Banking on Digital Growth

In this episode, Ryan Harmon and I dig into a question we’re hearing more and more from banks and credit unions: how much AI traffic are financial institution websites actually getting and is it worth optimizing for yet?AI search is projected to overtake Google search within the next few years, and that shift comes with a major implication: the primary users of FI websites won’t just be humans anymore, they’ll be AI agents. The problem is, popular analytics tools like Google Analytics aren’t built to measure this kind of traffic. They’re designed to filter bots out, not help you understand what AI agents are doing on your site.In this conversation, we break down the difference between AI visibility and AI traffic, explain the three types of AI bots interacting with websites today, and share what we’re learning as we launch a new research study to measure real AI traffic across credit union and bank websites. If you want to understand how the Agentic Web is changing analytics, SEO, and digital strategy for financial institutions, this episode is for you.00:00 Welcome back and episode overview01:00 Why AI traffic matters for banks and credit unions02:30 The difference between AI visibility and AI traffic04:00 How AI answers questions vs. how Google search works06:30 Why visibility doesn’t equal traffic08:30 Why financial institutions started asking for AI traffic data10:00 What it means when AI agents visit your website11:30 The three types of AI bots (user, indexer, training)14:00 Seeing AI agents visit your site in real time16:30 Why Google Analytics can’t measure AI traffic18:00 Clicks vs. “intent hits” in the AI era20:00 Why most AI interactions don’t result in website visits22:00 How AI agents use content differently than humans24:00 Long-form content vs. modular content for AI27:00 The tradeoffs of content structure for AI agents29:30 What this research study aims to uncover31:00 How to participate in the AI traffic research study33:00 Final thoughts and next stepsHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, I walk through a prototype that explores what I believe is the next major shift in banking: AI-first banking experiences built directly inside tools like ChatGPT. Instead of navigating complex apps and menus, you simply tell an AI what you want to do and it handles the work for you. Joined by my co-founder, Ryan Harmon, I demonstrate how a ChatGPT-based banking app could open accounts, move money between accounts, analyze transactions, and provide personalized financial insights all through natural language and lightweight UI components.We also discuss why AI-first banking is fundamentally different from traditional UI-based apps, what this means for user experience design, and why this shift is closer than most people realize. If you want to understand how AI agents could transform personal finance, budgeting, and everyday banking tasks, this episode is one you’ll want to watch- especially the demo. 00:00 Introduction and overview of AI-first banking01:00 Setting up a banking prototype inside ChatGPT02:30 Viewing accounts and balances inside the chat interface04:00 Opening a new savings account with natural language06:00 Confirmations, approvals, and human-in-the-loop controls08:00 Why minimal UI works better with AI agents10:30 Envelope budgeting and real-world banking pain points13:00 Why traditional banking apps fall short15:00 Executing multiple transfers with a single command18:00 AI vs. UI-based banking experiences21:00 Analyzing transactions and spending behavior24:00 Why most people don’t budget and how AI changes that27:00 AI agents as proactive financial assistants31:00 Finding savings opportunities automatically35:00 Subscription management, negotiation, and optimization38:00 The future of AI agents managing money41:00 Real examples already appearing in ChatGPT (Ramp, Stripe)45:00 Why banking apps are coming to ChatGPT48:00 What needs to happen for this to become real52:00 Final thoughts on the future of AI-first bankingHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Joe Colca, founder of Forge Clarity, to talk about a challenge credit unions and banks keep running into as they try to compete with digital-first players. Most people frame this as a technology problem. Joe and I don’t see it that way.With more than 26 years of experience at organizations like Vanguard, Citi, and VyStar Credit Union, Joe shares why the real issue isn’t a lack of technology, it’s a lack of strategic clarity. We dig into why many financial institutions struggle to deliver strong digital experiences, how the Innovator’s Dilemma applies to banking today, and what leaders should be thinking about as AI, fintech partnerships, and new operating models reshape the industry. Listen to learn why strategy, not technology, is the real bottleneck for digital transformation, and what banks and credit unions can do to position themselves for the future.00:00 Welcome back and episode introduction01:00 Introducing Joe Colca and his background in financial services05:00 Joe’s career journey from Vanguard to Citi to VyStar10:30 The Innovator’s Dilemma and its relevance to banking today14:30 Branch-based vs. branchless banking models18:00 Why digital transformation feels so hard for credit unions22:30 Technology upgrades vs. meeting member expectations27:30 Fintech partnerships and the build vs. buy decision33:00 Can banks successfully be both branch-based and digital-first?38:00 Strategy problems vs. technology problems43:30 Spinoff digital banks as a potential solution50:00 Real-world examples of credit union digital spinoffs56:00 The impact of AI on the future of banking experiences01:01:30 What Forge Clarity does and who it helps01:06:30 One action leaders should take right now: strategic clarity01:09:00 Final thoughts and wrap-upHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

