Podcast · Business

Banking on Digital Growth

by Derik Krauss · English · Business

If you’re part of a financial brand marketing, sales, or leadership team, you know the entire industry is in the midst of exponential change fueled by new technologies. Consumers now make purchase decisions long before they walk into a physical branch location, if they walk into a branch at all, whi

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 47 min
Latest: 28 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

28 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 4 min

Why we're removing AI from our app (and putting our app in AI instead)

Everyone is racing to put AI inside their apps. We did too, and then we decided it was the wrong approach. I sat down with my co-founder, Ryan Harmon, to talk about why we changed direction at MetriFi. Instead of trying to recreate the experience of ChatGPT or Claude inside our software, we asked a different question: Why not put our software directly into the AI people are already using? That shift has changed the way we think about building software. I’m increasingly convinced AI isn’t just another feature. It’s becoming a new operating system for work. Our new rule at MetriFi is simple:…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

16 Jul 2026 · 54 min
Why measurement is the key to (deposit) growth
Growing deposits has become one of the biggest challenges facing banks and credit unions today. But what if the answer isn't better rates or new products? In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast, I sit down with Bill Bloom, founder of Diane Money, to discuss why helping members become better savers may be one of the most overlooked growth strategies in financial services. They explore how spending habits impact long-term financial health, why measurement is the foundation of behavior change, and how financial institutions can shift from simply selling products to helping…
6 Jul 2026 · 42 min
The credit union membership crisis no one wants to talk about
In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast, I sit down with Mike Lawson of CU Broadcast to discuss what Mike calls the industry's "member succession plan", the urgent need for credit unions to replace an aging membership base by winning over younger generations. Together, we explore why fintechs like Chime, SoFi, and Ally have become so appealing, the role digital experiences play in attracting new customers, and why simply having great rates is no longer enough. We also discuss the Innovator's Dilemma, the challenge of balancing branch investments with digital transformation,…
15 Jun 2026 · 1 hr
Is marketing dead? Why creativity and data need each other.
In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast, Derik sits down with Melanie Draheim to explore one of the most important conversations happening in marketing today: the relationship between creativity and performance. The discussion starts with a surprising lesson from a backpacking trip through Death Valley and quickly evolves into a deeper conversation about why marketers are so quick to declare things "dead" whenever technology changes. Together, Derik and Melanie unpack the tension between art and science, brand and performance, creativity and analytics. They discuss why…
9 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
I used AI to build an entire credit union website in hours (and it's incredible)
In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast, Derik sits down with Kelly Hellickson of EmpowerFi to explore the future of AI-native websites, the agentic web, and why traditional content management systems may not be the best way to build digital experiences moving forward. During the conversation, Derik demonstrates a real-world prototype where AI designs, builds, and deploys a fully functional credit union website, including creating an entirely new youth checking page live during the episode. The implications for financial institutions are massive: faster development, lower…
26 May 2026 · 52 min
Will AI replace banking apps? The future of AI powered banking
In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast, Derik sits down with Jeffrey Kendall, CEO of Nymbus, to explore the future of AI-powered banking. The conversation starts with a simple question: Why can’t AI help manage personal finances yet? From there, Derik and Jeffrey unpack how AI agents can transform customer support inside financial institutions and help users analyze spending, automate financial workflows, and even conduct financial transactions. They also explore the bigger picture: Will banks embed AI into their own apps, or will customers increasingly interact with banks…
15 May 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
Why Financial Institutions Struggle to Execute Strategy (The “Messy Middle” Explained)
Why do so many banks and credit unions struggle to execute strategy- even when leadership agrees on the vision? In this episode, Derek sits down with Shawnette Rochelle, founder of Excellence Unbounded, to unpack the “messy middle”, the gap between strategic alignment and successful execution. Drawing from her military leadership experience, Shawnette shares why unclear decision ownership, unresolved trade-offs, and slow decision-making often become the real bottlenecks to progress. Listen to learn how financial institutions can move faster, create better alignment, and turn strategy into…
