Fintech Talks (a Georgia Fintech Academy podcast)

Georgia Fintech Academy

Welcome to Fintech Talks, the official podcast of the Georgia Fintech Academy, where we dive into the dynamic world of financial technology. Join us as we explore the latest trends, innovations, and challenges shaping the fintech landscape. Hosted by industry expert Laura Gibson-Lamothe, each episode features insightful conversations with fintech leaders, alumni, and visionaries who are driving change and fostering innovation. Whether you're a student, professional, or enthusiast, "Fintech Talks" offers a unique platform to gain valuable insights into the intersection of finance and technology. Discover how the Georgia Fintech Academy is building a diverse and skilled talent pipeline, connecting academia with industry, and preparing the next generation of fintech leaders. Tune in for engaging discussions on topics ranging from blockchain and AI to cybersecurity and regulatory compliance. With "Fintech Talks," you're not just listening to a podcast—you're joining a community of #FutureFintechLeaders committed to shaping the future of finance.www.georgiafintechacademy.org

  1. Fintech Talks: Stablecoins, AI & Global Fintech Policy with West Richards

    Jun 23

    Fintech Talks: Stablecoins, AI & Global Fintech Policy with West Richards

    In this episode of Fintech Talks, Laura Gibson-Lamothe sits down with West Richards, with The Fintech Accord at Money20/20 Europe in Amsterdam, to discuss stablecoins, fintech regulation, digital assets, and the future of global payments. The conversation explores Georgia's leadership in stablecoin legislation, the growing importance of the UK-US fintech corridor, the role of industry advocacy in shaping regulation, and how AI and blockchain technologies are transforming financial services. Topics include: • Stablecoin adoption and regulation • The future of cross-border payments • Georgia's fintech leadership • Digital asset policy • AI and fintech innovation • Blockchain infrastructure • The Future of Money Task Force • The evolving role of fintech advocacy About The Fintech Accord The Fintech Accord is a global advocacy organization focused on advancing fintech innovation, digital assets, payments, and regulatory modernization through collaboration between industry and government stakeholders. Learn more: https://thefintechaccord.org About Fintech Talks Fintech Talks is a thought leadership interview series produced by the Georgia Fintech Academy featuring industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of financial services. About the Georgia Fintech Academy The Georgia Fintech Academy is a statewide talent development initiative of the University System of Georgia connecting students, universities, and employers to build the future fintech workforce. Connect with Us Georgia Fintech Academy: https://georgiafintechacademy.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy Send us Fan Mail Support the show Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

    31 min
  2. Fintech Meetup Prep: Real Advice on Networking, Burnout, and Making It Count with Pam Kaur

    Mar 26

    Fintech Meetup Prep: Real Advice on Networking, Burnout, and Making It Count with Pam Kaur

    With Fintech Meetup just days away, this episode of Fintech Meetup Mashup focuses on one question: How do you actually make the most of a major industry conference? Georgia Fintech Academy alum & Truist IT Business Analyst, Astrid Cuellar Benitez joins Pam Kaur, Head of Platform at Alloy Labs, to share practical, real-world advice on navigating large fintech events. From managing your schedule and avoiding burnout to building meaningful connections, this conversation offers a candid look at what it takes to show up prepared and make the experience count. In this episode: • Why over-scheduling your meetings can work against you • How to approach networking without being transactional • When it’s okay to walk away from a conversation • The importance of personal connection in a relationship-driven industry • How early-career professionals can stand out and bring value back to their teams This episode is part of the 2026 Future Fintech Leaders Cohort series, capturing real-time preparation as students and alumni head to Fintech Meetup in Las Vegas. Connect with Our Guests Pam Kaur https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamkaur001/ Astrid Cuellar Benitez https://www.linkedin.com/in/astrid-cuellarbenitez/ Featured Event Pam Kaur will be co-hosting a community walk during Fintech Meetup. More details: https://luma.com/99vc3txh?tk=qogpTe Learn More Georgia Fintech Academy https://georgiafintechacademy.org Send us Fan Mail Support the show Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