AI is going to revolutionize banking. Credit unions and banks are already being disrupted by fintechs, now AI is either going to accelerate their demise or give them a chance to leapfrog their disruptors. The choice is theirs.In this episode, I (Derik Krauss) am joined by my co-founder, Ryan Harmon, to unpack how AI could disrupt UI-based fintechs and open up new opportunities for community banks and credit unions. We discuss The Innovator's Dilemma, the benefits of launching AI-first spinoffs, and how future financial institutions might operate without traditional mobile apps or online banking. 00:00 Introduction and Recap of Previous Episode 01:11 AI's Potential in Banking and Financial Institutions 03:53 The Innovator's Dilemma in Banking 05:59 The Shift from Physical Branches to Digital Banking 11:37 AI as the Next Disruptive Innovation 17:02 The Future of AI-Driven Financial Services 23:04 AI Integration in Everyday Life 29:50 The Role of AI in Financial Decision Making 31:35 Blockchain and AI: Revolutionizing Banking 33:25 AI-First Experience: The Future of User Interfaces 35:48 Cost Efficiency in AI-Driven Banking 39:08 OpenAI's App Store: A New Frontier 40:31 Challenges and Opportunities for Credit Unions 42:58 The Innovator's Dilemma: Embracing Disruptive Innovation 46:49 Launching Spinoffs: A Strategy for Transformation 49:00 The Future of Banking: AI-First Spinoffs 50:03 Legacy Institutions and Modern Challenges 01:00:35 The Role of Marketing in Credit Union Transformation 01:03:01 AI's Impact on the Banking Industry 01:05:47 Conclusion: Embracing AI for Future SuccessHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Hey, this is Derik. I recently tried using ChatGPT's Agent Mode to make transfers between my personal bank accounts. I didn't get the outcome I was hoping for, but that's not because AI isn't capable of doing it. In fact, it's more than capable of doing that and other banking tasks, especially if there is a human in the loop. In this episode, my co-founder, Ryan Harmon, and I show and tell what agentic AI is capable of doing and how it's going to transform the banking user experience. Listen to learn how AI is reshaping the future of banking and what opportunities lie ahead for individuals and financial institutions.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

For the first time, JR is a guest on the podcast he started. Join me, Derik Krauss, as I debut as the new host of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast.In this episode, I interview JR and we talk about challenges he has overcome, including facing an autoimmune condition, as well as his plans for the next decade.What we unpacked in this conversation is truly thought-provoking. It has led me to reflect on what has happened in my life over the last decade and what I want for the next 10 years.Not only is this type of reflection valuable personally, but it can also lead to true transformation for your credit union or bank. As JR says, all change starts with learning truth and seeing things differently. What "truth gaps" are holding back your financial institution?Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Most community banks and credit unions have websites that look decent—but they’re just glorified brochures. They’re not bringing in loans, deposits, or meaningful customer engagement. That’s a big problem. Because every day your site doesn’t convert, you’re losing potential revenue to competitors who’ve figured out how to make their digital presence work for them. A static, underperforming site isn’t just a missed opportunity—it’s a liability. In this episode, James Robert and Derik talk about how to flip the script and turn your website into a true sales engine. You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

AI agents aren’t coming—they’re already here. And they’re about to reshape how people search, shop, and apply for financial products. In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast, host James Robert Lay is joined by co-host Derik Krauss to unpack the fast-moving shift from generative AI to autonomous AI agents—and why this change is happening faster than most financial brand leaders realize. We explore what AI agents actually are, how they differ from GenAI, and why your brand’s current visibility in Google Search might not mean squat in an AI-powered world.From OpenAI’s new Agent Mode to Semrush’s bombshell research on AI search behavior, we dive deep into how machines are now completing tasks that were once human-only—and what that means for your marketing, UX, and growth strategy moving forward. Because in the age of AI agents, one year of inaction could cost you a decade of relevance.You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Traditional SEO is dying—and AI search is taking its place. In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast, host James Robert Lay and co-host Derik Krauss dive into the seismic shift in how people search, shop, and make financial decisions online. With research from Semrush and Ahrefs predicting that