The Future of Credit Unions: AI, Infrastructure & Fintech Investing — Martin Walker (Curql)

Credit unions are becoming one of the most dynamic buyers of fintech — and Curql is in the middle of it.
In this episode of Guts, Grit & the Fintech Podcast, Vince Solo (INSART) sits down with Martin Walker, Principal at Curql, to talk about:

Why credit unions are gaining momentum as fintech adopters
How infrastructure startups (Konduit, LendAPI, Sideko) are becoming the new kings of fintech
Why AI has moved from hype → hygiene across financial institutions
What early-stage signals Curql looks for when investing in fintech startups
Real examples from the market: Appli, ZorroFi, Warrant, Kato, and others
What founders MUST understand when selling to credit unions

Curql is a leading fintech investment collective supporting solutions that enable the long-term success, scalability, and modernization of credit unions.

👉 If you’re building in fintech — this episode is a must-watch.

🔥 Chapters

00:00 – Intro: Guts, Grit & the Fintech Podcast
00:25 – Who is Martin Walker (Curql)?
01:10 – Why Credit Unions are a growing fintech market
03:20 – Why Infrastructure is the new king of fintech
06:05 – How AI became table stakes for financial institutions
09:40 – Where AI creates real margins & risk reduction
12:15 – What early-stage fintech signals Curql invests in
15:50 – Advice to fintech founders selling to credit unions
17:45 – Final insights & takeaways
18:20 – Outro & Call to Action