Financial Forward: The Future of Consumer Finance & Banking
By: McCarthy Hatch
Language: en
Categories: Business, Management
Financial Forward with Jim McCarthy Explore the Future of Consumer Finance, Banking Regulation, and FinTech InnovationFinancial Forward is the essential podcast for professionals in finance, compliance, and innovation. Hosted by Jim McCarthy, founding member of the CFPB and expert in regulatory risk management, each episode features in-depth conversations with leaders from banks, credit unions, fintech companies, and regulatory agencies.🎯 What You’ll Learn:Consumer finance trends and policy changesCFPB rulemaking and enforcement actionsCompliance with FDIC, OCC, NCUA, and CFPB oversightFinTech, open banking, and RegTech innovationCredit cards, loans, mortgage servicing, and fair lendingAI and automation in banking complianceRisk management and consumer prote...
Episodes
CFPB State Regulator Portal: Turning Complaints Into Real Supervisory Yield
Dec 15, 2025Send us a text
Episode Description
In this episode of Financial Forward, host Jim McCarthy sits down with John McNamara, former Principal Assistant Director for Markets at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Together, they pull back the curtain on how complaint data actually powered markets, supervision, and enforcement inside the Bureau—and what that means for state regulators today.
Jim and John walk through the evolution of the CFPB complaint system, the value of normalized and validated data, and how the CF...
Duration: 01:04:09Making business credit visible, useful, and fundable.
Nov 14, 2025Send us a text
Guest: Levi — Founder/Builder at Nav
Topic: Making business credit visible, useful, and fundable.
Key Takeaways
Business credit ≠ consumer credit. The ecosystem is opaque; owners often don’t know what’s being scored—or why. Nav makes it legible and actionable.Visibility first, capital second. You can’t optimize what you can’t see. Pull your business credit data, fix errors, and understand how banks read your file.Cash-flow signals matter. The wrong checking account or weak deposits can s... Duration: 00:44:54Protected Funds: Amy’s Fight in Texas
Oct 11, 2025Send us a text
Episode Summary
Amy — a retired Texas teacher living on a fixed income — whose protected retirement funds were swept from her bank account to satisfy an old, likely time-barred credit-card judgment. By filing a detailed complaint with the CFPB and notifying both the collector and the bank that the funds were protected under Texas law, Amy triggered a reversal and got her money back. The episode explores why precision in language matters, what ‘protected funds’ and ‘time-barred debt’ mean, how responses differ between banks and collectors, and the broader, compounding costs of con...
Duration: 00:35:14Insuring Fraud at Signup: Sunil Madhu on AI Underwriting, Faster Approvals, and Claims in 30 Days
Oct 07, 2025Send us a text
Title: Insuring Fraud at Signup: Sunil Madhu on AI Underwriting, Faster Approvals, and Claims in 30 Days
Guest: Sunil Madhu, Founder & CEO, Instnt (previously Founder & CEO, Socure)
Length: ~41 minutes
What This Episode Is About
Most fraud tools try to detect risk. Instnt goes a step further: it underwrites onboarding fraud risk in real time and transfers residual loss to A-rated insurers. For consumers, that can mean fewer false declines<...
Duration: 00:42:40Crebit: Cheaper, Faster Tuition Payments from Brazil/Mexico to U.S. Schools
Oct 02, 2025Send us a text
Episode summary
Paying U.S. college tuition from abroad can be slow, expensive, and confusing. Crebit says it fixes that by letting families in Brazil and Mexico pay locally (PIX or bank transfer), converting funds to USD, and delivering a check directly to the school—positioning itself as a faster, lower-cost alternative to incumbents like Wise and Flywire. We unpack how the product works, the regulatory plumbing (KYC/AML, FX/US checks), where the savings come from, and what this means for international families and bursar offices.
crebitpay.com+1
Keynote Insights: What the Trump Administration Will Mean for Banking, Fintech & Innovation
Aug 05, 2025Send us a text
Episode Summary:
In this special episode of Financial Forward, we present Jim McCarthy’s keynote address from FinovateSpring 2025, held in San Diego, California. With over three decades in banking and regulatory leadership, including pivotal roles at the FDIC and as a founding member of the CFPB, Jim shares a powerful perspective on the future of financial services under the returning Trump administration.
The speech explores the risks and opportunities of deregulation, the impact on consumer protection, and the expected wave of ba...
Duration: 00:17:34CFPB vs. FirstCash – Military Lending Enforcement & What Comes Next
Jul 20, 2025Send us a text
“FirstCash, the CFPB, and Military Lending Protections: A Follow-Up to Our Service Member Panel”
Release Date:
July 2025
🔍 Episode Overview
In this special follow-up episode of Financial Forward, host Jim McCarthy revisits the critical topic of military financial protections in the wake of a major enforcement action by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Since the airing of our original Service Member Panel, the CFPB reached a $9 million settlement with FirstCash, Inc. and...
Duration: 00:41:01SCRA – Beyond the Uniform: Understanding the CFPB’s Growing Focus on Servicemember Financial Protections
Jul 08, 2025Send us a text
Recorded: Tuesday, July 1 | 1:00 PM CT
Presented by: McCarthy Hatch
🎯 Episode Overview:
As the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) sharpens its lens on how financial institutions serve military members and their families, this live panel explores the evolving regulatory landscape and the moral imperative to do better.
We go beyond compliance checklists to examine complaint data, identify institutional risks, and spotlight opportunities to lead with integrity.
👥 Featured Panelists:
Jim McCarthyChairman, McCarthy Hatch
Founding member of the CF... Duration: 01:01:20
AI Governance & Change Management in Financial Services
Jun 11, 2025Send us a text
“AI Governance & Change Management in Financial Services”
Guest: Parijat Banerjee, Global Head of Financial Services at LatentView Analytics
🔗 Episode Summary
In this episode of Financial Forward, host Jim McCarthy sits down with Parijat Banerjee, a leading expert in financial data analytics and the Global Head of Financial Services at LatentView Analytics. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities financial institutions face in implementing AI-driven transformation, with a special focus on AI governance, data...
Duration: 00:56:08Behind the Credit Curtain: Understanding Consumer Reporting with NCRA’s Eric Ellman
May 31, 2025Send us a text
Episode Title: Behind the Credit Curtain: Understanding Consumer Reporting with NCRA’s Eric Ellman
Guest: Eric Ellman, President of the National Consumer Reporting Association (NCRA)
Host: Jim McCarthy
🎙️ Episode Summary:
In this episode of Financial Forward, host Jim McCarthy sits down with Eric Ellman, the newly appointed president of the National Consumer Reporting Association (NCRA), to explore the often-overlooked yet critically important world of consumer reporting agencies.
With more than 25 years of experience at the...
Duration: 00:48:57From Analyst to Luka Dončić’s Double: The Viral Rise of Jacob
May 13, 2025Send us a text
🔍 Episode Summary:
In this unforgettable episode of Financial Forward, host Jim McCarthy reconnects with Jacob, the breakout analyst from McCarthy Hatch whose debut podcast went viral. But Jacob's talents go far beyond financial risk modeling — turns out, he was hired as Luka Dončić’s body double in the buzzy new Jordan Brand ad, ‘The Trial of Luka Dončić’.
We dive into Jacob’s unexpected journey from spreadsheets to spotlights — how he landed the role, what it was like on set, and ho...
