Fintech Impact

In this episode of Fintech Impact, host Jason Pereira interviews Aaron Schumm, Founder and CEO of Vestwell, a revolutionary platform designed to empower employee savings programs across America. Aaron shares insights into how Vestwell is reshaping savings through workplace and direct-to-individual programs, emphasizing tax-preferred savings vehicles. The conversation delves into the pain points that led to the creation of Vestwell, its innovative approach to simplifying savings, and the impact it hopes to have on the financial well-being of millions.Episode Highlights:00:25: Aaron discusses Vestwell as a backend powerhouse that enables savings programs such as 401k's and IRAs through channel partners, focusing on tax-preferred vehicles and emphasizing the importance of making savings accessible to all.02:08: Aaron talks about the organic growth of Vestwell to include a wide array of saving programs, driven by a desire to solve broader issues in the savings industry. This part of the discussion illuminates Vestwell's holistic approach in addressing savings needs beyond retirement. 04:15: Aaron elaborates on Vestwell's model of distribution through channel partners, particularly financial advisors, and how it aims to seamlessly integrate savings programs into existing financial ecosystems to enhance scalability and reach.08:23: Aaron paints a picture of the end-user journey, emphasizing the personalized and engaging digital interface that encourages participation and informed savings decisions.13:39: The conversation turns to the reception of Vestwell's platform among users and partners, highlighting the balance between innovation and the challenges of shifting away from legacy providers and systems. 18:18: Aaron shares his long-term vision for Vestwell, emphasizing the untapped potential in the savings space and the importance of collaborative efforts to drive meaningful change and financial wellness for millions.Key Takeaways:Vestwell aims to revolutionize the way savings programs are integrated and experienced in the workplace, addressing significant gaps in the market and making savings accessible to a broader audience.The company's growth and expansion signify a broader mission to tackle various facets of financial wellness, from retirement to education and healthcare savings. Overcoming legacy systems and redesigning the user experience were pivotal challenges that shaped Vestwell's trajectory, leading to an innovative platform that prioritizes simplicity and accessibility.Tweetable Quotes:"In our industry, simplifying complex processes is not just a luxury; it's a necessity. Vestwell aims to make savings straightforward and accessible for everyone." - Aaron Schumm"The journey from concept to execution in fintech is filled with unexpected challenges, but overcoming these obstacles paves the way for meaningful innovation." - Aaron Schumm "By focusing on the user experience, we're not just building a platform; we're fostering a culture of savings and financial wellness." - Aaron SchummResources Mentioned:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronschumm/https://www.vestwell.com/ 

In this episode of Fintech Impact, Jason Pereira interviews Doug Fritz, CEO and Founder of F2 Strategy. He delves into the complexities technology brings into the financial advisory and brokerage landscape and how F2 Strategy aids firms in navigating and harnessing technology for growth and efficiency. Doug shares insights from his wealth of experience in wealth management technology consultancy, emphasizing the role of data and client experience in the evolution of financial advisory services.Episode Highlights:00:09: Doug Fritz introduces F2 Strategy, a consultancy specializing in technology strategy for wealth management. With a focus on midsize RIAs, broker dealers, and family offices, F2 Strategy assists in navigating the technological landscape to forward business growth. Doug's background in international equities and executive tech roles underpins his expertise in delivering complex organizational technology solutions.02:01: The transition to consultancy was inspired by the need for a firm that truly understands the internal challenges of wealth management technology. By harnessing a team of industry veterans, F2 offers unparalleled insights into technology strategy and execution.04:01: Doug discusses the challenges of cultural change within organizations and how technology is an enabler, not a driver, of such shifts. The journey to integrating new technology is not just about adopting tools but about fostering a culture receptive to change.07:21: The typical engagement process with F2 involves a deep dive into understanding the client firm's core identity, aspirations, and crafting a tailor-made technology roadmap aimed at facilitating desired growth and transformations. 10:21: Data centralization and leveraging digital client experiences stand out as key trends driving firms to seek F2's expertise. Firms are increasingly aware of the importance of managing and utilizing data effectively to drive strategic decisions and refine client engagement. Key Points:Experience in the trenches of wealth management technology provides unparalleled insights into effective strategy development and implementation.Cultural adaptability and an ongoing cadence of technology evolution within firms are crucial for embracing and optimizing new solutions.Leveraging data and digital client experiences are forefront trends in the industry, with firms increasingly recognizing the strategic value of harnessing these elements for growth.Tweetable quotes:"In our industry, experience matters immensely. Having someone who truly understands the nuts and bolts of wealth management technology can be a game-changer for firms.""The journey toward digital transformation within firms goes beyond mere technology adoption; it's about cultural evolution and readiness for change." "Data is the new gold in wealth management. Firms that learn to centralize and harness their data effectively will lead the charge in innovation and client engagement."Resources Mentioned:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dougfritz/https://www.f2strategy.com/ 