5 May 2026 · 58 min
AI traffic is already here: What FI's are missing about the agentic web
n this episode, I sit down with my co-founder Ryan Harmon to break down the results of our latest AI traffic study and what it reveals about how the internet is fundamentally changing. For years, banks and credit unions have focused on driving human traffic to their websites. But what happens when AI agents become the primary way people find information? Ryan and I dig into what we discovered after tracking millions of AI bot visits across financial institution websites, and why traditional analytics tools like Google Analytics are missing most of the picture. We walk through how AI bots…
16 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 12 min
How can FIs survive the next 5 years of banking disruption?
In this episode, I interview Chris Allen, CEO of Fox Communities Credit Union, about how credit unions and banks can stay flexible amid disruption. He explains Fox’s strategy of building three growth engines: retail branches, commercial lending, and virtual banking, each designed to adapt as market conditions change. Allen discusses why steady growth is essential for credit unions to remain sustainable, how commercial lending creates differentiation and supports local economic development, and why branches are evolving into service and marketing centers as digital banking adoption grows.…
28 Jan 2026 · 33 min
476) How much AI traffic are FI websites getting, and is it worth optimizing for yet?
In this episode, Ryan Harmon and I dig into a question we’re hearing more and more from banks and credit unions: how much AI traffic are financial institution websites actually getting and is it worth optimizing for yet? AI search is projected to overtake Google search within the next few years, and that shift comes with a major implication: the primary users of FI websites won’t just be humans anymore, they’ll be AI agents. The problem is, popular analytics tools like Google Analytics aren’t built to measure this kind of traffic. They’re designed to filter bots out, not help you understand…
26 Jan 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
475) Your next banking app is ChatGPT
In this episode, I walk through a prototype that explores what I believe is the next major shift in banking: AI-first banking experiences built directly inside tools like ChatGPT. Instead of navigating complex apps and menus, you simply tell an AI what you want to do and it handles the work for you. Joined by my co-founder, Ryan Harmon, I demonstrate how a ChatGPT-based banking app could open accounts, move money between accounts, analyze transactions, and provide personalized financial insights all through natural language and lightweight UI components. We also discuss why AI-first banking…
20 Jan 2026 · 1 hr 10 min
474) CUs and banks, your problem is strategy, not technology
In this episode, I sit down with Joe Colca, founder of Forge Clarity, to talk about a challenge credit unions and banks keep running into as they try to compete with digital-first players. Most people frame this as a technology problem. Joe and I don’t see it that way. With more than 26 years of experience at organizations like Vanguard, Citi, and VyStar Credit Union, Joe shares why the real issue isn’t a lack of technology, it’s a lack of strategic clarity. We dig into why many financial institutions struggle to deliver strong digital experiences, how the Innovator’s Dilemma applies to…
4 Dec 2025 · 1 hr 8 min
473) Can credit unions and banks leapfrog fintech? AI-first is their best shot.
AI is going to revolutionize banking. Credit unions and banks are already being disrupted by fintechs, now AI is either going to accelerate their demise or give them a chance to leapfrog their disruptors. The choice is theirs. In this episode, I (Derik Krauss) am joined by my co-founder, Ryan Harmon, to unpack how AI could disrupt UI-based fintechs and open up new opportunities for community banks and credit unions. We discuss The Innovator's Dilemma, the benefits of launching AI-first spinoffs, and how future financial institutions might operate without traditional mobile apps or online…
25 Nov 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
472) How agentic AI will transform banking UX
Hey, this is Derik. I recently tried using ChatGPT's Agent Mode to make transfers between my personal bank accounts. I didn't get the outcome I was hoping for, but that's not because AI isn't capable of doing it. In fact, it's more than capable of doing that and other banking tasks, especially if there is a human in the loop. In this episode, my co-founder, Ryan Harmon, and I show and tell what agentic AI is capable of doing and how it's going to transform the banking user experience. Listen to learn how AI is reshaping the future of banking and what opportunities lie ahead for individuals…
6 Nov 2025 · 47 min
471) JR's journey: autoimmune condition, the next decade, and seeking truth
For the first time, JR is a guest on the podcast he started. Join me, Derik Krauss, as I debut as the new host of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast. In this episode, I interview JR and we talk about challenges he has overcome, including facing an autoimmune condition, as well as his plans for the next decade. What we unpacked in this conversation is truly thought-provoking. It has led me to reflect on what has happened in my life over the last decade and what I want for the next 10 years. Not only is this type of reflection valuable personally, but it can also lead to true transformation…
