In this episode of Counting Change, hosts ⁠⁠⁠⁠Arjun Sahgal⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Rachel Reid⁠⁠⁠⁠ are joined by Melissa Pomeroy, EVP, Chief Operating Officer at Cooperative Credit Union Association. Melissa discusses the importance of collaboration between credit unions (CUs) and fintechs. The conversation dives into the benefits of collaboration for both CUs and fintechs, the challenges of breaking into the credit union industry, and the need for cultural alignment between the two. Melissa also explores the future of collaboration and the role of fintechs in solving the biggest problems faced by credit unions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of finance, technology, and community service.

In this episode of Counting Change, hosts ⁠⁠⁠Arjun Sahgal⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Rachel Reid⁠⁠⁠ are joined by Rob Johnson, Chief Audit Officer at MSU Federal Credit Union Rob shares insights on how the audit process has transformed over the years, particularly with the integration of technology, and discusses the importance of maintaining a balance between regulatory compliance and innovation. The conversation delves into the nuances of internal auditing, the challenges auditors face in today's rapidly changing environment, and the cultural shifts required to embrace new technologies. Rob also opens up about his journey into the credit union space, his passion for the outdoors, and how these experiences shape his approach to auditing. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of finance, technology, and community service.

In this episode of Counting Change, hosts ⁠⁠Arjun Sahgal⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Rachel Reid⁠⁠ are joined by the president and CEO of California Credit Union, ⁠⁠Steve O'Connell. Steve shares his insights about creating a culture within a team that allows both the institution and the team members to grow. The conversation explores California Credit Union's expansion and its impact on their culture, how they encouraged team members to have positive feelings for change, and cultural fit in organisations. Whether you're a finance enthusiast, a budding entrepreneur, or simply curious about the dynamics of the financial landscape, this episode serves as a case study of what it takes internally for an institution to be successful in expansion. Join us as we celebrate the unsung heroes of finance and uncover the transformative potential of thinking small in a world of big banks.

In this episode of Counting Change, hosts ⁠Arjun Sahgal⁠ and ⁠Rachel Reid⁠ are joined by FinTech veteran ⁠Bryan Claggett⁠. In part 2 of the Bryan Claggett episode, Claggett dives more in depth about the new expectations consumers have of banking and how the digital experience must be driven by customer centricity. Whether you’re a banking professional or a FinTech enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the dynamic world of financial technology.

In this episode of Counting Change, hosts Arjun Sahgal and Rachel Reid are joined by FinTech veteran Bryan Claggett. Dive into Bryan’s journey from the 1980s banking sector to the forefront of digital banking and FinTech innovation. Explore the transformative power of the internet in banking, the challenges and opportunities facing modern banks and credit unions, and the importance of adapting to new technologies to meet customer needs. Whether you’re a banking professional or a FinTech enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the dynamic world of financial technology.

Join us on today's episode of Counting Change as we delve into Greg Mitchell's fascinating background and how he went from the Coast Guard to First Tech Fed CU. The conversation covers topics related to creating a culture of empowerment, aligning team goals with institutional objectives, and balancing autonomy with accountability. It also delves into the impact of empowerment on decision-making, the importance of recognition and reward, and the value of self-actualization. Additionally, it explores the concept of 'Start with Why' and the significance of a clear purpose in building an organization. Whether you're a finance enthusiast, a budding entrepreneur, or simply curious about the dynamics of the financial landscape, this episode serves as a captivating exploration of how culture impacts a credit union, and the steps you can take to build up that culture. Join us as we celebrate the unsung heroes of finance and uncover the transformative potential of thinking small in a world of big banks.

In this insightful episode of "Counting Change," we are joined by special guest Theron McCollough, Managing Director at Citizens Private Bank. Theron brings a wealth of experience from his impressive career in banking and finance, including his time at First Republic Bank, and as the founder and CEO of a quantitative portfolio management system. Together, we explore the delicate balance between technology and human interaction in the banking industry. Theron shares his thoughts on how technology can enhance customer service without losing the essential human touch. We discuss the evolving user experience, the importance of personalized customer service, and how to address the needs of different generations in the digital age. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on leveraging technology to improve banking while maintaining meaningful human connections.

