Advertise on podcast: Fintech Talks (a Georgia Fintech Academy podcast)

What happens when stablecoins move beyond the hype and into the realities of banking, regulation, infrastructure, and adoption? Recorded at StableCon 2026 in Washington, DC, this episode of Fintech Talks features a conversation with Charles Potts of the American Fintech Council about where financial innovation is actually heading. Laura and Charles discuss the evolving role of stablecoins and digital assets, why trust and regulation matter, where the real infrastructure opportunities may be, and how financial institutions are approaching innovation. They also dig into the talent side of the conversation, including career opportunities inside banks and fintech companies, the importance of continuously building new skills, and why AI fluency is becoming increasingly important for the next generation of financial-services professionals. In this episode: Stablecoins and real-world use casesBanking innovation and digital assetsRegulation, policy and consumer trustBlockchain and financial infrastructureFintech careers and workforce developmentAI skills and the future of workContinue the conversation in Washington, DC The American Fintech Council Policy Summit 2026 takes place November 17 in Washington, DC. Fintech Talks listeners can save 20% on registration with code: FintechTalks20 Register here: https://web.cvent.com/event/9c867fb7-865e-4490-917e-fd320b47e4f2/websitePage:bc0a00f4-da05-42cf-a5eb-3c3fd1c76449?rt=z4y080df8kSjO-0o4A4zlg Fintech Talks is produced by the Georgia Fintech Academy and explores the people, ideas and opportunities shaping the future of financial technology. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

What does it actually take for a Fintech brand to stand out when everyone is competing for the same attention? In this episode of Fintech Talks, Laura Gibson-Lamothe sits down with Mike Neumeier and Erica England of Arketi Group for a candid conversation about trust, visibility, storytelling, thought leadership, and what changes when AI makes content easier than ever to create. They get into what companies often get wrong, why original thinking still matters, how earned media shapes credibility, and what Atlanta can do to keep strengthening its Fintech story nationally and globally. One of the best lines from the conversation: “In order to be a thought leader, you have to first have a thought.” We also close with a look at Atlanta’s talent ecosystem and what’s ahead for Atlanta Fintech Week. Learn more about Arketi Group: https://arketi.com Learn more about Atlanta Fintech Week: https://atlfintechweek.com #Fintech #ThoughtLeadership #AI #Marketing #AtlantaFintech Send us Fan Mail Support the show Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

Atlanta has long been one of the most important fintech and payments ecosystems in the world. Atlanta Fintech Week is about bringing that ecosystem together and opening the doors for others to experience it. In this special edition of Fintech Talks, we sit down with the team behind Atlanta Fintech Week to talk about why the week was created, what makes it different from a traditional conference, and how fintech professionals, companies, founders, students and partners from Atlanta and beyond can get involved. Atlanta Fintech Week is designed as a community-driven week of curated experiences across the city, with programming spanning talent and innovation, payments, startups and investment, global fintech, AI, policy, risk, relationship-building and more. Featuring: Moderator - Olivia Held, NXTMOVES Panelists/Organizing Committee -  Ania Lackey, Fintech Atlanta Grant Wainscott, Tech Atlanta Advocates Robert “RED” Daniel, Standups & Startups Laura Gibson-Lamothe, Georgia Fintech Academy Atlanta Fintech Week September 28–October 2, 2026 Explore the latest events and start building your week at atlfintechweek.com. Come curious. Make connections. And find your way to plug in. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

NXTMOVES co-founders Steve Nigri and Walt Hoffmann spent a year talking to nearly 100 banks before building their unified program management platform. What they found: sponsor banks were drowning in fragmented visibility across card programs, and the fintechs launching those programs were quietly managing 9 or 10 vendor relationships they never signed up for. In this episode of Fintech Talks, we get into: -What actually goes into launching a compliant card program -Why banks want to hear about compliance before they care about your revenue projections -How NXTMOVES orchestrates the relationship between issuers, processors, and compliance vendors -Why Atlanta has become a hub for real payments expertise -What's ahead for Atlanta Fintech Week Learn more about NXTMOVES: https://nxtmoves.io Atlanta Fintech Week (September 28 to October 2): https://atlfintechweek.com Fintech South (August 18, hosted by TAG): https://www.fintechsouth.com Connect with Steve Nigri:   https://linkedin.com/in/stevenigri   Connect with Walt Hoffmann:   https://linkedin.com/in/ walter-h-50562a17   Fintech Talks is a Georgia Fintech Academy podcast hosted by Laura Gibson-Lamothe. #FinTech #Payments #AtlantaFintech #CardPrograms #GeorgiaFintechAcademy Send us Fan Mail Support the show Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

