Propagate Fintech Podcast

MrBeast just acquired Step. Cash App is going after 6-year-olds. The creator economy is colliding with regulated banking — and Senator Elizabeth Warren is putting the whole space on notice.In this episode, Roland sits down with Elizabeth Gujral, Director in the Research & Fintech Advisory (RAFA) practice at Cornerstone Advisors, to unpack what the MrBeast/Step deal really means for banks, credit unions, and fintechs. We get into who owns the outcome when an influencer-fronted fintech goes sideways, why "we're a community institution" is no longer a differentiator, and the practical playbook financial institutions need to build if they want to compete with SoFi, Chime, Brex, and Mercury for the next generation of customers.Elizabeth also shares fresh findings from Cornerstone's SoFi research — including the surprising channels SoFi members say they actually heard about the brand from — and explains why short-form content, micro-influencer trust, and a real tech stack now matter more than a logo on the local soccer jersey.Chapters:00:00 Cash App targeting 6–12 year olds & the race to the bottom of age01:40 MrBeast acquires Step — the 8,000-pound elephant in fintech03:13 Banking-as-a-service meets the creator economy: who owns the bad outcome?04:06 Elizabeth Warren's letter and putting the creator-fintech stack on notice05:35 Are banks becoming commoditized rails behind the brands?07:09 What a sponsor bank actually does (and where it gets messy)08:42 Elizabeth's role at Cornerstone & the RAFA team11:44 How banks and credit unions should rethink partnerships and distribution13:13 Inside the SoFi research: how members actually find them14:47 The "influencer trust funnel" and why micro-influencers matter for community FIs16:04 Where the attention is: TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts17:03 Why social media without the tech stack behind it is "lipstick on a pig"20:24 The biggest theme in fintech research right now: growth22:42 Why "our people and our customer service" is no longer a differentiator23:58 Treasury, small business, and the ERP integration gap26:50 Fiserv core consolidation — good thing or bad thing?28:09 Why Cornerstone research isn't a sales fluff piece28:46 Where to follow Elizabeth, Ron Shevlin, and CornerstoneGuestElizabeth Gujral — Director, Research & Fintech Advisory (RAFA), Cornerstone AdvisorsFollow Elizabeth and Ron Shevlin on LinkedIn for Cornerstone's latest research and Forbes columns.#fintech #banking #MrBeast #creditunions #communitybanking #SoFi #influencermarketing #embeddedfinance #BaaSWant to work with Propagate Fintech? Fill out a contact form at www.propagatefintech.com

Christian Ruppe joins the show to break down his transition from community banking into his new role as Partner and Chief Strategy Officer at ImpactFi Advisors.We cover where banks are actually winning, what fintech founders get wrong, and how strategy, AI, and data are reshaping the industry. Christian also shares insights from launching the Perch Fund and how he evaluates fintech investments.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro + career transition02:00 – From founder to banker to advisor05:00 – Most underrated growth levers in banking07:30 – Why small business is a massive opportunity09:00 – Inside the Perch Fund11:00 – How to evaluate fintech investments21:20 – Biggest mistakes fintech founders make26:05 – What content bankers actually need27:50 – Tactical growth: fixing Google reviews32:00 – What’s next for ChristianIf you'd like to explore coming on the show, go to propagatefintech.com and submit a contact form with your thoughts.Want to work with Propagate Fintech? Fill out a contact form at www.propagatefintech.com