7 Aug 2025 · 52 min
470) How to Turn Your Bank’s Website into a Loan & Deposit Magnet
Most community banks and credit unions have websites that look decent—but they’re just glorified brochures. They’re not bringing in loans, deposits, or meaningful customer engagement. That’s a big problem. Because every day your site doesn’t convert, you’re losing potential revenue to competitors who’ve figured out how to make their digital presence work for them. A static, underperforming site isn’t just a missed opportunity—it’s a liability. In this episode, James Robert and Derik talk about how to flip the script and turn your website into a true sales engine. You can find this episode…
29 Jul 2025 · 38 min
469) The Rise of AI Agents: What Financial Brands Must Do in the Next 90 Days
AI agents aren’t coming—they’re already here. And they’re about to reshape how people search, shop, and apply for financial products. In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast , host James Robert Lay is joined by co-host Derik Krauss to unpack the fast-moving shift from generative AI to autonomous AI agents—and why this change is happening faster than most financial brand leaders realize. We explore what AI agents actually are, how they differ from GenAI, and why your brand’s current visibility in Google Search might not mean squat in an AI-powered world. From OpenAI’s new…
23 Jul 2025 · 40 min
468) AI Search Is Here: Why Google’s Reign Is Ending Sooner Than You Think
Traditional SEO is dying—and AI search is taking its place. In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast , host James Robert Lay and co-host Derik Krauss dive into the seismic shift in how people search, shop, and make financial decisions online. With research from Semrush and Ahrefs predicting that AI-driven search will surpass Google by 2028—or even sooner—this isn’t just a trend. It’s a warning. Financial brands that rely heavily on Google and PPC are at risk of becoming invisible in the new AI-first search landscape. Why does this matter? Because behavior is shifting fast,…
15 Jul 2025 · 53 min
467) Are You Dying, Surviving, or Thriving? A Wake-Up Call for Financial Brands
Are you dying, surviving, or thriving? In a rapidly evolving age of AI and fintech disruption, the real threat isn’t competition—it’s complacency. Too many banks and credit unions are stuck in survival mode, reacting to problems instead of creating possibilities. The conversation digs deep into the mindset shifts needed to break free from defensive, fear-based thinking. James Robert and Derik explore personal stories of transformation, the impact of strategic clarity, and how the most growth-bound institutions today are those with leaders willing to take bold, courageous action. They unpack…
8 Jul 2025 · 46 min
466) Are You Listening to the Right Customers? Rethinking Physical Presence in the Age of AI
Traditional banks and credit unions are struggling to stay relevant in an increasingly digital world. While consumers flock to neobanks and fintechs for speed, convenience, and personalization, many community institutions remain anchored to branch-first models and legacy mindsets. James Robert and Derik unpack why going “digital” isn’t just for startups—it’s a strategic path forward for community-based institutions too. They explore how embracing a digital-first (or even digital-only) model can help banks and credit unions unlock growth, reduce operational drag, and reconnect with modern…
2 Jul 2025 · 40 min
465) Beyond Rates and Service: Differentiation That Drives Growth in Financial Services
Most financial brands are stuck saying the same things—“great rates, great service”—and it's costing them trust, growth, and relevance. In this episode, James Robert Lay and Derik Krauss dive into the dangerous trap of commoditization in financial services. They break down why it's happening, how it shows up in your marketing, and what to do about it. You’ll learn how to reframe your messaging around purpose, use empathy to guide digital journeys, and position your brand as a trusted guide—not just a product pusher. Drawing from the Digital Growth Blueprint and real-world examples, this…
25 Jun 2025 · 46 min
464) The Agentic Web Is Here: Why Your Website Needs to Speak to AI
Most financial brands are still designing websites for people. But the web’s changed—and fast. In this episode, Derik Krauss joins James Robert Lay to unpack why the real “visitors” to your site are no longer just humans, but AI agents like ChatGPT and Perplexity acting on their behalf. They explore what this means for discoverability, trust, and conversion in an age where the “Do-It-For-Me” economy is accelerating. You’ll learn how to start building an “agentic website” designed for both humans and machines—and why failing to adapt may render your brand invisible to the next generation of…
17 Jun 2025 · 45 min
463) Beyond Vanity: Measuring What Really Matters in Financial Marketing
Most financial institutions struggle to measure what really matters in their marketing. They track impressions, clicks, and followers—but not meaningful outcomes like loan conversions, account openings, or user friction. This leads to wasted budgets, unclear ROI, and missed opportunities to optimize the digital experience. Without clear, actionable analytics, marketing becomes a black box. Leadership gets frustrated. Teams lose confidence. And worst of all—growth stalls because no one can see what’s actually working. In a time when budgets are tight and expectations are high, guessing is no…
