The Galileo Financial Technologies Podcast

In this episode of the Galileo Financial Technologies Podcast, host Christienne Genaro sits down with leaders from FinWise Bank—Nick Chiappetti, VP of Fintech Partnerships & Marketing, and Simon Darchis, Head of Fintech Products—to unpack how sponsor banks are balancing innovation with regulatory reality. The conversation explores how FinWise approaches banking-as-a-service, why compliance is non-negotiable, and how technology—APIs, data, and AI—is reshaping everything from underwriting to oversight. The group dives into hot-button topics including BNPL, cash-flow underwriting, AI in lending, and the growing interest (and hesitation) around stablecoins and tokenized deposits.

Stablecoins have reached a rare inflection point: real product-market fit and meaningful regulatory clarity—at the same time. Recorded live from Fintech Nerdcon in Miami, this episode of the Galileo Financial Technologies Podcast features Simon Taylor, founder of Fintech Brainfood and GTM at Tempo, for a deep dive into what this moment means for banks, fintechs, and payments leaders. In this conversation, we explore: Why stablecoins are no longer speculative—but operational Where stablecoins outperform traditional rails (and where they don't) The difference between stablecoins and tokenized deposits How on-ramps, off-ramps, cards, and settlement are converging What financial institutions should prioritize heading into 2026 If you're building, operating, or investing in financial infrastructure, this episode breaks down what's real, what's actionable, and how to avoid being left behind as programmable money goes mainstream.

Galileo's Christienne Genero and SoFi's Kelli Keough come together for a high-impact discussion on what it takes to build financial experiences that earn trust at scale. They break down how SoFi and Galileo are aligning technology, operations, and human insight to support the full arc of a member's financial life. In this conversation, they unpack: • Why every consumer — from first paycheck to advanced investor — expects fast, intuitive digital experiences • How SoFi is connecting banking, crypto, and AI to create a unified financial ecosystem • The operational rigor required to deliver reliability at scale • How a strong regulatory foundation becomes a long-term advantage for partners and members • The role AI agents and SoFi Coach will play in turning data into clear, actionable guidance • What it truly takes to design cross-product journeys that support members as their needs evolve Throughout the discussion, Christienne and Kelli highlight how SoFi and Galileo are shaping a more seamless financial future — one where money moves instantly, insights are personalized, and trust is built through consistency, transparency, and operational excellence.   00:17 Welcome to the Galileo Financial Technologies Podcast 00:50 Introducing Our Guest: Kelli Keough from SoFi 01:26 Kelli Keough's Role and Responsibilities at SoFi 02:25 A Personal Story of Financial Management 04:35 The Importance of Digital and Personal Touch in Finance 06:56 The Intersection of Banking and Fintech 08:16 SoFi's Seamless Product Integration 11:01 AI and the Future of Financial Services 13:32 Customer Lifetime Value and Cross-Buy Strategy 16:10 Opportunities and Challenges in Fintech 19:11 The Importance of Regulation and Compliance 22:56 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements

In this episode of the Galileo Financial Technologies podcast, host Scott Henderson discusses what it takes to launch a successful fintech program with industry leaders Matt Mehlman from iLEX Consulting and Ramy Serageldin from Spidr. Broadcasting from Fintech Nerdcon in Miami 2025, the conversation explores the latest trends, innovations, and the complexities of launching fintech programs. Key topics include the importance of compliance, effective vendor partnerships, operational prerequisites, emerging technologies like AI and stablecoins, and the evolving regulatory environment. The guests share valuable insights and practical advice for fintech founders, emphasizing the significance of building strong foundations, focusing on mission-driven approaches, and navigating go-to-market challenges.     00:37 Meet the Guests: Matt and Ramy   01:25 Matt's Journey in Fintech   02:42 Ramy's Path to Spidr   05:16 The Role of iLEX and Spidr   06:53 Importance of Compliance in Fintech   13:19 Navigating Regulatory Changes   24:21 Future Trends: Stablecoins and AI   28:10 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

In this episode, Bill Kennedy, interim CEO at Galileo, joins Karen Webster of PYMNTS to unpack how Southwest Airlines and Galileo are bringing rewards to debit. They explore why consumers, especially younger generations, are turning to debit first, how loyalty economics are shifting, and what it takes for major brands to launch modern, reward-driven debit programs. Based on PYMNTS' reporting, the conversation looks at how everyday spending is becoming a new loyalty engine and what this means for the future of payments and customer engagement.

