Fintech Impact

In this episode of Fintech Impact, Jason Pereira interviews Jeff Marsden, Chief Product Officer at PureFacts, a leader in revenue management for financial advisory and investment management firms. They explore the complexities of revenue management, including regulatory challenges, individualized advisor fee structures, and data integration from multiple sources. The discussion also touches on the company’s strategic acquisitions, the integration of AI to enhance data quality and operational efficiency, and future industry trends like outcome based models in wealth management.Episode Highlights:00:09: Introduction by Jason Pereira about Jeff Marsden and PureFacts, focusing on complexities in revenue management.00:27: Jeff Marsden expresses his pleasure in being on the show.00:29: Jeff Marsden discusses the history of PureFacts and their global expansion.01:09: Jeff digs into the DNA and history of the company, emphasizing late 90s billing systems.02:54: Conversation about fee complexities, daily moving numbers, and regulatory influences.03:52: Discussion on regulations, data calculations, and advisor relationship complexities.04:54: Description of the comprehensive and customizable nature of PureFacts' platform.05:01: Details about the different advisors’ unique propositions and fee models.05:32: Jason Pereira highlights challenges in calculating fees for numerous advisors at broker dealers.06:56: Jeff outlines the significant data challenge in revenue calculations and client transparency.07:42: Discussion on regulatory disclosure issues such as CRM3 and its complexities.08:27: Jason asks about comprehensive revenue management; Jeff explains technical and business perspectives.09:24: Jeff outlines the technical flow from data integration to output for client statements.11:07: Jason inquires about merging multiple companies; Jeff explains the strategy behind acquisitions.13:20: Discussion on the benefits of acquisitions for existing customers and market expansion.15:04: Jeff talks about three years of AI integrations improving data management and client service.18:02: Jason commends the reduction of burdens through AI, easing enterprise-grade software onboarding.Key Points:Revenue management in financial services is complex, involving regulations and unique fee structures for advisors.PureFacts integrates AI to improve data accuracy, operational efficiency, and onboard processes for new clients.Strategic acquisitions have enabled PureFacts to enhance their service offerings and expand geographically.Tweetable Quote:"AI is fundamentally transforming how we sanitize data and optimize operations for maximum client value." - Jeff Marsden"The future of wealth management is an outcome-based model focusing on true client value." - Jeff Marsden"Merging knowledgeable companies has created a powerhouse in comprehensive revenue management." - Jeff MarsdenResources Mentioned:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editinghttps://purefacts.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffmarsden/

In this episode, Jason Pereira interviews Sindhu Joseph, CEO, and Co-founder of CogniCor, an AI platform designed to transform the financial advisory industry. They discuss how CogniCor's AI co-pilot assists financial advisors by enhancing their productivity and enabling personalized client interactions. Sindhu shares the inspiration and technology behind CogniCor, emphasizing the platform's potential to democratize access to wealth. They also touch on AI's evolution beyond general AI and delve into CogniCor's multi-faceted capabilities that streamline advisors' workflows. The episode concludes with Sindhu's reflections on industry fragmentation and the company's mission to bridge wealth disparities.Episode Highlights:00:08: Introduction of Jason Pereira and the podcast episode featuring Sindhu Joseph, CEO of CogniCor.02:00: Discussion on the origin story of CogniCor and Sindhu's background in AI and finance.04:31: Overview of AI technology in CogniCor and its components, including machine learning and deductive reasoning.11:29: Explanation of CogniCor's practical applications for financial advisors, including personalization and workflow functionalities.16:14: Description of a typical day for a financial advisor using CogniCor's technology.19:27: Metrics on productivity gains and personalized client service achieved through CogniCor. 21:38: Future visions for CogniCor, focusing on integrating health data for comprehensive financial planning.23:04: Sindhu's wish for reduced data fragmentation in the industry.24:14: Challenges in educating the market about AI and promoting its adoption.25:13: Joseph's mission-driven excitement about CogniCor's potential impact on wealth democratization.26:19: Closing remarks and promotion for CogniCor and the podcast.Key Points:CogniCor is an AI-driven co-pilot designed to assist financial advisors by enhancing communication, task automation, and personalization.The platform leverages AI to streamline advisors' workflows, resulting in significant time savings and increased productivity daily.CogniCor aims to democratize wealth access by enabling financial advisors to extend their services to a broader audience.Sindhu believes that eliminating industry fragmentation through AI integration could significantly enhance operational efficiency.Future developments for CogniCor include incorporating health data to provide a comprehensive view of clients' financial and wellbeing profiles.Tweetable Quotes:"CogniCor is an attempt to democratize the access to wealth." - Sindhu Joseph"AI is more than gen AI; it's about creating intelligence artificially." - Sindhu Joseph"CogniCor provides a proactive co-pilot experience to financial advisors." - Sindhu Joseph"Today's financial advisors are really spoiled; I wish I had this tool." - Sindhu Joseph"Maintaining personalization at scale is one huge advantage AI brings to financial advising." - Sindhu JosephResources Mentioned:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editinghttps://www.cognicor.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sindhujoseph/