Duration: 00:51:01American Fintech Council - Ian Moloney Talks the Future of Our Industry
Apr 18, 2025Send us a text
Guest: Ian Moloney, Head of Policy & Regulatory Affairs, American Fintech Council
Host: Jim McCarthy, Chairman of McCarthy Hatch and Founding Member of the CFPB
Podcast: Financial Forward
🔑 Key Topics:
What the American Fintech Council Stands ForIan describes the AFC's role as a bridge between regulators and innovators, ensuring fintechs can grow while protecting consumers.Responsible Innovation in a Regulatory Vacuum
With fragmented oversight across agencies, Ian explains how the AFC is driving the con... Duration: 01:01:41
Banking-as-a-Service Unplugged: A Conversation with Steve Bishop, Founder of Ambassador
Apr 11, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of Financial Forward, Jim McCarthy sits down with Steve Bishop, one of the leading voices in Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) and founder of Ambassador. If you're in banking, fintech, or regulatory circles—you’ve heard Steve’s name. And if you haven’t yet, you will.
From humble beginnings on a gravel road in Missouri to becoming the go-to source for how BaaS should really work, Steve walks us through his unconventional career path, the transformation he led at OMB Bank, and what inspired him to l...
Duration: 01:06:29Fintech & Consumer Regulations in the New Trump Administration (Rebroadcast from The Bates Group)
Mar 31, 2025Send us a text
In this special Financial Forward rebroadcast, we’re sharing an essential panel discussion originally produced by The Bates Group, examining how the return of the Trump administration may reshape consumer financial protection, fintech regulation, and compliance strategies across the industry.
Recorded live, this expert panel dives into the shifting regulatory landscape and what financial institutions, money services businesses, fintech firms, and crypto players should expect in the months ahead.
🗣️ Featured Panelists:
Eric Goldberg, Partner, Akerman LLPKathryn Tomasof... Duration: 01:02:06A Conversation About Caregiving & Self-Care with Mario & Linda Straub Jones
Mar 13, 2025Send us a text
In This Episode:
In a departure from our usual finance and regulation discussions, this special episode of Financial Forward focuses on the emotional, financial, and personal challenges of caregiving. Whether you're a parent of a child with special needs, caring for an aging family member, or supporting a loved one through difficult times, today’s conversation is about giving yourself grace and understanding the importance of self-care.
Our Guests:
Mario – A devoted father and advocate who found his... Duration: 01:06:19Bank Automation Summit 2025 - Bank Automation News
Mar 11, 2025Send us a text
Finding Financial Success in the New Regulatory-Mandated Open Banking
Episode Description:
In this special episode, we rebroadcast a panel discussion from Bank Automation Summit 2025, where industry leaders explore the evolution of embedded finance, how financial institutions can ensure modern, compliant, and seamless payment processing, and the current state of open banking compliance.
This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Bank Automation News, the go-to publication for financial institutions and executives looking to stay ahead in the evolving world of banking technology.
...
Duration: 01:05:01Crowdfunding for Small Businesses with George Cook of Honeycomb Credit
Feb 28, 2025Send us a text
At McCarthy Hatch, we believe in lifting up voices that deserve to be heard. That’s why we’re offering free ad space on our Financial Forward podcast for women-owned and disadvantaged businesses—because supporting diverse entrepreneurs isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do. This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight Boulevard Coffee, a woman-owned small business with a rich history and a passion for artisan-roasted, specialty-grade coffee. Founded by sisters Carie and Julie, Boulevard Coffee serves up smooth, clean-tasting...
Duration: 00:48:37The Future of the CFPB: A Surprising Conversation with Banking Expert Ron Shevlin
Feb 14, 2025Send us a text
Episode Summary:
The Trump Administration wants to shut down the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)—a move that has divided the financial industry. Is it a necessary rollback of overreach or a dangerous erosion of consumer protections? To unpack this, Jim McCarthy sits down with Ron Shevlin, a nationally recognized expert on banking and credit unions, and Chief Research Officer at Cornerstone Advisors. Ron has spent years analyzing financial services trends, regulatory impacts, and the evolution of consumer finance. While he supports ef...
