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Stessa Cohen

@stessacohen.bsky.social
246 followers 296 following 354 posts

Strategic banking industry advisor, analyst, strategy consultant. I support #fintechs #finserv & #FIs everywhere. democracy fan. former: Gartner & banker. now: PivotAssets Newsletter: pivotassets.substack.com / pivotassets.co / thirdeyeadvisory.com

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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
My latest: Plantation accounting can tell us a lot about what's happening with AI deployments. h/t @bfworld.bsky.social @lizcovart.bsky.social #earlyamericanhistory open.substack.com/pub/pivotass...
open.substack.com
From Employees to Inputs: What Plantation Accounting Tells FIs About AI
As they deploy agentic AI, FI leaders must reinforce the boundaries between human employees and agents. Plantation accounting shows why the drift of humans from employees to input is dangerous.
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Your bank's secret weapon might be those people who try to block your strategic initiatives. My latest 👉🏽 @strategistjim.bsky.social @efiglobal.bsky.social @ open.substack.com/pub/pivotass...
open.substack.com
Yes, But - Your Bank's Secret Weapon Hiding in Plain Sight
“Yes But” people can put obstacles in the path of your AI strategy - or they might be your secret weapon hiding in plain sight.
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
Heck, @strategistjim.bsky.social @efiglobal.bsky.social & I created a book club and we promote here & elsewhere. www.fintechbookclub.com
fintechbookclub.com
Fintech Book Club | Discover Fintech Insights – Join Us
Join the Fintech Book Club for insights on digital banking, fintech innovation, and future trends. Launching January 2026, stay tuned for expert discussions and analyses.
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Jim Perry @strategistjim.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
📚 Happy World Book Day! 📚 To celebrate, Fintech Book Club is launching the Fintech Book Library—a curated hub of the books shaping the future of finance (explore it here: lnkd.in/gpTSg5Gt). Your hosts: @stessacohen.bsky.social @strategistjim.bsky.social @efiglobal.bsky.social
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
AI technologies may be able to do a lot, but they won't help banks like their customers. What do I mean? Read my latest 👉🏽 pivotassets.substack.com/p/ai-wont-ma...
pivotassets.substack.com
AI Won't Make You Like Your Customers
Before you deploy AI technologies to coach & train your employees to provide better customer service, kindness, turn the question on your bank: Do you like your customers?
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Bankers: Stop living in the past! Great quote by @strategistjim.bsky.social; go read the whole article by @nickholland.bsky.social 👇🏽
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
You can probably hear an Eagle tribute band any weekend, but if you are in Minneapolis/St. Paul MN this weekend, here's your chance to hear @michaelhattem.bsky.social on the meaning of the American Revolution.
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
AI threats financial institutions demand a different, more strategic approach to security: Financial security. My latest with co-author Nir Netzer open.substack.com/pub/pivotass...
open.substack.com
AI Threats Demand that Financial Institutions Pursue National Security Grade Protection
As threats grow more sophisticated, move in real-time & at high speed across institutions, FIs must take a new strategic approach for national-security-grade protection across lines-of-business.
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
How do you vacation? @jperlow.bsky.social on Jamaica, closed resorts, and economic development - and more. techbroiler.net/no-time-to-l.... @clagett.bsky.social @psbdc.bsky.social @strategistjim.bsky.social
techbroiler.net
No Time to Leave pt.1
I'm a Palace Resorts member and can stay at any Palace property in Mexico or the Dominican Republic. After Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica in late October 2025, 157,000 buildings were damaged, and an...
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Somebody at MSFT doesn't know how many people read & watch & listen to @hcrichardson.bsky.social, @jbf1755.bsky.social @bfworld.bsky.social @timothysnyder.bsky.social and many others. on a daily basis. History matters more now than ever. 🤦🏽‍♀️
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The Union @jointheunionus.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
Entered lawfully 50 years ago. Served 8 years in U.S. military. Removed without a hearing before rushed to Jamaica. How will his 6 citizen kids & grandkids vote now? If DHS won’t follow the law or basic civility, maybe they will respond to naked political interests? Disgusting.
