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4D AGO

Can’t Knock the Hustle: Banking’s Three Wars You Can’t Afford to Lose

"Wait and see” might be the most expensive strategy in banking right now. In this episode of What’s Going On in Banking, Ron Shevlin and Stacey Bryant unpack the real implications behind Jamie Dimon’s comments and why AI, tokenization, and shifting customer behavior are forcing banks to make decisions now, not later. They break down the three battles banks are actually fighting: where to invest (branches vs. digital), who owns the customer relationship, and why deposits are becoming more volatile than ever. Along the way, they challenge the idea of “core” customers, call out the slow erosion happening to bank relationships, and explain why most personalization efforts still miss the mark. This isn’t about what’s coming next…it’s about what’s already happening. What’s Going On in Banking Post of the Month — How Selection Works: We’re watching 👀!! The WGOIB team highlights the sharpest, spiciest takes we see each month, no formal submissions needed. Subscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV82 Chapters: [00:00] Intro & Financial Brand Forum recap [07:00] Are bank branches still worth it? [10:45] “Every budget is a confession” [15:00] The shift from branches to digital investment [20:30] The real deposit war begins [22:30] Fintechs are winning new accounts [24:30] Why “core deposits” are dead [26:30] The slow bleed of customer relationships [30:00] Why personalization has failed banks [31:30] AI changes the game for personalization [33:00] Trust vs. privacy in AI [34:30] From product offers to product design [36:00] What real personalization actually looks like [38:30] Where banks go wrong next Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV82

4d ago

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43 min
APR 1

The Long Game (with Bourbon on the Side) // CEO Ja Hillebrand

Banking keeps getting easier and faster. But according to Stock Yards Bank & Trust Chairman and CEO Ja Hillebrand, none of these technology upgrades can replace relationships. As he says: “You still have to wear out the shoe leather.” On the show, Ja joins Al and Steve to discuss why the fundamentals of banking haven’t changed and how his bank continues to deliver consistent earnings growth. Plus, Ja shares pro tips for attending the Kentucky Derby and talks about his favorite bourbons. Subscribe to the Plugged In podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV5g Chapters [00:00] Bourbon, Banking & the Origin Story [02:55] Playing the Long Game in Banking [03:35] Bourbon Picks & Personality Break [05:49] Strategy vs. Execution Gap [06:38] Winning = Thinking 20 Years Ahead [07:38] Why Relationships Still Win [10:44] Service That Never Goes Out of Style [13:09] M&A, Growth & Staying Independent [16:04] Focus vs. Over-Diversification [20:10] AI, Competition & the Future [23:16] Kentucky Derby Tips & Wrap-Up

Apr 1

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26 min
APR 16

Why Saving Isn’t Enough Anymore

Financial advice hasn’t changed too much, but how people learn and build wealth has. Ronnie Green, CEO and co-founder of AlgoPear, talks about what’s different now in engaging younger consumers, how agentic AI is reshaping the space and where credit unions may be falling behind. Show notes: AlgoPear Subscribe to the Money Isn't Everything podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV82 Chapters [00:00] Intro [00:35] From Living in His Car to Starting Over [01:30] Learning How to Invest From Scratch [03:47] Turning $5K Into $100K [05:07] The Mindset That Changed Everything [07:18] Why Saving Isn’t Enough [10:01] Fixing Financial Education for Gen Z [11:30] How AlgoPear Engages Young Users [13:25] AI in Finance: Hype vs Reality [16:13] Why Messy Data Kills Innovation [20:17] Building Faster With AI [31:33] TikTok & The Future of Learning Send us Fan Mail

