Share

cover art for Episode 350! With John O'Connell | E350

Fintech Impact

Episode 350! With John O'Connell | E350

Ep. 350
•

In this episode of Fintech Impact, Jason Pereira speaks with John O'Connell, CEO of the Oasis Group, about the current trends and challenges in the advisor technology sector, particularly focusing on the U.S. market. They explore topics such as technology integration, cybersecurity, the rise of AI, and the need for standardized tech stacks in financial advisory firms. John shares his experiences and insights while discussing the impact of technology on RIAs and

the future role of AI in enhancing efficiency and client service in the industry.


Episode Highlights:

  • 00:11: Introduction to the 350th episode with guest John O'Connell, focusing on the advisor technology space.
  • 00:51: Introduction to Oasis Group's role in investment advisory technology.
  • 01:02: Explanation of Oasis Group's services, including technology assessments, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
  • 01:55: Discussing how Oasis Group acts as an outsourced CTO and consultant.
  • 02:31: Exploring trends in U.S. advisor technology for 2024, including private equity and tech stack standardization.
  • 03:47: The shift from individual tech stacks towards standardization for cost efficiency among RIAs.
  • 04:36: The impact of scaling and negotiating advantages in standardized technology stacks.
  • 05:52: How RIAs are leveraging tech stacks for better data management in acquisitions.
  • 06:29: Hosting M&A examples, understanding acquisition strategies at Oracle, and implementing these within finance.
  • 07:10: The dual front of competition: Companies aiming to unify or disrupt established advisors from below.
  • 13:47: The importance of aligning technology choices with business strategies and client identification.
  • 19:14: Understanding the nuances of integrations and common misconceptions.
  • 25:54: John emphasizes creating effective and engaging experiences for clients in the face of potentially daunting tech options.
  • 32:08: Guardrails in AI use to guarantee compliance and minimize risk, particularly regarding sensitive data.
  • 36:18: Evaluating AI functionality and its potential to reshape specific roles in financial services.


Key Points:

  • Integration and standardization of tech stacks are becoming crucial for financial advisory firms to manage costs and streamline data management.
  • The industry is rife with opportunities for innovation, particularly in personalized client interactions, data analytics, and tech-assisted efficiency.
  • Advisors must align their technology choices with their business strategies and ensure these tools genuinely enhance client relations and service quality.


Tweetable Quotes:

  • "Technology is a force multiplier; if you don't know where you're going, you'll just get nowhere faster."
  • "Solve one problem really well, and people will buy it."
  • "Pick where you want to land on that spectrum, and then just be happy with where that is at the moment."


Resources Mentioned:

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 416. Sovos with Kevin Akeroyd | E415

    33:41||Ep. 416
    In this episode of FinTech Impact, host Jason Pereira interviews Kevin Akeroyd, CEO of Sovos, a leading tax compliance software company. Kevin shares the history and evolution of Sovos, its critical role in global tax compliance, and the company’s integration of AI and technology. He also discusses the challenges and future of tax compliance, including the impact of crypto reporting and e-invoicing mandates worldwide. This episode delves into how Sovos helps businesses seamlessly navigate complex tax landscapes and maintain compliance across various countries and tax laws.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to FinTech Impact00:29 Meet Kevin Akeroyd, CEO of Sovos01:26 The Evolution of Sovos03:27 Challenges and Integration05:18 Tax Compliance Complexity09:27 Mid-Market and Down-Market Strategies14:18 Global Tax Compliance Trends16:34 Crypto Reporting and Innovations21:40 AI and Future Prospects28:07 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResources:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorSovosLinkedIn - Kevin Akeroyd’s LinkedIn

  • 414. Troutwood with Gene Natali | E414

    29:09||Ep. 414
    In this episode of FinTech Impact, host Jason Pereira interviews Gene Natali, CEO and founder of Troutwood, an online financial planning and engagement platform aimed at helping advisors and enterprises empower individuals financially. They discuss the inception of Troutwood, its goals, and the unique features that help bridge the gap between individuals and financial experts. The conversation also delves into the challenges of financial literacy and how Troutwood's platform is designed to address these issues at scale, ultimately aiming to narrow the wealth gap and ensure financial empowerment for all. If you're looking to enhance the way you manage your clients and offer greater value, especially at scale, this episode is a must-watch.Resources:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorTroutwoodLinkedIn - Gene Natali’s LinkedIn