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Bankers, fintechs: Are you preparing for ongoing volatility with your vendor providers? @ivospigel.bsky.social @nickholland.bsky.social @psbdc.bsky.social @clagett.bsky.social
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
Understanding our past and the legacy of slavery in the US means going to slave dwellings, spending time in them (the author slept in many around the US) and talking to each other. An important episode of @bfworld.bsky.social and a really good book by Joseph McGill.
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
financial services marketing is broken. Find out why and how financial institutions can fix it 👉🏽 open.substack.com/pub/pivotass...
open.substack.com
Financial Services Marketing is Broken
In conversation with Jay Mandel, I learned that improving marketing has more to do with technology, product development and listening to customers than you might think.
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The Bulwark @thebulwark.com · 29/01/2026
Memory is not automatic.
lnk.thebulwark.com
Saving History for the Future at Auschwitz-Birkenau
How the memorial and museum plans to continue its mission of preservation after the last Holocaust survivors pass away.
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Timothy Snyder @timothysnyder.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
The term “law enforcement” should not be used by media, except perhaps in quotations. It has sadly become an Orwellian term that is used to magically sanctify violence. Language matters. Be specific. Describe individuals with names and ranks. Say exactly what they did. Don’t repeat fascist hocum.
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James Pirruccello 🎃🦇🧹 @jamespirruccello.com · 24/01/2026
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
Fintech doesn't mean you can take time to read, reflect & discuss the ideas of the best & brightest in fintech, banking and payments. Join us! fintechbookclub.com
fintechbookclub.com
Fintech Book Club | Discover Fintech Insights – Join Us
Join the Fintech Book Club for insights on digital banking, fintech innovation, and future trends. Launching January 2026, stay tuned for expert discussions and analyses.
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The Union @jointheunionus.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
"Somewhere I read of the freedom of assembly..." #MLKDay www.instagram.com/reel/DTiK9MF...
instagram.com
Hip Hop Caucus on Instagram: "Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King Jr. Thank you for speaking knowledge and truth into us all with words that we still hold close to us daily. Who's throwing somethin...
119K likes, 1,312 comments - hiphopcaucus on January 15, 2026: "Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King Jr. Thank you for speaking knowledge and truth into us all with words that we still hold close to u...
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
Is your bank AI curious and anxious to get to AI deployments? I talked with Jason Lowe about how FIs of all sizes can get there. pivotassets.substack.com/p/take-your-...
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
The Big Bear bald eagles prepare their nest for the season: www.youtube.com/live/B4-L2nf...
youtube.com
Big Bear Bald Eagle Live Nest - Cam 1
YouTube video by FOBBV CAM
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 27/12/2025
What do early American coffee shops have to do with banking? It's where banking was done. Branches didn't exist 250 years ago.... @psbdc.bsky.social @clagett.bsky.social @lizlum.bsky.social @ledaglyptis.bsky.social @strategistjim.bsky.social @alexisrjimenez.bsky.social @michaelhattem.bsky.social
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Laura Shadle @laurashadlepa.bsky.social · 27/12/2025
Friends and followers, please help the family who was impacted by today’s fire in Bellefonte. Everyone made it out safely, but the loss was devastating. The fire consumed the home and everything inside, including their belongings and keepsakes. Donate and share widely: gofund.me/38c74f763
gofund.me
Donate to Rebuilding After the Fire: The Hockenberry’s, organized by Emily Hockenberry
On December 26, 2025, a house fire destroyed the home of my father-in-l… Emily Hockenberry needs your support for Rebuilding After the Fire: The Hockenberry’s
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
☕☕☕ Plan to listen to this episode while drinking my New England roasted but imported coffee from Ethiopia, Guatemala, etc.!
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
I went to Vermont and found the connection between cash payments and digital identity. And bought some magnificent, locally made cheese. open.substack.com/pub/pivotass...
open.substack.com
Trust, Digital Identity and Cheese
Cash purchases are increasingly niche. Digital identity can support trust in those transactions. Doing so creates opportunities for FIs to motivate small businesses to move away from cash.
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 29/11/2025
The Wampanoag grew corn on Cape Cod during the Little Ice Age. How? Generations of seed science! In Ep. 426, Michael Wise reveals how Native food systems were dynamic, scientific, and deliberate. 🎧 benfranklinsworld.com/426
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 27/11/2025
✅ done
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
#bankers: Gen Z is smarter than you think. www.instagram.com/reel/DRffEHZ...
instagram.com
Oliver Otcasek on Instagram: "How to go to prison (now without violence!) The Internet has an orange Lambo problem. #tiktokfinance #scamtok #getrichquick #turofail #fartcoin #supercarbros #phillyhum...
