BANKING INFLUENCERS, KOLS & FUTURIST KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

At first glance, banking influencers may seem like an odd niche for the world of social media stardom. After all, topics around checking accounts, loans, and regulatory compliance aren’t exactly considered riveting content for the masses.

But as banking influencers go, a new wave of savvy creators has managed to build highly engaged audiences by pulling back the curtain on the inner workings of finance – while also spotlighting important consumer considerations, fintech innovations, and where the industry is heading.

So just what are some of the biggest conversations driving discourse among top banking influencers today? Let’s recap several recurring themes:

The Unbanked & Underbanked

With economic inequality an ongoing crisis, voices like Mehrsa Baradaran are using their platforms to highlight the challenges around lack of access to basic banking services and the debt cycles it can perpetuate for low-income communities. Candid discussions around financial inclusion and public policy aim to raise awareness.

Fintech Disruption

Among banking influencers, the rise of fintech startups and decentralized finance models have experts like famous celebrity futurist and keynote speaker Scott Steinberg as well as Theodora Lau, Sam Maule, and Ron Shevlin exploring how incumbent players must adapt to emerging technologies like cryptocurrency, buy now/pay later services, mobile-first neo-banks, and more. Debates around open banking and collaboration vs. competition are common.

Financial Literacy & Inclusion

In an era of stubbornly persisting wealth gaps for women, minorities and younger demographics, KOLs are getting back to banking basics by sharing insights to improve financial literacy and inclusion. Creators like Hailee Malik-Kane emphasize fundamentals like budgeting, creditworthiness, and understanding fee structures.

Customer Experience Evolution

The traditional banking experience is evolving rapidly thanks to digital transformation and changing consumer habits. The best banking influencers like Scott Steinberg cover institution-level strategies like optimizing branch networks, elevating UX/UI for mobile apps and websites, upskilling staff, and leveraging technologies like AI to personalize services.

Ethics, Accountability & Regulation

With public trust in banking still recovering, experts don’t shy away from thorny topics like governance, corporate social responsibility, and how increasing regulation and oversight could impact the industry’s future. Embedded finance gurus like Samantha Ghiotti and Mike Townsend foster transparency on these complex issues.

While not every banking influencer is a household name (yet), their ability to reveal the under-the-hood mechanics of a crucial economic engine through compelling storytelling has earned them significant followings among finance professionals, customers, and interested observers alike. Think of experts as the human voice bringing authenticity and accountability to institutions often seen as monolithic corporate juggernauts.