Episode Summary In this episode of Wrestling Payments, Joe Casali sits down with Charlie Kelly from Remedy Consulting. They dive into the evolving landscape of payment systems. Charlie shares insights from his vast experience, focusing on core conversions, contract negotiations, and the challenges community banks and credit unions face.   Charlie emphasizes the importance of navigating the complexities of payment system upgrades. He highlights how Remedy Consulting aids institutions in understanding their core provider's language and the broader ecosystem. This support is crucial for making informed decisions during core negotiations or considering conversions.   The conversation also explores the intricacies of connecting traditional banking systems with emerging fintech solutions. Charlie discusses the hurdles in integrating new technologies with established banking infrastructures. He stresses the balance between innovation and maintaining security and reliability in payment systems. This episode offers a glimpse into the critical role of consultancy in simplifying and guiding financial institutions through technological transitions. Guest-at-a-Glance Charlie Kelly Partner at Remedy Consulting and Host of BankTalk Podcast Remedy Consulting Charlie Kelly brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at one of the nation's leading core providers, focusing on project management, pricing, and contracts. Now at Remedy Consulting, he specializes in helping community banks and credit unions navigate complex payment system conversions and negotiations. LinkedIn Key Insights Navigating the Maze of Payment System Upgrades   Charlie Kelly discusses the intricate process involved in payment system conversions, emphasizing the common pitfalls financial institutions encounter. A significant challenge highlighted is the misalignment between digital providers and core systems, which often lack seamless integration. This disconnection can lead to costly mistakes, such as the cancellation of nearly finalized contracts due to unrecognized incompatibilities. Kelly’s expertise shines as he guides institutions through these complex negotiations, ensuring they make informed decisions that align with their technological and financial goals.   Modernizing Financial Systems: A Delicate Balance The episode dives into the difficulties of integrating cutting-edge fintech solutions with legacy banking systems. Charlie Kelly points out the vast gap between the innovative ideas emerging from fintech startups and the reality of incorporating these into the established infrastructure of traditional banks. The biggest hurdles are the entrenched systems of larger providers, which are not easily adaptable or open to prioritizing new fintech integrations. This insight underscores the crucial role of consulting services like Remedy Consulting in facilitating this integration, ensuring that banks can innovate while maintaining the reliability and security of their payment systems.   The Crucial Link: Consultancies in Payment Innovations Charlie highlights the essential role of consultancies in assisting community banks and credit unions with navigating the complexities of payment system upgrades and core conversions. By acting as an intermediary between these institutions and their core providers, Remedy Consulting plays a pivotal role in deciphering the jargon and technicalities of contracts. This service is invaluable for smaller institutions that might otherwise struggle to understand the full scope of their technological choices and the long-term implications of these decisions on their operational capabilities and s