Fintech Hustle

AOBA 2026 Takeaways: AI, Deposits, Data, and What’s Breaking

Sam Kilmer & Cornerstone Advisors Season 4 Episode 2

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0:00 | 33:59

Recorded at a location near AOBA 2026, this Fintech Hustle episode brings guests Aleda DeMaria (EVP & Chief Operating Officer, PeoplesBank), Mac Thompson (Founder & CEO, White Clay) & Christina Miller (VP, Alkami) for an unscripted hallway conversation on what’s changing right now. 

Key topics include:

  • Deposit retention after massive outflows and why “acquisition” is not the finish line
  • AI everywhere, including fraud, and why banks must fight AI with AI
  • Vendor consolidation and the reality of fragmented tech stacks
  • Data strategy as a growth engine, not just a compliance tool
  • Why the branch still matters and how to modernize the in-branch experience
  • The talent challenge for community banks trying to innovate
  • A clear warning: community banks should stop trying to build what mega-banks build, and focus on partnerships and execution

Let us know what theme you’re hearing most in your institution right now.


Click to watch more Fintech Hustle!

🔗  https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/fintech-hustle/ 

 

Connect with Sam on LinkedIn:

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/samkilmer/

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