Banking with Interest
IntraFi
Banking with Interest, a podcast by IntraFi, features in-depth analysis and insight into the policy changes reshaping the banking industry. With insightful interviews and previews of pending policy challenges, the podcast is an essential listen for anyone connected to the financial services industry.
Banking with Interest is hosted by Rob Blackwell, an award-winning former journalist with more than two decades of experience as an expert on financial services policy. He is now Chief Content Officer and Head of External Affairs with IntraFi.
The show is produced by Sam Navarro, senior principal writer at IntraFi. The podcast theme song was written and produced by Stellar Tracks. The information, views, and opinions expressed during Banking With Interest belong solely to Rob Blackwell and his guests and do not represent those of IntraFi LLC, its directors, management, or employees. Any ideas and strategies contained within the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or investment advice.
Banking with Interest is hosted by Rob Blackwell, an award-winning former journalist with more than two decades of experience as an expert on financial services policy. He is now Chief Content Officer and Head of External Affairs with IntraFi.
The show is produced by Sam Navarro, senior principal writer at IntraFi. The podcast theme song was written and produced by Stellar Tracks. The information, views, and opinions expressed during Banking With Interest belong solely to Rob Blackwell and his guests and do not represent those of IntraFi LLC, its directors, management, or employees. Any ideas and strategies contained within the podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or investment advice.
Episodes
Mentioned books
13 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 38min
An Idiot's Guide to Basel III Endgame
John Heltman, Washington Bureau Chief of American Banker and veteran Fed and banking regulation reporter, guides listeners through the new Basel III Endgame proposal. He walks through how the latest plan reshapes capital rules, operational risk, G‑SIB surcharges, and which banks are affected. They discuss timing, political reactions, and whether this marks a turning point in Basel implementation.
Mar 17, 2026 • 33min
Behind the House-Senate Standoff Over the Housing Bill
Both the House and Senate have passed bipartisan bills designed to promote housing affordability, but the two chambers are now squaring off with each other over a final version, including whether it should include community bank regulatory relief provisions. Brendan Pedersen, financial services senior policy reporter at Punchbowl News and editor of its Vault newsletter, breaks down the debate, how it became so contentious, and what will happen next.
Mar 11, 2026 • 39min
The Next Regulatory Swing: Kathy Kraninger on CFPB, AI and Fraud
Kathy Kraninger has seen the banking system from both sides of the regulatory divide. The former director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and now president and CEO of the Florida Bankers Association joins the show to discuss whether Washington is undergoing a regulatory "recalibration" including everything from whether banks will be required to collect citizenship information to the growing challenges banks face from fraud, scams, and rapidly evolving technologies like artificial intelligence.
Mar 4, 2026 • 42min
Why the Fight Over Preemption is Red Hot Again
Brandon Milhorn, CEO of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, argues that the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is pushing beyond its statutory authority in areas including trust charters, stablecoins and mortgage escrow interest. He also discusses the rise of so-called "Franken-charters" and the risks he sees in the growing stablecoin market.
Feb 25, 2026 • 46min
Will the Administration Require Banks to Collect Citizenship Information?
The Trump administration is considering possible executive action that could require banks to begin collecting citizenship information from new and existing customers, according to a blockbuster scoop in The Wall Street Journal. Dylan Tokar, who cowrote the article for the WSJ, talks about what's behind the effort and what it means for banks. He also discusses the CFTC's battle with state governors over prediction markets, the launch of crypto banks and Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong's role in the center of the fight over stablecoin yield.
10 snips
Feb 11, 2026 • 45min
How Fifth Third Thinks About Scale and Risk
Ben Hoffman, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Consumer Products at Fifth Third Bank, former Oliver Wyman partner with deep banking and fintech experience. He explains why size alone is not a strategy. He discusses the Comerica deal, concentration risk from 2023, deposit competition and fraud, and how AI and regulation shape bank decision-making.
9 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 35min
'All Hell Might Break Loose': The High Stakes for the Fed's Future
Victoria Guida, Politico economics correspondent who covers the Fed and financial regulation. She walks through the Supreme Court clash over Fed removals and the legal fight around Lisa Cook. She explores the DOJ probe into Jerome Powell and how political pressure could reshape Fed leadership and market confidence.
11 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 35min
The Crypto Market Structure Bill Got Shelved. What's Next?
Brendan Pedersen, a senior policy reporter at Punchbowl News, dives into the recent postponement of the crypto market structure bill due to industry pressures and opposition from Coinbase. He explains how disputes over stablecoin yields hijacked negotiations, revealing political dynamics at play. Brendan discusses how both parties maneuvered in light of Coinbase's public push. Also, he assesses the implications of delays and the potential for new negotiations, while tying the political landscape to community banking reforms and Trump's influential role.
10 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 51min
The Anti-Money Laundering Regime Is Broken. Can It Be Fixed?
Juan Zarate, former senior U.S. Treasury official and expert on sanctions and anti-money laundering, delves into the flaws of the current AML regime he helped create. He advocates for bold reforms, emphasizing the need to rethink traditional approaches and move towards behavioral analytics. Zarate discusses the challenges banks face in engaging without clear guidance and the transformative potential of AI in sharing insights. He highlights the unique moment for reform driven by technology, policy shifts, and industry fatigue, offering a hopeful vision for systemic change.
Jan 6, 2026 • 34min
What Community Banks Are Facing in 2026
Julieann Thurlow, CEO of Reading Cooperative Bank, talks about the opportunities and challenges for community banks this year. She discusses the economic conditions, how community banks can innovate and where she'd like to see changes by policymakers.
