Skip to main content
The CUInsight Network

The CUInsight Network podcast: Payments modernization – Alacriti

Featuring Stuart Bain, Senior VP at Alacriti

Stuart Bain

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guest on today’s show is Stuart Bain, Senior Vice President of Alacriti, who joins me for this episode of the show to talk about how his unexpected career path took him from geology to banking, and ultimately to fintech leadership.

During our conversation, we discuss how outdated loan payment systems can frustrate members and leave burdens on staff. Stuart shares how Alacriti’s solutions—such as real-time integration and self-service options—are truly changing the way credit unions handle payments. We also touch upon the role of instant payments and request-for-pay technology, exploring how they could replace outdated processes.

As we wrap up the episode, Stuart talks about a great leader in his life, and his love for classic cars and Hattie B's Hot Chicken. He also discusses the importance of having separate work and personal cell phones. Enjoy my conversation with Stuart Bain!

Shout-out: Yahoo!
Shout-out: Federal Reserve
Shout-out: FedNow
Shout-out: Domino’s
Shout-out: Daniel Eckert
Place mentioned: Nashville, Tennessee
Place mentioned: New York City
Book mentioned: Business Adventures: Twelve Classic Tales from the World of Wall Street by John Brooks

[00:47] – As a child, Stuart dreamed of owning a scrapyard after watching his grandfather work in one.
[01:31] – Hear how Stuart’s unconventional career path led from geology to banking, IT, and ultimately fintech leadership.
[03:15] – Stuart explains how Alacriti modernizes payments with innovative fintech solutions.
[05:18] – Alacriti’s real-time solutions improve speed, automation, and satisfaction.
[07:44] – Optimizing both self-service and back-office operations improves efficiency, reduces costs, and improves member experience.
[10:59] – Learn how pay-by-text offers a middle ground between manual and automated payments.
[13:29] – Request-for-pay models will change transactions by ensuring real-time and secure payments.
[16:49] – Stuart explains how dynamic payment limits and risk scoring will enhance security via flagging fraudulent activity.
[17:55] – Daniel Eckert taught Stuart persistence and clarity which led to innovative banking solutions
[20:55] – Stuart believes that everyone should read John Brooks’ Business Adventures book.
[21:58] – Hear why Stuart has more than one cell phone.
[23:00] – Stuart advises listeners to keep an open mind and to be willing to try new things.