In this episode of Fintech Impact, host Jason Ferreira welcomes Haik Sahakyan, CEO of Arqa, to delve into the transformative capabilities of artificial intelligence in the financial advisory sector. They explore Arqa's innovative approach to extracting and utilizing data from static forms like PDFs, revolutionizing how financial advisors access and interpret vital information. This episode, recorded live at the Wealth Management Edge and Wealth Stack Conference, provides a deep dive into the future of financial technology. Episode Highlights:01:10: Saha shares his background with Adipar and discusses the widespread dissatisfaction with existing wealth tech platforms. His experience reveals the industry's dire need for better data accessibility, setting the foundation for Arqa's mission.02:22: The discussion reveals the major challenge in the investment industry is dealing with non-standard, unstructured data formats which hinder potential advancements. Saha illustrates Arqa's solution using generative AI to not only interpret static data but to enhance data accessibility in unprecedented ways.03:13: Jason inquires about the integration process for new Arqa users, shedding light on the seamless experience facilitated through existing system integrations. This ease of adoption underscores Arqa's potential to revolutionize data handling in financial advisory services.08:03: A specific use case is discussed, emphasizing the practical application of Arqa's technology in updating client records with information from PDFs. This example vividly illustrates the system's capability to streamline what has traditionally been a manual, error-prone process.10:16: Jason probes into the checks and balances within Arqa to ensure data accuracy, addressing potential skepticism about AI reliability. Saha's responses outline the robust validation mechanisms that secure user trust in the platform's output.20:08: Saha elaborates on his wish for the industry to embrace AI and generative technology more openly, reflecting on how this acceptance could lead to monumental shifts in operational efficiency and client service quality.Key Takeaways: The integration of AI in financial advisory services can significantly enhance data accessibility and interpretation, leading to better-informed decision-making processes.The adoption of AI technologies like Arqa can streamline operations, reduce manual errors, and unlock new levels of efficiency for financial advisors.There remains a need for wider acceptance and understanding of AI's potential within the wealth management industry to fully leverage these technological advancements.Tweetable Quotes:"Arqa's utilization of generative AI is revolutionizing how financial advisors interact with data." - Haik"By embracing AI, financial advisors can transform their approach to data analysis, enhancing both efficiency and client service quality." - HaikResources Mentioned:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/haikgsahakyan/ https://arqatech.com/en/

In this episode of Fintech Impact, Jason Pereira interviews Diana Cabrices, Founder of Diana Cabrices Consulting. Known as the chief hype woman of the Fintech industry in the US, Diana discusses her role in amplifying brands through creative marketing, storytelling, and brand evangelism. The episode provides insightful guidance on how Fintech companies can enhance their brand presence and connect with their audience more effectively.Episode Highlights:00:11: Jason introduces the podcast and guest Diana Cabrices, highlighting her unique role in the FinTech industry as a consultant focused on brand amplification and storytelling.00:37: Diana explains her work involves helping FinTech companies, wealth tech companies, and solutions providers for financial advisors to amplify their brand. She details her approach to creative marketing, storytelling, and brand evangelism, emphasizing the importance of presenting solutions in a dynamic and accessible manner.04:47: Jason queries Diana on what it looks like to collaborate with her, prompting a discussion on her methodology. Diana outlines the initial steps she takes when working with a new client, which include deep dives into the clients customer feedback, sales calls, and marketing materials.06:29: Diana highlights the value of real customer stories and testimony in making fintech solutions relatable. She explains how she employs social media, content creation, and public speaking engagements to elevate her clients' profiles.07:47: Diana recounts a specific instance where simplifying a client's value proposition into a relatable benefit significantly resonated with advisors, showcasing her ability to communicate complex solutions effectively.09:16: A considerable portion of Diana's work involves educating the market on the problems that her clients' technologies are addressing. This education-first approach helps in creating a movement around a product or service.11:37: Diana reflects on the challenges she faced in recognizing her potential and achieving self-belief. This part of the conversation delves into personal growth and the realization of one's ability to make a significant impact.Key Takeaways:Real, relatable customer stories are crucial in making technology solutions understandable and appealing to a broader audience.Education about the problems a technology solves is as critical as promoting the technology itself, creating a movement around the solution.Balance and health are essential for sustained success and impact, highlighting the need to prioritize well-being alongside professional ambitions.Tweetable Quotes:"In our industry, simplifying complex solutions into relatable benefits is key. It's about making technology accessible and understood." - Diana"Building a movement around a product or service requires educating the market not just about what it is, but the problem it solves." - Diana"Never underestimate the power of real customer stories. They make your solution not just seen but felt." - DianaResources Mentioned:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dianacabrices/ https://dianacabrices.com/ 