    35 min
  3. Fintech Meetup Mashup: Michael Bugno (Fiserv) on Fintech Careers, Conferences, and Building Connections

    Mar 13

    Fintech Meetup Mashup: Michael Bugno (Fiserv) on Fintech Careers, Conferences, and Building Connections

    In this episode of Fintech Meetup Mashup, Georgia Fintech Academy brings together emerging fintech talent and industry leaders for a candid conversation about careers in financial technology. Georgia Fintech Academy student Benjamin Willhite-Mettler sits down with Michael Bugno, Vice President of Enterprise Experiential Marketing at Fiserv, to talk about how professionals find their way into fintech, what skills matter most early in a career, and how to make the most of large industry events. As Benjamin prepares to attend Fintech Meetup for the first time, Michael shares insights from his own journey in the industry and offers practical advice for students and professionals navigating major conferences and networking opportunities. Topics discussed in this episode include: • How careers in fintech often begin in unexpected ways • The importance of communication and relationship building  • Advice for first-time attendees at major fintech conferences • Why curiosity and continuous learning are essential in fintech This conversation is part of the 2026 Future Fintech Leaders Cohort, where Georgia Fintech Academy students and alumni attend Fintech Meetup to engage directly with leaders across the fintech ecosystem. Learn more about the Georgia Fintech Academy https://georgiafintechacademy.org Connect with our guests Michael Bugno https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-bugno/ Benjamin Willhite-Mettler https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-will-mett/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

    28 min
  4. 🎙️Fintech Talks: Connecting Fintech Frontiers — Lithuania’s Rise as a Global Innovation Hub

    11/24/2025

    🎙️Fintech Talks: Connecting Fintech Frontiers — Lithuania’s Rise as a Global Innovation Hub

    What can a small Baltic nation teach the world about resilience, innovation, and digital transformation?  In this episode of Fintech Talks, Georgia Fintech Academy Executive Director Laura Gibson-Lamothe explores Lithuania’s incredible fintech journey, from rebuilding after Soviet occupation to becoming one of Europe’s fastest-growing innovation centers.  Joining the conversation are Grant Wainscott, international trade and cross-border advisor, and Dovydas Špokauskas, Consul General of Lithuania in New York, who share how Lithuania built one of the world’s most digital-first economies and why it’s an ideal partner for Georgia’s fintech ecosystem.  💡 Key Topics:  - How Lithuania leapfrogged legacy systems to lead in digital finance - The country’s rise as a fintech, IT, and software powerhouse  - Cultural and economic synergies between Lithuania and Georgia  - Lessons in grit, adaptability, and the power of global collaboration  - Opportunities for cross-border startups, talent exchange, and education partnerships  🌍 Global collaboration starts with conversation. Discover how Lithuania and Georgia are shaping the next chapter of fintech innovation.  🔗 Connect with us: Visit www.GeorgiaFintechAcademy.org for more content and events. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates from the Georgia Fintech Academy.  🎧 Fintech Talks — powered by the Georgia Fintech Academy. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

    28 min
5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to Fintech Talks, the official podcast of the Georgia Fintech Academy, where we dive into the dynamic world of financial technology. Join us as we explore the latest trends, innovations, and challenges shaping the fintech landscape. Hosted by industry expert Laura Gibson-Lamothe, each episode features insightful conversations with fintech leaders, alumni, and visionaries who are driving change and fostering innovation. Whether you're a student, professional, or enthusiast, "Fintech Talks" offers a unique platform to gain valuable insights into the intersection of finance and technology. Discover how the Georgia Fintech Academy is building a diverse and skilled talent pipeline, connecting academia with industry, and preparing the next generation of fintech leaders. Tune in for engaging discussions on topics ranging from blockchain and AI to cybersecurity and regulatory compliance. With "Fintech Talks," you're not just listening to a podcast—you're joining a community of #FutureFintechLeaders committed to shaping the future of finance.www.georgiafintechacademy.org