Fintech Hustle

Hosted by Sam Kilmer & Cornerstone Advisors

Business InvestingInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Jul 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Join host Sam Kilmer, fintech advisor, in unscripted conversations with top fintech industry leaders. No planned corporate talking points, no scripts, no pitches. Just useful advice and insights. To keep it lively, Sam often brings co-hosts like author/researcher Ron Shevlin, former American Banker editor Mary Wisniewski, and former Bank Director President Al Dominick. Subscribe to the Fintech Hustle podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV6g

Listen to episodes

44 recent

July 23, 2026Episode 640 min

Fintech’s Next Frontier: Trust, AI, and the Power of Partnership

AI may be reshaping financial services, but turning new technology into real progress takes more than speed. Sam Kilmer and co-host Kelli Schultz are joined by Melissa Cullen of FIS, Andres Klaric of Fuse Finance, and Tom Davis of Canapi Ventures for an unscripted conversation about what it really takes to move AI from experimentation into everyday banking. From agentic customer service and faster product development to regulatory responsibility, customer adoption, data protection, and the growing importance of fintech partnerships, the group explores where AI is already creating real value and where financial institutions still need to move carefully. The conversation also digs into why distribution alone is not enough, how poor implementation can quickly erode trust, and why the strongest fintech companies will be the ones willing to stand behind outcomes, support their customers, and build experiences people actually want to use. Guests Include: Melissa Cullen - President of Regional & Community Banking and PayTech Women Board Member, FIS Andres Klaric - Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Fuse Finance Tom Davis - General Partner, Canapi Ventures Kelli Schultz (Co-Host) - Managing Director, Cornerstone Advisors Subscribe to the Fintech Hustle podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV6g Chapters: [00:00] – Meet the Fintech Leaders [02:01] – Melissa Cullen’s Day in the Life at FIS [06:43] – Building and Scaling Fuse Finance [10:19] – Why Listening Matters More Than Ever [12:06] – Inside the Fintech Investor’s Day [15:12] – Separating AI Signal from the Hype [18:03] – Faster Sales Cycles and Outcome-Based AI [20:48] – Moving AI Beyond Experimentation [23:09] – Trust, Distribution, and Responsibility [26:25] – Why AI Adoption Requires Customer Support [27:41] – The Growing Fintech Partnership Ecosystem [29:01] – When Agentic AI Creates a Bad Experience [35:12] – Why Banks and Fintechs Need Each Other Subscribe to the Fintech Hustle podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV6g

July 6, 2026Episode 546 min

Risks, Relationships, Data, and The Fluid Future of AI and Digital

Fintech is moving fast, but this conversation makes one thing clear: the future will not be won by technology alone. Sam Kilmer and Kelli Schultz are joined by three founders -- Mike Duncan of Bankjoy, Nima Ghamsari of Blend, and Paul Danola of Bridgeport Partners — for a lively, unscripted look at the next chapter of financial services. AI is the headline, but the real story is bigger…what happens when critical data, smarter digital experiences, trusted relationships, and old-fashioned curiosity all collide. From community banks and credit unions and private equity firms to core systems, fraud prevention, lending, and the changing role of the branch, the group explores where fintech is getting more fluid, where it still feels too fragmented, and why staying open may be the most important leadership trait of all. Guests include: Paul Danola - Founding Partner, Bridgeport Partners Nima Ghamsari - Founder and Head of Blend Mike Duncan - CEO & Co-Founder of Bankjoy Kelli Schultz (Co-Host) - Managing Director, Cornerstone Advisors Subscribe to the Fintech Hustle podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV6g Chapters [0:00] Welcome to Fintech Hustle [0:32] Meet the co-host and guests [2:47] Mike Duncan on the mission behind Bankjoy [4:20] How Bankjoy keeps teams aligned around OKRs [5:50] Getting back in front of clients and partners [7:47] Paul Danola on life after FIS and building Bridgeport Partners [10:38] Why investing still comes down to clients and employees [11:10] Relationships, trust and curiosity in fintech [14:55] Nima Ghamsari on Blend, AI transformation and building again [18:15] What’s making fintech leaders optimistic right now [20:36] AI as both opportunity and competitive threat for community FIs [24:09] The next chapter of customer engagement [28:05] Kelli Schultz on the integration problem across fintech stacks [34:26] AI agents as the future users of banking software [37:15] What the future digital banking interface could look like [40:56] Hyper-personalized financial guidance in real time [43:38] Using data and AI for real-time fraud prevention [45:50] Final thoughts and wrap-up Subscribe to the Fintech Hustle podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV6g

