In this podcast episode Simon Darchis, Head of Fintech Products and Strategic Initiatives at FinWise Bank, sat down with Ed Walters, VP of Lending Partnerships at Upstart, for a wide‑ranging and candid conversation on how lending is evolving—and what banks, fintechs, and investors need to understand to stay ahead.

Ed and Simon unpack:

• How AI is reshaping credit access—and why starting with the customer problem (not the product) matters more than ever
• What it really takes to innovate responsibly in lending while balancing regulators, sponsor banks, and investors
• Lessons learned from the 2022 credit cycle stress test—and how modern underwriting models are adapting to macroeconomic risk
• How fintechs and sponsor banks can build durable, multi‑year partnerships in a fast‑moving, highly regulated environment
• Why the future of lending is moving toward “always‑on” credit, meeting consumers at their point of need with the right product, at the right price

Ed also shares practical insights on product ideation, compliance‑by‑design, model explainability, and what strong risk management looks like at scale—all grounded in real-world experience.

If you’re thinking about the future of consumer lending, AI in underwriting, or how fintech–bank partnerships can evolve sustainably, this episode is for you.

In our latest episode, Sarah Grotta, Deputy Chief FinTech Officer at FinWise Bank, sits down with Dana Lawrence, VP of Go‑to‑Market Strategy & Customer Relationships at Themis, to unpack one of the most important—and misunderstood—levers for success in financial services:

➡️ Compliance as a true business differentiator.

If you work in fintech, banking, risk, regtech, or anywhere in the BaaS ecosystem, this conversation hits home. Here are a few of the standout insights:

• Compliance is your brand.
• The pendulum may swing—but responsibility doesn’t.
• How to turn the ‘Department of No’ into the ‘Department of Know.’
• What’s coming in 2026

And a powerful reminder: In a hybrid world, in‑person community matters more than ever. For innovation, for collaboration, for sanity.

If you're navigating risk, underwriting new fintech models, evaluating partnership opportunities, or preparing for your 2026 compliance strategy—this is a conversation worth your time.

Year in Review 2025: Insights from FinWise Bank

Join host Sarah Grotta, Deputy Chief FinTech Officer at FinWise Bank, and a panel of FinWise leaders as they reflect on the biggest shifts, challenges, and opportunities in fintech and banking partnerships over the past year. This special episode brings together:

• Kenzie Mexican, SVP, Deputy Chief Compliance Officer
• Simon Darchis, Head of Fintech Products and Strategic Initiatives
• Chris Comber, SVP, Credit Management and Strategy
• Nick Chiappetti, VP, Fintech Marketing and Partnerships
• Donnie Drake, SVP, BaaS Operations
• Sarah Grotta, Deputy Chief FinTech Officer (Host)

What’s inside: • How 2025 compared to the regulatory “wildfire” of 2024 • The maturing fintech landscape: fewer startups, more mergers & acquisitions • Shifting regulatory tone, but persistent compliance focus • The rise of AI and stablecoins—hype vs. practical impact • Evolving consumer expectations and product innovation • Predictions for 2026: bank charter trends, AML modernization, and more collaboration

Tune in for candid perspectives, industry trends, and a look ahead to what’s next in fintech and banking. Happy holidays from the FinWise EYE ON Podcast team!