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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 in our current security measures. We commend Jason Mikula for his fearless reporting on this issue, even under the looming shadow of legal threats from Evolve Bank.

The breach at Evolve Bank has sent shockwaves through the fintech industry, triggering a wider trust crisis. Imagine the chaos when social security numbers and other unchangeable PII are compromised. Drawing from the notorious Equifax hack, we stress the urgent need for robust, multifaceted security measures. We discuss the ripple effects impacting services like instant payouts and buy-now-pay-later schemes and scrutinize Evolve's lackluster response compared to the proactive stance of industry leaders like Max Levchin of Affirm. Join us as we call for better handling of such existential threats to sustain consumer trust in fintech innovations.

Hosts: Sam Maule & Maia Bittner

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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 card is a game-changer in today's market, focusing on its Visa Infinite classification and higher interchange fees. Together, we navigate the complexities of how loyalty programs are implemented, right down to the nitty-gritty details of rewards calculations and the essential data elements involved.

As we transition to the deeper layers of transaction data, you'll get a comprehensive look at how credit card companies categorize each purchase you make, from merchant category codes to the elusive SKU-level data. We also dissect the profound impact these loyalty programs have on consumer behavior and financial models, spotlighting examples like Costco's transition from Amex to Citi. Lastly, we delve into Visa's strategic push to capture rent payments and discuss Built's innovative, though financially demanding, rewards program for rent payments via Wells Fargo. Tune in to understand the broader implications and strategic maneuvers behind these ubiquitous yet intricate loyalty programs.

Hosts: Sam Maule & Maia Bittner

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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 also explore the innovative possibilities of DAFs in making charitable giving more strategic and aligned with personal values. Learn about DAF pay, an exciting solution that simplifies the donation process directly from nonprofit websites, making philanthropy more accessible than ever. Whether you're new to the concept or a seasoned donor, this episode promises valuable insights into how DAFs can help democratize strategic philanthropy and make your charitable efforts more impactful.

Hosts: Sam Maule & Maia Bittner