Today Steve, alongside his colleagues Kim Romanelli and Jasper Boone, delve into the intertwining worlds of banking, credit unions, and the burgeoning cannabis industry. This comprehensive discussion explores the innovative solutions and challenges that financial institutions like Guardians Credit Union face while serving cannabis-related businesses. With Bosack’s insights, we discover the potential of credit unions in revolutionizing financial services for underbanked sectors.

In the conversation, Tim Seymour unpacks the complexities and opportunities within the cannabis industry, weaving together his past experiences and offering a forward-looking perspective on investment strategies. With an active approach, Tim emphasizes the importance of tactical asset management and readiness to adapt to a rapidly evolving market. He also sheds light on the legislative advancements and market trends that could significantly influence the sector's trajectory.

Azzalino discusses the challenges of terminal-based payments – a stopgap measure that cannot replace the ease of online credit transactions. This hurdle considerably impacts sales and customer satisfaction, and according to Azzalino, every six months, the company faces a "crisis" due to payment processing issues, showing a dire need for an industry-wide solution. Azzalino's journey from a Deloitte accountant to the leader of a cannabis tech company underscores the shifting tides in career pathways created by emerging industries.

Paula's journey started by attending networking events, building connections, and working on license applications for groups in Florida and other states, which led her to establish Cannacore Group and PS Law Group, with a primary focus on multi-state expansion and competitive licensing. Please listen to the full episode to learn more about Paula’s journey and Cannacore & PS Law Group.

When asked about the initial capital-raising process for Fundcana, Adam explains that he leveraged his track record and experience in managing capital to raise $30 million from friends and acquaintances. This capital was raised in the form of $5 million in equity and $25 million in debt. Adam's goal was to demonstrate the success of Fundcana's model and build a reputation as a valuable partner to the cannabis industry.

He also discusses the impact of taxes and regulations on the industry and the potential for change with the recent news of potential descheduling.  

Scott emphasizes the key elements necessary for potential borrowers to apply for a loan and the process. He also highlights the verticals he focuses on, including cultivation, retail, and equipment manufacturing.

Scott has been a pioneer in providing access to strategic capital to the Cannabis industry as early as 2009 with the emergence of the industry. With Scott’s success in this space he has become known as the "Marijuana Money Man" for his reputation in bridging the gap for cannabis businesses.

Kelly's journey in banking began as a personal banker, armed with little financial knowledge and burdened by credit card debt. However, a chance encounter with a compassionate bank teller changed the trajectory of her life. Inspired by this experience, Kelly made it her mission to help others achieve financial freedom. She entered the banking industry, not as a traditional banker, but as a relatable figure who understood the struggles of everyday people. Kelly's unique approach resonated with customers, leading to her successful journey in banking.

On today's episode, we are joined by Aaron Ranka, Chief Revenue Officer from Dama. Dama is a merchant services company that acts as a bridge between traditional banking institutions and cannabis merchants. They have built a combination of proprietary software and traditional market sources to provide their services. Dharma addresses the concerns of banks by offering solutions to regulatory issues and providing the necessary resources and technology.

The RiskScout solution allows FIs to create customized pathways and filters based on different markets, and specific client requirements while at the same time helping the FIs to streamline their operations, reduce the time it takes to onboard new clients, and ensure compliance with regulations.

Justin has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by FIs in today's environment when it comes to onboarding and monitoring high-risk clients, such as those in the cannabis, crypto, and online gaming industries in today's episode Justin walks through how his companies solution streamlines the process for FIs, allowing them to effectively manage risk and comply with regulations.

Peter emphasizes the importance of compliance in cannabis banking and highlights the need for innovative solutions, such as SuperNet, to address the capacity and cost challenges faced by the industry.

In fact, Eric took his background as a global consultant, CEO, and CFO to found NMBL Strategies, LLC in 2019 after leading the Gateway Arch Park Foundation (a Private Foundation responsible for providing $250 million of the $380 million project) through the largest Public-Private Partnership in National Park Service history. 

NMBL was built to tie in Eric’s love of startups and turnarounds with data analytics, strategy, and finance blended through experience working with nonprofits, public-private partnerships, and small businesses.

They develop personalized & white-label strategies, as well as creative solutions for venture building & capitalization, adding core value and development to the most diverse innovative endeavors.

Prior to his public service career, Hood worked for Bank of America as a Community Reinvestment Act officer. He later held positions at North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company as marketing director and group sales manager. Hood also served as national director of the Emerging Markets Group for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and served on the board of the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation.

Hood was nominated to the board of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) on January 19, 2019, by President Donald Trump. The U.S. Senate confirmed his appointment on March 14, 2019, and he took the oath of office on April 8, 2019.

Hood was designated NCUA board chairman upon his swearing-in on April 8, 2019. He served as chairman until January 20, 2021, when President Joe Biden appointed fellow member Todd Harper to the position. As chairman, Hood served as a voting member of the Financial Stability Oversight Council. He also represented the NCUA on the Financial and Banking Information Infrastructure Committee and as Vice Chairman of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council.

Their experienced team of attorneys, analysts, compliance specialists, and other professionals offers a wide range of services — legal, corporate, licensing, regulatory compliance, policy, and research — for all types of plant-touching marijuana and hemp businesses, ancillary businesses, investors, trade associations, financial institutions, and governmental bodies. Led by attorneys who were instrumental in the development, passage, and implementation of the world’s first legalization laws, the firm has been at the leading edge of cannabis law and policy since the inception of the regulated cannabis industry.

Sahar Ayinehsazian is a partner in Vicente LLP's Los Angeles office. As a leading member of the firm's Corporate Department, she guides multi-state operators in the cannabis industry in their expansion into new markets across the U.S. and advises businesses, investors, and other law firms on the nuances of executing corporate transactions involving licensed and ancillary cannabis companies.

Adam launched FundCanna to provide financing for growers, manufacturers, retailers, and all participants in the cannabis supply chain. The company said it raised $30 million but could tap even more through its principals, investors and partners, including an extensive nationwide network built over the last 20+ years of financing American Small Businesses.

He advises cannabis clients on a broad range of issues that affect the space, including mergers and acquisitions, loan structuring, and funding mechanisms from venture capital, private equity, and investment banking. Mike provides guidance on cannabis technology, manufacturing, transportation, and retail issues, and literally wrote the book on Cannabis Taxation for Thomson Reuters.

Connor Frischmeyer is a former investment banker with experience in leveraged finance in Chicago, as well as software and technology financing and M&A in San Francisco. He co-founded Auxo Partners to be a different kind of financial advisory firm — They're staying true to their startup roots and helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses more quickly and with better financial management.

Jake Luerkens, also a former investment banker, private equity investor, and corporate development professional, worked with dozens of companies across 10+ industries, ranging from early-stage startups to massive corporations. Jake co-founded Auxo Partners to help empower entrepreneurs and business leaders with the tools, resources, and insights they often don’t have access to (and sometimes aren’t even aware of), but that can move the needle in a meaningful way.

Today we chat about John's deep experience in financial planning, risk management, and data analytics. John's us how SuperNet can help you make smart, competitive choices by implementing the most advanced, innovative payment solutions available in today’s modern market, such as electronic credit card transactions, POS systems, payroll services, gift cards, and loyalty cards.