Episodes

Season 1 Episode 11: One Year Under the Basswood Tree: Reflecting on Partnership, Purpose, and Growth What does it mean to redefine success in the practice of law? In this anniversary episode, Basswood’s founders discuss their values, the story behind the Basswood name, and why true partnership guides how they work with clients. Watch on YouTube In this special first-anniversary episode of the Under the Basswood Tree podcast, recorded during Basswood Counsel’s First Anniversary celebration o...

Season 1 Episode 10: Succession Planning: Preparing Your Business for What’s Next Most business owners don’t realize how closely succession planning, estate planning, and exit strategy are connected. In this episode, we walk through what business succession planning really involves and why proactive planning matters. Watch on YouTube What happens to your business when it’s time to step away—whether by choice, circumstance, or opportunity? In this episode of Under the Basswood Tree podcast, ...

Season 1 Episode 09: The AI + AML Dilemma: What Crypto Adoption Really Means for Compliance As crypto adoption accelerates, AML compliance is evolving just as quickly. In this episode, we discuss how compliance professionals and institutions are navigating fraud risk, evolving investor behavior, and a rapidly changing AML landscape. Watch on YouTube Rudo Mugwagwa and compliance professional Abbie McMillan continue their conversation on the fast-evolving world of digital assets, exploring how...

Season 1 Episode 08: The AI Dilemma in AML: Game-Changer or a Governance Minefield? The promise of AI in AML lies in speed, scale, and insight, but the pitfalls are equally real. In this episode, we discuss how financial institutions can responsibly integrate AI into compliance programs without losing transparency, judgment, or control. Watch on YouTube AI is reshaping the way financial institutions approach anti-money laundering (AML) compliance — but with every opportunity comes new risks....

Season 1 Episode 07: Playing Catch-up: America’s Regulatory Sprint for Crypto Leadership As the U.S. positions itself as a global leader in crypto and fintech, regulatory clarity has become a central theme. In this episode, we examine what recent policy shifts mean for innovation, investor protection, and companies building in the digital asset ecosystem. Watch on YouTube Can the U.S. effectively balance innovation with investor protection in crypto? Jephte Lanthia and Rudo Mugwagwa explore...

Season 1 Episode 06: How the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Affects Individuals OBBBA is not just a policy update - it’s a practical planning roadmap for individuals and families. In this conversation, we explore how the Act affects income taxes, credits, deductions, and long-term financial planning decisions. Watch on YouTube From expanded deductions and extended rate cuts to new credits and planning strategies, Gina Lee, Renee Tiun, and Chris Klug walk us through what individuals and families ...

Season 1 Episode 05: How the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Affects Businesses From expanded deductions to reinstated incentives, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act reshapes the tax landscape for U.S. businesses. This episode breaks down the key provisions and highlights the planning opportunities and tradeoffs business owners and advisors should be considering now. Watch on YouTube In this episode, Chris Klug and Gina Lee break down how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces significant ...

Season 1 Episode 04: Building Your M&A Team In M&A, process and people matter as much as price. This episode explores why assembling an experienced advisory team early can make or break a transaction. Hazvinei Mugwagwa examines the critical role of preparation and planning in achieving a successful M&A transaction. He emphasizes how assembling the right advisors—from legal counsel to accountants and financial professionals—can significantly influence deal execution and outcomes. This episode ...

Season 1 Episode 03: US Exit Tax, Covered Expatriates, and Planning Ahead: A Legal and Tax Perspective Renouncing U.S. citizenship or terminating a green card comes with significant tax consequences that extend well beyond paperwork. This episode breaks down expatriation, covered expatriate status, and the planning considerations that can help mitigate unexpected tax exposure. Watch on YouTube Gina Lee and Christopher Klug break down the U.S. Exit Tax and what it means for citizens and long-...

Season 1 Episode 02: Basswood Counsel Discusses New SEC Chairman The appointment of a new SEC Chairman often signals more than a leadership change - it sets the tone for regulatory priorities ahead. In this episode, we examine how Chairman Paul Atkins’ approach may influence enforcement, rulemaking, and capital formation across public and private markets. Watch on YouTube On April 21, 2025, Paul S. Atkins was sworn into office as the 34th Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. B...

Season 1 Episode 01: AI & Corporate Governance AI has the power to amplify both strengths and weaknesses within an organization. In this conversation, we discuss why boards must actively engage with AI - setting guardrails, governance frameworks, and leadership structures to manage risk and unlock value. Watch on YouTube Good governance is about being intentional in establishing an effective organization, pulling together various components and resources to complete tasks and monitoring thei...