Podcast
What's Going On In Banking
Hosted by Ron Shevlin & Stacey Bryant, Cornerstone Advisors · EN
What's Going On In Banking brings you the latest in Banking, Finance, and Fintech with insights and commentary from industry leaders, and breaking news as it happens. Hosted by Cornerstone Advisor's Ron Shevlin, Chief Research Officer, and Stacey Bryant, Director of Client Development.
14episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Can’t Knock the Hustle: Banking’s Three Wars You Can’t Afford to Lose
2w ago00:42:58Tap to summarize"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/bgfV82Chapters:[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 nextSend us Fan MailSubscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here:https://qrco.de/bgfV82
Transcribe →Jamie Dimon's Wake-Up Call: AI, Tokenization, and the End of Wait-and-See Banking
4w ago00:34:35Tap to summarizeJamie 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 NotesCan AI Kill Banking Bureaucracy?Jamie Dimon’s Letter To Shareholders: The Most Important Fintech Memo Of 2026Subscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV82Chapters[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 nowSend us Fan MailSubscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here:https://qrco.de/bgfV82
Transcribe →Stable Talk, Deposits That Walk, What Revolut Should Hawk
Apr 400:36:10Tap to summarizeStablecoins aren’t a “crypto side quest” anymore—they’re becoming core financial infrastructure. In this episode of What’s Going On in Banking, Ron Shevlin and Stacey Bryant break down Mastercard’s $1.8B bet on stablecoin infrastructure, why deposits may be more mobile than ever, and what banks are getting completely wrong.They also dive into:Why waiting on stablecoins could be a fatal mistake How tokenization could reshape payments (and profits) The real risk behind “we’re monitoring it” strategies And what Revolut needs to do to actually win in the U.S. Bottom line: the industry is changing fast and not everyone is ready.Show Notes:Stablecoins: What Community Banks Need To Know And Do NowWhat Revolut Needs To Do To Succeed In The USMastercard us | Mastercard to acquire BVNK to connect on-chain payments and fiat railsSubscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV82Chapters00:00] Intro + Stacey’s conference recap[02:30] Why banks are still stuck on AI adoption[04:00] Inside the On-Chain conference (what stood out)[06:00] “You can’t sit this out” — stablecoin urgency[08:30] Mastercard’s $1.8B acquisition breakdown[11:00] Stablecoins = real infrastructure, not crypto hype [13:30] Are banks outsourcing their future to Mastercard?[16:00] Optimistic vs realistic vs pessimistic takes[18:30] $6.6T in deposits at risk (“deposits that walk”)[23:00] Revolut enters the U.S. — opportunity or overhyped?[25:30] The “Cheesecake Factory” problem in fintech[29:30] The future: do we even need banking apps anymore?Send us Fan MailSubscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here:https://qrco.de/bgfV82
Transcribe →AI Agents Aren’t Ready to Replace Your Staff—But They Will Reshape Your Processes
Mar 1400:34:02Tap to summarizeWe’re live and in person (from the “island of New Jersey” 😆) after Credit Union GAC and ahead of the New Jersey Bankers conference. And we’re breaking down the biggest banking and fintech headlines that actually matter. Ron Shevlin and Stacey Bryant unpack:Why the mood at GAC was optimistic… with real undercurrents of concernKraken’s banking arm getting direct access to the Fed’s payment rails, and what that signals for banksWhy “waiting for regulatory clarity” on stablecoin doesn’t fly anymore (and why it’s now do-or-die)The private credit wake-up call for public bank stocksBlock’s massive layoffs and the “AI did it” narrative (spoiler: we’re not buying it)What AI agents can do today, what they can’t, and why “human-in-the-loop” is often misunderstoodWhy bankers are uneasy about using agents for fraud, and what needs to changeThe real takeaway from a credit union CEO saying “our members aren’t asking for stablecoin” If you’re in banking, credit unions, fintech, or payments…this episode is a fast, honest reality check on what’s coming next and how to prepare.Show Notes:Block Lays Off 40% Of Staff And Blames It On AI. Don’t Buy The Excuse.2026 What's Going On In Banking Industry Report Subscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV82Chapters[0:00] Live from “New Jersey Island” + GAC recap[1:48] Optimism at GAC… and the regulatory undercurrent[4:19] Kraken gets Fed access: why banks should pay attention[5:10] “Crypto isn’t a threat?” The wake-up call[6:41] Stablecoin: “regulatory clarity” is no longer an excuse[7:23] Big banks, credit quality, and the private credit threat[8:19] Block layoffs: the “AI made us do it” claim[12:06] Klarna vs Affirm: a real-world agent experience[18:05] AI agents in fraud: why 40% aren’t comfortable[27:08] “Members aren’t asking for stablecoin” (and why that’s the wrong lens) Send us Fan MailSubscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here:https://qrco.de/bgfV82