Getting caught up in scams, financial mishaps, and business blunders can land you in prison without any physical harm. Learn from the real-life examples of people who have made costly mistakes and avo...
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
@ivospigel.bsky.social, Nick Holland & I have created an exciting new fintech event. FinVino! 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽 www.linkedin.com/posts/stessa...
linkedin.com
A couple of years ago, I approached Ivo Spigel, who I met through the twitter tech community & met in person through my colleague Ivan Maglic, about an idea I had for a fintech conference. A… | St...
A couple of years ago, I approached Ivo Spigel, who I met through the twitter tech community & met in person through my colleague Ivan Maglic, about an idea I had for a fintech conference. A gathering...
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 22/11/2025
If you have any interest in the American Revolutionary War, listen to this @bfworld.bsky.social episode with @michaelhattem.bsky.social & then buy his book(s). Both will help you understand the US today. @psbdc.bsky.social @strategistjim.bsky.social
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The Union @jointheunionus.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
The choice in the TN-07 Special is clear: ✱ Aftyn Behn always supported the release of Epstein files ✱ Her opponent DIDN’T SUPPORT RELEASE OF EPSTEIN FILES ☎️ Phone from anywhere: www.mobilize.us/theunion/eve... 🚶‍♀️‍➡️To canvass in TN-07 go to Action.jointheunion.us and filter for your area. Nashville 👇
mobilize.us
Nashville! Canvass With Aftyn! · The Union
Join Team Aftyn on the doors to help us connect directly with voters in Nashville! You’ll talk with neighbors about what’s at stake in this special election and why Aftyn is the fearless leader we nee...
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The Union @jointheunionus.bsky.social · 22/11/2025
Want to help Aftyn on the ground or on the phone? Canvass in TN-07: www.mobilize.us/theunion/?is... Phone from anywhere: www.mobilize.us/theunion/eve...
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
Just finished first day at #FTTAustin. Heard lots of great ideas, thoughts & best practices about everything from Agentic AI to fintech partnerships.
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
Goodbye penny. Cash is less popular and not in favor; I'm still anxious to see what I get when I give a $5 for something that costs $4.37. Will the retailer eat the 3 cents or will I? @alexisrjimenez.bsky.social @strategistjim.bsky.social @psbdc.bsky.social keystonenewsroom.com/2025/11/12/u...
keystonenewsroom.com
US Mint in Philadelphia to press final penny as the 1-cent coin gets canceled
The U.S. Mint has been making pennies in Philadelphia, the nation’s birthplace, since 1793, a year after Congress passed the Coinage Act. Today, there are billions of them in circulation, but they are...
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Alex Jimenez @alexisrjimenez.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
U.S. Bank sees stablecoin opportunity in trade finance The bank is still exploring stablecoin options outside of custody services www.americanbanker.com/payments/new... #FinTech #FinServ #Banking
americanbanker.com
U.S. Bank sees stablecoin opportunity in trade finance
The Minneapolis-based bank is still exploring stablecoin options outside of custody services, but sees opportunity in trade finance, CEO Gunjan Kedia said at The Clearing House Annual Conference in…
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The Union @jointheunionus.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
Texans: Sick of Gov Abbott's corruption? Check out Reed Galen's conversation with his pro-democracy, anti-corruption opponent....
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The Union @jointheunionus.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
🇺🇸🚨🇺🇸 ONE WEEK TIL ELECTION DAY, NOV. 4th❣️❣️ 🗳️🗳️Vote like this is your last chance 🗳️🗳️ ☎️🚶🏽‍♂️‍➡️✍️ And if you don’t have a vote this election, encourage those who DO have a vote, to exercise it at: Action.jointheunion.us 🤑And/or please consider supporting others’ efforts by making a donation. jointheunion.us
jointheunion.us
Join The Union | Home
Join The Union to support democracy, drive collective action, and empower communities nationwide. Discover volunteer opportunities and take action today.