In this episode Jason Pereira talks with Kevin Knull, President of TaxStatus, about the innovations TaxStatus is bringing to the field through its seamless data integration with the IRS. Kevin discusses how the company sources taxpayer data, with the consent of the taxpayer, to help clients make well informed financial decisions. He highlights the broader applications and benefits including financial advising, loan origination, and identity verification. The episode also covers the importance of identity security and Kevin's vision for enhancing the quality of financial advice using comprehensive insights derived from IRS data.Episode Highlights:00:08: Jason Pereira welcomes Kevin Knull, president of TaxStatus, to discuss the role of his company in gathering IRS data to improve financial advising.01:23: Kevin talks about the foundation of TaxStatus, which was formed to address the challenges in obtaining taxpayer data from the IRS efficiently.04:41: Kevin Knull outlines the process of tying into the IRS, emphasizing the crucial step of obtaining taxpayer consent for data access.06:20: Kevin shares the extent of data pulled down from the IRS, offering a comprehensive picture of a taxpayer’s financial activities over the past decade.07:26: Jason expresses his amazement at the granular level of financial data available through TaxStatus.09:39: Kevin elaborates on various real-world use cases where this data proves beneficial, including lending, credit checks, financial advising, and more.12:42: Introduces the benefits of report generation that summarizes a taxpayer's financial data, facilitating better financial advice.15:06: Covers the importance of ongoing monitoring to prevent identity theft and fraudulent activities with real-time IRS updates.20:17: The discussion moves to the necessity of biometric authentication for addressing identity verification concerns in the financial landscape.Key Points:The consent-driven model of TaxStatus offers comprehensive access to IRS data, which can critically enhance financial advising and decision-making.Real-time monitoring by TaxStatus helps alert taxpayers and advisors about potential fraud and unexpected changes in tax records.Empowering financial professionals with complete data from the IRS facilitates more accurate and holistic tax and financial planning.The integration of biometric authentication may become essential in addressing modern identity security challenges in financial sectors.Tweetable Quotes:"Empowering decision-making with full transparency — that's the power of TaxStatus." – Kevin Knull"A treasure trove of financial insights is available at your fingertips with TaxStatus, guiding you to informed decisions." – Jason Pereira"Financial advisors should render advice on all available data, not just the easy-to-obtain." – Kevin Knull"Identity theft is an inevitability; vigilance and best practices are your best defence." – Jason PereiraResources Mentioned:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/knull/https://www.taxstatus.com/

In this episode, Jason Pereira interviews Chanddeep Madaan, the CEO and founder of Aya Care, a health spending account provider in Canada. The discussion focuses on Aya Care's mission to remove financial barriers for accessing health and wellness services. Madan explains how Aya Care uses technology to streamline the process, reducing the hassle of reimbursement, and enabling employees to utilize health spending accounts easily. They also explore the economic impact of traditional insurance versus the flexibility offered by Aya Care's solution.Episode Highlights:00:09: Introduction of the episode featuring Chanddeep Madaan, discussing his company Aya Care and its role in health spending account management.00:46: Chanddeep Madaan expresses gratitude for being invited to the podcast.00:51: Madan shares the inspiration and mission behind starting Aya Care, highlighting financial barriers in accessing health services in Canada.02:32: Jason Pereira aims to understand out-of-pocket expenses in existing health plans versus health spending accounts.02:49: A breakdown of out-of-pocket expenses, including dental, vision, and the non-coverage areas such as fertility and mental health services.06:32: Benefits of health spending accounts in Canada compared to similar models in the United States.07:31: Madan critiques bloat in healthcare administration costs and positions Aya Care as a cost-effective alternative.08:29: Pereira and Madan discuss the feasibility of Aya Care's solution being adopted by traditional insurance companies.09:17: Aya Care introduces Visa cards for direct health service payments, reducing financial strain on employees.11:58: Madan outlines different reimbursement experiences between traditional insurance, HSAs, and Aya Care's innovative solution.15:48: Pereira elaborates on employer attitudes and cost-control mechanisms in traditional vs. new-age health spending.21:54: Examination of the employee-centric approach fostering healthier and more productive workforces.25:10: Challenges and technological advancements in health spending account claims adjudication discussed.Key Points:Aya Care aims to innovate by removing friction in health spending account processes, contrasting traditional methods.There is an emphasis on using AI to streamline the claims adjudicating process, making it instant and cost effective.Madaan focuses on creating customizable spending accounts tailored for specific needs, such as mental health and fertility.Tweetable Quotes:"Removing financial barriers to access health and wellness is our mission." - Chanddeep Madaan"Imagine submitting a claim in an app and getting approved before you close it." - Jason Pereira"Our process is too seamless, but that’s what innovation is about." - Chanddeep Madaan"Aligning people towards a common mission has been challenging yet rewarding." - Chanddeep MadaanResources Mentioned:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editinghttps://ayacare.com/about-us/https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmadaan/

