Issues of Interest

AI in Banking: Revolutionizing or Risky?

AI is a frequent topic of conversation but what do we really mean when we say artificial intelligence? How are banks and financial institutions already using AI, and what are the benefits and potential pitfalls? In this episode of Issues of Interest, BNN's Information Systems and Risk Assurance practice lead, Pat Morin, sits down with Krystal Martin, senior manager at BNN, and Ryan Robinson, senior director at Mainstay Technology to talk about what AI is and its potential to revolutionize tasks like credit analysis and fraud detection. They also discuss potential risks and why cybersecurity is more important than ever. Tune in to learn more about how institutions can balance leveraging AI's benefits with safeguarding against its threats. Connect with Pat Morin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickamorin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickamorin/]  or via email at pmorin@bnncpa.com [pmorin@bnncpa.com]  Find Ryan Robinson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancolerobinson/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancolerobinson/] or via email rrobinson@mstech.com [rrobinson@mstech.com] Mainstay Technologies: https://www.mstech.com/ [https://www.mstech.com/] Connect with Krystal Martin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystal-martin-14296143/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystal-martin-14296143/] or via email at kmartin@bnncpa.com [kmartin@bnncpa.com] Should I Be Using A.I. Right Now?, The Ezra Klein Show https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/02/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-ethan-mollick.html [https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/02/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-ethan-mollick.html] CISA New Best Practices Guide for Securing AI Data Released https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/alerts/2025/05/22/new-best-practices-guide-securing-ai-data-released [https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/alerts/2025/05/22/new-best-practices-guide-securing-ai-data-released]

FinTech in the banking industry

In this episode of "Issues of Interest," host Pat Morin [https://www.bnncpa.com/professional-directory/patrick-morin/] sits down with Bryan Mulcahey [https://fsvector.com/bryan-mulcahey/], managing partner at FS Vector [https://fsvector.com/], to delve into the evolving landscape of FinTech and its impact on the banking industry. They explore how bank techs and embedded banking FinTechs are transforming financial services. Bryan shares insights on the advantages and opportunities FinTechs offer banks, such as improved customer experiences and expanded services. The conversation also touches on the role of AI, highlighting its potential to enhance efficiency and combat fraud. Tune in to discover how banks can leverage FinTech partnerships to stay competitive and innovative in a rapidly changing market.  You can connect with Bryan on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanlmulcahey]or via email at bmulcahey@fsvector.com. Pat can be reached at pmorin@bnncpa.com.

State and Local Tax Considerations for the Banking Industry

On this episode of "Issues of Interest," Nick Smetana [https://www.bnncpa.com/professional-directory/nick-smetana/], tax manager, joins Leanne Scott [https://www.bnncpa.com/professional-directory/leanne-scott/], state and local tax principal, to discuss sales and use tax matters for banks and financial institutions. Discover why these often overlooked tax types are crucial, the importance of self-assessing use tax, and the impact of recent legislative changes in states like Vermont and Maine. Tune in for insights and practical advice to navigate the ever-evolving tax landscape.

Exploring meals and entertainment tax deductions

In this episode of "Issues of Interest", host Adam Aucoin [https://www.bnncpa.com/professional-directory/adam-aucoin/] speaks with Connor Smart [https://www.bnncpa.com/professional-directory/connor-smart/]about the complexities of tax deductions for meals and entertainment, just in time for the holiday season. They explore the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on these expenses, the upcoming changes in 2025, and the importance of meticulous record-keeping. Whether you're navigating business lunches or holiday parties, this episode offers valuable insights to help you stay compliant and make the most of your deduction. Find Connor's article which delves further in this topic here [https://www.bnncpa.com/resources/meals-and-entertainment-deductions-and-business-expenses/].

Tax Impact of a Trump Presidency on Community Banks

In this episode of Issues of Interest, Joe Jalbert [https://www.bnncpa.com/professional-directory/joseph-jalbert/], banking practice lead, and Adam Aucoin [https://www.bnncpa.com/professional-directory/adam-aucoin/], tax principal, discuss what they are hearing about potential tax changes in Trump’s second presidency. Adam talks about the tax changes during President Trump’s first term before outlining what came up on the campaign trail including possible adjustments to the tax rate, extensions for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, as well as shifts in how tipped income and Social Security benefits are taxed. Adam and Joe also discuss when these reforms could occur and steps community banks can take to be prepared for legislative updates.