Why Humor Is the Secret Weapon in Fintech Marketing...What if the most effective way to get people to do the thing they have been avoiding is to make them laugh first?In this episode, Roland sits down with Trust & Will CEO Cody Barbo to unpack how one fintech company took one of life’s most serious and uncomfortable topics, estate planning, and turned it into a high-performing, humor-driven growth engine.From viral commercials and memorable characters to a brand strategy built on being approachable instead of intimidating, Trust & Will is proving that humor is not just a creative choice. It is a conversion strategy.We break down:•Why laughter creates trust faster than logic•How Trust & Will built a category-defining brand in a space with no clear leader•The role of partnerships with banks and fintechs in driving massive distribution•Why giving away wills for free can actually increase AUM and retention•How AI is reshaping the future of estate planning and what it means for fintech•The behind-the-scenes startup grind, including printing thousands of wills in a coworking spaceIf you are building in fintech, marketing to consumers, or trying to stand out in a “boring” category, this is a masterclass in turning tone into traction.Timestamps00:00 – Intro and how Trust & Will’s ads first caught attention00:37 – Making estate planning funny (yes, really)01:49 – Why humor works in a traditionally serious category02:34 – The origin of their marketing strategy04:40 – Super Bowl ambitions and brand positioning05:26 – Why banks and fintechs are key partners08:40 – Estate planning as a retention and AUM strategy10:34 – The power of co-branded distribution14:14 – The origin story of “Trust & Will”16:32 – Early startup days and finding product-market fit20:34 – Scrappy operations (the “unlimited printing” hack)21:56 – AI’s impact on the business23:51 – Rebuilding the company AI-first25:36 – Will creation in the age of AI28:39 – Navigating compliance with financial institutions29:47 – The surprisingly tricky question: who gets the kids?TL;DR: In fintech, the brands that win are not always the most serious. They are the most memorable. And sometimes, the shortest distance between a customer and action is a well-timed joke.Want to work with Propagate Fintech? Fill out a contact form at www.propagatefintech.com

Why Fintech Leaders Need to Start Creating Video Content NOWIn a world dominated by short-form video, fintech leaders can’t afford to sit on the sidelines. This video breaks down why video content is no longer optional and how it can dramatically improve awareness, trust, and customer acquisition costs.If you’re not creating video content in 2026, you’re already behind.In this video, I break down why short-form and long-form video have become the most powerful tools for fintech growth and why companies relying on traditional tactics like paid ads, events, and outbound are facing rising customer acquisition costs (CAC) with diminishing returns.The hard reality is, people are ~80% more likely to watch a video than read a blog, PDF, or newsletter. And if your story isn’t being seen, it’s not being heard.We cover:• Why video content is now the dominant form of consumption• How video builds awareness, trust, and distribution at scale• The direct impact of content on reducing CAC• Why creating video forces sharper messaging and positioning• How to push through “cringe valley” and stay consistent• A simple mental model to turn ideas into short-form videoThe goal isn’t perfection....it’s consistency.If you’re a fintech leader (or any operator driving growth), this is the shift you need to make. The sooner you start, the faster you build momentum.Subscribe for more conversations on fintech, growth, and storytelling.It's going to be awkward in the beginning, but it is for everyone...Try to have fun in the process if you can!Timestamps:00:00 – Why this video has been a long time coming00:18 – The simple reality: video dominates content consumption00:52 – The rise of short-form content (and why it’s not going away)01:20 – Stat: people are 80% more likely to watch vs read01:48 – Why this matters for your brand and visibility02:20 – The biggest challenge: nobody knows who you are02:50 – Traditional fintech growth = expensive (ads, events, outbound)03:25 – The missed opportunityWant to work with Propagate Fintech? Fill out a contact form at www.propagatefintech.com

Episode OverviewIn this episode, Roland Howard sits down with John Kingma of Old Glory Bank to explore what it takes to build a digital-first bank in a rapidly consolidating financial industry. As traditional institutions move upmarket, small businesses and everyday Americans are increasingly left behind.Old Glory Bank was built to serve that gap, launching nationwide and reaching customers in all 50 states within just two weeks. The conversation dives into the realities of starting a bank, from regulatory pressure to operational scale, and why so few new institutions are entering the market.John shares how Old Glory approaches digital transformation differently, treating it as the core experience rather than a secondary channel. The bank’s flexible technology strategy enables faster innovation, while its distributed workforce allows access to top talent across the country.The discussion also covers the future of banking through embedded finance, including crypto and stablecoins. Old Glory is building a fully integrated experience where customers can move seamlessly between fiat and digital assets, enabling faster payments and greater flexibility for small businesses.Finally, the episode highlights the importance of financial health and education, with upcoming tools designed to help consumers and business owners better understand their financial position, improve outcomes, and grow over time.Episode Timestamps[00:00] Introduction[00:18] Banking consolidation and market gaps[01:23] Why small businesses are underserved[02:13] Scaling to all 50 states in two weeks[03:06] De-risking and politicization in banking[04:32] The challenge of starting a bank[06:22] The shrinking future of banking options[07:09] Why fintechs underestimate banking[07:35] Personal motivation and small business roots[08:08] Building a flexible tech stack with Q2[09:11] Crawl, walk, run approach to innovation[09:48] Talent strategy and distributed workforce[11:23] Hiring outside traditional banking[12:38] The emotional nature of switching banks[16:14] Where digital transformation fails[18:00] Entering crypto and stablecoins[19:16] Why invest in crypto now[20:08] Avoiding fintech disintermediation[21:47] Financial health and wealth tools[23:02] Customer feedback driving product decisions[23:54] Crypto in business payments[25:12] Business insights and financial tools[26:21] Closing and where to learn moreWant to work with Propagate Fintech? Fill out a contact form at www.propagatefintech.com

