In this conversation, Payments Professor and Kari Mitchum discuss the role of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) in supporting community banks and the electronic payments industry. Kari shares her personal journey into the field, the importance of community banks in local economies, and the advocacy efforts ICBA undertakes to represent these institutions. The discussion also covers ICBA's educational initiatives, innovation in banking, and the future of community banking.
Jun 06, 2025•29 min
In this episode, the Payments Professor, Kevin Olsen, speaks with Ashley Mustico from Nacha about the AAP (Accredited ACH Professional) accreditation. They discuss the importance of the AAP in the electronic payments industry, the journey into electronic payments, the benefits of obtaining the AAP for both individuals and organizations, the format and preparation for the AAP exam, and what to do after passing the exam, including maintaining the accreditation. The conversation emphasizes the valu...
Mar 27, 2025•27 min
In this eye-opening episode of The Payments Podium, the Payments Professor welcomes a special guest from Nairobi, Kenya — Patrick Tanui, a seasoned expert in risk, compliance, and governance across banking, telecom, and fintech sectors in Africa. Patrick shares invaluable insights on how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation in Africa’s financial landscape. From the rise of mobile wallets and fintech collaborations to the increasing role of AI in fraud detection, Patrick unpac...
Mar 21, 2025•22 min
Are checks becoming obsolete? Not so fast! In this conversation, Payments Professor Kevin Olson and Steve Cree explore the surprising resilience of checks in today's electronic payments landscape. They discuss the history, misconceptions, and ongoing importance of checks for key transactions like rent and utilities. Learn why checks still hold significant dollar value, how millennials are using them more than expected, and why expertise in check processing remains a valuable skill in the industr...
Mar 06, 2025•29 min
In this episode of the Payments Podium Podcast, the Payments Professor, Kevin Olsen, sits down with special guest Karen Sylvester to unravel the complexities of UDAP (Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts and Practices) and its impact on electronic payments and financial institutions. Discover how Karen’s journey from part-time teller to industry expert has shaped her perspective on consumer protection, compliance, and regulations. Learn about the two versions of UDAP – one overseen by the FTC and ...
Feb 20, 2025•29 min
In this Payments Podium episode, Gary Stein discusses the role and importance of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in the payments industry. He shares insights into the regulatory landscape, including the significance of various regulations and the recent developments in open banking and fintech. The discussion also touches on the challenges and opportunities in the payments sector, emphasizing the need for consumer protection and the evolving nature of financial services.
Jan 23, 2025•31 min
In this episode of the Payments Podium Podcast with our host, the Payments Professor, with special guest Tedd Huff from Fintech Confidential, Joe Casali from Wrestling Payments, and Peter Tapping from PTap Advisory, we dive into the complex and ever-evolving world of payments, innovation, and technology. From the intricate "digital maze" of systems, rules, and regulations to the fascinating intersection of risk, faster payments, and open banking, this episode is packed with insights and revelati...
Dec 12, 2024•31 min
In this episode of Payments Podium, the Payments Professor, Kevin Olson, sits down with Ian McAllister, COO of Unit21, to discuss combating fraud in instant payments. Explore trends like AI’s role in scams, real-time fraud monitoring, and tips for banks to enhance their defenses. Learn how Unit21 is empowering financial institutions with cutting-edge strategies and insights to stay ahead in the fast-paced world of real-time payments.
Dec 05, 2024•30 min
Join the Payments Professor as he chats with Marshall Greenwald about the future of instant payments, fraud prevention, and how Ionia is revolutionizing merchant payment solutions. Learn how instant settlement, reduced fraud risk, and consumer-focused innovation are shaping the payments industry. Whether you're a merchant or a payment professional, this episode offers valuable insights on enhancing cash flow, leveraging AI, and navigating the evolving world of digital payments. Don't miss this e...
Oct 10, 2024•30 min
In this compelling episode of the Payments Podium Podcast, the Payments Professor dives into the innovative world of offline payments with Anurag Dubey from Lipis Advisors. Explore the crucial role of offline payments in extending financial inclusion, enhancing payment system resilience, and ensuring continuity during internet outages or in remote locations. Anurag breaks down the technology behind offline payments, including the security protocols and hardware involved, and discusses how countr...