10 Jun 2025 · 35 min
462) Beyond Aesthetics: Driving Conversions Through Data-Driven Design
Most marketing teams are stuck in a turf war—and it’s costing financial brands real growth. On one side, brand teams are chasing awareness. On the other, performance marketers are pushing for conversions. Both mean well. But without a shared strategy, they're pulling in opposite directions—and the only real result is internal competition, wasted budget, and missed growth opportunities. In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast , James Robert Lay and co-host Derik Krauss return to bridge the divide between art and science in financial brand marketing. They unpack how…
3 Jun 2025 · 27 min
461) Art vs. Science: Transforming Digital Marketing in Financial Institutions
Digital marketing in many financial institutions still leans heavily on the art —intuition, creativity, and guesswork—while neglecting the science of performance data, testing, and iterative optimization. As a result, efforts often lack measurable ROI and fail to meaningfully move the needle on loans and deposits. The stakes have never been higher. Digital noise is at an all-time high. AI is flooding the market with more content than ever before. If marketing is not grounded in data and constant experimentation, it's just decoration—pretty, but ineffective. Financial brands that ignore the…
27 May 2025 · 41 min
460) Banking’s Innovator’s Dilemma: What Got You Here Won’t Get You There
Let’s be honest—too many financial brands are still operating like it’s 1999. Websites stuck in the past. Strategies rooted in branch-first thinking. Growth models that haven’t evolved with consumer expectations. In this reboot of Banking on Digital Growth , host James Robert Lay is joined by new co-host Derik Krauss , co-founder of MetriFi , for a no-holds-barred conversation about what it really takes to lead in a digital-first world. If you're tired of hearing "digital transformation" without seeing real action, this episode is your wake-up call. From the hidden cost of digital blind…
20 May 2025 · 14 min
459) Rebooting Banking on Digital Growth: A New Chapter Begins
You’re not alone if you’ve felt stuck, burnt out, or just plain frustrated with all the “talk” around digital transformation in banking. After nearly 500 episodes, James Robert Lay took a much-needed break—not from the mission, but to rediscover it. In this raw and revealing comeback, he opens up about the personal and professional crossroads that led to hitting pause and the powerful insights gained during that time. Tune in to hear the truth behind the break, the future of the podcast, and how you can finally move from talk to action in the age of AI. Join us as we discuss: -A Call for…
17 Dec 2024 · 32 min
458) The Long Game of Marketing: Planting Seeds for Future Growth
In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth podcast, host James Robert Lay is joined by Billy Wilkinson , CEO of Threshold , the agency that will make you rethink how you market your everything, to explore the transformative power of marketing in the financial services industry. Together, they discuss the importance of mastering the fundamentals—what Billy calls "blocking and tackling"—to build a strong foundation for digital growth. They highlight the need for community financial institutions to rethink their approach to marketing, shifting from short-term tactics to long-term…
10 Dec 2024 · 44 min
457) From Artificial to Authentic: Rethinking AI's Role in Human Connection and Banking
In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) dominates headlines and disrupts industries, financial brand leaders face a dilemma: is "artificial" truly good for building trust, fostering connection, and driving growth? In this episode, James Robert Lay and guest Ethan Wall , president of the Social Media Law Firm , explore the power of authentic intelligence—leveraging empathy, human connection, and wisdom gained through experience to navigate change. They discuss practical ways financial brands can integrate AI responsibly while remaining true to their mission of improving lives. Together,…
2 Dec 2024 · 40 min
456) Small Businesses, Big Potential: Navigating Change in Community Banking
Small business owners and community financial institutions face significant challenges in navigating the rapidly changing landscape of AI and digital growth. Limited knowledge and outdated beliefs can hinder future growth and collaboration opportunities, particularly in the SBA lending space. By having a growth mindset, continuous learning, and authentic intelligence. The conversation with Shane Pierson , Purveyor of Honest Capital proposes practical steps, such as regularly reviewing personal and professional growth, fostering emotional intelligence, and leveraging technological…

About Banking on Digital Growth

Banking on Digital Growth is a English business podcast from Derik Krauss. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Derik Krauss
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 47 min
Latest episode: 28 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1498837117

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