March 24, 2026Episode 427 min

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 critical Core system challenges still holding banks back The future of software development with generative AI Risks of AI hallucinations and regulatory implications Why entry-level talent may drive the next wave of innovation What’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/ Subscribe to the Fintech Hustle podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV6g

March 6, 2026Episode 328 min

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 Subscribe to the Fintech Hustle podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV6g

February 7, 2026Episode 233 min

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 line AI everywhere, including fraud, and why banks must fight AI with AI Vendor consolidation and the reality of fragmented tech stacks Data strategy as a growth engine, not just a compliance tool Why the branch still matters and how to modernize the in-branch experience The talent challenge for community banks trying to innovate A clear warning: community banks should stop trying to build what mega-banks build, and focus on partnerships and execution Let 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/ Subscribe to the Fintech Hustle podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV6g

January 22, 2026Episode 133 min

Fintech Hustle 2026 Kickoff: AI, Stablecoins, and the New “Community”

Kicking off 2026 with a strategy-focused episode of Fintech Hustle. Sam Kilmer (Managing Director, Cornerstone Advisors) and co-host Kelli Schultz (Principal, Cornerstone Advisors) are joined by Erica Pilon (Head of Strategy, Jack Henry) and Scott Hildenbrand (Chief Balance Sheet Strategist, Piper Sandler) to discuss what’s changing in banking and fintech, and what winners will do differently. Topics include: vendor strategy and fintech partnerships, stablecoin and payments, customer-first balance sheet thinking, redefining “community,” why bank valuations aren’t reflecting performance, and the missed marketing opportunities banks keep repeating. What’s your top strategic priority for 2026? 00:00 Intro + 2026 kickoff 01:00 Erica Pilon intro + strategy shifts 05:00 Jack Henry priorities, fintech alliances, ecosystem 09:30 Scott Hildenbrand: ALCO, balance sheet, M&A 12:00 Deposit chaos and customer-first ALCO 14:00 Redefining “community” and loyalty vs trust 17:30 What’s “broken”: integration + standards 24:00 What’s “broken”: marketing and telling the story 29:45 What’s “jazzing” them: stablecoin + opportunity 32:30 Wrap Click to watch more! https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/fintech-hustle/ Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samkilmer/ Subscribe to the Fintech Hustle podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV6g

November 17, 2025Episode 914 min

2025 in Fintech: The Best Insights from Fintech Hustle Podcast

Host Sam Kilmer looks back at the year’s most quoted hallway moments—packed with real-world takes on AI (purposeful, not buzzwordy) , stablecoins (watch the fiat on/off-ramps), data activation (from “we have it” to “we use it”), and go-to-market alignment. Highlights include an AI reality check from a startup CEO, pragmatic stablecoin guidance from an investing leader, compliance and fraud implications for the AI era, organizing sales + marketing around bookings, and why community FIs must aim for personalization beyond product silos. Plus a few road-warrior stories (Grace Potter sighting, sun-safe merch) to cap a big year. Links Sam Kilmer (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/samkilmer/ Fintech Hustle (Cornerstone site): https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/fintech-hustle/ Key Moments 00:04 Flashback setup: a “greatest-hits-ish” reel—AI, stablecoin, data, GTM 01:23 AI culture shift: a CEO’s take on leaders who hoped to “retire before it hits” 03:06 Stablecoin sanity check (rooftop chat): focus on fiat ↔ stablecoin conversions now 05:07 AI’s compounding edge: “It’s the dumbest it will ever be today”—early adopters win on efficiency, profitability, M&A leverage 07:18 Purposeful AI: define the outcome first (ops efficiency, intimacy, personalization), then pick the tech 08:25 GTM org design: marketing + sales co-own accounts and bookings; content ≠ handoff forms 10:48 Data to action: banks have data—now align strategy, frontline, and offers to actually use it 12:03 Sign-off: community, road notes, and gearing up for 2026’s guest slate Subscribe to the Fintech Hustle podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV6g