AI-driven search will surpass Google by 2028—or even sooner—this isn’t just a trend. It’s a warning.Financial brands that rely heavily on Google and PPC are at risk of becoming invisible in the new AI-first search landscape. Why does this matter? Because behavior is shifting fast, and many institutions are lagging behind without realizing it.JR and Derik share what your financial brand must do now to prepare. From measuring your AI visibility to understanding what content actually gets you found in ChatGPT responses, this episode is a blueprint for staying competitive—and staying seen.You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Are you dying, surviving, or thriving? In a rapidly evolving age of AI and fintech disruption, the real threat isn’t competition—it’s complacency. Too many banks and credit unions are stuck in survival mode, reacting to problems instead of creating possibilities.The conversation digs deep into the mindset shifts needed to break free from defensive, fear-based thinking. James Robert and Derik explore personal stories of transformation, the impact of strategic clarity, and how the most growth-bound institutions today are those with leaders willing to take bold, courageous action. They unpack why thriving starts with leading yourself—and how 10x thinking can unlock future-focused innovation that’s no longer optional.If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about your next step, this episode will challenge your perspective and offer a clear path forward: Think bigger. Lead bolder. Grow faster.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Traditional banks and credit unions are struggling to stay relevant in an increasingly digital world. While consumers flock to neobanks and fintechs for speed, convenience, and personalization, many community institutions remain anchored to branch-first models and legacy mindsets.James Robert and Derik unpack why going “digital” isn’t just for startups—it’s a strategic path forward for community-based institutions too. They explore how embracing a digital-first (or even digital-only) model can help banks and credit unions unlock growth, reduce operational drag, and reconnect with modern consumers—without losing the human touch that makes them special.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Most financial brands are stuck saying the same things—“great rates, great service”—and it's costing them trust, growth, and relevance. In this episode, James Robert Lay and Derik Krauss dive into the dangerous trap of commoditization in financial services. They break down why it's happening, how it shows up in your marketing, and what to do about it. You’ll learn how to reframe your messaging around purpose, use empathy to guide digital journeys, and position your brand as a trusted guide—not just a product pusher. Drawing from the Digital Growth Blueprint and real-world examples, this conversation is your first step toward standing out in a sea of sameness.You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Most financial brands are still designing websites for people. But the web’s changed—and fast.In this episode, Derik Krauss joins James Robert Lay to unpack why the real “visitors” to your site are no longer just humans, but AI agents like ChatGPT and Perplexity acting on their behalf. They explore what this means for discoverability, trust, and conversion in an age where the “Do-It-For-Me” economy is accelerating.You’ll learn how to start building an “agentic website” designed for both humans and machines—and why failing to adapt may render your brand invisible to the next generation of digital decision-makers.You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Most financial institutions struggle to measure what really matters in their marketing. They track impressions, clicks, and followers—but not meaningful outcomes like loan conversions, account openings, or user friction. This leads to wasted budgets, unclear ROI, and missed opportunities to optimize the digital experience.Without clear, actionable analytics, marketing becomes a black box. Leadership gets frustrated. Teams lose confidence. And worst of all—growth stalls because no one can see what’s actually working. In a time when budgets are tight and expectations are high, guessing is no longer a viable strategy.James Robert and Derik explore how financial brands can transform marketing from a cost center into a growth engine by measuring progress in smarter, simpler ways. From high-level KPIs to on-page performance insights, they unpack what to track, why it matters, and how to start seeing through the noise to what actually drives growth.You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Most marketing teams are stuck in a turf war—and it’s costing financial brands real growth. On one side, brand teams are chasing awareness. On the other, performance marketers are pushing for conversions. Both mean well. But without a shared strategy, they're pulling in opposite directions—and the only real result is internal competition, wasted budget, and missed growth opportunities.In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast, James Robert Lay and co-host Derik Krauss return to bridge the divide between art and science in financial brand marketing. They unpack how collaborative cultures, rooted in testing and iteration, transform subjective ideas into measurable outcomes. You’ll learn how to turn gut-based marketing into data-driven performance, why