Fintech Talks: Money20/20 Europe | Hugo Horton: Modernizing Cross-Border Payments & Global Expansion Recorded live at Money20/20 Europe, Laura Gibson-Lamothe sits down with Hugo Horton, Enterprise Partnerships Manager at Sokin, to discuss how fintech companies are modernizing cross-border payments, simplifying global banking infrastructure, and expanding into new markets. Hugo shares how Sokin helps businesses consolidate international payments, banking, FX, treasury capabilities, and emerging stablecoin solutions into a single platform. The conversation also explores how fintechs can accelerate expansion into new jurisdictions while balancing speed, cost, compliance, and flexibility. Topics include: Modernizing Cross-Border PaymentsGlobal Banking InfrastructureInternational ExpansionStablecoins & Digital AssetsBanking Licenses & Payment RailsSpeed, Cost & ComplianceCustomer-Driven InnovationTrends from Money20/20 EuropeGuest Hugo Horton Enterprise Partnerships Manager, Sokin Learn more Georgia Fintech Academy https://georgiafintechacademy.org Sokin https://www.sokin.com About Fintech Talks Hosted by Laura Gibson-Lamothe, Fintech Talks features conversations with industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and educators shaping the future of financial services. Recorded at leading fintech events around the world and beyond, each episode explores the ideas, technologies, and talent driving the next chapter of financial innovation. Subscribe to Fintech Talks for more conversations from Money20/20 Europe and other leading fintech events around the world. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

Recorded live at Money20/20 Europe, Laura Gibson-Lamothe sits down with Reshmi Suresh, Head of Agentic Commerce, and Nabil Manji, Executive Lead, Enterprise Growth & Partnerships at Global Payments, to discuss how AI, agentic commerce, stablecoins, and real time payments are reshaping financial services. The conversation explores the rise of agentic AI, the growing role of stablecoins in cross border payments and treasury, the future of real time payments, fraud prevention, AI governance, and the workforce skills needed for the next generation of fintech innovation. Topics include: Agentic AI & Agentic CommerceStablecoins & Digital AssetsCross Border PaymentsTreasury & LiquidityReal Time PaymentsFraud PreventionAI GovernanceFuture Workforce DevelopmentLearn more Georgia Fintech Academy https://georgiafintechacademy.org Global Payments https://www.globalpayments.com About Fintech Talks Hosted by Laura Gibson-Lamothe, Fintech Talks features conversations with the leaders shaping the future of financial services, recorded at leading fintech events around the world. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

In this episode of Fintech Talks, Laura Gibson-Lamothe sits down with West Richards, with The Fintech Accord at Money20/20 Europe in Amsterdam, to discuss stablecoins, fintech regulation, digital assets, and the future of global payments. The conversation explores Georgia's leadership in stablecoin legislation, the growing importance of the UK-US fintech corridor, the role of industry advocacy in shaping regulation, and how AI and blockchain technologies are transforming financial services. Topics include: • Stablecoin adoption and regulation • The future of cross-border payments • Georgia's fintech leadership • Digital asset policy • AI and fintech innovation • Blockchain infrastructure • The Future of Money Task Force • The evolving role of fintech advocacy About The Fintech Accord The Fintech Accord is a global advocacy organization focused on advancing fintech innovation, digital assets, payments, and regulatory modernization through collaboration between industry and government stakeholders. Learn more: https://thefintechaccord.org About Fintech Talks Fintech Talks is a thought leadership interview series produced by the Georgia Fintech Academy featuring industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of financial services. About the Georgia Fintech Academy The Georgia Fintech Academy is a statewide talent development initiative of the University System of Georgia connecting students, universities, and employers to build the future fintech workforce. Connect with Us Georgia Fintech Academy: https://georgiafintechacademy.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy Send us Fan Mail Support the show Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

