast host and producer of Fintech Confidential.Over the past 24 years, he has contributed to FinTech startups as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder, and Chief Experience Officer, providing strategic and tactical direction for Global Payments OpenEdge, Heartland Payments, Nuvei, and TSYS, among others, focusing on growth while delivering innovation, process improvements and user experience-driven value to simplify the complexity of payments.DD3, Media: A media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globallyChapters00:19 Episode Highlights02:09 Meet Scarlett Sieber03:39 The Sneaker Contest05:15 What Makes Money2020 Special06:56 Scarlett's Path from Accounting to Startups09:23 From Startups to Financial Services13:55 The Importance of Access in FinTech15:39 Regional Differences and Copycat Models in FinTech21:11 The Role of Regulation in FinTech24:23 The Impact of Technology on Regulation26:24 The Intersection of FinTechs and Traditional Banks29:26 Money2020 as a Platform for Announcements and Growth32:33 Meet Tina: The Swedish PR Powerhouse33:00 Nala's Big Break at the Press Lunch33:28 Navigating the Ecosystem: Goals and Surprises34:00 Global FinTech Ecosystems: A Comparative Analysis34:28 Cross-Border Payments and LoanPro's Solution35:09 AI and Fraud: The Asian Focus35:28 Open Banking: Regional Differences36:04 Super Apps and AI: The Big Topics36:52 Structuring Content: The AI Debate37:15 NVIDIA and Oracle: Partners in FinTech AI37:46 Open Banking for Different Audiences38:38 The Importance of Customer Feedback38:55 AI in FinTech: A Feature or a Product?40:43 The Role of Big Tech in FinTech41:35 The Hidden Investments in AI42:48 The Search for a FinTech Beacon43:45 Embedded Finance: Created for FinTech vs. General Use45:55 Facilitating Connections at Money 202050:02 The Importance of Planning and Downtime51:22 Wellness and Preparation for Conferences52:57 The Power of Follow-Through54:12 Looking into the Future of FinTech56:02 Advice for Startup Founders58:44 Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Thanks59:26 FinTech Confidential: Closing Remarks

In this episode of Accrued a FinTech Confidential series presented by LoanPro, hosts Tedd Huff and Colton Pond speak with Alex Rhodes, the Chief Operating Officer of Best Egg. Alex shares insights into the strategies that have made Best Egg a strong player in the personal finance industry.Throughout the discussion, Alex emphasizes how the company focuses on customers, improves efficiency, and adapts to changes in the market.&nbsp;Best Egg has grown significantly since its start in 2014. Alex explains that one of the key factors behind this growth is the company's commitment to understanding and serving its customers. By listening to what borrowers need and being flexible with repayment plans, Best Egg has been able to keep its customers satisfied and loyal.This focus on customer experience has helped them create services that meet the needs of people from different financial backgrounds.One of the standout points Alex mentions is how Best Egg adjusted during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, many people faced financial challenges, and the company responded by offering flexible repayment options to help borrowers manage their loans. This approach not only helped customers during a difficult time but also strengthened the relationship between the company and its clients.Alex also touches on how Best Egg uses technology to improve both the efficiency of its operations and the experience of its customers. For example, they have created self-service tools that allow customers to manage their loans online. This means borrowers can adjust their payments or check their account details whenever they need to, without having to contact customer service. By making the loan process easier and more convenient, Best Egg has increased customer satisfaction while also reducing costs.Looking forward, Alex predicts that data and personalization will play a big role in the future of lending. He believes that companies will need to use customer data to offer more tailored services that meet individual needs. This shift could make the lending process more efficient and more responsive to what customers want. While some may see this as a challenge, Alex views it as an opportunity for Best Egg to continue to grow and succeed.Best Egg's focus on its employees also contributes to its success. Alex explains that the company works hard to ensure that its staff feels valued and supported. By keeping employee turnover low, Best Egg maintains a workforce that is experienced and dedicated to providing excellent service. This, in turn, benefits the company’s customers, as they receive help from knowledgeable and motivated employees.Throughout the episode, Alex also discusses how the company uses advanced technology like artificial intelligence (AI) to improve its operations. For example, AI can help streamline certain tasks, allowing employees to focus on more important aspects of their work. This use of technology not only improves efficiency but also enhances