The Future of Consumer Finance & Regulatory Risk
Feb 07, 2025Send us a text
🔹 Host: Jim McCarthy
🔹 Guest:
Angela Nibbs
CEO
Maven PR
https://www.maven-pr.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelanibbs/
JP Snow
Founder/Principal
Customer Catalytics
https://customercatalytics.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpsnow/
Linda Straub Jones
https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-straub-jones/
Asaf Buchner
https://www.linkedin.com/in/asafbuchner/
The Speed of Risk
Jan 28, 2025Send us a text
Episode Title: The Speed of Risk: Bridging the Gap Between Compliance Models
Podcast: Financial Forward – A McCarthy Hatch Podcast
Duration: 43:33
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Financial Forward, host Jim McCarthy explores the evolving dynamics of risk management in the financial sector. Drawing on his expertise as a former founding member of the CFPB, Jim compares the traditional compliance methods of prudential regulators with the CFPB’s modern, data-driven approach. He highlights the challenges banks face in adapting to real-time risk...
Unpacking Dodd-Frank 1034(c): Compliance, Consumer Protection, and Data Collection
Dec 13, 2024Send us a text
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Financial Forward, host Jim McCarthy, chairman of McCarthy Hatch, joins forces with Brandi Reynolds, Chief Growth Officer at Bates Group, to break down Section 1034(c) of the Dodd-Frank Act. This pivotal regulation emphasizes transparency and responsiveness in consumer complaint management, a cornerstone of consumer protection.
Together, Jim and Brandi discuss the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) approach to collecting and analyzing consumer complaint data and the compliance challenges facing financial institutions. Brandi shares her expertise on aligning institutional practices wi...
Duration: 00:51:07Behind the Vault - Rebroadcast
Dec 06, 2024Send us a text
Show Notes: Financial Forward – Rebroadcast of Behind the Vault
Episode Title:
The Future of Banking: Listening to Customers, Leveraging Data, and Ensuring Stability
Episode Description:
In this special rebroadcast of Behind the Vault, Jim McCarthy dives into a powerful conversation about the state of the financial industry and where it’s headed. The discussion explores:
Bridging Financial Health and Innovation: A Conversation with Keshava Dasarathy
Nov 28, 2024Send us a text
In this episode of Financial Forward, host Jim McCarthy talks with Keshava Dasarathy, Founder of Finvizia, about the consumer journey in financial services and how firms can go beyond providing products to fostering financial health. Keshava shares his extensive experience in leadership roles at Fannie Mae, Capital One, and Boston Consulting Group to offer actionable insights into customer success, digital transformation, and strategy.
Together, they discuss how organizations can build trust, drive customer engagement, and transform the way financial products and services are delivered...
Duration: 00:42:22The Future of Financial Risk Management with FSAi (Part 2)
Nov 19, 2024Send us a text
In Part 2 of this special series, Jim McCarthy, Asaf Buchner, and JP continue the conversation on the transformative power of real-time data in financial regulation. They discuss how the regulatory landscape is shifting, and what this means for banks looking to stay compliant while managing risk effectively. This episode goes deeper into the strategies financial institutions can use to navigate the evolving landscape with confidence.
Episode Highlights:
- [00:00 - 02:00] Recap and Introduction
Jim provides a brief recap of Episode 1 and sets the stage for a mor...
Duration: 00:30:51The Future of Financial Risk Management with FSAi (Part 1)
Nov 18, 2024Send us a text
In this episode of Financial Forward, Jim McCarthy sits down with Asaf Buchner, CEO of McCarthy Hatch, and JP, lead strategist, to explore how financial institutions are embracing 21st-century regulatory technology. They dive into the groundbreaking FSAi model and how real-time data analysis is helping banks stay ahead of regulatory risks. If you want to know how the game is changing in compliance, this episode is a must-listen!
Episode Highlights:
- [00:00 - 04:00] Welcome to Financial Forward
Jim introduces the podcast and sets the stage for a...