Transcribe →2 Fintech Deals Shaking Up the Banking Landscape
Feb 2800:27:29Tap to summarizeCapital One buys Brex for $5B.Goldman Sachs builds AI agents with Anthropic.MrBeast acquires a fintech.This isn’t a headline mashup — it’s what’s happening in banking right now.In this episode of What’s Going On in Banking, Ron Shevlin and Stacey Bryant break down the biggest moves reshaping financial services — and what they mean for banks and credit unions without megabank budgets.Inside the conversation:What the Capital One + Brex deal signals for SMB bankingWhy Goldman’s AI “digital coworkers” change the build vs. buy debateHow AI agents may reshape back-office operationsThe emerging battle to own the checking account workflowWhy banks are no longer just competing on rates, but on softwareFrom stablecoins to autonomous AI, this episode separates strategy from hype and highlights what institutions should actually be paying attention to.Show Notes:Goldman Equips AI Agents to do Trade Accounting, OnboardingInvasion of the Job Snatchers: Digital Bank Workers Have Arrived | Bank DirectorRon's Take on Array Acquiring Chimney The 2026 What's Going On In Banking Report is NOW LIVE!!Download the Report: https://lnkd.in/gBNhy53PWatch the recap of the Webinar: https://vimeo.com/1166796761 Subscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here: https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/whats-going-on-in-bankingChapters[0:00] Welcome + Arizona Recap & Stablecoin Talk[3:10] Capital One’s $5B Brex Deal[5:35] Why SMBs Expect Integrated Banking Tech[7:27] SMB Segmentation: Capital, Industry, Technology[10:19] Strategy Over Scale: The Real Growth Question[11:14] Goldman Sachs Builds AI “Digital Coworkers”[13:05] What AI Agents Actually Do (And Don’t Do)[17:23] AI Risks, Bias & The Human Factor[19:25] MrBeast, Grab & The Fintech Acquisition Wave[20:36] The Hidden Battle for the Checking AccountSend us Fan MailSubscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here:https://qrco.de/bgfV82
Transcribe →AI, Crypto, and Fraud—Oh My! // The 2026 What's Going On In Banking Report
Feb 2600:38:09Tap to summarizeIn this special bonus episode of What’s Going On in Banking, Ron Shevlin, Chief Research Officer at Cornerstone Advisors, is joined by Steve Williams, CEO & Partner of Cornerstone Advisors, to break down the findings from the 2026 WGOIB Webinar Report.Based on insights from 400+ banks and credit unions, this report reveals how financial institutions are preparing for what’s next in:Artificial Intelligence strategy and investmentCrypto’s evolving role in bankingThe escalating fraud crisisTechnology spending prioritiesGrowth and competitive pressures in 2026If you want to understand where the industry is actually heading — not just the hype — this episode delivers the data behind the decisions. Download the full report: https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/research/whats-going-on-in-banking-2026Subscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here: https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/whats-going-on-in-bankingChapters[0:00] Welcome & Bonus Episode Overview[1:45] Why 2026 Will Be a Pivotal Year for Banking[4:30] Inside the Survey: 400+ Banks & Credit Unions Weigh In[7:15] AI Strategy: Where Banks Are Investing (and Where They’re Not)[11:20] Crypto in 2026: Reality vs. Hype[14:40] The Fraud Explosion: What’s Keeping Executives Up at Night[18:10] Technology Spending Priorities for 2026[22:00] Growth, Competition & Strategic Shifts[25:30] What Leaders Should Be Doing Right Now[28:00] Final Takeaways & How to Access the Full ReportSend us Fan MailSubscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here:https://qrco.de/bgfV82
Transcribe →AI, Data, and the Execution Gap in Banking
Feb 1400:27:45Tap to summarizeBanks are racing into AI and “data strategy” — but most can’t clearly define what they’re actually doing.Ron Shevlin and Stacey Bryant break down why chasing trends won’t fix broken strategy, and why specificity, execution, and focus matter more than hype.If you're in banking or fintech, this is the reality check you need. The 2026 What's Going On In Banking Report is NOW LIVE!!Download the Report: https://lnkd.in/gBNhy53PRegister for the Webinar, Feb 25th at 10:00am PT / 1:00pm ET: https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/events-and-webinars/whats-going-on-in-banking-2026Subscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here: https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/whats-going-on-in-banking Chapters[0:00] AI Hype vs. Strategy[6:30] The Problem With “Just Doing AI”[8:26] Test, Learn, Scale Explained[15:07] What Kind of Data Are We Talking About?[15:25] Customer vs. Market vs. Operational Data[16:26] Execution Quality & Data IQ[18:32] Where Financial Institutions Get Stuck[20:00] Practical Advice for 2026[26:31] Final TakeawaysSend us Fan MailSubscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here:https://qrco.de/bgfV82
