Breaking Banks

In This Episode Giving credit when credit is due is always appreciated and a good thing to do. In this case, it is also a solid base for a fintech, one that is socially responsible and financially inclusive. Meet Kashable’s Co-Founder and CEO, Einat Steklov, as she speaks with host Brett King about Kashable making its mark in financial services with low cost loans for employees, those with low or no credit scores. With its data models and ability to create new risk profiles and open up access to credit, Kashable underwrites consumers for unsecured loans based to a large extent on employment information. With Kashable’s ability to offer access to low cost credit, economic mobility, as an employee benefit with easy repayment — embedded financing — everyone benefits. Then, Breaking Banks is delighted to introduce Social Currency, Provoke.fm‘s latest podcast powered by Sunrise Banks that will introduce you to some of the most innovative changemakers in finance, tech and ESG, and how they are dismantling barriers and reshaping their industries for a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable future. Spotlighting those at the forefront of positive change through social entrepreneurship, Social Currency unveils the stories behind the revolution that is propelling us toward a world where everyone has equitable access to opportunities. In the first episode, Ahead of the Curve, Strategic Foresight, Tyler Seydel, Chief FinTech Officer at Sunrise Banks and co-host Eric Schurr, Chief Strategy Officer, Sunrise Banks and certified practitioner in strategic foresight, get into just that, Strategic Foresight, how organization can solve market opportunity challenges using provocative questions to look at future challenges in new ways, reimaging opportunities. A planning oriented discipline related to futures studies, you’ll be surprised as new tools and this new way of future thinking begins to infiltrate projects and everyday work. Read the entire transcript here. Podcast Content: Chapter 1: [00:00] Introduction and Purpose The hosts introduce the episode, exploring themes of socially responsible credit and the role of social currency in fostering equitable financial systems. Chapter 2: [03:40] Cashable: Redefining Credit with Employment Data Interview with Inet Steklov, founder of Cashable, discussing their innovative approach to using employment data for credit underwriting and financial inclusion. Chapter 3: [15:20] The Flaws of Traditional Credit Scoring The conversation dives into the limitations of traditional credit scores and how alternative credit models can expand financial access for underserved populations. Chapter 4: [23:50] Embedded Financing in the Workplace Insights into Cashable’s partnerships with employers to offer low-cost credit as an employee benefit, promoting financial wellness and reducing stress. Chapter 5: [32:30] Regulating Fintech and Alternative Lending Discussion on navigating the regulatory landscape for fintechs and how Cashable collaborates with state and federal regulators to ensure compliance. Chapter 6: [40:45] Social Currency Podcast: Exploring ESG and Equity Introduction of the new Social Currency Podcast, focusing on ESG principles, diversity, and the intersection of technology and social equity. Chapter 7: [48:15] The Role of Foresight in Financial Innovation Eric Schorr, a certified foresight practitioner, shares insights on trendspotting, strategic planning, and creating a more inclusive financial future. Chapter 8: [57:30] Closing Reflections and Future Vision Final thoughts on the importance of financial inclusion, the value of foresight in planning, and actionable steps for building a better financial system. Related Content: Social Means Global Episode 161: Breaking Carbon – Impact as an Economic Driver Episode 15: Can we trust banks to use AI responsibly? Making Financial Engagement Social: Frank Eliason Episode 441: The Three Trillion Dollar Economic Opportunity Hiding in Plain Sight https://youtu.be/B0iLiO6Sy54