In this episode of Fintech Talks, we explore how digital assets are converging with traditional finance through the lens of Annelise Osborne, Chief Business Officer at Kadena and author of From Hoodies to Suits: Innovating Digital Assets for Traditional Finance. Co-hosted by Laura Gibson-Lamothe, Executive Director of the Georgia Fintech Academy, and Christian Samuel, a recent Georgia State University graduate and former leader of GSU’s Fintech Student Organization, the episode covers: Annelise’s career path Key insights from From Hoodies to SuitsTrends in institutional blockchain adoptionAdvice for students and professionals entering the fintech space📘 From Hoodies to Suits – https://a.co/d/2F8btOV 🔗 Kadena – https://www.kadena.io 📍 Annelise Osborne – https://www.linkedin.com/in/annelise-osborne-7611176/ 🎓 Christian Samuel – https://www.linkedin.com/in/cguap/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

In this engaging episode of the Georgia Fintech Academy podcast, Executive Director Laura Gibson-Lamothe is joined by Kenny Kim, a senior finance major at Georgia State University Robinson College of Business, to co-host an insightful conversation with Pari Sawant, Chief Product Officer at Elavon. The discussion dives into Elavon’s innovative new payment gateway and explores how it is revolutionizing the payments landscape by streamlining processes and enhancing user experience. Listeners will also gain valuable insights into the strategic vision behind product development and its dynamic role in fintech. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear firsthand from a leading fintech executive.  Send us Fan Mail Support the show Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

With Fintech Meetup just days away, this episode of Fintech Meetup Mashup focuses on one question: How do you actually make the most of a major industry conference? Georgia Fintech Academy alum & Truist IT Business Analyst, Astrid Cuellar Benitez joins Pam Kaur, Head of Platform at Alloy Labs, to share practical, real-world advice on navigating large fintech events. From managing your schedule and avoiding burnout to building meaningful connections, this conversation offers a candid look at what it takes to show up prepared and make the experience count. In this episode: • Why over-scheduling your meetings can work against you • How to approach networking without being transactional • When it’s okay to walk away from a conversation • The importance of personal connection in a relationship-driven industry • How early-career professionals can stand out and bring value back to their teams This episode is part of the 2026 Future Fintech Leaders Cohort series, capturing real-time preparation as students and alumni head to Fintech Meetup in Las Vegas. Connect with Our Guests Pam Kaur https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamkaur001/ Astrid Cuellar Benitez https://www.linkedin.com/in/astrid-cuellarbenitez/ Featured Event Pam Kaur will be co-hosting a community walk during Fintech Meetup. More details: https://luma.com/99vc3txh?tk=qogpTe Learn More Georgia Fintech Academy https://georgiafintechacademy.org Send us Fan Mail Support the show Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

In this episode of Fintech Meetup Mashup, Georgia Fintech Academy brings together emerging fintech talent and industry leaders for a candid conversation about careers in financial technology. Georgia Fintech Academy student Benjamin Willhite-Mettler sits down with Michael Bugno, Vice President of Enterprise Experiential Marketing at Fiserv, to talk about how professionals find their way into fintech, what skills matter most early in a career, and how to make the most of large industry events. As Benjamin prepares to attend Fintech Meetup for the first time, Michael shares insights from his own journey in the industry and offers practical advice for students and professionals navigating major conferences and networking opportunities. Topics discussed in this episode include: • How careers in fintech often begin in unexpected ways • The importance of communication and relationship building  • Advice for first-time attendees at major fintech conferences • Why curiosity and continuous learning are essential in fintech This conversation is part of the 2026 Future Fintech Leaders Cohort, where Georgia Fintech Academy students and alumni attend Fintech Meetup to engage directly with leaders across the fintech ecosystem. Learn more about the Georgia Fintech Academy https://georgiafintechacademy.org Connect with our guests Michael Bugno https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-bugno/ Benjamin Willhite-Mettler https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-will-mett/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

