Leaders in Lending Leaders in Lending

Successful AI integration isn’t just about saving time or cutting costs—it’s about thoughtfully implementing the technology into areas where it can do the most good for the company and the customer.

On today’s episode, host Matt Snow speaks with Will Robinson, CEO at Encapture about AI’s application in financial institutions. Will has seen first-hand the challenges of legacy processes and resistance to change, and he shares specific use cases for successful AI implementation—along with the importance of partnering with experienced vendors.

Join us as we discuss:
Understanding and assessing risks and trade-offs when considering AI applicationsThe role of regulation and transparency in AI interactionsHow to navigate the “build vs. buy” questionThe process of identifying repetitive, rule-based tasks for automation before integrating AI

When it comes to the tech revolution, it’s not all about the coasts or the biggest cities. Although areas like Silicon Valley continue to dominate the headlines and the public imagination, there’s an undercurrent of tech growth and innovation in “Heartland” and “Rust Belt” areas like Ohio.

This week, host Lynn Sautter Beal talks with Chris Berry, President and CEO of OhioX, about the vibrant growth of Ohio's tech industry. Chris explains the industry’s historical evolution in the state, its current challenges, and significant breakthrough investments from major companies like Intel and Google.

Discussed in this episode:What strategic leadership and groundwork efforts led to multibillion-dollar investments from Fortune 500 companiesThe uniquely collaborative nature of Ohio’s tech industryHow states like Ohio can leverage their geography to further develop their tech industryInitiatives to expose K-12 students in Ohio to skills and careers in tech

In today’s episode, host Lynn Sautter Beal talks with Jillian Murrish, CEO of Pier Asset Management, about the waves she and her firm are making in the market — targeting less liquid and underserved areas while focusing on secondary markets and early-stage credit facilities. Jillian shares her journey from working in online real estate to co-founding Pier Asset Management, while offering valuable lessons on flexibility, operational ease, and evolving borrowing bases for early-stage originators along the way.

Join us as we discuss:
Why early-stage originators should avoid using expensive equity capital to fund loansThe change in defining secured vs. unsecured lendingHow targeting less liquid areas can help generate alpha and deliver better returns for investorsThe role of privacy, reputational risk, and the regulatory environment play in decision-making in evaluating potential partners and deals

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to regulation in the world of financial services. Sometimes it’s a matter of encouraging fintech companies to engage in responsible behaviors—and other times it’s a matter of allowing responsible FinTech companies to continue operating responsibly without regulatory burdens.

This week’s host, Lynn Sautter Beal, is joined by Phil Goldfeder, CEO at American Fintech Council, and former New York State Assembly member. Phil has a wealth of experience and knowledge in the realm of regulatory policy—and all of it is informed by the idea of practical and realistic progress that doesn’t get in the way of responsible financial service providers doing their work, or get in the way of people receiving the financial services they need and deserve.

Join us as we discuss:
How federal regulatory structures can evolve to support FinTech advancementsThe unintended consequences of “reactionary regulation”Key efforts in establishing industry standards without regulatory mandatesThe value of working groups and listening sessions involving various players in FinTech

For financial service professionals, it’s important to meet the needs of their customers and clients. But it’s equally important that they ensure they’re leaving no stone unturned when it comes to harnessing the latest technological solutions that can make their job — and the consumer’s experience — as frictionless as possible.

This week, host Matt Snow is joined by Greg Blausey, Senior Director of Banking Industry Solutions & Strategy at Salesforce, and Amir Madjlessi, Managing Director and Banking Industry Advisor at Salesforce. Greg and Amir bring a commitment to (and insights on) streamlining processes within financial institutions to better serve the customer, and allow financial professionals to focus on what they do best.

Discussed in this episode:The importance of fresh and representative dataHow finance can learn from the world of retail when it comes to the onboarding experienceWhat it looks like to take an outcome-based approach in adopting new technologiesBalancing using data usage for personalized service and addressing privacy concerns and regulations

On today’s episode, host Lynn Sautter Beal is joined by Matt Hrna, Senior Vice President at Regions Bank to discuss inflationary pressures and market volatility impacting banks today. Leveraging over a decade of expertise and experience, Matt covers a wide range of challenges and opportunities faced by players throughout the financial industry. 

Although economic uncertainty continues to abound, there are systems and practices lenders can take advantage of to mitigate risk while adopting innovative solutions—all of which Matt helps us uncover.

Join us as we discuss:Consumers turning to Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) to address various financial needsThe impact of the student loan repayment resumption on credit behaviorWhy all lenders should develop a “recession playbook” and remain proactive amid uncertaintyThe importance of maintaining primacy and deepening relationships with existing customers