  • 413. Latour AI with Khe Hy | E413

    38:50||Ep. 413
    In this episode of FinTech Impact, host Jason Pereira interviews Khe Hy, founder of Latour AI. Khe shares his journey of starting Latour AI, a company that helps businesses integrate artificial intelligence into their workflows. They discuss how AI, particularly through vibe coding, can transform daily operations and strategize within companies, especially hedge funds and buy-side firms. Khe provides insights into the various stages of AI implementation, and the challenges and potentials of AI-driven solutions. They also explore practical tips for getting started with vibe coding and how leveraging AI can lead to innovative outcomes. Tune in to learn how to embrace AI to enhance efficiency and solve complex problems in your business.Resources:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorLatour AILinkedIn - Khe Hy’s LinkedIn

  • 412. Quin with Gabe Caldwell | E412

    24:20||Ep. 412
    In this episode of FinTech Impact, host Jason Pereira interviews Gabe Caldwell, co-founder of Quin, an AI-driven advisor support tool designed to automate administrative tasks for financial advisors. Quin integrates with CRMs, emails, and calendars, leveraging AI to perform tasks like note-taking, scheduling, and data entry at a fraction of the cost of a human assistant. Gabe discusses the origins of Quin, its current capabilities, and potential future integrations. He emphasizes the importance of solving real, significant problems with AI, and how Quin's tailored automation offers substantial time savings for advisors. Tune in to learn how Quin can streamline your financial advisory workflow and enhance productivity.Resources:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorQuinLinkedIn -  Gabe Caldwell’s LinkedIn

  • 411. Vast Advisor with Ian Karnell | E411

    39:56||Ep. 411
    In this episode of FinTech Impact, host Jason Pereira interviews Ian Karnell, co-founder and CEO of Vast Advisor. Vast Advisor is a revolutionary AI-native client acquisition system built to drive organic growth for financial advisors. Ian shares the origins, development, and functionality of Vast Advisor, highlighting how it addresses the $8 billion spent annually by advisors on outdated growth tactics. The conversation dives into the complexities of merging AI with effective marketing strategies, emphasizing the role of compliance and real-time campaign optimization. Gain insights into the intersection of technology and wealth management, and discover how Vast Advisor is poised to reshape the industry.Resources:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorVast AdvisorLinkedIn - Ian Karnell’s LinkedIn

  • 410. Policy Stream with Philip Setter | E410

    25:53||Ep. 410
    In this episode of FinTech Impact, Jason Pereira interviews Philip Sutter, CEO of Policy Stream, an innovative platform aimed at revolutionizing the life insurance application process for Canadian advisors. Philip discusses his journey in the insurance industry since 2014 and how the challenges faced during COVID-19 led to the creation of Policy Stream. They dive into the current inefficiencies in the insurance sales process and how Policy Stream aims to streamline needs analysis, quoting, application, and compliance for term life insurance. Key topics also include the development hurdles, the cautious engagement with insurance carriers, and the long-term vision for expanding the platform. Tune in to hear Philip's insights on improving productivity for advisors and enhancing the client experience in the insurance sector.Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPolicy StreamLinkedIn - Philip Setter’s LinkedIn

  • 409. Finny with Eden Ovadia | E409

    23:38||Ep. 409
    In this episode of FinTech Impact, host Jason Pereira talks with Eden Ovadia, CEO of Finny, a platform designed to help financial advisors grow their businesses organically. Eden shares the origin story of Finny, highlighting how his background in tech and private equity led to the creation of a data-driven solution for prospecting growth. The discussion explores how Finny leverages big data and machine learning to identify potential prospects and detect client intent signals, enabling advisors to effectively match with their ideal clients. Eden also discusses the company's roadmap and the importance of helping advisors articulate their value propositions. This episode is a must-listen for financial advisors seeking to enhance client acquisition, share of wallet, and retention through advanced, data-driven strategies.

  • 407. Solutions by Text with Nick Babinsky | E407

    35:03||Ep. 407
    In this episode of FinTech Impact, host Jason Pereira interviews Nick Babinsky, Chief Product Officer at Solutions by Text (SBT). They discuss how SBT empowers financial services companies to engage with consumers through SMS and other messaging protocols. The conversation covers SBT's history, the benefits of text-based communications, regulatory challenges, and the future of text messaging in the financial industry. Nick shares insights on high engagement metrics, compliance complexities, and the evolving technology landscape. Tune in to learn how text messaging is transforming consumer interactions in the financial sector.

  • 406. Hakkoda with Anand Pandya | E406

    32:30||Ep. 406
    Join host Jason Pereira on 'FinTech Impact' as he discusses the foundational elements of AI, specifically data, with Anand Pandya, head of Financial Services for Hakkoda, an IBM company. In this episode, they dive deep into the evolution of data management, the challenges organizations face in maintaining high-quality data, and the importance of clean data for successful AI implementation. Learn about the history of data waves, the pivotal role of cloud platforms like Snowflake, and how big companies can avoid common pitfalls in the AI landscape. Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with expert insights and practical advice for the future of data in financial services.