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.

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 value of education and professional development in the payments industry. Takeaways: Nacha governs the ACH network and offers accreditations. The AAP accreditation signifies expertise in the ACH network. Individuals should pursue AAP after gaining at least two years of payment experience. Getting an AAP can enhance career prospects and salary. Organizations benefit from having AAPs on staff for compliance and risk management. The AAP exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, with 100 scored. Candidates can find out if they passed the exam on the same day. Preparation through Payments Associations significantly increases the chances of passing. Continuing education is required to maintain AAP accreditation every five years. Celebrating the achievement of AAP is essential for personal and professional growth. Learn more from the Payments Professor "We make learning about payments rules and regulations fun and easy!" www.PaymentsProfessor.com

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 unpacks how innovation is reshaping financial access, especially for the unbanked. Topics covered include: The merging of telecom and banking through digital wallets The impact of blockchain and crypto on cross-border payments How Africa is leapfrogging traditional banking models The real-time risks of digital finance — and how to combat them Regulatory challenges and the need for robust compliance tools The future of a unified digital ecosystem in Africa Advice for fintech startups and young professionals entering the space Whether you’re in fintech, banking, or just curious about how payments are evolving globally, this conversation offers a rare and real-time look into Africa’s rapidly advancing digital economy. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more global fintech insights. Connect with us or suggest a future guest via LinkedIn! Class dismissed

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 industry. 🔹 The hidden power of checks in payments 🔹 Why checks are still used for high-value transactions 🔹 The role of checks in a digital world 🔹 Career opportunities in check processing

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 the other by the CFPB – and how they govern business and financial institution practices. 📌 Key Takeaways: The four Ps of UDAP: Prominent, Presented, Placement, and Proximity. The critical role of clear disclosures for compliance. How evolving regulations, like those on fees, impact financial institutions. The importance of consumer responsibility and financial literacy. Practical career advice: Embrace challenges and learn from every opportunity. Learn more from the Payments Professor "We make learning about payments rules and regulations fun and easy!" www.PaymentsProfessor.com

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.

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 revelations. Key Topics Covered: 🔹 The rise of faster payments and their exponential growth. 🔹 Bridging the gap between financial institutions and technology companies through effective "technology translation." 🔹 A closer look at Cash App, Venmo, and Zelle in small business transactions. 🔹 Challenges in cross-border payments and the role of AI in streamlining processes. 🔹 Open banking and the regulatory hurdles shaping its implementation. 🔹 The parallels between professional wrestling and the payments industry—because sometimes, opinions need to be wrestled with! Join the Payments Professor as he deciphers the latest trends, tackles tough industry questions, and provides actionable insights to help you navigate the complex world of payments and technology.

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.

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 engaging discussion—subscribe for more expert insights!

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 countries like India are already successfully implementing these solutions for low-value transactions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the next frontier of instant payments and how it will reshape global financial systems.

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 learn more and discover how consumer protection impacts your daily transactions. Don't forget to subscribe for more in-depth discussions!

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.

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 explore the fascinating topics covered at the meeting, including the growing importance of instant payments, the role of international regulations, and the challenges of fraud prevention in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. They also dive into the cultural differences in payment systems between the U.S. and Europe, the innovative solutions being implemented abroad, and what U.S. institutions can learn from these global perspectives. Whether you're a payments professional, a financial executive, or just curious about the latest in payments technology, this episode offers a deep dive into the world of international payments and the future of electronic transactions. Don't miss this chance to learn from two industry experts as they break down the key takeaways from one of the most important payment events of the year. Tune in for part one now, and stay tuned for the next installment!

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 and the use of AI in fraud. He also sheds light on the importance of understanding scams at their root cause and the role of education in combating fraud. Additionally, Rene highlights the significance of the Fed's fraud classifier model and how it helps standardize fraud reporting across the financial industry. Please tune in to hear Rene's advice for those looking to advance their careers in financial crimes and cybersecurity. Learn the critical importance of reading, staying informed, and understanding how money moves to better identify and mitigate fraud risks.

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 of core banking, highlighting the advancements and challenges ahead, especially in terms of security and integration with modern technologies. Whether you're a banking professional or simply curious about the backbone of financial institutions, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

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 frameworks to new return reason codes like R17 and R06. Whether you're a financial professional or just curious about the world of payments, this episode is packed with valuable insights. For more information on the new rules, visit nacha.org/newrules. Connect with our guests on LinkedIn: Jordan Bennett and Devon Marsh.

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 podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the Payments Innovation Alliance's role in revolutionizing how we think about and manage transactions in today's digital age.

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 immediate aftermath, and the progressive adoption of electronic checks post-signing. The conversation then shifts to the critical role of the Federal Reserve in facilitating this banking revolution, highlighting the seamless transition banks experienced and the significant impact on the economy. Phyllis and David also delve into the creation of the National Check Professional (NCP) certification, emphasizing its importance for the future of payment professionals. As we ponder the future of checks, our guests share their insights on the enduring relevance of checks in the business world and the untapped potential for further digital transformation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the intricacies of payment systems and the continuous evolution of the financial industry.

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. This engaging discussion covers a range of topics, including electronic banking innovations, the effectiveness of coupons in the banking sector, and the broader implications for community banks and credit unions.

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 processing struggles to the innovative leap towards electronic transactions. Learn about the crucial role of Echo, the behind-the-scenes negotiations, and the surprising involvement of a Colonel who helped keep the economy afloat post-9/11. Plus, don't miss the intriguing account of the presidential signing ceremony with President George Bush that officially marked the advent of Check 21, transforming the landscape of electronic payments forever. This episode offers a detailed look at the legislative process and highlights the collaborative spirit and determination that made Check 21 a reality. This podcast episode is a must-listen for banking professionals, history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the evolution of Check 21.