Kicking off 2026 with a strategy-focused episode of Fintech Hustle. Sam Kilmer (Managing Director, Cornerstone Advisors) and co-host Kelli Schultz (Principal, Cornerstone Advisors) are joined by Erica Pilon (Head of Strategy, Jack Henry) and Scott Hildenbrand (Chief Balance Sheet Strategist, Piper Sandler) to discuss what’s changing in banking and fintech, and what winners will do differently.  Topics include: vendor strategy and fintech partnerships, stablecoin and payments, customer-first b...

Fintech Hustle

Sam Kilmer & Cornerstone Advisors

Fintech Hustle 2026 Kickoff: AI, Stablecoins, and the New “Community”

JAN 22, 202633 MIN
Fintech Hustle

Fintech Hustle 2026 Kickoff: AI, Stablecoins, and the New “Community”

JAN 22, 202633 MIN

Description

Kicking off 2026 with a strategy-focused episode of Fintech Hustle. Sam Kilmer (Managing Director, Cornerstone Advisors) and co-host Kelli Schultz (Principal, Cornerstone Advisors) are joined by Erica Pilon (Head of Strategy, Jack Henry) and Scott Hildenbrand (Chief Balance Sheet Strategist, Piper Sandler) to discuss what’s changing in banking and fintech, and what winners will do differently.Topics include: vendor strategy and fintech partnerships, stablecoin and payments, customer-first balance sheet thinking, redefining “community,” why bank valuations aren’t reflecting performance, and the missed marketing opportunities banks keep repeating.What’s your top strategic priority for 2026?00:00 Intro + 2026 kickoff01:00 Erica Pilon intro + strategy shifts05:00 Jack Henry priorities, fintech alliances, ecosystem09:30 Scott Hildenbrand: ALCO, balance sheet, M&A12:00 Deposit chaos and customer-first ALCO14:00 Redefining “community” and loyalty vs trust17:30 What’s “broken”: integration + standards24:00 What’s “broken”: marketing and telling the story29:45 What’s “jazzing” them: stablecoin + opportunity32:30 WrapClick to watch more!https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/fintech-hustle/Connect with Sam on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/samkilmer/