Fintech Unleashed: Unlocking Innovation in Finance
At the intersection of finance and technology, Fintech Unleased showcases the world of financial technology and its impact on banking.
Hosted by Engage fi, the podcast invites subject-matter experts and thought leaders to hold open discussions, participate in interviews, and provide their perspectives on all matters relating to fintech. Discover how startups, incumbents, and tech pioneers are reshaping the industry, and how financial institutions can leverage these developments to drive innovation, growth, and sustainability.
Benefit from exclusive access to industry insights, expert opinions, and success stories from visionary leaders who are shaping the future of finance.
Subscribe to "Fintech Unleashed: Unlocking Innovation in Finance," and join this exciting journey with Engage fi into the transformative world of fintech.
Episodes
36 episodes
From Vision to Value: Execute an AI Strategy with Purpose
Virginia Heyburn is joined by James White, Principal Strategist at Engage fi, for a deep dive into one of the most transformative and challenging topics in financial services: artificial intelligence. They explore what it really takes to build ...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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42:02
From Rolodex to Ecosystem: How AI is Changing CRMs in Banking
In this episode, Virginia is joined by James White, Principal Strategist at Engage fi, for a deep dive into CRMs and AI. They explore how AI has transformed CRM from a static system of record into a dynamic tool that drives meaningful action. V...
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26:52
Economic Outlook: What Financial Institutions Should Expect in H2 2025
On this episode of Fintech Unleashed, Virginia Heyburn is joined by Fabio Biasella, Engage fi’s Director of Strategic Services, to discuss the economic outlook for the second half of 2025. They explore key trends shaping the landscape, includin...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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30:26
Banking on Innovation: The Key to a Future-Ready Financial Institution
On this episode of Fintech Unleashed, Virginia Heyburn, Director of Research, Insights, and Advocacy, is joined by Jason Beckmann, Executive Vice President of Technology and Operations at Emprise Bank for an exciting conversation on emerging te...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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36:48
Redefining Efficiency: Driving Growth Through Channel Optimization
Virginia Heyburn is back with another episode of Fintech Unleashed. On today’s episode, Virginia is joined by Joe Dugan, Strategic Advisor at Engage fi. Together, they explore the importance of operational efficiency, the challenges faced by ba...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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24:12
The Future of Payments: How AI is Changing Decision Making
Virginia Heyburn is back with another episode of Fintech Unleashed. In today’s episode, Virginia is joined by Dr. Art Harper, Engage fi’s Strategic Consultant, Payments, to explore the role of AI in payment decision making. They discuss how AI-...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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35:27
Transforming Technology: Strategies for Successful Core Conversions
Virginia Heyburn is back with another episode of Fintech Unleashed. On this episode, she is joined by Anne Miela, Engage fi’s Vice President of Implementations to explore core modernization as an efficiency strategy. They discuss what makes cor...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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20:34
Trends That Matter: Preparing Financial Institutions for 2025
Virginia Heyburn is joined by Fabio Biasella, Director of Strategic Services at Engage fi to discuss the top trends banks and credit unions should be prioritizing in 2025. As we look ahead to a new year, the industry continues to evolve quickly...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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47:21
Gen Z in the Workplace: Building the Next Generation of Financial Talent
Virginia Heyburn is back with another episode of Fintech Unleashed. On today’s episode, she is joined by Duncan Taylor, SVP, Chief Operating Officer at the Washington Bankers Association to explore Gen Z’s role in shaping the future of the bank...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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36:31
Dial Into Digital: Transforming Banking with Integrated Communications
Many FIs struggle with sunsetting communications systems and outdated technology, causing a disconnect across all channels. Integrating communication platforms will enable FIs to streamline processes among employees, customers/members, and part...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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14:42
National Women's Small Business Month: Female Entrepreneurship in Finance
In this episode, Virginia Heyburn is joined by Engage fi’s Co-founder & CEO, Jenn Addabbo, to celebrate National Women's Small Business Month. They discuss Jenn’s journey to entrepreneurship, female leadership in a male dominated industry, ...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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14:52
Episode 1: The Payments Evolution: Trends Shaping the Payments Industry