Nearly 40% of Americans can’t cover a $400 emergency expense. That statistic alone explains why financial stress has become one of the biggest hidden issues in the workforce today.In this episode of the Propagate Fintech Podcast, Roland Howard sits down with Rachel Fox of Sunny Day Fund to unpack the growing problem of financial precarity and why emergency savings is emerging as one of the most important new employee benefits.Sunny Day Fund helps employers offer payroll-deducted, employer-incentivized emergency savings accounts that allow workers to build liquid savings for unexpected expenses. Instead of relying on credit cards, payday loans, or 401(k) withdrawals, employees can create a safety buffer that reduces financial stress and improves workplace stability.Rachel explains why traditional financial wellness programs often fail to change behavior, how employers can meaningfully support workers who are living paycheck to paycheck, and why emergency savings and retirement savings need to be treated as two different financial tools.The conversation also explores how banks and credit unions fit into the ecosystem, the role fintech plays in financial inclusion, and why storytelling has been critical to Sunny Day Fund’s growth.If you’re interested in fintech, financial wellness, HR technology, employee benefits, or financial inclusion, this episode provides a practical look at one of the fastest-growing categories in workplace benefits.⸻Chapters00:00 Introduction and financial precarity in the workforce00:49 What Sunny Day Fund is solving in the market03:42 Why emergency savings matters more than most people realize06:27 Breaking down the employee benefits stack09:03 The hidden cost of employee turnover12:43 The psychology behind saving behavior15:03 Real employee success stories and impact24:22 Why financial engagement is changing in the workforce26:01 How storytelling helped Sunny Day Fund grow28:23 Using social media and content to build awareness30:31 The role of banks and credit unions in the model35:12 Fintech partnerships vs disintermediation37:53 Advice for founders building in financial inclusion45:31 Legislative momentum and the future of emergency savings⸻Key Topics Discussed • Emergency savings as an employee benefit • Financial stress in the workforce • Financial wellness programs that actually work • Payroll-deducted savings accounts • Employer-matched emergency savings • Retention and employee engagement • Fintech partnerships with banks and credit unions • Financial inclusion and economic mobility • The future of workplace financial benefits⸻About Sunny Day FundSunny Day Fund is a fintech platform that helps employers offer emergency savings accounts through payroll deduction. By combining employer incentives with automated savings, the platform helps employees build financial resilience while helping organizations improve retention and engagement.⸻ConnectFollow Rachel Fox on LinkedInLearn more about Sunny Day FundSubscribe for more conversations with leaders across fintech, banking, and financial innovation.Want to work with Propagate Fintech? Fill out a contact form at www.propagatefintech.com