Apr 16

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39 min
MAR 24

AI in Banking, Core Systems & Fintech Trust: Insights from AFT Spring Summit

Live from the AFT Spring Summit, Sam Kilmer (Managing Director, Cornerstone Advisors) is joined by fintech leaders to discuss what’s really happening in banking and financial services right now. Guests include: Laura Kornhauser (CEO & Co-Founder, Stratyfy) David Eads (CEO & Co-Founder, Vine Financial) Kirsten Longnecker (Executive Vice President, York Public Relations) Tim Hamilton (Founder & CEO, Praxent) This unscripted “in the hall” conversation covers: The real impact of AI in banking (beyond the hype)Why trust between fintechs and banks is criticalCore system challenges still holding banks backThe future of software development with generative AIRisks of AI hallucinations and regulatory implicationsWhy entry-level talent may drive the next wave of innovationWhat’s working — and what’s still broken — in fintech From customer-centricity to infrastructure challenges, this discussion captures the current state of fintech innovation and where the industry is heading next. Click to watch more Fintech Hustle! 🔗 https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/fintech-hustle/ Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/samkilmer/ Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-kornhauser/ Connect with David on LinkedIn: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenlongnecker/ Connect with Kirsten on LinkedIn: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenlongnecker/ Connect with Tim on LinkedIn: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/timham/

Mar 24

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28 min
09/20/2025

Conferences, AI Snake Oil, and the Future of Fintech

In this episode of What’s Going On in Banking, Ron Shevlin and Stacey Bryant dive into the biggest takeaways from Jack Henry Connect and Finovate. From game-changing onboarding strategies to fraud dispute innovation, we unpack what’s really moving the needle in banking tech. They also discuss the emotional side of fintech, remember community leaders, and tackle the hot debate: are 99% of AI startups doomed? Tune in for insights, stories, and talk about the future of financial services. Chapters [0:00] Welcome & On the Road Edition [1:00] Highlights from Jack Henry Connect & Finovate [2:40] Women in Financial Services & Generational Mentorship [4:10] Best Demos & The Power of Onboarding [6:30] Fraud Resolution as a Differentiator [10:40] Echo, Deposit Outflows & Fintech Competition [15:20] Remembering Barb McLean & Industry Tributes [16:30] Jack Henry’s Human Side & Emotional Moments [19:20] Are 99% of AI Startups Doomed? [25:30] Build vs Buy: What Banks Should Really Focus On Subscribe to the What’s Going On In Banking podcast here: https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/whats-going-on-in-banking Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV82

09/20/2025

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30 min
APR 18

Jamie Dimon's Wake-Up Call: AI, Tokenization, and the End of Wait-and-See Banking

Jamie Dimon just said the quiet part out loud, and the rest of the industry should be paying attention. In this WGOIB episode, Ron Shevlin and Stacey Bryant break down the real implications behind the headlines: why AI is no longer a “nice to have,” how tokenization is quietly reshaping financial infrastructure, and why the wait-and-see approach in banking is officially dead. From cost-cutting vs. true differentiation, to the illusion of competitive advantage in tech, Ron and Stacey challenge how banks, especially community institutions, should be thinking about the future. Because the biggest risk right now? Standing still. Show Notes Can AI Kill Banking Bureaucracy?Jamie Dimon’s Letter To Shareholders: The Most Important Fintech Memo Of 2026 Subscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV82 Chapters [00:00] Jamie Dimon’s warning to banks [02:10] Why “wait and see” is no longer an option [04:35] AI is becoming core infrastructure [07:15] The myth of competitive advantage in tech [10:05] Why every bank ends up with the same tools [12:40] AI: cost cutter or true differentiator? [15:20] Inside the “plumbing” of modern banking [18:10] Tokenization and what it really changes [21:05] Where community banks can actually win [24:30] The danger of playing catch-up [27:15] What smart banks should be doing right now Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV82

Apr 18

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35 min
MAR 12

'Busy Isn't Bold': The Banking Branding Problem

Banks and fintech brands are missing opportunities to build real connections largely because of how they communicate. On the show today: Mary chats with Allison Netzer about the second edition of her book, “Think Like a Brand, Not a Bank." They explore what it takes for a brand to pop in a commoditized industry. Hint: jargon, complexity, and “busy” messaging aren’t the answer. Show Notes: Allison's Book: Think Like a Brand, Not a Bank 🔗 https://brandthnk.co/book/ Subscribe to the Money Isn’t Everything podcast here: 🔗 https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/money-isnt-everything Connect with Mary on LinkedIn: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-wisniewski-3a7578b/ Connect with Allison on LinkedIn: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonnetzer/ Send us Fan Mail