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The Union @jointheunionus.bsky.social · 25/10/2025
This is how loss of trust in our election system destroys democracy. MAGA has been working for over a decade -making false allegations when our election system is the best in the world. Based on MAGAs false claims and Trump’s unlawfulness, WE question the legitimacy of monitors. What will they do?
nytimes.com
Justice Department Will Monitor Elections in California and New Jersey
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Michael Hattem @michaelhattem.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
For anyone in the Boston area, I am doing an event at Cambridge Public Library on November 10th. Registration link: cambridgepl.libcal.com/event/15458403
Poster for event at Cambridge Public Library about the memory of the American Revolution.
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The Union @jointheunionus.bsky.social · 18/10/2025
🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 Kansas City MO for FREEDOM!!! Americans all over this beautiful country love freedom. It will take all of us, but we can rebuild our communities, our country. #NoKings
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The Union @jointheunionus.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
🚨 Pennsylvanians: 4️⃣ days to register to vote on Nov 4th & protect your freedom! ✅ Register: www.pa.gov/agencies/vote ✅ Find your polling place: www.pa.gov/services/vot... ✅ ✅ ✅ Vote your local ballot & to retain Supreme Court Justices! Polls: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. If you're in line by 8pm, you can vote.
pa.gov
Voting & Election Information
Voting & Election Information
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HereWeGoAgain ❌👑 @kathygpr.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
VOTE YES TO RETAIN DONOHUE • DOUGHERTY • WECHT Keep PA’s Supreme Court fair and independent. Early voting has begun. Let's show up early and make it count. Return your ballot by 8 pm Nov. 4! Click below to find polling place/ballot drop off locations. #Voterizer social.fieldteam6.org/s/2NpmolG4
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
Is a sandwich named after a football star the path to your bank's successful deployment of #stablecoin? My thoughts open.substack.com/pub/pivotass...
open.substack.com
The Saquon Path to Selling Your Customers on New Products
Frustrated in efforts to get customers to try new products/services? Wonder if your back office will let you offer stablecoin products? It might be time to learn a few things from Wawa & The Saquon.
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Joseph M. Adelman @jmadelman.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
Today is Constitution Day in the United States, marking the anniversary of its signing in Philadelphia on this date in 1787. Take a few moments today to read the document all the way through, and find a way to contribute yourself to a "more perfect union." constitutioncenter.org/the-constitu...
constitutioncenter.org
The U.S. Constitution
Learn about the text, history, and meaning of the U.S. Constitution from leading scholars of diverse legal and philosophical perspectives.
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The Union @jointheunionus.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
🗳️ Pennsylvanians! Did you know that Nov. 4th is Election Day and we have Judicial elections on the ballot? vote.pa.gov 🗳️ Why are these elections important? These Justices protect your rights, keep the system honest. 🗳️ You still have time to register to vote!
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
Does your FI's leadership give your employees the tools to navigate challenges, disasters with resiliency? If not, your FI is not ready for the future. open.substack.com/pub/pivotass...
open.substack.com
A Trifecta of Disasters
A trifecta of disasters before, during and on the way home from Finovate made me think about resiliency. Do you have the skills to adapt to the future upon us now? How do you cultivate resiliency?
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Stessa Cohen @stessacohen.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
Routine is important
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
Boston, 1775: Crowds riot, militias gather, and a young doctor named Joseph Warren becomes the Revolution’s boldest voice. 📢 This week on Ben Franklin’s World: The man behind Bunker Hill. Listen: benfranklinsworld.com/413 #Rev250 #BunkerHill250 #History #Boston
benfranklinsworld.com
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Tom Schaller @schaller67.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
You know who was also a young husband and father—not to mention ex-Marine—who died, not attacking others to make himself rich and powerful, but to save the lives of others? David Rose, the officer killed by the anti-vax domestic terrorist who attacked the CDC. apnews.com/article/deka...
apnews.com
Law enforcement officers remember police officer killed in CDC shooting in Atlanta
Weeks after David Rose was killed while responding to a shooting this month at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta, officers are remembering the DeKalb County police officer as a courageous leader who pri...
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Bill Corbett @billcorbett.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
Remembering MN house speaker Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark and their beloved dog Gilbert. Murdered in June at their home by a rightwing Trump-voting evangelist, who also shot another MN lawmaker and his wife at THEIR home, 9 and 8 times, respectively (miraculously, they survived).
1) pic of Melissa and Mark Hortman 2) pic of Melissa Hortman and dog Gilbert
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