Tearsheet Podcast: The Business Of Finance

The Tearsheet podcast often explores the intersection of financial services and technology. What makes this exploration unique is its focus on emerging trends, like the connection of the Web3 technologies of crypto and blockchain with the traditional finance ecosystem. Today, Bam Azizi, the co-founder and CEO of Mesh, joins me on the podcast. Founded in 2020, Mesh is an embedded financial platform designed to simplify crypto transactions by enabling real-time connectivity and asset transfers. Previously, Azizi co-founded the cybersecurity company, No Password. Azizi has a strong background in robotics and software engineering. He is now leading Mesh towards a future focused on tokenized assets.“Everything will be tokenized because it’s easier to transfer and build,” says Azizi. He emphasizes the importance of addressing market gaps. Mesh integrates exchanges and enables crypto payments. The Evolution of Crypto & Embedded Finance Embedded finance has emerged as a pivotal market structure in fintech. It al

As blockchain technology seeps slowly into the traditional financial services ecosystem, it is offering new opportunities through tokenization and decentralized finance (DeFi). Today's episode of the Tearsheet podcast hosts Paul Brody, EY’s Global Blockchain Leader who shares his expertise on these developments. Paul is focusing on the promise of public blockchain and the challenges surrounding privacy. He is also the Chairman of the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance. Brody's unique roles provide a distinctive perspective on blockchain adoption in enterprises. Reflecting on his decade at EY, Brody explains, "One of the things I’m most proud of is how little our strategy has evolved. We’ve consistently believed in the value proposition of public blockchains." EY’s blockchain initiatives center around asset tokenization. It focuses on privacy-focused solutions and enabling enterprises to scale blockchain use effectively. Addressing misconceptions, Brody highlights a critical distinction. He says, "A lot of people

APIs have evolved from simple data connectors to the fundamental architecture driving financial innovation. In this episode of the Tearsheet Podcast, I speak with John Pitts. Plaid’s John Pitts reveals how they’re driving open banking and empowering consumer control. He is the Global Head of Policy at Plaid. With a career spanning regulatory and policy roles, Pitts brings a unique perspective to the table. He discusses the evolving role of APIs in financial services. From his role at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to leading policy at Plaid, Pitts shares key insights on open banking. He explores how APIs are shaping the future of consumer financial data rights and fintech innovation. The Big Ideas 1. APIs Are the Backbone of Modern Financial Services. They serve as the foundation for modern financial services. This enables secure, efficient, and scalable data sharing. “It’s like moving from dirt roads to highways,” Pitts explains. 2. Consumer Control Powers the Future of Open Banking. A

Could cryptocurrency be the key to bridging financial gaps? Can it create a more inclusive global economy? Digital assets like stablecoins and blockchain technology are reshaping how we think about money. Their potential to level the financial playing field is becoming clearer. In today’s episode of the Tearsheet podcast, I sit down with Lisa Nestor, Research Director at the Stanford Future of Digital Currency Initiative to discuss how fintech innovation is paving the way for broader financial inclusion. Lisa’s expertise spans blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, and fintech innovation. This makes her a leading voice in understanding the intersection of these fields. Lisa’s career reflects a deep commitment to financial inclusion. “When I started researching Stellar,” Lisa shares. “It brought together what I had seen [and demonstrated] the power of providing open-source financial infrastructure.” This passion for creating accessible financial systems has guided her work. It also included her current re

What if the financial hurdles of running an e-commerce business — like cash flow struggles, banking complexities, and sales tax headaches — could be simplified into one seamless platform? In today’s episode of the Tearsheet podcast, our guest Vikram Anreddy, head of product for financial services at Shopify, addresses just that. He discusses how the platform is addressing the financial needs of e-commerce entrepreneurs. His experience stems from roles at companies like Instagram and McKinsey. Anreddy is passionate about creating tools, especially the ones that ease the financial struggles of small business owners.   “Entrepreneurship is such a tough game,” Anreddy says. “The odds of success are very low, and there’s so much friction.” He explains that Shopify is focused on reducing friction for e-commerce merchants. The company builds tailored solutions to help them succeed. Shopify Finance helps manage cash flow and simplify sales tax. It provides tools designed for small business owners. This lets them foc

Franklin bridges the gap between Web3 and traditional finance, rethinking how businesses manage payroll and payments. Today’s podcast features Megan Knab, Franklin’s CEO. She shares insights into the transformative role of blockchain in financial operations. She has a vision: leveraging blockchain to modernize payroll and financial tools. Megan has a rich fintech background comprised of roles at Serotonin, DriveWealth, and Veriledger. As an accountant by trade, Megan is no stranger to navigating financial systems. She became passionate about blockchain in business school after discovering an accounting fraud at work. “Public blockchains,” she recalls, “have the power to create an open financial system.” Megan founded Franklin two years ago to simplify financial operations for Web3 businesses. She focuses on making finance easier and more efficient. She notes, “Anyone who’s used payroll software in the last 10 years knows it can be an antiquated experience.” Franklin integrates both fiat and on-chain payme