October 29, 2025Episode 847 min

Purposeful AI, Tokenized Mortgages, and What Community Banks Must Do Next

Host Sam Kilmer gathers Reva Rao (Head of Digital Transformation, Blend), David Ladic (SVP, Zafin ), Adam Aspes (Partner, FINTOP ), and co-host Kelli Schultz for a candid hallway conversation. They trade “day-in-the-life” views (and nonstop event planning), argue for purposeful AI over buzzwords, and unpack regulator-ready AI governance (from “know your agent” to vendor disclosures). The group debates blockchain/tokenization in mortgages, smart-contract enforcement, fraud realities, and whether consumers even care about the rails—so long as pricing and trust improve. It closes with a challenge to community FIs: get entrepreneurial, use your data, personalize beyond product silos, and solve for outcomes—not tech for tech’s sake. Key Moments 00:11 Guest lineup and setup from the halls of fintech to real operator stories 08:45 Events as strategy why orchestration and education matter as much as product 13:22 Purposeful AI prioritize problems, outcomes, and ROI rather than buzzwords 20:36 Governance and exams “know your agent,” vendor AI disclosures, anonymization, and risk 28:32 Tokenization debate on chain home equity, cost dynamics, smart contract enforcement, and whether consumers care 42:10 What’s broken and what wins data driven personalization and a call for FI entrepreneurship 47:03 Wrap and takeaways solve outcomes first and let tech follow Subscribe to the Fintech Hustle podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV6g

September 22, 2025Episode 718 min

Data, Trust & The Death of Product-Centric Banking | FinovateFall 2025

Recording “in the hall” at FinovateFall , host Sam Kilmer is joined by Wayne Miller ( SVP Innovation at ICBA & GP at BankTech Ventures), Tiffani Montez (Principal Analyst, EMARKETER), and Har Rai Khalsa (CEO & Co-Founder, Swaystack). They discuss what a fintech leader’s day really looks like, the urgency of AI adoption, the shaky logic of bank-issued stablecoins, and why personalization and life-stage experiences must replace product silos. Key Moments 00:04 Live from FinovateFall, NYC — Sam introduces Wayne, Tiffani, and Har Rhai. 01:10 Day-in-the-life: matchmaking fintech + banks, research for clients, go-to-market hustle. 04:24 Hallway buzz: AI and stablecoin — time to focus on how , not why . 07:25 Industry pain points: inactive accounts, lack of engagement, and missing 360° customer views. 12:16 Positive outlook: AI as augmentation, personalization at scale, and shifting from products to customer life-stage journeys. Subscribe to the Fintech Hustle podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV6g

September 11, 202531 min

From the Rooftop of JAM Fintop 2025 // Steve Soukup, Todd Clark, Erin Simpson, Karan Kashyap

Host Sam Kilmer records live from Hyatt Nashville with Steve Soukup (DefenseStorm), Todd Clark (Investifi), Erin Simpson (Encore Bank), and Karan Kashyap (Posh). They swap “day-in-the-life” notes, why AI went from “go slow” to “why aren’t we live,” practical stablecoin prep, real-time payments use cases, ERP integrations, deposit outflows to wealth apps, and why “seamless integration” usually isn’t. Rooftop vibes included. Timestamps: 00:04 Scene-set + guest lineup (DefenseStorm, Invest Defi, Encore Bank, Posh). 03:29 “Day in the life”: small-company stretch roles, startup rhythms, running bank ops, CEO still coding. 09:00 AI mood shift: boards from cautious to urgent; “web-banking déjà vu.” 10:36 Stablecoins: watch, don’t leap; near-term priority is fiat↔stable on/off-ramps. 12:41 Bank priorities: real-time payments and ERP integrations for commercial clients. 15:07 Integration reality: solving treasury onboarding with true end-to-end partners (docs + core push). 17:23 Deposit defense: 5–10% outflows to investment platforms—be the investing on-ramp. 18:02 Cyber angle: pace of change ⇒ more risk; move from whac-a-mole to proactive controls. 22:38 Live AI wins: disclosure review pipeline; measuring AI ROI (tokens, accuracy) and loan-doc diffs. 26:00–30:26 What’s working now: banks leaning in, co-building with fintechs, deposit/treasury innovation, optimistic tone; wrap. Top Takeaways AI urgency : Boards and execs moved from “slow down” to “why aren’t we live?”—time to graduate from licenses to application-layer outcomes. Stablecoin stance : For banks today, focus on compliant on/off-ramps and multi-currency readiness rather than speculative use cases. Payments & ERP : RTP adoption and deep ERP integrations are must-win commercial banking battlegrounds. Integration reality : “Seamless” is oversold—pick partners who’ll do the unglamorous workflow plumbing end-to-end. Deposit defense : Mind the wealth leakage to investing apps; offer native pathways before funds walk. Security ≈ survival : Rapid change expands the attack surface—proactive cyber risk management is table stakes. Prove AI ROI : Track tokens, accuracy, and cycle-time reduction; start with auditable, high-impact workflows (e.g., disclosures, credit-memo vs. docs diffs). Subscribe to the Fintech Hustle podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV6g