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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

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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.

Sheel dives into the gritty details of early-stage investing and fundraising, offering a candid look at the fine line between "fake it till you make it" and fraud, highlighted by the FTX and SBF saga. We discuss the obstacles Sheel faced while raising their initial funds and how the COVID-19 pandemic played a pivotal role in their journey. The episode is a masterclass in strategic decision-making, including why Better Tomorrow Ventures chose to limit their fund size to stay sharp and effective, and the tough but necessary act of turning down investors.

In the latter part of our chat, we explore the fascinating world of neobanks, SaaS, and consumer fintech, uncovering both the opportunities and challenges in these sectors. We touch on the immense potential within niche markets and the crowded space of consumer fintech, stressing the importance of targeting underserved communities. The episode wraps up with a futuristic glimpse into wearable tech, where Shiel shares his thoughts on smart glasses' practicality and privacy issues. It's an episode packed with insights, humor, and forward-thinking perspectives that you won't want to miss.

Hosts: Sam Maule & Maia Bittner

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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, Sam Bankman-Fried, challenging the black-and-white narrative that has dominated headlines. Learn why she believes there's a potential for investors to reclaim their losses, and imagine the massive ripple effects if similar shutdowns happened to other major financial players.

Ever wondered how far you can push the boundaries of "fake it till you make it" in the startup world? Discover the delicate balance between ethical and unethical practices through personal anecdotes and high-profile fintech examples like Binance and WeWork. We also delve into the vital role of a founder's charisma in securing investor trust and achieving market fit. From the importance of regulatory compliance to the nuances of product-market alignment, this episode is packed with thought-provoking discussions and practical lessons for aspiring fintech entrepreneurs. Don't miss out on the lively banter and deep insights that Maia and Sam bring to the table!

Hosts: Sam Maule & Maia Bittner

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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 perspective on how family offices maintain intergenerational wealth amidst alarming attrition rates.

Ever wondered how the ultra-wealthy manage their vast fortunes? Join us as we explore the sophisticated ecosystem of family offices in the U.S., which oversee billions in assets. This chapter uncovers the complexities of targeting affluent individuals with over a million dollars in assets looking for diverse investment options. Simran shares her expertise on the critical role of professional management in family offices and the importance of technological tools for seamless operation. We also navigate the murky waters of regulatory challenges and the risks that come with poor management practices.

Imagine replacing your chaotic Excel sheets and notebooks with advanced digital tools for wealth management. This episode reveals the transformative power of specialized software in organizing family and business documents. We discuss the integration of AI to simplify legal complexities and the emotional resistance people have towards abandoning traditional methods. Lastly, we touch on the impactful role of philanthropy and collective giving in managing family wealth. Tune in for invaluable insights and practical advice that bridge the gap between old-school financial management and modern technological solutions.

Hosts: Sam Maule & Maia Bittner

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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 the fintech and banking sectors will find invaluable, especially those passionate about community banking.

Relationships are the backbone of the banking industry, and this episode underscores their critical importance. We discuss with Corey and other industry leaders how seasoned executives and strong networks can navigate the complexities of obtaining a banking charter. Learn how reputation and relationships can fast-track progress and foster innovation, even amidst post-2009 regulatory challenges. Discover our mission to revive community banking by blending local decision-making power with modern technological advancements.

The decline of community banks in America is a pressing issue, and we explore its impact on local markets like Broward County in South Florida. Corey sheds light on the challenges these banks face and the potential for modernization through innovative tech solutions. From strategic decisions in building a tech stack to managing partnerships and contracts, we delve into the intricacies of launching a banking startup. This episode is a goldmine of practical advice on balancing development costs, maintaining customer trust, and successfully navigating the fintech landscape. Don’t miss out on these invaluable lessons.

Hosts: Sam Maule & Maia Bittner

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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 promise an insider's look into an industry on the brink of transformation.

As we sail through the realms of iBuying, consolidation of industry giants, and the infusion of crypto into the home-buying process, you'll be at the helm with us, navigating through the intricacies of modern real estate. Amanda opens the treasure chest of her insights, revealing the challenges and potential of underwriting loans for the crypto-rich, and sparking curiosity about how blockchain technology could revolutionize ownership verification. Join us for a voyage that not only explores the current landscape but also sets the compass for future innovation in the world of real estate and personal wealth.

Hosts: Sam Maule & Maia Bittner