AB testing isn't just for emails, and how small conversion lifts can lead to million-dollar gains.You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Digital marketing in many financial institutions still leans heavily on the art—intuition, creativity, and guesswork—while neglecting the science of performance data, testing, and iterative optimization. As a result, efforts often lack measurable ROI and fail to meaningfully move the needle on loans and deposits.The stakes have never been higher. Digital noise is at an all-time high. AI is flooding the market with more content than ever before. If marketing is not grounded in data and constant experimentation, it's just decoration—pretty, but ineffective. Financial brands that ignore the science behind digital growth risk wasting budget, losing trust, and falling behind competitors who are measuring what matters and learning faster.James Robert Lay and Derik Krauss explore how financial brands can integrate the art of storytelling and design with the science of data, testing, and behavioral insight. They’ll introduce a balanced approach—combining empathy-driven messaging with A/B testing, conversion tracking, and funnel optimization—to drive smarter, more scalable results.Join us as we discuss:-The Importance of Measuring Marketing Success (5:07)-Practical Steps to Integrate Science into Marketing (11:58)-Conversion Funnels and Their Impact (15:43)You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Let’s be honest—too many financial brands are still operating like it’s 1999. Websites stuck in the past. Strategies rooted in branch-first thinking. Growth models that haven’t evolved with consumer expectations. In this reboot of Banking on Digital Growth, host James Robert Lay is joined by new co-host Derik Krauss, co-founder of MetriFi, for a no-holds-barred conversation about what it really takes to lead in a digital-first world.If you're tired of hearing "digital transformation" without seeing real action, this episode is your wake-up call. From the hidden cost of digital blind spots to the hard truth of The Innovator’s Dilemma, James and Derik unpack how banks and credit unions can escape outdated thinking—and why the website must be the starting point.Join us as we discuss:-The Pre-Internet Mindset in Financial Institutions-Personal Banking Preferences and Generational Differences-The Innovator's Dilemma in Financial ServicesYou can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

You’re not alone if you’ve felt stuck, burnt out, or just plain frustrated with all the “talk” around digital transformation in banking. After nearly 500 episodes, James Robert Lay took a much-needed break—not from the mission, but to rediscover it. In this raw and revealing comeback, he opens up about the personal and professional crossroads that led to hitting pause and the powerful insights gained during that time.Tune in to hear the truth behind the break, the future of the podcast, and how you can finally move from talk to action in the age of AI.Join us as we discuss:-A Call for Change-Launching a New Venture-Exciting Collaborations AheadYou can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth podcast, host James Robert Lay is joined by Billy Wilkinson, CEO of Threshold, the agency that will make you rethink how you market your everything, to explore the transformative power of marketing in the financial services industry. Together, they discuss the importance of mastering the fundamentals—what Billy calls "blocking and tackling"—to build a strong foundation for digital growth. They highlight the need for community financial institutions to rethink their approach to marketing, shifting from short-term tactics to long-term strategies that influence trust and behavior.Billy shares practical insights on bridging the gap between sales and marketing to create unified strategies that deliver measurable ROI. They discuss the challenges of navigating rapid technological change, the value of fostering a culture of continuous learning, and how financial brands can differentiate by supporting local entrepreneurs and creating community connections. Whether you're an executive, marketer, or entrepreneur, this episode offers actionable advice to help you grow, learn, and level up in the digital age.Join us as we discuss:-Evolution of banking technology and digital adoption (5:00)-The role of marketing as influence and long-term strategies (15:30)-Community engagements and support for entrepreneurs (27:00)You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) dominates headlines and disrupts industries, financial brand leaders face a dilemma: is "artificial" truly good for building trust, fostering connection, and driving growth? In this episode, James Robert Lay and guest Ethan Wall, president of the Social Media Law Firm, explore the power of authentic intelligence—leveraging empathy, human connection, and wisdom gained through experience to navigate change. They discuss practical ways financial brands can integrate AI responsibly while remaining true to their mission of improving lives. Together, they uncover how to balance technology with humanity, overcome fear, and embrace continuous transformation for sustainable growth.Join us as we discuss:-The Evolution of Social Media in Financial Services (11:49)-The Role of AI and Authentic Intelligence (24:39)-Practical Advice for Financial Brand Leaders (37:48)You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.