In this episode of Fintech Impact, Jason invites Manish Khatta, CEO of Potomac Fund Management, for an in-depth conversation. Unlike the usual Fintech discussions, this episode sheds light on the unique experience of solving technology challenges from within. Manish shares his journey of developing custom tech solutions, navigating partnerships, and the trade-offs inherent in taking control of one's technological landscape. Episode Highlights:00:10: Jason Pereira introduces the show and guest Manish Khatta, CEO of Potomac Fund Management, setting the stage for a discussion about the uncommon path of solving one's own technology challenges in the asset management space. Manish's role at Potomac as a catalyst for technological innovation will be explored, highlighting how it diverges from the standard FinTech discourse.01:39: The conversation pivots to Potomac's multi-faceted business model, exploring its structure as a third-party money manager, an in-house TAMP offering, and a provider of mutual funds. This part illuminates the complexities and challenges inherent in operating across different distribution channels and the strategic nuances of each.05:23: A candid discussion on the lessons learned from initially mistaking development direction and talent. Manish shares the pitfalls of early software development strategies, emphasizing the financial and operational glass ceilings encountered when outsourcing to ostensibly cost-effective development teams overseas. 08:06: The conversation then moves to Guardrails, Potomac's initial venture into custom software development. This part is particularly noteworthy as it sheds light on the iterative approach to technology development, emphasizing the role of feedback and adaptations in refining a tool tailored for financial advisors. 15:11: The conversation circles back to the pragmatic aspects of deploying new tech, focusing on the necessity of a minimal viable product (MVP) strategy. This pragmatic approach to software deployment highlights the business acumen required to balance ambition with executable, incrementally valuable deliverables. 24:06: The dialogue concludes with Manish expressing hope for greater unity and less divisiveness within the industry. His wish for a more collaborative environment and respect for diverse business models and practices speaks to broader themes of professional respect and sectoral progress. Key Takeaways:Innovation within financial technology can come from necessity and internal challenges rather than external solutions.Building on existing platforms via APIs can serve as a powerful strategy for businesses seeking customized tools without starting from zero. Offering proprietary technology as an added value to existing services can strengthen business relationships and foster more engaging user experiences.Tweetable Quotes:"Transforming tech challenges into in-house solutions has set us on a unique path of innovation." - Manish"Learning from the limitations of outsourced solutions propelled us towards taking control of our tech destiny." - ManishResources Mentioned:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editinghttps://potomacfund.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/manish-khatta/ 

In this episode of Fintech Impact, Jason interviews Jason Early, the founder and CEO of RISR. Their discussion revolves around how RISR is innovating the way financial advisors interact with and provide value to business owners, aiming to maximize the potential of their businesses. They delve into the challenges and solutions in advising business owners on understanding and leveraging their business value effectively.Episode Highlights: 00:11: Jason welcomes listeners and introduces Jason Early, founder, and CEO of RISR. He highlights RISR's focus on helping financial advisors provide comprehensive advice to business owners, emphasizing the importance of understanding the business's value.01:21: Early shares the inspiration behind RISR, rooted in the staggering demographics of private company ownership transitioning in the coming years. He emphasizes the need for better tools and technology to serve business owners effectively, addressing a crucial market demand.03:47: The conversation shifts to the importance of data aggregation and analysis. RISR helps advisors pull together disparate data sources to provide holistic insights into business owners' situations, moving beyond mere valuations to understand the full picture of business health and potential.08:00: The tech-driven approach of RISR in aggregating business data and providing actionable insights is discussed. This includes highlighting the ease with which business owners can onboard and continually benefit from the platform's insights.11:29: Early discusses the support RISR provides to financial advisors, enabling them to confidently enter conversations about business strategy and planning, even in areas outside their immediate expertise.16:08: RISR's ability to track and update business valuation and risk factors in real-time offers businesses and advisors a dynamic tool for monitoring progress and identifying areas for improvement.Key Takeaways:RISR is breaking new ground by equipping financial advisors with the tools needed to comprehensively serve business owners, focusing not just on current value but on strategizing for future growth and stability.The integration of diverse data sources into a cohesive and insightful dashboard empowers advisors to offer nuanced, impactful advice that addresses the specific needs and goals of business owners.Financial advisors are encouraged to adopt a proactive, in-depth approach to business owner advisory, supporting clients through all stages of business lifecycle and transition planning.Tweetable Quotes:"Bridging the gap between financial advisors and business owners requires more than just intent; it requires innovative tools and technology." - Jason Early"Understanding the true value of a business goes beyond numbers; it's about realizing potential and strategizing for the future." - Jason Pereira"Advisors, by embracing technology like RISR, can transform the advice they provide to business owners, making a tangible impact on business growth and succession planning." - Jason Early Resources Mentioned:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-early-a2379429/ 