What actually drives digital transformation in banking?In this episode of the Propagate Fintech Podcast, Roland Howard sits down with Justin Dunmyer of ICBA to unpack what community banks, fintech founders, and banking leaders often get wrong about innovation, automation, and data strategy.Justin previously spent over a decade inside a community bank working his way from teller to Chief Digital Officer, leading digital strategy, analytics, partnerships, and marketing. Today he works with the ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator, helping fintech companies connect with community banks across the United States.This conversation cuts through the buzzwords around AI, fintech, and banking innovation to focus on what actually works.If you’re a fintech founder, banking executive, or fintech operator, this episode explains:• Why most digital transformation initiatives stall• How banks should start with automation and data• What fintech founders must understand before selling to banks• How the ICBA fintech accelerator works• Why community banks may be uniquely positioned for the AI eraWhat You’ll LearnWhy digital transformation is more about culture than technologyThe most common mistakes banks make when adopting fintechHow automation should start inside community banksSimple ways banks can use data without hiring data scientistsWhy fintech founders struggle to sell into banksWhat makes a fintech truly bank-readyHow the ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator connects fintechs with banksWhy AI may strengthen community banking relationships rather than replace themTimestamps0:00 From Community Banking to Fintech Innovation0:48 Community Bank Career Journey: Teller → Chief Digital Officer2:16 What Digital Transformation in Banking Really Means3:20 Why Digital Transformation Often Fails4:34 Building a Culture of Innovation in Banks5:54 Quick Wins for Banking Transformation7:03 Customer Onboarding and Digital Banking Adoption7:31 Why Innovation Projects Stall in Banks9:00 Change Management in Financial Institutions9:51 Avoiding Death by Committee in Tech Decisions10:29 Chief Digital Officer vs CIO vs CTO12:16 Building the Business Case for Technology13:36 Where Community Banks Should Start with Automation15:02 Why Data Is a Bank’s Most Valuable Asset17:17 Practical Data Use Cases in Banking18:09 Avoiding Analysis Paralysis with Data20:40 Mentorship and Career Growth in Banking21:37 What ICBA Does for Community Banks22:32 Inside the ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator24:13 How Fintechs Get Real Feedback from Bankers25:35 Why the Accelerator Matters for Fintech Distribution26:06 How ICBA Selects Fintech Companies27:55 What Makes a Fintech “Bank Ready”32:27 Why Selling to Banks Is So Hard34:48 Biggest Mistakes Fintech Founders Make37:03 How Banks Actually Evaluate Vendors37:38 Partnerships and Fintech Distribution Strategy39:37 AI in Banking: The Next 3–5 Years42:42 Why Community Banks May Win the AI Era44:21 Advice for Community Bank CEOs45:11 Advice for Fintech Founders46:32 ICBA Innovation Programs and Accelerator47:58 ClosingWant to work with Propagate Fintech? Fill out a contact form at www.propagatefintech.com

In this episode of the Propagate Fintech Podcast, Roland Howard sits down with Elizabeth McCluskey to unpack her journey from investment banking and wealth management to impact investing and now venture capital at TruStage, where she helps back early-stage fintechs advancing financial inclusion and credit union innovation.00:00 Intro + DC “snowcrete”01:00 From investment banking to values-driven investing04:30 The ethics moment that changed everything05:10 Finding impact investing (and fintech)06:45 Why credit unions became the mission fit09:30 Discovery Fund thesis and underserved founders14:20 Angel investing, SPVs, and the non-alc movement17:25 How VCs separate signal from noise20:56 Why storytelling matters more than ever26:50 Vertical themes: stablecoin, affordability, and insurance innovation31:00 AI: implementation, guardrails, and enterprise reality33:08 TruStage distribution and supporting portfolio companies36:20 2025 portfolio winners: Hello Divorce + Debbie40:00 WrapWhat you’ll learn•What fintech impact investing looks like in practice and why it’s still early innings•Why credit unions are under-invested in from a fintech standpoint and what that creates (opportunity)•TruStage’s Discovery Fund thesis and who it’s designed to support (under represented founders)•Why fintech angel investing has evolved (SPVs + platforms) and how that changes access•How early-stage investors separate signal vs noise when data is limited•Why reference calls matter, and what they reveal about founders•The “tied to the problem vs tied to the solution” mindset •Why authentic storytelling is becoming a competitive edge as AI increases content volume•Stablecoin, AI implementation realities, and why execution takes longer in enterprise environments•How TruStage helps portfolio companies with distribution and credit union introductions•Portfolio winners to watch: Hello Divorce and DebbieKey topics covered:Elizabeth’s career arc•Investment banking as a training ground, but not a lifestyle she wanted long-term•Wealth management lessons across sectors, macro + bottoms-up analysis•A personal ethics moment that sparked a pivot toward impactImpact investing and fintech•Discovering impact investing through business school work (including exposure to Acumen-style thinking)•Investing in companies across education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and sustainabilityWant to work with Propagate Fintech? Fill out a contact form at www.propagatefintech.com