What can a small Baltic nation teach the world about resilience, innovation, and digital transformation?  In this episode of Fintech Talks, Georgia Fintech Academy Executive Director Laura Gibson-Lamothe explores Lithuania’s incredible fintech journey, from rebuilding after Soviet occupation to becoming one of Europe’s fastest-growing innovation centers.  Joining the conversation are Grant Wainscott, international trade and cross-border advisor, and Dovydas Špokauskas, Consul General of Lithuania in New York, who share how Lithuania built one of the world’s most digital-first economies and why it’s an ideal partner for Georgia’s fintech ecosystem.  💡 Key Topics:  - How Lithuania leapfrogged legacy systems to lead in digital finance - The country’s rise as a fintech, IT, and software powerhouse  - Cultural and economic synergies between Lithuania and Georgia  - Lessons in grit, adaptability, and the power of global collaboration  - Opportunities for cross-border startups, talent exchange, and education partnerships  🌍 Global collaboration starts with conversation. Discover how Lithuania and Georgia are shaping the next chapter of fintech innovation.  🔗 Connect with us: Visit www.GeorgiaFintechAcademy.org for more content and events. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates from the Georgia Fintech Academy.  🎧 Fintech Talks — powered by the Georgia Fintech Academy. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

In this episode of Fintech Talks, we sit down with Larry Anderson, a seasoned recruiter who has worked with Fortune 500s, startups, and everything in between. Larry shares insider advice on what makes a resume stand out, common pitfalls students should avoid, and how to translate experiences—from class projects to part-time jobs—into measurable value. We also dive into how AI is reshaping recruiting, from chatbots to tailored resumes, and what this means for early-career professionals. Larry’s candid take on cover letters, networking, and maintaining balance during the job search offers both practical tools and encouragement for students navigating today’s competitive market. 🔗 Connect with Larry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larryandersonatl/ 🌐 Learn more about the Georgia Fintech Academy events like the one mentioned during this episode: https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

Is crypto just hype — or is it finally becoming fintech’s next big frontier? In this episode of Fintech Talks, Laura Gibson-Lamothe is joined by Greg Johnson, Co-founder & CEO of Rubicon Crypto, and Tyler Acree, Fintech Academy-UGA alum and rising fintech professional. Together, they unpack why crypto and stablecoins are no longer optional knowledge for anyone serious about finance, tech, or innovation. 🔍 Topics we cover: - Why the Genius Act may be the most important finance law in decades - How stablecoins are quietly revolutionizing payments - Why Atlanta is globally recognized as a fintech hub (even if we forget it!) - Advice for students and early-career pros to stand out in the digital finance era - Real resources to sharpen your crypto fluency 🎓 Learn more about the Georgia Fintech Academy: https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org 📢 Connect with our guests: Greg Johnson — https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-c-johnson/ Tyler Acree — https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyleracree/ 📅 Catch Greg live at Fintech South, August 19–20, 2025. https://www.fintechsouth.com Subscribe for more episodes and next-gen fintech insights. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/

Think AI is just another tech trend? Think again. In this episode of Fintech Talks, Laura Gibson-Lamothe sits down with Billy Harbinson of Go Studio (InComm Payments) to break down the AI concepts that are reshaping how we work, learn, and innovate. We unpack: ✔️ What agentic AI actually means ✔️ How Large Action Models (LAMs) are changing automation ✔️ What today’s students and professionals really need to know ✔️ Why curiosity is your best strategy for learning AI This isn’t your typical AI discussion — it’s a candid, practical, and forward-looking conversation for anyone trying to stay ahead of the curve. 🔗 Connect with Billy Harbinson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billyharbinson/ Go Studio: https://www.incomm.com/go-studio 🎓 About the Georgia Fintech Academy: https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org 💌 Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/newsletter *Special Opportunity: Looking for more AI insights? Billy and the Go Studio team are hosting "AI 10 Years into the Future" from 1 - 3 pm EST on September 10, 2025. The hybrid event will feature a panel of emerging tech experts discussing how AI will impact businesses and industries over the next decade. Register now to attend in person at The Hatchery, Emory University's innovation center, or online via livestream: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ai-10-years-into-the-future-hybrid-event-tickets-1411149268449 Send us Fan Mail Support the show Georgia Fintech Academy https://www.georgiafintechacademy.org/ LinkedIn (Georgia Fintech Academy) https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-fintech-academy/