In this insightful episode of Fintech Impact, Jason engages with Brian Portnoy and Andrew Smith Lewis, pioneers behind Lydia, a groundbreaking venture that marries behavioral finance and artificial intelligence. This dialogue explores how Lydia is set to revolutionize the way financial advisors interact with clients, making the advisory process more human through technology.Episode Highlights:00:47: Andrew takes the lead to describe Lydia's vision. He portrays Lydia as an empathetic AI collaborator, designed to improve advisors' interactions with clients for better outcomes. He emphasizes the project's humanistic approach, highlighting the ambition to use technology not as a replacement but as an enhancer of human capabilities. This vision challenges conventional fears about technology undermining human roles.04:12: Both Brian and Andrew narrate their personal and professional journeys, leading up to their collaboration on Lydia. Their stories emphasize the value of cross-disciplinary insights in creating solutions that address complex challenges, like enhancing the advisory process with AI.18:24: The discussion about Lydia's technological backbone emphasizes its unique approach of remembering and learning from interactions with advisors. This personalized touch demonstrates how AI can be tailored to add value to professional growth and client relationships.24:41: Toward the end, the conversation pivots to the broader implications of Lydia and similar technologies on the industry. Jason Pereira and his guests contemplate the future of financial advising amid rapid technological advancements, highlighting the potential for transformative change in how advisors connect with and support their clients.Key Takeaways:Lydia represents a significant leap forward in integrating behavioral science and AI to enrich financial advisory services. The technology aims to deepen the advisor-client relationship, making advisory processes more intuitive and empathetic.The collaboration between experts in behavioral finance and AI underscores the potential of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling industry challenges. By focusing on the human aspects of financial advising, Lydia aims to enhance the quality of advice and client outcomes.The development of Lydia emphasizes the importance of personalized learning and growth for financial advisors. Through AI, advisors can gain nuanced insights into their practices, evolving their approach to meet client needs effectively.Tweetable Quotes: "Lydia is about amplifying human brilliance, not replacing it with technology." - Andrew"Understanding your clients goes beyond the financial; it's about human connections." - Brian"In the era of AI, embracing technology to enhance our humanity is not just possible; it's necessary." - AndrewResources Mentioned:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brianportnoy/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/aslives/ 

In this episode of Fintech Impact, Jason interviews Chris, the Managing Director of Taiko Advisor. Taiko Advisor, powered by its parent company Taiber Kosmala and Associates, leverages institutional research and technology to offer bespoke investment solutions through an OCIO (Outsourced Chief Investment Officer) model. The conversation delves into the establishment of Taiko, its value proposition for financial advisors, and the nuanced details of operating a tech-enabled OCIO in today's financial environment.Episode Highlights:00:10: Jason introduces the episode and welcomes Chris from Taiko Advisor, setting the stage for a conversation about how Taiko combines traditional investment consulting with modern technology to create customized investment platforms for financial advisors.03:41: Delving deeper, Jason probes into the partnership dynamics between Taiko and investment managers, exploring how Taiko sources managers through an institutional lens, and the due diligence involved in these partnerships to ensure clients receive competitive pricing and access to unique investment opportunities.05:35: The narrative progresses to how Taiko implements these tailor-made investment programs. Chris outlines how strategies are built out within the advisors' systems and how Taiko's unique portal facilitates direct communication and trading requests between advisors and Taiko's back-office team.07:07: Transitioning to the technology and discovery phase, Chris emphasizes the importance of understanding each advisory firm's unique setup and needs, discussing how Taiko customizes its services to align with clients' existing technologies and processes.09:48: The conversation wraps up with insights on the ongoing support Taiko provides, including quarterly investment committee meetings that offer in-depth reviews of model portfolios, manager performance, and relevant market observations.12:56: Looking to the future, Chris speaks about Taiko's plans to expand its offerings, particularly within the alternative investment space, leveraging the team's institutional experience to source compelling private equity, credit, and real assets opportunities.Key Takeaways Taiko Advisor offers a unique value proposition for financial advisors by providing institutional-grade investment consulting combined with scalable technological solutions.The OCIO model enables advisors to outsource complex investment decisions, allowing them to focus on client relationships and business growth.Continuous innovation, particularly in the realm of alternative investments, reflects Taiko's commitment to addressing evolving market demands and advisor needs.Tweetable Quotes:"Leveraging institutional heritage with innovative technology allows us to serve advisors in a scalable format." - Chris"Our aim is to empower advisors to grow their business and serve their clients better." - Chris"Introducing scale to your business doesn't mean losing personalization." - ChrisResources Mentioned: Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cahorvath/https://www.taikoadvisor.com/