Launching a startup is challenging. It becomes even more difficult when tackling personal and business finances that confound entrepreneurs. Enter Uprise, the brainchild of Jessica Chen Riolfi and her co-founders. Uprise offers human-driven financial advisory services embedded into small business (SMB) platforms, like banks or personal finance sites. Uprise addresses the unique financial needs of entrepreneurs which include dealing with personal and professional cashflow. Jessica has extensive experience from companies like Robinhood, Earnin, Wise, and eBay. This background drives her approach to financial services. Jessica shares, “Financial advisory, in this context, combines personal and business finances. It helps entrepreneurs make holistic financial decisions.” Lack of personalized financial advisory services at Robinhood inspired the genesis of Uprise, especially for SMBs. Jessica shares a passion for simplifying financial products with her co-founders Chris and Nantha. Together, they work to make fi

Coast stands out in fintech with its interactive API demos. Kara Parkey, head of strategic accounts at Coast, shares insights on the Tearsheet podcast as to why her firm is working with many of the best fintech brands. It’s that Coast visually simplifies the complexity of API products, making their service essential in today’s fast-changing financial world. Coast lets users view APIs in action, making vendor and partner presentations interactive. It turns static PowerPoints into dynamic, live experiences. According to Kara, “It’s like seeing APIs come to life.” This is especially valuable for fintech companies focused on the API economy and open banking. It resonates with those driving innovation in these areas. How Coast pioneers API demos in fintech Kara explains that Coast’s demos are not just about showcasing APIs. They are about transforming how potential clients experience them. Traditionally, fintech companies relied on static prototypes or lengthy technical documentation. Coast provides a live demo

In the ever-evolving world of fintech and open banking, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Few understand this better than Peter Renton. He is the CEO and founder of Renton Co., a fintech consulting firm specializing in media, thought leadership, and event support. Renton is the former chairman and co-founder of Fintech Nexus (formerly LendIt Fintech). He has led fintech innovation for over a decade. His work has shaped the industry during this time. In today's episode of the Tearsheet podcast, Renton shared his insights on the current state of fintech. He shares his insights on where he sees the industry heading. Renton has a keen understanding of the fintech sector. His insights provide valuable guidance for established companies and newcomers in the industry. "Without doubt, the most interesting space in fintech in 2024 is the banking as a service space," Renton states. "Because of the way the banking system in this country is structured, we need banking as a service. And it's not going away." The e

Is the promise of Web3 in finance finally coming to fruition, or are we still in the early stages of a long journey from Bitcoin to tokenized assets? As the cryptocurrency and Bitcoin market evolves, Bitcoin's price swings draw attention. Traditional banks explore blockchain cautiously. People are curious about the current stage of Web3 development. The question remains: where are we on the timeline? Today's episode of the Tearsheet podcast features Rumi Morales. She is a partner and board member at Outlier Ventures. She discusses the current state and future potential of Web3 in the financial sector. Morales brings extensive experience from her roles at CME Group, Digital Currency Group, and Goldman Sachs. Morales reflects on her decade-long journey in the cryptocurrency and Bitcoin space. She shares, "I would have answered this question a lot better 10 years ago when I first got into the space. I think I was full of hope and excitement and a lot of ambition." Her perspective offers a nuanced view of the

In an evolving financial landscape, US Bank has emerged as a leader in digital transformation. It has reshaped the way customers interact with their finances. Today's episode of the Tearsheet podcast features Gareth Gaston, Chief Product Officer of Digital Platforms at US Bank. He discusses the bank's decade-long journey of innovation and customer-centric development. "We've been on a multi-year journey on digital transformation across all facets that you can think of digital," Gaston explains. This transformation has been more than just a technological upgrade. It's been a cultural shift that has positioned US Bank at the forefront of banking innovation. The journey began with the recognition that customers were using more than just physical branches. "When we started this journey, we were renting all our digital tools," Gaston recalls. "We didn't have a mobile app. We were kind of renting our online banking and bill pay." From these humble beginnings, U.S. Bank has built its own digital platform and in

Most banks right now are at a crossroads: Either they choose to overhaul their legacy systems or come to a point where they will continue to battle the complex legacy spaghetti of multiple software systems, struggle to access talent that can manage their tech, and alienate customers that expect the best of everything. Although the choice is obvious, going through with core modernization is extremely hard. Guests on the show have been excited about moving to the cloud for many years, but very few have really taken it on, which is why when I have the chance to talk to not one, but two individuals that have hands-on experience with helping banks modernize, I really dive into their recipe of success. Joining us on the show today is Russell Barrett, COO at Valley Bank, who shares the path to modernization his $60 billion institution took, how he and his leadership team devised the bank’s change management policies, the role of consultants in this process, and the challenges the bank faced. Pouring his deep expe

SMBs face critical challenges such as lack of access to credit, barriers for women entrepreneurs, and lower levels of digital enablement, which have limited their growth and success globally. Salah Goss takes us through the Mastercard's SMB strategy, which through initiatives like Strive, focuses on easing credit access, providing digital tools, and building networks, with a particular emphasis on empowering women-led enterprises and fostering community-driven growth.