In this episode, Jason Pereira interviews Ben Borodach, co-founder and CEO of April, a FinTech company focused on integrating tax calculations into financial apps to help users make smarter financial decisions. Ben discusses his entrepreneurial journey, challenges faced when building April, and the importance of simplifying tax processes for consumers. The conversation delves into how April's technology leverages data to create a more efficient and seamless tax filing experience. It also touches on the potential for positive disruption in the financial industry by embedding tax-related services in financial apps.Episode Highlights:00:09: Introduction to the podcast and guest Ben Borodach of April. 00:55: Ben discusses his background and the creation of April.01:46: His experience at Deloitte and the shift to financial tech.02:33: Ventures into finance, technology, and company incubations.03:25: The unbundling and re-bundling of financial services.04:12: Tax as a neglected yet critical financial record-keeping tool.04:53: Using tax data for better financial outcomes for consumers.05:39: Identifying and acting upon the opportunity in tax technology.06:26: Choosing technology as the path for building April.07:10: Challenges in turning tax law into accessible code.07:50: Creating a user-friendly tax engine.13:09: Initial reactions from financial institutions to April's concept.14:41: Addressing the question of core competencies in tax services. 16:05: Room for improvement in the tax filing user experience.17:41: April's better, faster, and cheaper approach to tax filing.19:19: Overview of the process and partner interactions with April.22:09: April's goal to embed in major financial interactions.23:40: Wish for improved technology partnership with the US government.24:23: The biggest challenge faced: building the tax engine.25:24: Excitement about contributing positively to the American economy.Key Points:Embedding tax services within financial apps can simplify tax processes and leverage financial data. A technology-first approach is crucial for creating scalable, efficient tax solutions.Partnering with financial institutions presents both an opportunity and a challenge for Fintech innovations.There is significant room for improvement in the tax filing experience, aiming for user-friendly, real-time processes.April is positioned to reshape financial interactions by making tax services a core component of financial apps.Tweetable Quotes:"Nobody was really doing a great job of everything altogether." - Ben Borodach"The tax code is more of an expression of our collective social fabric than just a taxation law." - Ben Borodach"Our incentives are aligned with delivering a great efficient tax experience." - Ben Borodach"We're part of the American story, contributing positively to its economy." - Ben BorodachResources Mentioned:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/benborodach/https://www.getapril.com/