In this episode, we're tackling one of the biggest challenges facing traditional financial institutions today: legacy core systems. For too long, banks have been patching their outdated technology with "duct tape" fixes, but that approach is no longer sustainable. We dive deep into why core modernization isn't just a tech project—it's a critical business imperative for survival and growth. Join us as we explore how a strategic, incremental, and API-first approach can help banks manage operational risks, enable true product innovation, and transform from an account-centric to a customer-centric model. We'll show you how to leverage modern banking architecture to compete with agile fintechs and build the data-driven future of finance. Ready to modernize your core and stay ahead of the curve? Visit our website to learn more about how Galileo's platform can help you build the future of banking.

In this episode, Galileo CEO Derek White joins Tearsheet's Zack Miller to explore how brands can meet customers at the exact moment they choose how to pay — and why this matters more than ever. With 30% of travelers using debit for major travel and entertainment purchases, brands have an untapped opportunity to reward spend that's traditionally gone unrewarded. Derek shares how Wyndham launched its co‑branded debit card in under 90 days, the technology powering faster, smarter payments, and what's next for loyalty-driven growth.

Managing bills and updating subscription payments shouldn't feel like a scavenger hunt — but for most consumers, it still does. In this episode, we explore how Galileo is eliminating the friction of updating payment methods across Netflix, Amazon, power bills, and even Venmo — all from a single point of contact inside a banking or fintech app. Prashant Shah, VP of Product Management at Galileo Financial Technologies, shares the story behind Galileo Payment Method Switch — a new capability built in partnership with Atomic that puts merchants, subscriptions, and wallets right inside your app experience. The result? Fewer payment disruptions, reduced disputes, increased loyalty, and real revenue lift for banks and fintechs.

Galileo sits down with American Banker to discuss what's next for partner banking as the lines between fintech, infrastructure and regulation continue to blur. With compliance pressure on the rise and demand for embedded finance accelerating, financial institutions are being forced to rethink their growth strategies. In this episode, we explore how banks can modernize their tech stacks, manage risk with confidence and stay relevant through stronger partnerships and product innovation.

In this episode of the Galileo podcast, our Chief Product Officer, David Foyer, joins John Gaffney to unpack how Galileo is helping fintechs and financial institutions evolve in the growing service economy. Traditionally, value-added services were tied to credit card networks—but that's changing. David shares how Galileo is enabling clients to go beyond basic payments by embedding services like lending, debit rewards, fraud management, and multi-currency processing into their customer journeys. Tune in to hear how we're helping our partners stay top of wallet by showing up at the right moment, in the right context—with financial tools that are both powerful and invisible.

With nearly half of U.S. consumers lacking a credit history, debit is no longer just a payment method—it's a loyalty opportunity. In this episode, Galileo CEO Derek White joins Karen Webster to share how Galileo is powering a new era of rewards for debit users, starting with a partnership with Wyndham Rewards. Learn how brands can engage Gen Z, build stronger connections at the point of purchase, and unlock the potential of debit-based loyalty—all through one scalable platform.

Legacy cores strain budgets; composable cores grow them. In this Payments TV episode, Chief Content Officer John Gaffney sits down with Galileo's head of Product Strategy Michael Haney and KeyBank's SVP of Embedded Banking Dan Williams to show how cloud-native, API-first architecture flips modernization from an IT expense to a revenue machine. Hear real-world stories of: Decoupling innovation from mainframe constraints with modular micro-services Embedding finance to slash onboarding friction and speed new-product launches Linking KPIs to code so every upgrade answers a customer pain point and a P&L goal If you're a banker, fintech builder, or tech exec looking to turn core upgrades into competitive edge, this conversation is your playbook.

In this episode, Michael Haney explores fintech's biggest questions—from the shift toward digital banking and AI adoption to the rise of real-time payments in the U.S. Learn how fintechs and financial institutions can balance legacy infrastructure with modern tech to stay competitive and meet the evolving needs of digital consumers. Learn more at https://galileo-ft.com This episode was recorded at Money20/20 on October 28, 2024 and reshared with permission from the c-suite podcast and their episode partner LSEG Risk Intelligence. 

