Send us a text Boy- did we get it wrong sometimes! Failure is the best teacher. So, Sam and Maia sat down in the MoneyPot Booth at Money20/20 in October and went over where they really missed the mark, and what it has taught them about what to look for in 2025. This episode dives into the lessons learned in FinTech during 2024, exploring the unexpected challenges within the housing market, societal attitudes toward financial fraud, and the reality of AI in c...

Send us a text What if you thought you found a loophole to get free money from ATMs, only to end up with a negative balance? Join us as we dissect a viral TikTok trend that had Chase Bank customers depositing fraudulent checks for quick withdrawals. Maia dives into how Chase later corrects these transactions, emphasizing the crucial role of identity verification and KYC (Know Your Customer) in online banking. We also tackle the unique challenges non-US residents face in accessing US-based ban...

Send us a text Can financial compliance be the key to a safer global economy, or is it a labyrinthine obstacle for startups? In this episode, we unravel the intricate world of KYC (Know Your Customer), KYB (Know Your Business), and AML (Anti-Money Laundering), using the recent developments with the digital banking startup Mercury as a springboard. We dissect the complexities behind sensational headlines, exploring the foundational importance of KYC in thwarting fraud and money laundering. Dis...

Send us a text Curious about why superapps are struggling to make a splash in the U.S. market? Join us as we uncover the unique barriers and skeptical outlook surrounding their success. Discover how the high costs of customer acquisition in fintech are pushing companies towards the super app model as a solution to maximize revenue from their existing user base. Tune in as we share insights from the latest Finnovate conference and debate if a major retailer like Walmart has what it takes to de...

Send us a text How did a payment system from Japan in 1973 pave the way for the digital wallet in your pocket today? Join us as we uncover the fascinating history and rapid evolution of faster payment systems worldwide. We take you on a journey from Japan's groundbreaking Zenjin system to contemporary giants like the UK's Faster Payment System, Brazil's PIX, and India's UPI. Along the way, you'll hear my firsthand experiences from a recent FedNow feedback session in Utah, featuring insights f...

Send us a text Witness the dramatic transformation of commercial real estate as we discuss the staggering fall of St. Louis's tallest tower, from a $205 million valuation in 2006 to just $3.6 million today. We bring you an expert analysis from Joe Brady, who unpacks the "urban doom loop" and the potential for city revitalization through strategic public-private partnerships. Using Detroit's impressive resurgence, fueled by investments from Dan Gilbert of Rocket Mortgage, as a prime example, J...

Send us a text Can a single phishing attack lead to the financial ruin of millions? Brace yourself as we uncover the catastrophic data breach at Evolve Bank, orchestrated by the infamous LockBit ransomware group. Maia and Sam dissect this digital disaster, where a simple phishing scam blew open the floodgates, exposing the personal identifiable information (PII) of millions of Americans on the dark web. This breach isn’t just a wake-up call; it's a seismic shock, revealing glaring loopholes i...

Send us a text Ever wondered how credit card loyalty programs actually work and why some stand out more than others? Join us as we unravel the secrets behind these fascinating systems! Our episode kicks off with Maya Bittner and Sam Maul taking you on a nostalgic journey through the origins of loyalty programs. We highlight milestones from American Airlines' pioneering efforts in 1981 to Sam's amusing memories of Piggly Wiggly stamps. Maya passionately argues why the Chase Sapphire Reserve ca...

Send us a text Discover how Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) can revolutionize your approach to philanthropy with Salomon Serfati, CEO and co-founder of Chariot. Saul joins us to shed light on how DAFs offer significant tax benefits and the flexibility to time your contributions for maximum impact. Through a touching personal anecdote, Saul reveals how he and his fiancée used a DAF to help fund weddings for those in need, illuminating the communal and heartfelt potential of these funds. We a...

Send us a text Ever wondered what it's like to receive an unexpected haul of shoes just by tweeting about sore feet? Tune in as we learn about the unexpected windfalls for a finfluencer. With us is Sheel Mohnot, co-founder of Better Tomorrow Ventures, who takes us through his thrilling journey in the fintech landscape. Get an insider's look at how he teamed up with Jake Gibson of NerdWallet fame to create a venture capital firm aimed at fostering early-stage fintech innovations. ...