In this episode of Fintech Impact, host Jason Pereira interviews Yelena Shkolnik, Partner at Jump Capital, a venture capital firm specializing in fintechs at the Series A level. The conversation explores the firm's approach to investments, particularly how they evaluate companies transitioning from startup to a more established phase, focusing on consistent, repeatable revenue streams and team dynamics. They discuss the transition from founder-led sales to institutionalized processes and provide insights into market trends, product validation, and scaling strategies, all within the fintech sector.Episode Highlights:00:39: Yelena provides an overview of Jump Capital, noting their focus on Series A investments and their team distribution between Chicago and New York.02:30: Jason discusses Series A investments as a pivotal stage where a company must have a clear product-market fit.02:48: Yelena outlines what Jump Capital looks for in Series A companies, emphasizing revenue and team capabilities.04:29: The thematic investment perspective and the experience Jump Capital brings in understanding market trends are discussed.06:30: The concept of "consumerization" of enterprise services is explained, illustrating how enterprise buying mirrors consumer behavior.08:07: Jason and Yelena talk about the advantages of founder-led sales in the early stages and the evolution to professional sales processes. 10:05: Jason and Yelena discuss ensuring product-market fit and how VCs discern this at different stages of a company's lifecycle.16:18: Yelena describes the balance between taking customer feedback and innovating beyond customer requests.21:07: Yelena discusses exceptions for investing in earlier or later rounds, mentioning thematic alignment and potential strategic advantages. 26:03: Final advice is given on how startups can effectively approach VCs, with a focus on team dynamics and long-term vision.Key Points:Transitioning from founder-led sales to a structured sales process is essential as companies grow.Revenue diversification and customer base analysis are pivotal for investor confidence.The "consumerization" of enterprise tech shows a shift towards more user-friendly and organic adoption models.Venture capital firms value thematic investment perspectives and industry insights in potential investments.Tweetable Quotes:"At Series A, it's when it gets real; you've got to have figured something out to attract that kind of money." - Jason Pereira"We shine in helping companies scale right after they've found product-market fit." - Yelena Shkolnik"It's not just about sales cycles but understanding the buyer's journey and enterprise complexities." - Yelena Shkolnik"The consumerization of enterprise sales mirrors how we now give control to the buyer." - Jason PereiraResources Mentioned:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editinghttps://jumpcap.com/team-members/yelena-shkolnik/https://www.linkedin.com/in/yelenashkolnik/

In this episode of Fintech Impact, Jason Pereira interviews John Connell, CEO and Co-founder of Focal, an AI-driven meeting notation software. They discuss Focal's mission to enhance client relationship management for financial advisors, emphasizing proactive AI solutions beyond simple note-taking. John shares insights on Focal’s development journey, the role of AI agents, and the niche they are carving in the wealth management and tech landscape. They also explore the importance of regulatory compliance and the challenges and opportunities faced in integrating AI into financial advisory workflows.Episode Highlights:00:11: Jason introduces the podcast and guest, John Connell of Focal.00:30: Jason discloses his advisory role in Focal.00:35: John appreciates Jason's insights into the product.00:42: Jason introduces John for a marketing pitch on Focal.04:25: Jason makes a humorous remark about his avatar existence.04:36: John concludes on Focal's mission and evolution since launching.04:49: Jason addresses competition and the value of industry-specific AI tools.06:49: Jason shares his impressions of John’s approach compared to other AI providers.08:15: Jason notes Focal's broader approach and understanding of advisor workflows.09:22: Discussion on leveraging Focal's data capture capabilities for actionable insights.10:49: John explains capturing data as foundational to Focal’s long-term vision.12:03: A deeper dive into AI agents and their potential for financial advisors.17:13: Exploration of surprises and unexpected paths in Focal’s journey.18:12: John acknowledges Focal’s success in identifying untapped opportunity spaces.19:15: Discussion on the broader implications of AI in the advisory industry.20:24: Insights into data management, security, and AI compliance challenges.22:11: Jason highlights the importance of architecting for compliance from the start.24:11: Conversation on the challenges and mindset necessary for industry disruption.Key Points:Focal aims to revolutionize advisor-client relationship management through AI-driven tools beyond basic note-taking.Despite many generic AI note-taking solutions, Focal’s industry-specific integrations and compliance give it an edge.Human validation remains essential as AI tools begin supporting advisor workflows with potential for complete automation.John’s leadership reflects a commitment to ethical AI deployment and addressing industry-specific regulatory challenges.Tweetable Quotes:"AI is not just about capturing data, but how you leverage it for actionable insights."- John"Proactive AI is redefining what an advisor can accomplish for their clients."- Jason"Trust but verify, especially when it comes to AI in financial workflows."- John"The real impact of AI is empowering the underdog to scale their capabilities."- JohnResources Mentioned:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editinghttps://www.meetwithfocal.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-connell-79a57424/