Sep 12, 2024•27 min
Join the Payments Professor as he welcomes real law professor Cathy Mansfield to the Payments Podium! In this insightful episode, they discuss the evolution of consumer protection laws in payments, the importance of Reg E, and how regulations adapt (or not) to modern payment methods like Zelle and FedNow. Whether you're a payments professional or just curious about the laws that protect your financial transactions, this episode offers valuable knowledge from an expert in the field. Tune in to le...
Aug 29, 2024•29 min
In this Payments Podium episode, the Payments Professor welcomes Dr. Angela Murphy, aka Payments Elsa, back to discuss her new role at Pigeon and her vision for the future of faster payments. Dive into insights on developing effective payment strategies for financial institutions and hear about Dr. Murphy's thought leadership initiatives to educate and inspire the payments industry. Discover how she's driving the conversation forward and what it means for future payments in the U.S. and beyond.
Aug 22, 2024•25 min
In this special edition of the Payments Podium, the Payments Professor teams up with Joe Casali, host of the Wrestling Payments podcast, to bring you an engaging discussion recorded during their time at the Payments Innovation Alliance meeting in Berlin. In this episode, Kevin and Joe share their insights and experiences from this prestigious global gathering, where leaders from the payments industry across the globe came together to discuss the future of faster payments. Join them as they explo...
Aug 08, 2024•31 min
Welcome to another insightful episode of the Payments Podium! In today's podcast, we dive deep into the world of financial crimes with our special guest, Rene Perez, Financial Crimes Consultant and Director of Financial Crimes Solutions Sales at Jack Henry. Rene shares his incredible journey from the hotel industry to becoming a leading expert in financial crimes and cybersecurity. In this episode, Rene discusses the latest trends and threats in financial crimes, including digital impersonation ...
Jul 18, 2024•33 min
Welcome to the Payments Podium! In this episode, we dive into the essential world of core banking systems with Ron Suhr, an expert from Modern Banking. Ron shares his unique journey into the banking industry and provides a comprehensive explanation of what core systems are, their importance, and how they function. We explore the evolution of core systems, their critical role in managing transactions, and the complexities involved in core conversions. Ron also gives us a glimpse into the future o...
Jul 11, 2024•25 min
Welcome to the Payments Podium! In this episode, we dive into the new NACHA rules, focusing on credit push fraud and risk management in the evolving electronic payments world. Our special guests, Jordan Bennett and Devon Marsh from NACHA, share their expertise on these critical changes and how they impact financial institutions and the industry. Learn about the nine new rules, the importance of timely compliance, and practical steps for implementation. We discuss everything from risk management ...
Jun 13, 2024•16 min
In this episode of the Payments Podium Podcast, the focus is on Nacha's Payments Innovation Alliance. The discussion aims to highlight the significant contributions of the Payments Innovation Alliance in driving forward-thinking and cutting-edge payment strategies. Listeners can expect to gain valuable insights into how the Alliance fosters collaboration among different players in the financial sector, encouraging the creation and adoption of innovative payment technologies and practices. This p...
May 23, 2024•26 min
Join us for a remarkable continuation of our exploration into the history of electronic checks on "The Payments Podium." This episode features the insightful stories of Phyllis Meyerson and David Walker, key figures in the journey towards the Check 21 Act. As we pick up from the suspenseful moment at the White House guardhouse, David takes us through his memorable walk up to the West Wing, leading to the historic signing of Check 21 by the President. Discover the surprising reactions, the immedi...
May 02, 2024•28 min
In this episode of The Payments Podium, the Professor welcomes Tom Burgess from Snipp.com to discuss innovative approaches to navigating interchange fees. The conversation delves into these fees' impact on merchants and organizations and explores potential solutions that can benefit both consumers and financial institutions. Tom shares insights on how targeted advertising through banking apps can enhance user experience and provide financial benefits to consumers, banks, and merchants alike. Thi...
Apr 25, 2024•24 min
Dive deep into the groundbreaking journey of Check 21 in the latest episode of "The Check21 Blockbuster Story" podcast. Join us as we unravel the intricate history and pivotal moments that shaped the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act, with exclusive insights from the authors of the definitive book on the subject, Phyllis Meyerson and David Walker. Discover the challenges and triumphs experienced by the key figures behind this monumental shift in banking, from the early days of check proces...
