Barefoot Innovation Podcast
Jo Ann Barefoot
The Barefoot Innovation podcast, hosted by the Alliance for Innovative Regulation (AIR) CEO Jo Ann Barefoot, explores better solutions for financial consumers at the intersection of technology innovation and regulation.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 9, 2025 • 16min
Special Episode: Tackling Financial Crime
This special episode explores AIR's work tackling financial crime & regulatory modernization, & highlights 4 upcoming events: Battlefront: Fraud in the Age of AI, West Africa Payments & Fraud Policy Sprint, Innovation Elements Cohort, & Converge.
May 30, 2025 • 50min
Financial Health and Financial Fraud – in West Africa and Beyond
In this episode, Jo Ann explores how digital financial services are impacting consumer protection in West Africa and globally, including the rising incidence of fraud. Hear from Aishah Ahmad, CFA, Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and board member of the Financial Alliance for Women.
May 21, 2025 • 43min
Banks and Innovation: Acting Comptroller of the Currency Rodney Hood
Rodney Hood, Acting Comptroller of the Currency, chats about bank innovation, digital assets, and tech's role in financial inclusion. He shares insights on modernizing regulation and how the OCC supports fintech partnerships.
May 7, 2025 • 46min
Inside the NCUA: New Chairman Kyle Hauptman on Fintech & Regulation
In this episode, NCUA Chair Kyle Hauptman discusses tech's role in credit unions. He highlights NCUA's open approach to digital assets, AI/blockchain use cases and DOGE's project to streamline the federal government.
Apr 24, 2025 • 41min
AI for Managing Risk: Oscilar CEO Neha Narkhede
Oscilar CEO Neha Narkhede discusses AI for risk management, focusing on fraud & financial crime detection. Learn how AI breaks data silos & improves security.
Apr 17, 2025 • 42min
Winds of Change: Brett King and Nick Hughes from Necker Island
Jo Ann sits down with her friend Brett King and M-Pesa founder Nick Hughes on this special crossover episode of Barefoot Innovation & Breaking Banks, recorded live at Virgin Unite's "Change: Fintech Leaders Gathering" on Necker Island.
Mar 25, 2025 • 1h
Live Episode - The Future of Earned Wage Access: Insights & Policy Considerations
Explore the rise of Earned Wage Access (EWA). Experts discuss its benefits, risks, and the evolving regulatory landscape. Learn how EWA is reshaping financial services and consumer access to funds in this special live episode.
Mar 5, 2025 • 1h 2min
GenAI for Finance: The Winners of AIR's Call for Papers
GenAI is revolutionizing finance! Hear from the winners of AIR's NextGenAI Call for Papers: Delicia Reynolds Hand, Dr. Henry Balani & Dr. Adrienne Heinrich. They discuss GenAI's impact on consumer protection, financial crime & ethical governance.
Feb 28, 2025 • 5min
Special Episode: Thoughts on Changes at the U.S. Financial Regulatory Agencies
Jo Ann briefly discusses the changes underway at the U.S. financial regulatory agencies, including thoughts on the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and potential impacts on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 3min
Fighting Financial Crime: Sardine CEO Soups Ranjan
Financial crime is surging. Hear Sardine CEO Soups Ranjan discuss AI-driven scams, deepfakes vs. KYC, and why traditional fraud controls fail. Listen and learn how to fight back. Watch this episode as a video here and check out the full show notes here.