In this special episode, we're bringing you an insightful conversation between Silicon Slopes' Clint Betts and Galileo's own Derek White, a true pioneer in fintech who has quietly transformed the financial landscape from Utah to the world stage. Derek shares his incredible journey, from creating the first internet bank to scaling global fintech solutions that redefine how people interact with money. Tune in to hear Derek's vision for the future of digital finance, his experiences across global markets, and his thoughts on what makes Utah a powerhouse for fintech innovation. Whether you're a fintech enthusiast, a startup founder, or someone looking to understand the evolving financial ecosystem, this episode is packed with lessons, stories, and a fresh perspective on what's next in the world of finance. Don't miss this chance to hear how Galileo and leaders like Derek White are paving the way for the future of money! Learn more at https://galileo-ft.com

In this special episode, originally hosted by Tearsheet, we explore the modernization journey of Valley Bank with Russell Barrett, COO of Valley Bank, and David Feuer, CPO of Galileo Financial Technologies. Together, they share valuable insights on navigating core banking transformation, overcoming the challenges of legacy systems, and the strategies financial institutions can adopt to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving fintech landscape. Whether you're just starting your modernization journey or looking for expert advice on scaling innovation, this conversation offers practical takeaways for every step of the process.

At Galileo, we know that balancing short-term wins with long-term strategy is essential to driving meaningful innovation. In a recent episode of the CPO Rising Series, hosted by Products That Count, our CPO, David Feuer, delves into how he approaches this balance in product management. He shares his philosophy of servant leadership, emphasizing the importance of empowering teams to take ownership and drive impact. David also highlights how Galileo is advancing financial inclusion and responsible lending, underscoring the lasting impact of our work. The conversation further explores how storytelling enhances customer understanding and how AI is reshaping the future of product management. Learn more at https://galileo-ft.com This episode was originally recorded by Products That Count on Oct 7, 2024. 

Our Head of Product Strategy, Michael Haney along with Sachin Shetty, CTO at Varo and Phillip Rosen, CTO at MoneyLion come together with John Gaffney, Chief Content Officer at PYMNTS to discuss the latest innovations in digital banking architecture and the growing importance of composable banking. In this episode, they discuss how fintechs and neobanks are reshaping customer experiences, modernizing back-end systems, and driving operational efficiency. Learn from industry leaders as they share insights on leveraging microservices, APIs, and cloud technology to create flexible, customer-centric solutions that keep pace with a rapidly evolving market. This episode was originally published on pymnts.com on June 12th, 2024 and reshared with permission.  Learn more about Galileo at https://galileo-ft.com

In this episode, Sarah Grotta, Deputy Chief Fintech Officer at FinWise Bank, and Christienne Genaro from Galileo discuss the critical role that sponsor banks play in the success of fintech companies. Finding the right sponsor bank is crucial for any fintech's success, but what happens when you need a backup? In this episode, we dive into the intricate matchmaking process between fintechs and sponsor banks, exploring how to align on compliance, reporting, and emerging trends like embedded finance and cross-border solutions. We also discuss the importance of securing a reliable backup bank to ensure business continuity in a shifting regulatory landscape. Learn how building strong relationships with issuers, processors, and sponsor banks can help fintechs thrive in a competitive industry. This episode was originally recorded on Sept 16th, 2024 and reshared with permission. 

Banks are at a crossroads. Dave Feuer, Chief Product Officer at Galileo and Jim Marous at the Financial Brand break down why most banks and credit unions are missing the mark. We're talking about fractured relationships, why your customers aren't sticking around, and how real-time data can change the game. If you want to know what's really happening in banking today—and what needs to happen next—tune in.  This episode was originally recorded on Sept 10th, 2024 and shared with permission.  To learn more about Galileo, visit https://galileo-ft.com   

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of digital banking—a landscape filled with innovation, but also increasingly targeted by fraudsters. With seamless digital experiences becoming the norm, how do financial institutions and fintechs strike the right balance between smooth customer interactions and robust fraud prevention? Join Hal Levey, Senior Writer at PYMNTS, and Max Spivakovsky, Senior Director of Strategy and Operations for Global Payments Risk Management and Onboarding at Galileo, as they explore the evolving tactics of fraudsters in the digital banking world. From real-world case studies to insights on the latest fraud-fighting technologies, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to stay ahead of fraudsters without sacrificing the customer experience. Tune in to learn how digital banking is evolving, the hidden risks lurking behind every transaction, and what it takes to secure the future of financial services in a hyper-connected world. Learn more at https://galileo-ft.com/