Send us a text Could the collapse of a major fintech entity be more complex than a simple case of fraud? Join us on this intriguing episode of "Artificially Intelligent," where Maia Bittner and Sam Maule, with their signature mix of humor and insight, navigate the murky waters of fintech controversies. We jump right into the latest buzz surrounding Cash App, currently under the microscope of New York regulators. Maia then passionately dissects the downfall of FTX and its enigmatic founder, Sa...

Send us a text What if the secret to preserving family wealth across generations lies hidden in the history books? We venture back to the roots of family offices, drawing lessons from the legendary Morgans and Rockerfellers. Hosts Sam Maule and Maia Bittner share compelling personal stories and historical insights, setting the stage for a deep dive into the evolution of family offices. Our special guest, Simran Kang, founder of MyFO-Tech and former PwC strategist, provides a rich perspe...

Send us a text Ever wondered what it takes to build a bank from the ground up in less than a year? Join us as we sit down with Corey LeBlanc, co-founder of Locality Bank, who managed this incredible feat in Miami for under a million dollars. Corey shares his remarkable journey, from overcoming regulatory obstacles to raising capital, and how his background in the Air Force surprisingly prepared him for the structured world of banking. This conversation is packed with insights that anyone in t...

Send us a text Prepare to step into the future of real estate with Amanda Orson, the visionary behind Galleon, as we discuss the seismic shifts taking place in property transactions. Through a lively chat with your hosts, Maia Bittner and Sam Maule , we'll uncover how Galleon is charting a course for a world where traditional agents are no longer the gatekeepers of our dream homes. From the legacy of Zillow's Make Me Move to the thrilling possibilities of a market driven by technology, we pro...

Send us a text Are you ready to uncover the truth behind the seismic shifts in real estate commissions? Join us as we dissect the aftermath of a landmark lawsuit settlement that's flipping the industry on its head. With the insightful guidance of Tessa Jarvis, a seasoned real estate agent, we navigate the unknown waters of real estate transactions post-settlement. Tessa offers a treasure trove of knowledge, from the implications of removing buyer's agent commission advertising in MLS listings...

Send us a text Dive headfirst into the complex world of interchange fees and understand how a mammoth $30 billion antitrust settlement is poised to reshape the financial tech landscape. Your pockets and the broader US market are on the cusp of experiencing the rippling effects of this legal juggernaut. We're peeling back the layers of this financial onion, examining the pivotal roles of banks, the enigmatic interchange fees, and the resilience of Visa and MasterCard's business models amidst i...

Send us a text Unlock the secrets of financial health with a deeper dive into the world of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) as we sit down with Matt Quinn, the savvy mind behind Harvest. Matt illuminates the intricate dance of savings, investments, and tax advantages that HSAs offer, especially post Affordable Care Act. Experience our candid chat as we, your hosts Sam and Maia, share our own HSA stories, reflecting on the smart moves and the occasional stumbles we've encountered in ...

Send us a text Discover the intricate labyrinth of medical payments and the heightened need for secure data as we sit with Boe Hartman of Nomi Health, whose expertise in banking and payments sheds light on the seismic effects of the United Healthcare cyber hack. Boe takes us through the trenches of an industry rattled by outdated systems, revealing how his work at Nomi Health is championing the development of real-time payment rails, poised to overhaul the costly and sluggish pro...

Send us a text Sam Maule and Maia Bittner have invited Boe Hartman, the CTO and co-Founder of Nomi, to pull up a chair again at our virtual table to share insights on the repercussions rippling through the healthcare payment systems, laying bare the stark financial and personal implications for providers and patients alike. As we navigate the turbulent waters of a $4 trillion industry caught in the throes of a major claims processing shutdown, we uncover the unseen winners of thi...

Send us a text Einstein once said, I have no special talent, I'm just passionately curious. But let's be honest, Albert was selling himself way too short. When it comes to fintech, Sam and Maia have definitely honed a few talents over the years. They've got over a decade each in banking and payments industry, so they've earned their stripes. Now some in the industry like to dub them fintech thought leaders- but they prefer to see themselves as perpetual fintech interns. And...