Axos Bank is one of the OG digital banks, but how do they stay ahead in a world where every financial institution is going digital?

In this episode of The Bank Tellers, Zach Anderson Pettet sits down with Michael Pfau, Chief Digital Officer at Axos Bank, to dive into the future of digital banking, how to balance innovation with efficiency, and why being uncomfortable is the key to growth.

Topics Covered:
-The challenge of running a branchless, digital-first bank
-How Axos builds and scales its own tech to stay ahead
-The secret sauce behind Axos’ efficiency and customer experience
-What it takes to be a successful Chief Digital Officer in today’s fintech world
-Lessons from Michael’s time in the Navy and consulting that shaped his leadership

Axos Bank:

https://www.axosbank.com/

Follow Michael:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-pfau-bb03493/

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On the latest episode of The Bank Tellers, Zach Anderson Pettet, VP, Fintech Strategy at Money20/20, sits down with Erica Khalili, the Chief Legal & Risk Officer at Lead Bank.

This unfiltered and honest convo dives into the bank’s transformation from a traditional community bank to a fintech-forward institution.

Erica shares the unique journey that led her and her co-founders—who come from tech, data science, and fintech backgrounds—to acquire Lead Bank. She explains why they saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between fintech and banking and how they’re working to make bank-fintech partnerships more transparent, efficient, and scalable.

Key topics include:
- Why banks and fintechs often struggle to work together—and how to fix it
- The role of AI and automation in compliance, risk management, and fraud detection
- Whether fintechs should actually pursue bank charters or just partner with banks instead
- How regulatory uncertainty is shaping the future of embedded finance
- How fintech thinking is reshaping traditional banking

Plus, tune in for the real debate: Who has the best BBQ in Kansas City?!

Lead Bank
https://www.lead.bank/
Follow Erica
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-khalili-48138570/

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In this special edition of The Bank Tellers, we’re diving deep into the world of credit unions with Dietrich Kuhlmann, President & CEO of Navy Federal Credit Union—the world’s largest credit union.

Scarlett Sieber, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at Money20/20, caught up with Dietrich to discuss:

-The evolution of Navy Federal and its mission to serve military members & families
-How Navy Federal has NEVER had a single layoff in 91 years
-The role of digital transformation & AI in personalizing member experiences
-The future of credit unions and their impact on financial services
-Dietrich’s leadership philosophy and the best career advice he’s ever received

Tune in for an exclusive look at how Navy Federal Credit Union is redefining financial management for service members and their families.

Navy Federal Credit Union:
https://www.navyfederal.org/
Follow Dietrich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dietrich-kuhlmann-b055a216/

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Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, but banking hasn’t always worked in their favor. Enter Bluevine, the fintech building a financial operating system tailored for small businesses.

In this episode of The Bank Tellers, Eyal Lifshitz, Founder & CEO of Bluevine, sits down with Micky Tesfaye to share how his company has evolved from offering credit lines to a full-scale banking platform—serving 500,000+ small businesses and providing over $14 billion in capital.

They go more in depth about:

-The secret sauce behind Bluevine’s success
-How AI is shaping the future of financial services
-What’s next for fintech, banking regulations, and embedded finance
-And much more

Bluevine:
https://www.bluevine.com/
Follow Eyal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eyallifshitz/

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Dive into the latest episode of The Bank Tellers as Zach Anderson Pettet sits down with Michelle Draper, CMO of First Citizens Bank, for a candid conversation about authentic leadership, innovation, and transformation during tumultuous times.

Wondering how Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) transformed after the merger with First Citizens? Hear what it was like during the challenging, but ultimately rewarding transition period. Michelle details how her team rebuilt trust, redefined their brand, and integrated two distinct corporate cultures, all while ensuring their customers were taken care of.

Discover how First Citizens leverages its 125 years of client-centric banking expertise to fuel innovation and support customers' dreams, all while navigating the rapidly evolving financial landscape. Plus, hear Michelle's thoughts on the role of embedded finance in banking, and why financial services marketing is always keeping her challenged and fulfilled in her career.

First Citizens Bank
https://www.firstcitizens.com/
Follow Michelle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelledrapersf/

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We sat down with the CEO of Green Dot during Money20/20 USA!

Mickyy Tesfaye, Head of Content at Money20/20, sits down with George Gresham, for a candid, can't-miss conversation about business, leadership, and some really good life advice.

With over two decades of innovation in financial services, Green Dot has evolved from pioneering general-purpose reloadable cards to leading the charge in embedded finance with their new platform, ARC.

George shares insights on Green Dot’s journey, the challenges of navigating regulatory frameworks, and how their unique approach to integrating fintech solutions sets them apart. From hiking the Appalachian Trail to honing a leadership style defined by honesty, transparency, and steadiness, George’s perspective offers a mix of wisdom, innovation, and practicality.

Key topics include:
-The evolution of embedded finance and its future potential
-Why regulatory compliance is essential for fintech success
-George’s philosophy on leadership and staying focused
-The role of AI in reshaping financial services
-What it takes to build trust and longevity in fintech

Green Dot: https://www.greendot.com/
Follow George: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-gresham-26a6505/

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From FaceID onboarding to tripling mobile customers, Giorgi Shagidze, CEO of maib, is shaking up Moldova’s largest bank.

In this episode, Money20/20 Europe’s Head of Content, Ian Horne, interviews Giorgi to uncover how maib:

• Captured 37% of the SME market in just three years
• Powers 70% of loans and deposits through its app
• Pioneers AI for chatbots, risk, and customer insights

And much more!

Giorgi shares his no-nonsense approach to customer-centric banking, creating strategic fintech partnerships, and why agility is the key to staying ahead. Plus, he shares his unfiltered thoughts on the future of banking, his favorite innovations, and what keeps him up at night.

maib: https://www.maib.md/en
Follow Giorgi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shagidze/

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In this episode of The Bank Tellers, Money20/20 VP of Fintech Strategy, Zach Anderson Pettet, chats with Melissa Eggleston, nbkc bank's Chief Deposit & Operations Officer, for an unfiltered conversation.

They explore the art of authentic leadership and building meaningful partnerships in the banking world. Melissa shares her journey, offering insights into how trust, humor, and asking the right questions have helped her navigate the complexities of the financial ecosystem. She also delves into the unique role of Midwestern authenticity and humor in fostering genuine connections and creating a leadership style that resonates with others. From the importance of direct relationships in a fast-evolving industry to balancing work, life, and innovation, this conversation is packed with practical advice and thought-provoking takeaways for all fintech leaders and enthusiasts.

nbkc bank
https://www.nbkc.com
Follow Melissa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaeggleston/

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