In this episode of Fintech Impact, host Jason Pereira interviews Tim Brackney, CEO of Springline Advisory, about their innovative approach to scaling mid-market advisory and accounting firms through the implementation of advanced technology and strategic acquisitions. The discussion covers SpringLine's inception, their private equity backing, and how they help firms transition from a localized operation to an enterprise-level structure, allowing them to focus more on their core competencies. Brackney also explains how the company's business model gives these firms a competitive edge in a large yet underserved market. The episode emphasizes the importance of maintaining the essence of the founding firm while leveraging technological advancements to facilitate organizational growth.Episode Highlights:00:10: Jason Pereira introduces Tim Brackney, CEO of Springline Advisory, discussing the company’s role in helping mid-market advisory firms scale through technology.00:37: Brackney gives an overview of Springline's history and goals.01:35: Discussion on the market opportunity and fragmentation in the accounting and advisory industry.02:28: Challenges faced by mid-market firms when scaling are explored.04:27: Discussion on when firms typically start conversations about joining SpringLine.04:57: Firms entering Springline already have some level of professional management.05:34: The complexities of scaling from mid-market to enterprise are discussed.06:42: Brackney elaborates on the timing of firm conversations with Springline.08:12: The criteria for choosing firms to join Springline are explained.08:43: Emojis in merging firms and handling transitions were discussed.10:48: Discussion on changes in firms’ growth ability post-acquisition.12:19: The venture-backed aspect of the business model is outlined.13:30: Conversation about structuring deals that include equity.14:34: Discussion on the tools and foundation set for Springline's success.15:34: Various stages of firm development and adaptation are discussed.16:29: The value of being an early adopter is outlined.16:59: Potential size and growth strategy for Springline are explored.18:53: Vision for long-term growth within the mid-market sector.21:31: Brackney voices a wish for more talent retention in the industry.Key Points:Springline Advisory is committed to helping mid-market firms scale effectively through technology and strategic acquisitions.The company focuses on maintaining strong client relationships while enabling firms to grow with the support of expert management and tech solutions.Springline’s unique approach offers a viable path for mid-market firms to remain competitive and achieve sustainable growth.Tweetable Quotes:"Springline is about scale plus soul, allowing firms to grow without losing their identity.""Mid-market firms face unique challenges that require innovative solutions to overcome scaling barriers.""We are finding and keeping talent by making our firms an irresistible place to work."Resources Mentioned:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editing

In this episode of Fintech Impact, Jason Pereira interviews Tachat Igityan, Founder of Destream, a platform designed to help content creators monetize their work more efficiently. Tachat describes Destream as a fintech solution aimed at simplifying payment processes for creators, addressing issues associated with traditional payment systems like PayPal. The discussion covers various challenges faced by content creators in getting compensated fairly and promptly, alongsidethe complexities of compliance and risk management within financial systems. Tachat also shares his vision for Destream, including potential expansion into financial products such as loans for creators.Episode Highlights:00:09: Introduction from Jason Pereira and overview of Destream.00:26: Tachat Igityan discusses the purpose of Destream for content creators.00:53: Exploration of the complexities in payment systems like PayPal.01:02: Origin story of the company, identifying payment issues for creators.02:44: Problems with traditional payment methods and limitations of PayPal.03:10: Discussion on the insufficiencies of PayPal for creators.03:30: Importance and legitimacy of content creation as serious work.04:38: Personal anecdotes regarding PayPal's chargeback issues.07:14: The growing financial impact of the content creation market.08:09: Example of Cyprus YouTuber elected to European Parliament.12:39: Technical solutions and strategy for building a payment platform.14:41: Explanation of how Destream supports different payment methods.16:23: User experience and rapid transaction capability of Destream.17:05: Positive user feedback on Destream’s efficiency and support.20:35: Plans for growth, including loans for content creators.23:52: Tachat Igityan’s motivation and enjoyment in changing financial perspectives.Key Points:Destream offers an innovative fintech solution to help content creators receive global payments efficiently, addressing gaps left by traditional systems like PayPal.The platform encounters and resolves compliance challenges, leveraging its in-depth understanding of creators' needs and financial operations.Users appreciate the platform’s user-friendly interface and rapid transaction processes, highlighting the difference compared to traditional banking hurdles.The content creation industry is growing exponentially, with significant revenue potential, necessitating more flexible financial solutions.Tweetable Quotes:"Destream is more about fintech for creators, not about the streaming." -Tachat Igityan"Being known before, not after, is crucial for success in the new age of marketing." - Jason Pereira"Having a million users is better than having a million dollars for election campaigns." -Tachat Igityan"I like what I'm doing, and that's it. If I'm doing the right thing, others will eventually see it too." -Tachat IgityanResources Mentioned:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editinghttps://destream.net/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tigityan/