Mar 12

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35 min
12/04/2025

The Case for Friction: Rethinking Speed in Banking

Slowing down payments could be a selling point. On the show, Mary talks with Erik Beguin, CEO of Austin Capital Bank, about why friction can be a feature, not a flaw. Plus, they unpack the rising wave of fraud, how security and convenience clash and why it’s time to measure success by protection, not just profits. Show notes - Austin Capital Bank Subscribe to the Money Isn’t Everything podcast here: https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/money-isnt-everything Chapters: [00:00] Fraud Is Exploding [02:10] Why Fraud Numbers Are All Underreported [04:45] The Emotional Trap: Denial & Embarrassment [07:20] Seniors and the Bitcoin ATM Scam Surge [10:15] Why “Education” Isn’t Stopping Fraud [14:00] Pig Butchering: The Scam You Don’t See Coming [18:30] Why Victims Stay Silent [22:40] How Fraudsters Stay Ahead of Banks [26:50] What Consumers Actually Need to Stay Safe [30:30] Erik Beguin’s Call to Action Send us Fan Mail

12/04/2025

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33 min
FEB 7

AOBA 2026 Takeaways: AI, Deposits, Data, and What’s Breaking

Recorded at a location near AOBA 2026, this Fintech Hustle episode brings guests Aleda DeMaria (EVP & Chief Operating Officer, PeoplesBank), Mac Thompson (Founder & CEO, White Clay) & Christina Miller (VP, Alkami) for an unscripted hallway conversation on what’s changing right now. Key topics include: Deposit retention after massive outflows and why “acquisition” is not the finish lineAI everywhere, including fraud, and why banks must fight AI with AIVendor consolidation and the reality of fragmented tech stacksData strategy as a growth engine, not just a compliance toolWhy the branch still matters and how to modernize the in-branch experienceThe talent challenge for community banks trying to innovateA clear warning: community banks should stop trying to build what mega-banks build, and focus on partnerships and executionLet us know what theme you’re hearing most in your institution right now. Click to watch more Fintech Hustle! 🔗 https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/fintech-hustle/ Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/samkilmer/

Feb 7

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34 min
MAR 6

The Future of Credit Unions: AI, Innovation & Member Strategy

Recorded live from GAC, Sam Kilmer (Managing Director, Cornerstone Advisors and host of Fintech Hustle) sits down with a powerhouse panel of credit union and fintech leaders for an unscripted hallway conversation. Joining the discussion: Brandi Gregory (Managing Director, Cornerstone Advisors)Ned Tobey (CEO, Circuit)JB Orecchia (CEO, SavvyMoney)Nicole Haverly (VP Credit Unions, nCino)Rob Landis (CEO, Correlation)Topics include AI, member primacy, financial wellness, fraud risks, speed of innovation, and what credit unions must rethink in 2026. Click to watch more Fintech Hustle! 🔗 https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/fintech-hustle/ Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/samkilmer/ Watch the Video Episodes on Youtube! 🔗https://youtu.be/LQOMuzfwl84

Mar 6

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29 min

Welcome to Cornerstone's podcasts, where we bring you the latest in banking, finance, and fintech. Tune in for guest views, expert opinions, and deep dives into trending topics. From blockchain and digital currencies to regulatory compliance and customer experience, we cover a wide range of topics that keep you "in the know." Subscribe to stay up-to-date and informed!

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Cornerstone Advisors

Top Shows

Can’t Knock the Hustle: Banking’s Three Wars You Can’t Afford to Lose

The Long Game (with Bourbon on the Side) // CEO Ja Hillebrand

Why Saving Isn’t Enough Anymore

AI in Banking, Core Systems & Fintech Trust: Insights from AFT Spring Summit

Conferences, AI Snake Oil, and the Future of Fintech

Jamie Dimon's Wake-Up Call: AI, Tokenization, and the End of Wait-and-See Banking

'Busy Isn't Bold': The Banking Branding Problem

The Case for Friction: Rethinking Speed in Banking

AOBA 2026 Takeaways: AI, Deposits, Data, and What’s Breaking

The Future of Credit Unions: AI, Innovation & Member Strategy

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