In this episode of Counting Change, Arjun Sehgal and Rachel Reid interview Alice Stevens, the VP of consumer lending, product innovation, and credit analytics at VyStar Credit Union. Alice discusses the various applications of AI, such as loan origination and personalized product offerings, and the importance of mitigating bias in AI models. She also touches on the challenges of integrating new software into existing tech stacks and the impact of accurate financial data on borrowers. As AI and the regulations surrounding its use continue to evolve, tune into this episode of Counting Change to get some insight on ways that AI can help you stay competitive in today's modern world.

On this first bonus episode of Counting Change, we focus in on what Ascent is, interviewing a different member of our team each time to give you a 360° understanding of how Ascent is revolutionising banks and credit unions. This episode, hosts Arjun Sehgal and Rachel Reid are joined by Glenn Fossella, Head of Customer at Ascent, to discuss what Ascent is and how it's innovating the banking experience through customer experience. As Glenn explains, Ascent learns from every customer interaction to provide an increasingly personalized experience over time. This allows banks and credit unions to differentiate through superior customer experience. Tune in for an insightful look at how Ascent is bringing technological innovation to community finance and revolutionizing customer journeys in banking. Ascent is the next-generation point-of-sale platform that streamlines and simplifies product applications and forms across financial institutions without disrupting existing systems. It leverages third-party data to pre-fill applications, uses logic and rules for routing, and provides a user-friendly document collection portal. https://ascentplatform.io/

In this insightful episode, Trish North, an experienced professional in fintech and financial institutions, discusses the changing landscape of customer success and data analytics. Trish provides a unique 360-degree perspective on the industry, drawing from her rich experience in various roles spanning traditional banking, credit unions, digital banking, and fintech.   Trish converses with hosts Arjun and Rachel about the evolution of customer success from its early stages to its pivotal role today. She also talks about the challenges and opportunities presented by digitized data and the need for financial institutions to adapt to modernization.   During the discussion, Trish highlights the importance of trust in the digital age and examines the trustworthiness of digitized data in comparison to traditional paper trails. She also elaborates on the complexities of accessing and utilizing data within financial institutions, such as legacy systems and data silos.   Trish offers valuable insights for fintechs looking to forge partnerships with financial institutions. She emphasizes the importance of open communication, collaboration, and adaptability, outlining the key ingredients for fostering healthy relationships between fintechs and FIs. Listeners are provided with engaging anecdotes and practical advice as Trish shares her strategies for navigating the dynamic fintech landscape and driving impactful customer success initiatives. Whether you're a fintech entrepreneur, banking professional, or simply curious about the intersection of technology and finance, this episode offers valuable perspectives and actionable insights for navigating the evolving fintech ecosystem.

In this riveting episode, we dive deep into the world of finance and explore the underdog story of small credit unions versus the corporate giants. Join us as we welcome the insightful Denise Wymore, a beacon of knowledge and experience in the credit union industry, to unravel the importance of these community-centric financial institutions. In an era dominated by mega-banks, small credit unions often stand as a testament to the strength of localized financial services. Denise Wymore, with her extensive background and passion for empowering these smaller entities, sheds light on their pivotal role in fostering financial inclusivity, supporting local economies, and building meaningful relationships with members. Throughout the episode, we uncover the unique advantages that small credit unions offer, from personalized customer service to tailored financial solutions that truly cater to the needs of their communities. Through compelling anecdotes and industry insights, Denise Wymore elucidates how these grassroots institutions champion financial empowerment and social impact on a scale that big banks often overlook. Whether you're a finance enthusiast, a budding entrepreneur, or simply curious about the dynamics of the financial landscape, this episode serves as a captivating exploration of why small credit unions are more than just alternatives – they're indispensable pillars of economic resilience and community prosperity. Join us as we celebrate the unsung heroes of finance and uncover the transformative potential of thinking small in a world of big banks.