MrBeast is putting on a clinic that should be studied in graduate school by entering the fintech world with the purchase of Gen Z platform, STEP. In this episode of the Propagate Fintech Podcast, Roland Howard sits down with American Banker journalist Melinda Huspen to break down the acquisition of STEP and what it means for banks, fintech founders, and the future of creator-led financial services.We explore:• Why distribution power may be becoming as important as product innovation• The rise of creator-led financial brands• How Gen Z and Gen Alpha trust creators differently than traditional institutions• Banking-as-a-Service risks and opportunities after recent industry disruptions• What bank leaders and fintech operators should be watching nextIf even 4% of MrBeast’s YT audience becomes customers, it would put STEP's customer count on the same level as incumbent super regional FIs.Follow Melinda’s work at American Banker: https://www.americanbanker.com/author/melinda-huspenConnect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-huspen/#fintechinnovation #mrbeast #mrbeastshorts #banking #bankmarketing #creditunionWant to work with Propagate Fintech? Fill out a contact form at www.propagatefintech.com

00:00 Integration Challenges in Financial Services01:02 Understanding AI in the Financial Sector03:55 Generative AI and Its Impact on Banking10:44 Navigating the Fintech Landscape12:16 The Role of AI in Banking15:13 Leveraging Data for Competitive Advantage17:04 Targeted Marketing Strategies21:31 Operationalizing Insights for Growth21:49 Balancing AI and Human Touch in MarketingAI is everywhere in banking right now, but what’s real, what’s hype, and what actually drives growth?In this episode of the Propagate Fintech Podcast, Roland Howard sits down with Tyler Brantley of Vertice AI to break down how artificial intelligence is reshaping customer acquisition, data strategy, and marketing execution for community banks and credit unions.This conversation dives into the practical side of AI adoption:• Why many financial institutions struggle to turn data into action• The shift away from massive data lake projects toward faster, AI-driven insights• How predictive modeling helps banks find better long-term customers instead of “spray and pray” marketing• The difference between true AI platforms and bolt-on solutions• How institutions can scale personalized marketing while keeping humans in the loop• What banking leaders should look for when evaluating AI vendorsTyler shares how Vertice AI helps financial institutions know, grow, and measure their customer base by turning existing data into actionable strategies without requiring large data science teams.If you’re a fintech leader, marketer, or banking executive trying to understand where AI actually fits into growth strategy today, this episode is for you.Learn more about Vertice AI: https://verticeanalytics.aiWant to work with Propagate Fintech? Fill out a contact form at www.propagatefintech.com

Episode SummaryIn this conversation, Melinda Huspen discusses her journey into journalism, her insights on Experian's new credit scoring model, and the implications of open banking on credit scoring. She highlights the potential of cashflow-based underwriting to serve underserved communities and shares advice for fintechs looking to gain media attention. The discussion also touches on future trends in fintech and the challenges of entering the US market.Melinda's article in American Banker found belowhttps://www.americanbanker.com/news/how-experian-scores-thin-file-borrowers-with-cash-flow-dataTakeawaysMelinda's journey into journalism was facilitated by networking opportunities.Experian's new credit scoring model combines various methods into a single score.Open banking adoption will accelerate the use of cashflow-based scoring models.Consumer lenders will be the first to feel the impact of cashflow underwriting.Cashflow data can help underserved communities access credit more easily.Fintechs should focus on the banking angle when pitching stories to journalists.Regulatory changes are significant news for the banking industry.Cybersecurity and fraud are major concerns for banks today.The entry of non-US fintechs into the US market is a growing trend.The evolution of cashflow underwriting will be influenced by regulatory changes.Chapters:00:00 Melinda's Journey to American Banker02:39 Experian's New Credit Scoring Model07:32 The Impact of Open Banking on Credit Scoring11:31 Cash Flow Underwriting and Underserved Communities13:59 Advice for Fintechs Pitching to Journalists16:40 Future Trends in Banking and FintechWant to work with Propagate Fintech? Fill out a contact form at www.propagatefintech.com

