Podcasts

Randal Quarles, former Fed vice chair for banking supervision, talks about how quickly the central bank will tackle inflation, whether the Fed is at risk of becoming too political, and what it was like to help prevent another financial crisis while a pandemic raged. He also talks about his strong views on central bank digital currencies and gives an inside look at whether the Fed really wants to create one.

Steven Schnall, founder and CEO of $900 million-asset Quontic Bank in New York, talks about why the bank is one of the few to fully embrace cryptocurrency, offering a checking account that grants rewards in bitcoin. He also talks about its newly deployed banking wearable device, plans for the metaverse, and why this CDFI wants to continue to push the banking envelope.

Banks saw record inflows of deposits during the pandemic. But just how sticky are those customers - and deposits - going to be? Scott Hildenbrand, Chief Balance Sheet Strategist and Head of Financial Strategies Group for Piper Sandler, talks about the common fears bankers are facing right now when it comes to funding and liquidity - and what they need to be doing now to prepare for the uncertain road ahead.

James Ballentine, who is set to retire soon after more than 20 years at the American Banker Association’s policy shop, talks about how and why Washington has changed when it comes to making bank legislation. He also previews the fights ahead for bankers on pot banking, the CFPB’s Section 1071 rules, stablecoins and more.

Kate Davidson, the author of Politico’s Morning Money, talks about how she approaches writing one of the financial services industry's most influential newsletters. She also discusses why the Biden administration keeps struggling with its finreg nominations, how the Fed will tackle climate change, and what’s next for interest rates.

Bill Donius, the former CEO and Chairman of Pulaski Financial Corp. in Missouri, talks about how he used research into the brain to help grow his St. Louis community bank and write a New York Times bestseller, “Thought Revolution: How to Unlock Your Inner Genius.” Bill discusses how he uses that research to help companies think outside the box when they approach challenges and opportunities - and how his fellow bankers can learn to do this too.

Sheila Bair, the former Chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., discusses her fears if financial regulation becomes too partisan, as well as tackling several hot-button topics including central bank digital currencies and CRA reform. She also discusses the risks of buy-now, pay-later services and why she writes children’s books aimed at improving kids’ financial literacy.

Isaac Boltansky, Director of policy research at BTIG, offers his analysis on a busy week in D.C., including two days of testimony by Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, President Biden’s State of the Union address and the economic impact of Russian sanctions. He also talks about whether the Fed will create a digital dollar and whether banks can soften two key pending rulemakings by the CFPB.

Ongoing economic uncertainty, continued consolidation in the banking industry, tougher regulatory oversight, an overwrought housing market and a potential Fed digital currency are just a few of the issues currently facing banks. Two top leaders at the New Jersey Bankers Association - John McWeeney, its President and CEO, and Mike Affuso, its EVP and Director of government relations - assess the obstacles ahead.

Fabrice Coles, Senior Manager for Global Public Policy at PayPal, talks about how PayPal thinks about financial inclusion, its strategy for partnering with banks and how the pandemic has changed financial services.

James Reuter, President and CEO of $26.7 billion-asset FirstBank in Lakewood, Co., returns to the show to analyze the Fed’s recent 40-page white paper on the creation of a central bank digital currency. What kind of CBDC does the Fed want to create - and how would that impact banks?

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently opened a request for comment on “junk” financial services fees. But what does the agency consider junk fees - and what does it plan to do about them? American Banker’s Kate Berry walks through the CFPB’s agenda and what it means for bankers of all sizes.

Katie Couric, the legendary news anchor and head of Katie Couric Media, sits down with IntraFi Network’s Barb Rehm to talk about her new memoir, Going There. She discusses why she founded her own media company, her past work co-anchoring the Today show, her rocky transition to co-host of CBS Evening News, the Me Too movement and much more.

Todd Phillips, the director of financial regulatory and corporate governance at the Center for American Progress, talks about the dangers of legislating new rules for digital assets when existing regulatory powers may be sufficient. He also discusses the rise of NFTs and why banks should be wary.

FDIC Chair Jelena McWilliams unexpectedly announced recently that she is stepping down Feb. 4. What’s behind this decision - and what does it mean for the independence of the FDIC and other banking regulators? Politico’s Victoria Guida and American Banker’s Brendan Pedersen explore the many facets of the FDIC’s leadership battle.

Jim Edwards, the CEO of $2.1 billion-asset United Bank and immediate former past chairman of the ABA, talks about his bank’s unique approach to finding and fostering the next generation of banking talent. He also discusses several policy challenges facing the industry, including overdraft fees and more stringent regulation.

While much of the economic data is relatively strong, consumers remain pessimistic about the economy, with fears about inflation rapidly rising. Mark Zandi, the chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, goes through the latest data to answer critical questions about the economy headed into the New Year. How worried should we be about inflation? What will the Fed do next? Will the omicron variant cripple the economy just as it seems about to recover?

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas and FedFIS have launched a new professional social media site exclusively for community bankers in an attempt to foster collaboration and allow them to easily compare their tech services and experiences. Christopher Williston, the head of IBAT, discusses how the site started, where it’s going and how it can help small institutions.

Tim Massad, former chairman of the CFTC, tackles the challenges in designing a U.S. central bank digital currency, including how not to disintermediate banks - and why policymakers need to accelerate their discussions. He also offers his take on recommendations for stablecoin supervision, and where regulators may have gotten it wrong in their recent report on the subject.

Robert Fisher, the CEO of $500 million-asset Tioga State Bank and chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America, talks about the top concerns facing bankers right now, including staffing shortages and tech upgrades. He also discusses the controversial nomination of a new comptroller of the currency, how ICBA wants to address credit unions buying banks, and much more.