Duration: 00:29:37The Evolution of Consumer Protection in Debt Collection with Abbas Kazerounian
Nov 07, 2024Send us a text
In this episode of Financial Forward, host Jim McCarthy is joined by Abbas Kazerounian Esquire, a leading attorney in consumer protection and co-founder of Kazerouni Law Group.
They discuss the challenges, stories, and recent developments in consumer finance, focusing on the impact of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) on the debt collection industry. Abbas shares his insights on the CFPB's role in cleaning up bad practices, the importance of data in consumer protection litigation, and ongoing issues in consumer finance such as identity theft and peer-to-peer payment fraud.
Th...
A Legacy of Advocacy: Mira Marshall's Impact on Financial Regulation
Oct 31, 2024Send us a text
In this episode of Financial Forward, host Jim welcomes Mira Marshall, a distinguished attorney and founding member of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Mira shares her journey from her formative years to her significant role in establishing the CFPB's Supervision Division.
The discussion touches on her achievements in consumer financial protection, the challenges she faced, and the vital role of supervision and examination in ensuring consumer fairness. They also delve into the importance of consumer complaints in shaping regulatory actions and the evolution of financial protections in today's marketplace.
MOCAFI’s Vision for Financial Justice: Wole Coaxum on Empowering Underbanked Communities
Oct 24, 2024Send us a text
In this episode of Financial Forward, we explore the transformative efforts of Wole Coaxum, founder of Mobility Capital Finance (MOCAFI), in tackling financial exclusion among underbanked and unbanked Americans. Motivated by events like Ferguson, Missouri, Coaxum embarked on a mission to create a digital banking platform that champions economic equity and fights racial wealth disparity.
We discuss innovative solutions like municipal ID cards, the evolving role of technology in banking, and the support provided to asylum seekers in New York. The episode covers partnerships with values-driven banks, overcoming regulatory challenges, and...
Financial Watchdog: A Dive into CFPB’s Complaint Mechanism [LinkedIn Live: Part 1]
Oct 17, 2024Send us a text
In this comprehensive episode of Financial Forward, host Jim is joined by Camie Keilen, a senior executive with extensive compliance risk management experience, to explore the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) Complaints Enterprise.
The discussion traces the program's origins following the 2008 mortgage crisis, addresses the evolution of consumer complaint handling, and examines the practical challenges faced by financial institutions in meeting strict CFPB regulations. Key topics include the introduction of a public complaints portal, response and tracking expectations, and policy changes that foster better consumer complaint management.
The episode p...
From Complaints to Compliance: How Data Shapes Financial Institutions & CFPB Power [LinkedIn Live Part 2]
Oct 17, 2024Send us a text
In this episode of Financial Forward, hosts Camie Keilen and Jim delve into the evolution and impact of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) data-driven complaints enterprise.
They discuss the transformation of regulatory practices through complaint data, the role of evolving taxonomies, and the proactive use of data to tackle regulatory challenges. The episode also covers the differences in enforcement approaches, highlighting how AI and technologies aid in real-time complaint analysis, and the importance of timely, independent data analysis for banks.
Reflecting on the early days of the CFPB, th...
Overcoming Obstacles: Jacob's Neurodivergent Employment Journey
Sep 26, 2024Send us a text
In this special episode of Financial Forward, Jim McCarthy is joined by family-friend Jacob to discuss their individual experiences navigating employment and the workplace with as someone with Autism.
Jim reflects on his own experiences trying to fit into a corporate world as someone with autism, and Jacob shares stories of employment challenges he's faced. Jim highlights the importance of creating work environments that are optimal for neurodivergent individuals.
Key Topics Discussed:
00:00 Introduction to Autism in the Workplace
01:26 Meet Jacob: A Personal Journey
04:46...
Duration: 00:33:05Unlock the Secrets of Digital Payments: Eric Goldberg Reveals Must-Know Consumer Protections!