the overall experience for both employees and customers.Alex wraps up the conversation by reflecting on what lies ahead for the lending industry. He believes that personalization, the effective use of data, and a continued focus on customer service will be key factors that separate successful companies from the rest. While there will always be challenges, Best Egg is well-positioned to continue meeting the needs of its customers and growing as a company.In summary, this episode provides a thorough look at how Best Egg has managed to succeed in a competitive industry. By focusing on customer experience, using technology to improve efficiency, and investing in its employees, the company has built a strong foundation for future success. As the lending industry evolves, Best Egg’s ability to adapt and remain customer-focused will likely keep it at the forefront of personal lending.&nbsp;Key HighlightsCustomer Retention Through Flexible Loan OptionsOffering flexible repayment plans and easy self-service tools helps build long-term customer loyalty. This approach makes the borrowing experience smoother and more personalized, keeping clients satisfied.Staying Competitive in the Personal Lending MarketRather than focusing solely on interest rates, providing a streamlined service and easy management tools sets lenders apart. Flexibility in repayment options adds another layer of value for borrowers.Artificial Intelligence Enhances Efficiency in LendingUsing AI to handle repetitive tasks allows employees to focus on improving the customer experience. This approach boosts operational efficiency while ensuring that borrowers receive better service.The Role of Data in Shaping Future Lending ServicesPersonalized services driven by customer data are becoming the norm. As lending companies leverage data insights, they can offer more tailored financial products that meet the specific needs of individual borrowers.Adapting Loan Repayment During Financial HardshipsIntroducing flexible repayment options during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, shows the importance of responding to customer needs. This adaptability strengthens borrower relationships in uncertain times.The Rise of Self-Service Tools in Personal FinanceSelf-service portals give borrowers control over their loan management. These tools make it easier for customers to adjust payments, check balances, and manage accounts without waiting for assistance, offering a faster, more convenient experience.&nbsp;Employee Satisfaction Drives Better Customer ServiceA company’s success often relies on keeping employees motivated and reducing turnover. Supportive work environments lead to knowledgeable, committed teams that deliver high-quality customer service.Customer Feedback Shapes Financial Product DevelopmentActive engagement with customer feedback ensures that lending services meet the real needs of borrowers. Adapting products based on this input keeps services aligned with customer expectations and market demands.Combining Operational Efficiency with Excellent ServiceStreamlined processes and the use of technology help maintain a balance between efficiency and customer satisfaction. By reducing the need for manual intervention, companies can lower costs while still delivering top-notch service.Preparing for the Shift Toward Personalized LendingAs the lending industry evolves, personalization and data-driven products are becoming increasingly important. By offering more tailored solutions, lenders are positioning themselves to meet future borrower expectations.Takeaways1️⃣ Maximize Borrower Satisfaction with Flexible Payment PlansOffer your customers flexibility in repayment options to increase satisfaction and build loyalty, especially during challenging financial times.&nbsp;2️⃣ Leverage AI for Streamlined OperationsImplement AI to handle routine tasks, allowing your team to focus on customer-facing activities that enhance service and efficiency.&nbsp;3️⃣ Use Self-Service Portals to Empower CustomersSet up self-service tools that allow customers to manage their loans independently, reducing the need for constant customer support and improving convenience.&nbsp;4️⃣ Turn Customer Feedback into Product ImprovementsActively gather and apply customer feedback to fine-tune your products, ensuring they meet real needs and stay competitive in the market.&nbsp;5️⃣ Keep Your Workforce Engaged to Boost Service QualityPrioritize employee satisfaction and retention, which leads to a more motivated team that delivers better customer experiences.&nbsp;Links:Alex RhodesLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-rhodes-b789926/Best EggWebsite: https://www.bestegg.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bestegg/Fintech Confidential:Listen: https://fintechconfidential.com/listenSubscribe: https://fintechconfidential.com/accessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidentialX: https://x.com/FTconfidential &nbsp;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidentialFacebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidential" rel="noopener...