As the financial world evolves, open banking and digital transformation are opening up new opportunities. This comes with several challenges for banks and fintechs. In today's episode, I sit down with Alessandro Hatami. He is a managing partner of Pacemakers, a consulting firm that offers a systematic approach that allows its clients to find the partner that is right for them. Today we discuss some of these seismic shifts in the fintech industry. Hatami has a unique background in financial services, spanning both upstart tech companies like PayPal and traditional institutions like Lloyds Bank. His background offers a compelling perspective on the future of financial services. "Financial services is the ideal digital product," Hatami asserts. "because there isn't a real tangible exchange," he says. Yet, despite this potential, many institutions are struggling to embrace digital transformation. I’ve been saying for years on this podcast that the ability for both larger and smaller institutions to partner – t

SMBs need more from their FIs, and data echoes this demand. 62% of SMB owners have reported feeling like their business banking options don't go any further than the services already available in their personal accounts.  So banks have to find a way to not only differentiate their business banking products from fintech and platform competitors but their own personal banking products as well. One bank that is leading the way is Citizens, which has a three-pronged strategy for SMBs, according to its President & Head of Business Banking, Mark Valentino. Valentino talks about how Citizens is getting closer to the needs and wants of SMB owners by focusing on gathering feedback through surveys and its bankers.

Today, we're diving into the ever-green landscape of startups and startup banking. While the startup scene is always buzzing, recent years have been particularly challenging due to a tough market, limited investment opportunities, and waning investor confidence. However, with a rebound in VC funding this year and recent rate cuts by the Fed, there’s a glimmer of hope for improvement and new opportunities. Joining me to discuss startup banking and share related insights from recent J.P. Morgan research is Ashraf Hebela, Head of Startup Banking at J.P. Morgan. In our conversation, Ashraf dives into how J.P. Morgan is sharpening its focus on startup banking, what approaches can better serve underrepresented founders, and the critical support that banking startups require from their financial institutions to thrive.

The days when SMBs were tethered to their home markets are long behind us. Today, SMBs are eagerly embracing global opportunities, expanding into new regions, and viewing cross-border sales as a key growth driver. Yet, with this expansion comes a major challenge: navigating the complexities of international payments. 49% of SMBs cite the ease of managing cross-border payments as a top concern. Many have faced friction with traditional banks, which has created a fertile ground for non-bank alternatives to step in. This shift is reflected in the growing trend of SMBs switching providers. While pricing and fees were once the main reasons for switching, today, the search for “better and more convenient” digital solutions is becoming a powerful motivator alongside these operational needs. So, how can FIs respond to this shift? Chris Ward, Head of Enterprise Payments at Truist Financial Corporation, addresses this question and its potential solutions at Tearsheet's The Big Bank Theory Conference, recently held i

How can FIs step in with solutions that alleviate these pain points, allowing SMBs to concentrate on growing their businesses while relegating banking to the background? “I think there are a few elements of that, but since SMB customers are willing to adopt technology, that's a start,” said Scott Beyer, U.S. Bank’s Head of Business Banking Digital Experiences during Tearsheet’s The Big Bank Theory Conference, held recently in New York. Beyers noted that a generational change is underway in the SMB landscape, with 77% of small business owners now adopting or planning to adopt technology to enhance their operational efficiency. This trend presents a valuable opportunity for FIs to enter the scene and create engaging digital experiences that resonate with the evolving needs of these businesses. He identified three key steps banks can employ to seize the opportunity and address existing gaps:  1. Ensure the availability of products and services 2. Build integrations 3. Focus on data reconciliation and harmoni

Generative AI and open banking are beginning to change how banks engage with customers. Today we will look at this process with Olly Downs. He is a Chief Technology and AI Officer at Curinos. With a career spanning three waves of AI, Downs brings a wealth of experience to the table. He published his first academic paper on what we now call generative AI, back in 1999. "I've almost been waiting for the current wave of AI to join us," Downs reflects. He highlights the long-anticipated arrival of today's AI capabilities. AI-driven personalization will change digital banking. Banks are beginning to use it to recreate the personalized touch of traditional banking. Downs explains, "Traditional banking founded itself on personalized, high-engagement relationships. That followed families and businesses throughout their entire life cycle." Personalizing the online experience is challenging due to the growth of digital channels. Curinos' technology tackles this by analyzing customer journeys. It identifies the best ti

In the latest episode of Tearsheet's newest podcast, "Compound Influence," hosts Zack Miller and Josh Liggett dive deep into the fascinating world of Wall Street Bets (WSB) and its impact on the financial landscape. This eye-opening discussion explores the intersection of social media, retail investing, and the power of online communities. The Rise of Wall Street Bets The hosts trace the origins of WSB, from its humble beginnings in 2012 with just 1,700 followers to its explosive growth to over 17 million members by 2024. This growth trajectory wasn't linear – it saw a massive spike during the GameStop saga in early 2021, catapulting the community into the mainstream spotlight. The Robinhood Connection A significant portion of the podcast focuses on the symbiotic relationship between WSB and the trading app Robinhood. The hosts discuss how Robinhood's commission-free trading model and gamified user experience aligned perfectly with WSB's high-risk, high-reward trading philosophy. This partnership inadverten