Fintech Meetup 2026: Scaling Innovation and the Real-Time Member Experience

By John San Filippo

At Fintech Meetup in March, Finopotamus met with several strategists and innovators to discuss how ecosystem participation and modernized payment rails are defining the next era of financial services. The discussions centered on the shift from static product offerings to dynamic, real-time engagement models that meet the needs of modern consumers and underserved business segments. Interview subjects included Dan Roselli, co-founder of Charlotte, N.C.-based RevTech Labs; Elena Casal, chief client officer at New York City-based The Clearing House; and Steven Ramirez, CEO of San Francisco-based Beyond the Arc. Presented herein are their expert insights.

The Accelerator as a Strategic Innovation Hub

Roselli discussed the critical role of accelerators in pre-wiring the innovation ecosystem for both founders and financial institutions. As a leader of one of the country’s first fintech-specific accelerators, he noted that the program has evolved into a hyper-competitive environment that focuses on high-quality, bespoke growth.

Dan Roselli

“We only do two cohorts a year, maximum of 15 companies in each cohort,” Roselli said. He highlighted that the selection process has become increasingly rigorous, with nearly 1,000 companies applying last year for only 25 available spots. He explained that the goal of an accelerator is not just to provide capital, but to connect entrepreneurs with a strategic network of mentors and industry partners to increase their probability of success. Roselli emphasized that this model helps startups create long-term value by identifying early-stage innovation and partnering with leaders who can provide strategic guidance and support.

The Digital Imperative of Real-Time Payments

Casal focused on the strategic necessity of real-time payments, specifically The Clearing House’s RTP instant payment network, for credit unions looking to maintain their position as the primary digital hub for their members. She argued that being part of the instant payment network is no longer optional, especially as consumers increasingly expect immediate access to their funds during critical windows like tax season.

Elena Casal

“If your credit union is not enabled on RTP, it will not show up,” Casal said, referring to the instant refund options consumers encounter in software like TurboTax. She observed that when a credit union is not enabled, members often move those funds to another bank that provides a more modern digital experience. The data reinforces this trend; Casal noted that members who receive RTP payments are 20% more likely to use their cards and carry 50% higher balances. She suggested that the move toward instant payments is driven by a fundamental desire for certainty, as people prefer knowing funds have arrived today rather than waiting for traditional clearing cycles.

Differentiating Through Commercial and GTM Strategy

Ramirez discussed how financial institutions can drive better engagement by refining their go-to-market (GTM) strategy, particularly in the commercial and small business sectors. He suggested that success in the current market depends less on having a unique product set and more on the ability to differentiate the delivery for specific member segments. 

Steven Ramirez

“Everybody basically has the same product set, but how you go to market has to be different to meet the needs of that particular audience,” Ramirez said. He pointed to a significant opportunity within the “gig economy” and small business owner segments that often reside unnoticed within a credit union’s retail membership.

Ramirez estimated that roughly 30% of typical retail members are running small businesses or working as gig contractors, a group that is frequently underserved by standard consumer accounts. He noted that as the industry moves toward “programmable money” that is automated and cost-effective across borders, credit unions must align their core capabilities with these specialized use cases to remain competitive.

Transitioning to a Peer-to-Peer Community

A common theme across these strategic discussions was the changing nature of the relationship between fintech providers and financial institutions. Rather than a transactional model where information is simply pushed in one direction, the focus, they offered, is a shift toward an inclusive community where credit unions and fintechs act as peers.

The consensus was that a successful strategy for 2026 and beyond requires a holistic approach that combines ecosystem support, modernized infrastructure, and a targeted focus on underserved niches. By bridging the gap between innovation and the member’s daily financial experience, credit unions can ensure they stay relevant in an increasingly automated and real-time world, noted Roselli.