In This Episode SXSW is a safari to the future according to Todder Moning, Lead Futurist at U.S. Bank. But, as Mike Bechtell, Chief Futurist at Deloitte, pointed out in his Fintech House fireside last year: futurists are always wrong. Why attempt to predict the future if you are likely to be wrong? This year Todder and Eric Schurr, Chief Strategy Officer at Sunrise Banks and host of the Social Currency podcast at Provoke.fm, have a fireside chat with Dara Tarkowski, Founder of Actuate Law and host of the Tech on Reg podcast, about which rules to break and which to keep when thinking about the future. From large bank to small, both use the tools of Foresight to gain a competitive advantage when thinking about a future, even when it is likely wrong. Listen in to learn how to break out of your current mindset and preconceptions, including Todder’s favorite: Future Safaris. Read the entire transcript here. Podcast Content: Chapter 1: [00:00] Introduction and Live from South by Southwest The hosts set the stage for this live recording at the Alloy Labs Fintech House, introducing foresight as a critical tool for navigating the future. Chapter 2: [03:50] What is Foresight? Guests Tod Moning and Eric Scherr explain the practice of foresight, its methodologies, and its role in helping organizations navigate uncertainty and plan for multiple futures. Chapter 3: [12:30] Applying Foresight in Financial Services Discussion on how foresight is implemented within financial institutions, balancing innovation with the industry’s focus on safety, risk management, and compliance. Chapter 4: [21:40] The Role of Regulators in Foresight Exploration of whether regulators can or should engage in foresight, and how proactive planning could help address systemic risks and foster innovation. Chapter 5: [30:20] Signals and Trends Shaping the Future Guests highlight key signals and trends in technology, ESG, and societal changes, with a focus on how these factors impact financial services. Chapter 6: [41:15] AI and the Future of Decision-Making Discussion on the role of generative AI in foresight, its potential to support scenario building, and its limitations in predicting the unknown. Chapter 7: [50:40] Crafting Preferred Futures Eric and Tod emphasize the human-centric nature of foresight and the importance of defining and striving for preferred futures through deliberate actions. Chapter 8: [59:30] Closing Reflections on Foresight’s Value Final thoughts on why foresight is essential for financial institutions and individuals, encouraging proactive engagement with the forces shaping our world. Related Content: Tech On Reg Episode 559: Hot Take: Brokered Deposits Join the Eras Tour Episode 241: The Bankers’ Bookshelf – Why Machines Will Never Rule the World: Artificial Intelligence without Fear Home Episode 538: Money Isn’t Everything https://youtu.be/VJ5OvH-f-00

In This Episode What happens when two financial futurists get together? They chat about money of the future and related topics worthy of debate. This week, host Brett King connects with Chris Skinner, author, influencer, The Finanser blogger, and advisor to leading organizations, governments and firms across the world to talk about Chris’ new book, Intelligent Money, due out this summer. Lots of great banter and thought provoking discussion as they look at cross border payments, smart wallets / super wallets that act as an agent on your behalf, embedded intelligent financial services and payments, and of course AI, to name just a few of the topics they get into. What’s your vision for Main Street 2034? Is the need for growth at the heart of some of our problems? Enjoy the debate! Read the entire transcript here. Podcast Content: Chapter 1: [00:00] Welcome to Breaking Banks Hosts Brett King and Jason Henricks introduce the show and discuss its mission to explore innovations in financial services. They welcome regular guest Chris Skinner, a leading fintech thinker. Chapter 2: [04:30] The Evolution of Payments Chris Skinner and Brett King discuss the future of payments, predicting the rise of AI-driven “super wallets” and the eventual obsolescence of traditional financial tools like credit cards and cash. Chapter 3: [12:45] Centralized vs. Decentralized Systems A deep dive into centralized and decentralized finance structures, touching on the friction between cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and central bank digital currencies. Chapter 4: [20:15] The Future of Identity and Security The conversation turns to digital identities and their role in payments, healthcare, and government services. The hosts debate the feasibility of self-sovereign identity models. Chapter 5: [30:00] Borderless Finance and Migration Chris Skinner examines the intersection of global finance, migration, and technology, highlighting how digital wallets empower displaced populations and digital nomads alike. Chapter 6: [40:10] AI and the Changing Face of Banking The discussion shifts to how AI reshapes banking, turning institutions into algorithmic entities. Trust, the role of branches, and the generational shift in financial behavior are analyzed. Chapter 7: [50:00] The Ethics and Economics of AI A philosophical debate on AI’s impact on jobs, universal basic income (UBI), and the potential for capitalism to adapt to a world dominated by automation. Chapter 8: [01:00:15] Reimagining Money and Society Brett and Chris speculate about new economic systems and the role of technology in creating equitable and sustainable societies, touching on ideas like techno-socialism. Chapter 9: [01:10:00] Preview of Chris Skinner’s New Book Chris shares insights from his upcoming book Intelligent Money, which explores embedded AI in finance and its transformative potential. Chapter 10: [01:15:30] Closing Thoughts and Future Episodes The hosts wrap up with reflections on the discussion and preview future episodes of Breaking Banks and their collaborative podcast Beyond Banking. Related Content: Episode 238: The Bankers’ Bookshelf: Intelligent Money Digital Wallets: Exploding Or Blowing Up? Bitcoin: Hope or Hype? Are Mobile Wallets On The Horizon Or Somewhere Over The Rainbow? Episode 560: Killing It: Ohad Samet on Reimagining Debt Collection https://youtu.be/DC03x1pySWg