In this insightful episode of "Counting Change," we dive into the dynamic world of financial technology and explore the latest trends shaping the landscape in 2024. Hosted by Arjun Sahgal & Rachel Reid, with special guest Chris Tremont this episode features expert analysis, industry insights, and predictions from top voices in the fintech space. From the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) to the impact of artificial intelligence on banking, we uncover the innovative strategies and disruptive technologies driving change in the financial sector. Whether you're a fintech enthusiast, industry professional, or simply curious about the future of finance, this episode offers valuable perspectives and actionable takeaways. Join us as we decode the fintech revolution and chart the course for a transformative year ahead. Tune in to "Counting Change: Fintech Trends in 2024" and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of finance.

In this insightful episode of Counting Change, we delve into the dynamic world of fintech and innovation within the credit union (CU) space. Hosts Arjun and Rachel, are joined by esteemed guest Ben Maxim, the  CTO and Chief Innovation officer for MSUFCU and Reseda Group. Together, they explore the pivotal role that fintech and innovation play in shaping the landscape of credit unions, offering a fresh perspective on how these traditional financial institutions are adapting to the digital age. As traditional banking models evolve, credit unions are increasingly turning to fintech solutions to streamline operations, enhance member experiences, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing market. Our guests share their insights on the latest fintech trends impacting credit unions, from digital lending platforms to AI-driven personalization tools. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities that arise as credit unions embrace innovation, highlighting the importance of striking a balance between technological advancement and member-centric values. Listeners can expect to gain valuable insights into the transformative power of fintech within the CU space, as well as practical strategies for credit unions looking to leverage innovation to better serve their members. Whether you're a fintech enthusiast, a credit union professional, or simply curious about the future of banking, this episode of Counting Change is sure to leave you informed and inspired. Tune in as we explore the intersection of finance, technology, and community in this exciting episode of Counting Change: Role of Fintech & Innovation in the CU Space.

Welcome to a thought-provoking episode of our podcast, titled "The Future & Trust in the CU Movement." In this installment, we embark on a deep dive into the evolving landscape of credit unions, exploring the critical elements that contribute to building and maintaining trust within the movement. Join us for insightful discussions with Dan Daggett as we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Discover the key factors shaping the future of credit unions and how trust plays a pivotal role in their success. Whether you're a credit union advocate or someone curious about the future of financial cooperatives, this episode provides valuable insights into the dynamic journey that lies ahead. Tune in as we uncover the strategies, innovations, and principles that contribute to the trustworthiness of credit unions. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the role these institutions play in fostering financial well-being and community resilience. Subscribe now to be part of this enlightening conversation about the future and trust within the CU movement. It's an episode you won't want to miss!

In this episode, we dive deep into the dynamic landscape of Venture Capital and Fintech in Africa, exploring the unprecedented growth and innovation shaping the continent's financial technology sector. Join us as we uncover the success stories, challenges, and transformative impact of venture capital investments in African fintech startups. From groundbreaking technologies to strategic partnerships, our conversation explores how these developments are not only reshaping the financial industry but also contributing to the overall economic evolution of the continent. Tune in for insightful discussions with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and investors as we navigate the exciting journey of Africa's fintech revolution. Get ready to ride the wave and discover the untapped potential driving the future of finance in Africa!

In this compelling episode, we embark on a fascinating exploration of the intersection between culture and innovation within the dynamic realm of Fintech & Credit Unions. Join us as we unravel the unique ways in which cultural influences shape and drive innovation in the financial technology sector. From diverse perspectives to the impact of local traditions on Fintech solutions, our conversation delves into the symbiotic relationship between culture and cutting-edge financial technologies. Discover how cultural nuances influence user adoption, regulatory landscapes, and the design of Fintech products. Engage with insightful discussions featuring industry experts, thought leaders, and innovators as we navigate the intricate tapestry of Fintech, revealing how cultural considerations are not only integral but transformative in the ever-evolving landscape of finance and technology. Whether you're a Fintech enthusiast, industry professional, member of a credit union or simply curious about the fusion of culture and innovation, this episode provides a thought-provoking journey into the heart of the Fintech & Credit Union space. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how diverse cultures drive innovation and shape the future of finance in this rapidly evolving technological landscape.