Apr 18, 2024•29 min
In this captivating episode of "The Payments Podium," join us for an exclusive journey through the evolution of electronic checks, featuring the legendary Phyllis Meyerson and David Walker. Discover the untold stories and pivotal moments that transformed the check processing landscape. From the manual and chaotic early days of check handling, including checks literally falling off trucks, to the innovative leap toward electronic transactions, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and ...
Apr 04, 2024•29 min
Welcome to this enlightening episode of "The Payments Podium," where today we will dive deep into the evolving world of point-of-sale (POS) technology and its impact on small businesses. Join us as our host, alongside special guest George from the pioneering company Swoop, explores the seldom-discussed but critical aspects of POS systems. We address the pressing issues small businesses face, debunk the myth of complexity in electronic payments, and reveal how modern POS technology can do much mo...
Mar 28, 2024•27 min
In this engaging episode of the Payments Podium Podcast, the Payments Professor Professor, Kevin Olsen, and Lisa Coffey, Chief Innovation Officer at Corporate America Credit Union, dive into what it means to be a corporate credit union. They kick off the discussion by clarifying the fundamental differences between banks and credit unions. Lisa, bringing her expertise from Corporate America Credit Union, sheds light on the journey from microfilming checks to climbing the ranks in electronic payme...
Feb 22, 2024•21 min
In this episode, the Payments Professor sits down with Malinda Rickel from The Bankers Bank and Mary Williams from United Bankers to delve into the concept and operations of a bankers' bank. The discussion offers an in-depth look at how these specialized banks function, their role in the banking industry, and their significance to community banks. Malinda and Mary, with their extensive experience in the banking sector, provide valuable insights into the services offered by bankers' banks, such a...
Feb 15, 2024•29 min
In this inspiring episode, Ian, a seasoned fraud fighter with 25 years in banking, shares his multifaceted journey. Beyond his professional role as the head of fraud in several banks, Ian is also the founder of a nonprofit, The Knoble, dedicated to combating human crimes like trafficking and child exploitation. Ian's mission is deeply rooted in making a positive difference in the world through his unique skills and quirky personality. He reflects on his career realization that behind each financ...
Feb 08, 2024•26 min
In this episode, Bob Steen of Bridge Community Bank reflects on his remarkable 40-year tenure in the banking industry and the evolution of payment systems. Bob shares his early experiences, starting from his military service in 1970 and his involvement in transitioning military payroll from paper to electronic format, an essential precursor to direct deposit. He discusses the bank's pioneering role in adopting check imaging in 1996, well ahead of the Check 21 Act, and its evolution to embrace in...
Feb 01, 2024•29 min
Buckle up, space travelers! The Payments Podium blasts off into 2024 with Professor Kevin Olsen, Payments Elsa (Dr. Angela Murphy), and Cole Augustine of Galactic Trade Consultants. Brace yourselves for bold predictions as this galaxy-brained crew dives deep into the future of electronic payments. Tune in for a mind-bending exploration of the financial frontier! This ain't your average podcast - it's the Payments Podium, where the future of electronic money is just getting warmed up. Don't miss ...
Jan 04, 2024•29 min
Join us on the latest Payments Podium podcast, where the Payments Professor, Kevin Olsen, teams up with Dr. Angela Murphy, aka Payments Elsa, and Cole Augustine from Galactic Trade Consultants. In this exciting episode, they share their expert predictions for the evolution of electronic payments in 2024. Tune in to gain insights on future trends, potential innovations, and how these changes might reshape the landscape of electronic transactions. #PaymentsPodium #ElectronicPayments2024 #PaymentsP...
Dec 28, 2023•32 min
Who is Nacha? Michael Herd, SVP of ACH Network Administration at Nacha Join The Payments Professor, Kevin Olsen, for an insightful conversation with Michael Herd, SVP of ACH Network Administration at Nacha. Michael shares his fascinating journey from communications professional to payments expert, revealing his passion for the industry and its impact on everyday lives. Key Takeaways: • Learning from the Ground Up: Michael entered the payments industry without prior experience, highlighting the i...
Dec 14, 2023•30 min
In this episode of the "Payments Podium" podcast, the host, Payments Professor, discusses with Ravi Sandepudi from Effective about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in managing risks associated with electronic payments. Ravi's journey in electronic payments began at Google, where he worked on Google Pay (formerly Google Wallet), gaining extensive experience in risk management. He highlights the challenges faced in mitigating fraud, especially sophisticated attacks from fraudsters using AI...
Nov 30, 2023•28 min