Transcribe →Credit Card Caps, Couch Cushion Crypto Yields, and the Apple Card Reset: Politics Meets Banking Reality
Jan 2400:21:16Tap to summarizeA 10% credit card rate cap.Crypto offering yield.Apple ditching Goldman for JPMorgan Chase.In this episode of What’s Going On in Banking, Ron Shevlin and Stacey Bryant break down the real-world consequences of headline-grabbing policy ideas, why buy now, pay later keeps winning with consumers, and what banks are getting right and wrong about crypto, partnerships, and relevance in 2026.This isn’t political theater. It’s banking reality.If you work in banking, fintech, payments, or credit unions, this episode is required listening.Show Notes:Banks Cry Foul Over High-Yielding Tokens as Crypto Fight Simmers in WashingtonThe Proposed Credit Card Interest Rate Cap Is All Politics, No PolicySubscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here: https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/whats-going-on-in-bankingChapters[0:00] Welcome & catching up at Cornerstone[2:45] The proposed 10% credit card rate cap[4:45] Why the cap could hurt consumers most[7:15] Buy Now, Pay Later vs credit cards[10:25] Is BNPL the new “starter credit”?[11:40] Should crypto be allowed to offer yield?[14:05] Are banks overestimating the crypto threat?[17:05] Apple Card: Goldman out, JPMorgan in[19:20] What Apple & Goldman got wrong[20:40] Final thoughts & what banks should focus onSend us Fan MailSubscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here:https://qrco.de/bgfV82
Transcribe →AI, Crypto, and Fraud, Oh My: The 2026 Banking Forecast
Jan 1000:34:46Tap to summarize2026 is here — and banking is officially walking into the unknown.In the first What’s Going On in Banking episode of the year, Ron Shevlin and Stacey Bryant unpack the biggest forces shaping financial services right now: AI agents, crypto & stablecoins, fraud risks, fintech competition, and what banks think they’re prioritizing vs. what actually gets done.From Wizard of Oz metaphors to real-world data from hundreds of bank and credit union executives, this episode delivers a sneak peek into the What’s Going On in Banking 2026 Report and why engagement, data utilization, and payments may matter more than ever.If you work in banking, fintech, or credit unions, this is a must-watch to understand what’s changing and what’s being underestimated. Subscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here: https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/whats-going-on-in-bankingChapters:[0:00] Welcome to 2026 & Gonzo Banker Awards recap[2:05] The legendary “Gonzoquito” moment 🍹[4:55] Sneak peek: What’s in the 2026 Banking Report[6:35] AI, Crypto & Fraud: Banking’s new “scary forest”[9:35] Top concerns for banks & credit unions in 2026[12:35] Cost of funds vs. deposit gathering—what’s misunderstood[15:20] Fintechs, Coinbase & the real competitive threat[19:00] Consumer behavior, engagement & digital expectations[22:40] Why P2P payments jumped to #1 for credit unions[29:45] AI agents, MCP & why “not ready for prime time” mattersSend us Fan MailSubscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here:https://qrco.de/bgfV82
Transcribe →From Agentic AI to SoFi Crypto: What’s Really Going On in Banking
Dec 600:26:44Tap to summarizeAI is redefining banking, travel, creativity, and how financial institutions must evolve. In this episode of What’s Going On in Banking, Stacey Bryant and Ron Shevlin dive into the future of generative AI, the creativity gap in banking, SoFi’s bold crypto move, and why most banks are dangerously behind consumer expectations.From real-world AI travel examples to new research showing massive crypto demand from Gen Z, millennials, and even Gen X, this conversation unpacks what’s coming in 2026 — and what banks must do to survive it.Subscribe to the What’s Going On In Banking podcast here: https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/whats-going-on-in-banking Chapters:[0:00] Welcome + What’s Cooking in Banking[0:34] Stacey’s Food & Travel Story[1:42] Industry Events & CMN Support[3:13] Ron’s New Granddaughter Update[4:48] What Banks Are Asking About AI[5:32] The McKinsey AI Travel Example[7:30] Could AI Build Your Financial Life Itinerary?[9:03] Ron Clarifies What Generative AI Really Is[12:21] Jobs, Creativity & the Human Side of AI[20:54] SoFi, Crypto Demand & The Future of BankingSend us Fan MailSubscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here:https://qrco.de/bgfV82
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