Sep 20, 2024Send us a text
In this episode of Financial Forward, host Jim McCarthy sits down with Eric Goldberg, a renowned expert in financial regulation and author of Regulation E, Subpart B. Together, they explore the rapidly evolving landscape of digital payment platforms like Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App, examining their impact on consumer behavior, security, and regulatory challenges.
Eric shares valuable insights on consumer rights and protections under Regulation E, addressing the challenges of unauthorized transactions and scams. He provides practical tips for consumers to navigate the digital payment landscape securely and effectively.
<...
Duration: 00:31:47Predatory Lending Pitfalls: Mollie's Small Business Survival Story
Sep 11, 2024Send us a text
In this episode of Financial Forward, host Jim is joined by Mollie, a small business owner in the medical device certification industry. The conversation navigates Mollie's journey from her education in microbiology to the challenges she faced in the financial management of her business. Highlighting the predatory lending practices she encountered, Mollie's story serves as a cautionary tale for entrepreneurs.
They discuss the intricacies of cash flow management, the impact of high-cost short-term financing, and the need for regulatory reforms to protect small business owners. This episode is a valuable resource f...
Surviving the Crypto Collapse: Logan's $20M Million Bitcoin Nightmare
Sep 05, 2024Send us a text
In this episode, Jim McCarthy is joined by Logan, who found himself with over $20M million of Bitcoin locked up in the FTX bankruptcy scandal.
Logan shares his journey into the world of cryptocurrency, and how his funds were improperly used by FTX leading up to the lawsuit. They explore how a lack of regulation in the digital finance space has created an environment with the potential to harm consumers.
Jim and Logan discuss what they'd each like to see in terms of regulatory action surrounding cryptocurrency moving forward...
Duration: 00:28:43How Citi Bank's $400 Million Enforcement Could Impact Your Finances: A Deep Dive
Aug 02, 2024Send us a text
Join us on Financial Forward as we dive into Citibank's $400 million enforcement action by the OCC. Discover what this means for consumers, Citibank's compliance journey, and the impact on financial services.
Each episode of Financial Forward highlights a female-owned small business, showcasing their unique stories, challenges, and successes in the financial landscape.
This episode is brought to you by:
Squirrel Stop: https://www.stopsquirrel.com/
More from Jim:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mccarthyhatch/
https://www.mccarthy-hatch.com/
Building the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Jim McCarthy’s Journey from Banking and Regulation
Jul 18, 2024Send us a text
In this episode, host Jim McCarthy details his extensive career in the banking industry, from his early days in a paper-based system to his impact on the digital transformation of banking and regulation.
He recounts his involvement in establishing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and its role in unifying bank regulations to protect consumers.
Jim discusses his personal challenges, including being autistic and navigating professional landscapes. He also illuminates his current work with McCarthy Hatch, focusing on helping banks use data to identify risks and improve compliance.
Chevron Doctrine Overturned: How the Supreme Court Decision Impacts Your Consumer Rights
Jul 05, 2024Send us a text
In this episode of 'Financial Forward Podcast,' host Jim McCarthy talks with Ashley, a public administration expert with a keen interest in financial policy. Together, they dive into the recent Supreme Court decision overturning the Chevron Doctrine and its implications for consumer protections.
Ashley shares her experiences from working in local government and offers insights into how the decision could impact regulatory agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
They discuss:
The origins and purpose of the Chevron Doctrine.The... Duration: 00:25:30Leading the Charge: Victor Prince’s CFPB Journey & Leadership Insights
Jun 27, 2024Send us a text
Welcome to the first episode of Financial Forward!
In this episode of 'Financial Forward Podcast,' host Jim McCarthy talks with Victor Prince, an accomplished leadership author, speaker, trainer, and coach. Victor shares his experiences and insights from his time at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), where he played a critical role in its establishment and growth.
They discuss the challenges and triumphs of building the CFPB, the importance of effective leadership in financial services, and the traits necessary for managing risk and change in the industry.
V...
Duration: 00:23:31