In this episode, hosts Kevin & Elaina Smith are joined by special guest, Ken Musante, Founder and President of Napa Payments and Consulting. We explore the necessary relationship between acquiring sponsor banks and card payment processors, as well as how sponsor banks and independent sales organizations (ISOs) share different levels of responsibility and risk for the merchants they serve. We cover the game-changing role of automated tools in risk monitoring and underwriting as well as the vital importance of operational compatibility over mere cost in bank relationships. We also cover the kinds of things that can go wrong in sponsor bank relationships, how it affects the entities that do business with them, and what lessons can be gleaned from recent events.

Contact Ken Musante by reaching out to him on LinkedIn or visiting his website, Napa Payments and Consulting.

In this episode, hosts Kevin and Elaina Smith dive deep into the transformative power of technology in the payments ecosystem. We explore how to leverage scoring solutions, identity verification tools, and automated processes to enhance risk management and operational efficiency. We also discuss evaluating new tools, balancing cost vs. value, and ensuring scalability for future growth. Tune in to explore how these strategies can transform operational tactics in your business.

In this episode, hosts Kevin and Elaina Smith welcome payments industry marketing leader, Rebecca Walden. We address critical issues plaguing current marketing efforts in our industry—lack of creativity, excessive jargon, and a focus on self-congratulatory tactics. Our conversation explores why marketing in the industry often falls short of engaging potential clients and the perils of relying on pay-to-play awards.

We underscore the importance of authentic marketing and the benefits of humanizing a brand through its employees, as well as the careful management of personal and professional personas on social media platforms. Moreover, we touch upon the significance of clear policies, regular training, and the thoughtful use of personal content on business-oriented platforms like LinkedIn.

Rebecca discusses the criticality of reflecting genuine company values through marketing, especially during times of crisis. Kevin and Elaina highlight the importance of robust networks, personal growth, and meaningful connections in navigating economic downturns and career transitions.

We also explore the synergy between marketing and sales, the importance of a feedback loop, and the need for consistency in messaging. Rebecca shares insights on embracing new strategies, monitoring and experimenting over the long term, and ensuring marketing is an integral part of product design and customer experience.

Join us for this profound discussion, brimming with actionable insights, as we strive to elevate marketing practices in the payments industry.

Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccacwalden/