Why Small Businesses Need Better Banking—and How to Deliver It | The Fintech Combine

Series 1 Episode 32 In this episode, Kris Kovacs talks with Jacob Bennett, co-founder of Crux Analytics, about transforming how community financial institutions serve small businesses. Discover how Crux uses data and analytics to strengthen banker-client relationships, their platform’s evolution, and insights into the future of fintech and AI in banking.
Talent for Tomorrow: How Credit Unions Can Recruit and Thrive! | The Fintech Combine

Series 1 Episode 32 In this episode, Kris Kovacs and guest Jill Nowacki, CEO of Humandei, explore strategies for recruiting, developing, and retaining exceptional talent in the evolving financial landscape. Discover how credit unions can build inclusive, innovative workplaces that not only attract top talent but also prepare their organizations for future challenges. Don’t miss […]
What Credit Unions Can Learn from Fintech Giants with Samantha Paxson | The Fintech Combine

Series 1 Episode 31 In this episode we chat with Samantha Paxton about how credit unions can adopt fintech strategies to compete in 2025. From member-centric design to leveraging AI and breaking down silos, discover actionable ways to drive growth and deepen member relationships.
The Former NFL Star Helping Credit Unions Score Big with Gen Z | The Fintech Combine

Series 1 Episode 30 In this episode, host Kris Kovacs sits down with Ben Malena, former NFL running back and co-founder of Algopear, a fintech company revolutionizing how credit unions engage Millennials and Gen Z with embedded finance solutions. Ben shares his inspiring journey from professional football to tackling challenges in community banking and building […]
How One Man is Revolutionizing Taxes for Hispanic Communities | The Fintech Combine

Series 1 Episode 29 In this episode, we sit down with Simon, the founder of MasRefund, to explore his inspiring journey from Army linguist to fintech entrepreneur. Simon shares how his experiences in addiction recovery, mental health advocacy, and tax prep led to the creation of MasRefund, an AI-powered app designed to make tax filing […]
Spotlight on Innovation: 10 Fintech Leaders Preview Their VentureTech Pitches | The Fintech Combine

Series 1 Episode 28 In this episode, we preview the 2024 VentureTech Conference, where 16 fintechs will present innovative solutions to credit unions and venture capitalists. Several fintech founders share insights on their companies, challenges faced, and expectations for the conference. The discussions focus on how these fintechs aim to support credit unions, enhance financial […]
Saving More, Doing More: The Power of Back Office Consolidation | The Fintech Combine

Season 1 Episode 27 In this episode, Kris sits down with CUSO executive and back office expert Jeffrey Staw to explore the transformative power of back office consolidation in credit unions. They dive into how shared services can streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance member experience. Jeffrey shares real-world insights on overcoming challenges, gaining buy-in […]
A Career Built on Innovation: Jeff Kline Talks Credit Unions, Fintech, and Legacy | The Fintech Combine

Season 1 Episode 26 On this episode we’re meeting with Jeff Kline the president and CEO of members development company who has recently announced his retirement we’re going to talk about his history his legacy and where he thinks credit unions are going from here.
Embracing Innovation: Jim Marous on Fintech, AI, and the Future of Banking | The Fintech Combine

Series 1 Episode 25 In this episode we sit down with the legendary Jim Marous one of the foremost voices in fintech and banking innovation, host of the Banking Transformed podcast and co-publisher of The Financial Brand . In this episode, we dive deep into:– The critical role of innovation in the future of community […]
Mastering Strategic Planning: Insights from Kevin Martin and Tim Green | The Fintech Combine

Series 1 Episode 23 This episode is dedicated to strategic planning. We’re going to meet with Kevin Martin from Schools First and Tim Green from FNA Federal Credit Union.