Business idea · SaaS
Column Bank: Fintech Innovation
Column Bank: Fintech Innovation is a fintech company that acts as a bank, providing the infrastructure for other fintech services while maintaining ownership and control over the banking operations. It was pitched on My First Million, hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri, in the episode "The Simplest Way To Make $1M In 2026" (aired March 11, 2026).
At a glance
| Podcast | My First Million |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | Sam Parr and Shaan Puri |
| Episode | The Simplest Way To Make $1M In 2026 |
| Aired | March 11, 2026 |
| Category | SaaS |
| Real companies on the episode | Suno, HubSpot, Harvey, Aurora, Zuru Tech, TruMed |
The problem it solves
This solution simplifies the banking process for fintech companies by integrating banking services directly into their platforms, thus reducing reliance on third-party banking as a service providers.
How it makes money
The business would generate revenue through transaction fees, service fees from partner fintech companies, and interest on capital held in the bank.
Skills you need
Skills required include banking regulations knowledge, software development for APIs, financial analysis, and partnership development.
The market, and why this works now
Column Bank can leverage the rise of open banking regulations, particularly the PSD2 directive in Europe, which mandates that banks allow third-party access to customer data. A viable first-revenue move could involve partnering with fintech communities on platforms like FinTech Circle, where startups seek banking solutions. A significant risk is the initial capital required to meet regulatory compliance and operational costs, which may strain cash flow before revenue generation stabilizes.
Our analysis, written after the episode. Not a quote from the show.
Real companies discussed on this episode
- Suno
An AI-powered music creation platform that allows users to generate music without needing musical talent.
- HubSpot
A subscription software company that provides CRM and marketing automation tools primarily for small and medium-sized businesses.
- Harvey
AI software designed for law firms to streamline legal work by automating tasks related to document management and workflows.
- Aurora
A water filter company focused on creating innovative products for various water-related interactions in daily life.
- Zuru Tech
A New Zealand-based toy company known for producing popular toys like Mini Brands and Bunch O Balloons.
- TruMed
A fintech company that integrates HSA and FSA payment options into online health product checkouts, enhancing compliance and accessibility.
Where this idea came from
Podcast: My First Million, hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri
Episode: The Simplest Way To Make $1M In 2026
Aired:
Summarized from the episode transcript. The show does not say which speaker raised each idea, so we credit the show, not a person.