In this episode, I sit down with Glenn Bolstad, President of Vikar Technologies, to unpack what modern bank lending should look like—and why so many digital transformation efforts fall short.Glenn shares how Vikar approaches lending origination differently: orchestrating the full journey from application to underwriting, decisioning, closing, onboarding, and core integration. We discuss why point solutions continue to create friction, how complex commercial lending exposes the limits of legacy LOS platforms, and where AI is beginning to meaningfully impact lending workflows today.If you’re a bank executive, lending leader, or fintech operator focused on growth, efficiency, and experience—this conversation will challenge how you think about lending transformation.⸻About Propagate FintechPropagate Fintech is an end-to-end fintech and banking marketing agency helping financial institutions and technology providers clarify their story, strengthen awareness, and drive growth.From brand positioning and messaging to websites, video, conference presence, and go-to-market execution, Propagate partners with banks and fintechs across the full marketing lifecycle.Learn more at https://www.propagatefintech.com⸻Topics covered • Why lending is the true front door to the banking relationship • Where legacy LOS platforms still break down • Straight-through processing vs manual dropouts • Best-of-breed vs orchestrated lending platforms • AI’s real impact on underwriting and decisioning • Change management and fatigue inside banks • Designing lending experiences that scale⸻About the guestGlenn Bolstad is the President of Vikar Technologies, a fintech platform helping banks and credit unions modernize lending and deposit origination through a unified, end-to-end experience.Learn more at https://www.vikartech.comWant to work with Propagate Fintech? Fill out a contact form at www.propagatefintech.com

In this episode, Roland Howard sits down with Har Rai Khalsa, Co-Founder of SwayStack, to unpack one of the most expensive and overlooked problems in banking today: inactive and unfunded accounts.Har Rai shares how SwayStack identified a major gap after account opening, where 25–40% of new accounts go dormant despite acquisition costs that can reach $500 per account. The conversation explores why customers open accounts but never fully switch, how friction in moving direct deposits and subscriptions keeps people stuck, and why financial institutions often end up paying ongoing costs for relationships that never activate.The discussion expands into primacy, questioning whether direct deposit alone should define it, or if product depth and engagement matter more for traditional banks and credit unions. Roland and Har Rai also dig into open banking, Section 1033, digital identity, and how legacy core and digital banking providers may be the real bottleneck to progress.Har Rai shares practical, non-theoretical advice for bank and credit union leaders, including:•The first actions institutions should take immediately after account opening•Why simple communication like welcome emails still matters•How incentive-aligned checking products can drive real engagement•Where and how SwayStack stands out against the plethora of account origination tools•What bankers can do in-branch that doesn’t scale, but dramatically improves retentionThe episode closes with a look at where onboarding, engagement, and digital banking are headed, and why institutions that align incentives and reduce friction will win the next phase of deposit competition.⸻Topics covered include: • Dormant account economics • Customer acquisition cost vs lifetime value • Direct deposit switching challenges • Open banking and data ownership • Redefining primacy in banking • Incentive-based checking accounts • Onboarding beyond account openingIf you’re a bank or credit union leader thinking about engagement, deposits, and retention after the account is opened, this episode is for you.Want to work with Propagate Fintech? Fill out a contact form at www.propagatefintech.com

In this episode of the Propagate Fintech Podcast, Roland Howard sits down with Zack Forbes, Founder of ImpactFi Advisors, to unpack what really happens behind the scenes of bank technology decisions and why so many institutions struggle with growth, modernization, and core conversions.Zack shares his journey from a decade at Fiserv into launching ImpactFi Advisors, driven by a desire to make a real, measurable difference for community banks. The conversation explores how banks should think about best-in-class technology, when flexibility becomes a liability, and why underutilized platforms are often self-inflicted wounds.They dig into:•The realities of “best of breed” vs best of bundle strategies•Why poor vendor support is one of the biggest drivers of core conversions•How banks can create leverage by acting as true reference partners•What it actually takes to prepare for a core conversion that may only happen once every 15–20 years•Why real-time banking expectations are colliding with legacy batch-based systemsThis episode is a candid look at technology strategy, vendor dynamics, and long-term planning for community banks navigating modernization, M&A pressure, and generational change.To learn more about ImpactFi Advisors and their approach to helping banks navigate complex technology and strategy decisions, visit www.impactfiadvisors.com or connect with Zack Forbes on LinkedIn.To learn more about Propagate Fintech, go to Propagatefintech.com.Want to work with Propagate Fintech? Fill out a contact form at www.propagatefintech.com