In this episode, Virginia Heyburn is joined by Jenn Addabbo, Co-founder & CEO of Engage fi to discuss the evolving landscape of the payments industry. They dive into the latest trends, from emerging payment types like real-time payments and...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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32:44
Episode 21: Ten in 10: A Look Back at September
Virginia Heyburn, Director of Research, Insights, and Advocacy is back with September's Ten in 10 where she addresses the most impactful news stories in the world of finance. In this episode, Virginia discusses significant developments...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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14:19
Episode 20: From Regulations to Mergers: Key Issues Impacting Banks Today
On this episode of Fintech Unleashed, Virginia Heyburn is joined by Jim Roche, President of the Maine Bankers Association to discuss the most critical and timely topics impacting bankers today. They cover the evolving regulatory landscape, tren...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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20:58
Episode 19: Interest Rate Cuts: What Financial Institutions Should Expect
In this episode Virginia Heyburn is joined by Fabio Biasella, Director of Strategic Services, and Joe Dugan, Strategic Advisor, to dive into one of the most pressing topics in financial services – the anticipated interest rate cut. They discuss...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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35:30
Episode 18: The Future of Regulations in Banking: The Interchange Fee Prohibition Act
Randy Hultgren, President & CEO of the Illinois Bankers Association joins Virginia Heyburn to discuss the implications of the recently passed Interchange Fee Prohibition Act in Illinois, its broader national impact, and the importance of ma...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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31:31
Episode 17: Ten in 10: A Look Back at July
Virginia Heyburn is back with this month’s Ten in 10, where she explores the top news stories impacting the financial services industry. On this episode, Virginia discusses the impact the presidential ballot has on financial institutions, the g...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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13:57
Episode 16: Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women in Finance - Part 2
Engage fi Co-Founder and CEO, Jenn Addabbo is joined by Carrie Birkhofer, President & CEO at Bay Federal Credit Union, Kathy Courtney, COO at Greenstate Credit Union, and Julie Kleffel, EVP & COO at Seacoast Bank. In this episode we shi...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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52:46
Episode 15: Ten in 10: A Look Back at June
In this episode, Virginia is offering her insights into the evolution of Apple's Buy Now Pay Later feature, the results of the FDIC Quarterly Banking Profile for Q1, and the rise in corporate bankruptcy filings. This month brought positive news...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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13:08
Episode 14: Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women in Finance - Part 1
Renee Christoffer, President & CEO at Veridian Credit Union, Michele Dean, President & CEO at Suffolk Federal Credit Union and Whitney Woyke, EVP, Innovation & Strategy and Banking Services at Emprise Bank join Virginia Heyburn, Dir...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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48:14
Episode 13: Effective Strategic Planning: The Blueprint for Success
Forming a strategic plan is more than checking a box. It gives your bank or credit union both direction and purpose. Successful strategic planning requires a well-informed approach and actionable initiatives to support your strategic vision. On...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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31:03
Bonus Episode: Guiding Financial Institutions Forward: A Conversation With Fabio Biasella
Andres Pasantes, President & Chief Operations Officer at Engage fi sits down with our new Director of Strategic Services, Fabio Biasella to discuss the growing need for strategic guidance within the financial services industry. Fabio’s exte...
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Season 1
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22:58
Episode 12: Rethinking Traditional Banking Through BaaS
Banking and fintech are coming together to redefine traditional banking models through Banking as a Service (BaaS). Virginia Heyburn is joined by Joe Dugan, Strategic Advisor at Engage fi, on the latest episode of the Fintech Unleashed Podcast ...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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22:30
Episode 11: Ten in 10: Top Ten Highlights from April
In this episode Virginia Heyburn offers her insights into the recently released first quarter earnings reports for banks and credit unions, the regulatory talk surrounding the Bank Merger Act, and the momentum gained by the FedNow Instant Payme...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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13:57
Episode 10: Artificial Intelligence: The Future of Banking
Financial institutions are harnessing the power of AI to revolutionize the member experience, streamline operations, and manage risks. Chris Harlan, President/CEO at University of Illinois Community Credit Union and Todd Peeples, SVP of Sales &...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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32:38