The Debanked Connect Conference in Miami was one of the most impactful events I’ve attended in recent years. As someone who has been in the Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) industry since 2012, I’ve seen my fair share of conferences, but this one stood out for its focus on innovation, collaboration, and the challenges brokers face in an increasingly competitive landscape.
One of the key takeaways from the event was the growing demand for comprehensive marketing solutions. Brokers are no longer satisfied with single-channel approaches; they want to reach merchants faster and through multiple touchpoints. This was evident in the number of conversations I had with brokers seeking advice on the best technologies to streamline their outreach efforts. Email marketing, for instance, emerged as a hot topic, with tools like Instantly.ai and Thor’s Hammer being highly recommended for their efficiency and scalability. For texting solutions, Easify.app was a crowd favorite due to its high delivery rates.
Another area of interest was dialing systems, which are critical for brokers looking to scale their operations. Convoso was repeatedly praised as the gold standard, though its premium pricing makes it more suitable for established teams. For those still building their operations, Five9 was suggested as a more affordable yet effective alternative.
A recurring concern among attendees was the risk of TCPA litigation. Many brokers shared stories of being targeted by litigators due to unclean data purchased from unreliable sources. This highlighted the importance of regularly scrubbing data—ideally every 30 days—to avoid costly lawsuits. Tools like Data Validator and the TCPA Litigator List were recommended to ensure compliance and minimize risk.
Overall, the Debanked Conference underscored the importance of staying ahead of the curve in terms of technology, compliance, and marketing strategies. For brokers looking to thrive in this hot industry, investing in the right tools and maintaining strong relationships with lead brokers and lenders is non-negotiable.