Share

cover art for Practifi with Adrian Johnstone | E265

Fintech Impact

Practifi with Adrian Johnstone | E265

Ep. 265
•

Jason talks to Adrian Johnstone, Co-founder, and President of Practifi. Practifi is an advisor centric CRM that was developed on the Salesforce platform but is not Salesforce itself and has made a name for itself in terms of leveraging the advantage to build better automation workflows and tools for advisors.


Episode Highlights

  • 0.44: Adrian explains that they use the term performance optimization platform in Practifi. They use salesforce as the chassis, but they are actually a product sitting on top and none of the nasty overlay stuff.
  • 6.07: Adrian explains that their system is designed to provide the answers to questions you are not yet thinking like, who do I need to call, what do I need to call them about, what might I have missed from a compliance perspective and serve that information up to the right person at the right time.
  • 9.20: Adrian told someone that they need to do something along the way is one thing, but what they have done is embed things like the data capture and data transfer within the workflow itself.
  • 13.44: Many people don't realize that Salesforce and Microsoft are in pretty much every business where Salesforce exists, but they don't necessarily play great together on their own.
  • 17.19: Adrian shares how they have built very specific integrations at an industry level, and they will continue to do that as well. 
  • 19.20: Adrian says that they also see newer firms coming into the market who look at integrating the Salesforce and what they find is that they are going to integrate to something that they know everyone has customized because there are a very few standard Salesforce instances out there.
  • 21.58: Anyone who's going to really exercise the technology, then we are a great solution because you don't lose any of the flexibility. You just gain such a strong starting position, says Adrian.


3 Key Points

  1. Practifi is designed to cater for a multifamily office with complex relationship trees, many to many kinds of structures within there, as well as managing all of your other relationships.
  2. Adrian explains how they got away from standard stuff available on salesforce and built what Practifi Propel, which is an entire analytics suite and gives users the comprehensive time series data that one can really look at across the business.
  3. Adrian shares how he wants to create a more unified experience between the Salesforce and Microsoft Stacks because they know the Office 365 world is ubiquitous and they want to make that as seamless as possible.


Tweetable Quotes

  • "Having something purposely built versus generic from day one is a big advantage for anyone starting off from day one." - Jason
  • "Practifi is not trying to be the solution to the retail banker. It's a solution to the wealth to the financial intermediaries." – Adrian
  • "As the underlying platform changes, you are forced into reinvesting in building because it doesn't stand still and so you can't." – Adrian


Resources Mentioned


More episodes

View all episodes

  • 421. CapIntel with James Rockwood | E421

    32:11||Ep. 421
    Host Jason Pereira welcomes back CapIntel CEO James Rockwood to discuss the firm’s massive growth, now supporting over 20,000 advisors across North America. Rockwood explains how CapIntel moves beyond static PDFs by using interactive, cloud-based presentations to make complex investment products feel tangible for clients. The conversation dives into how the platform embeds compliance controls to prevent proposal errors, the impact of regulatory shifts like Reg BI, and how CapIntel is navigating its expansion into the competitive U.S. and Mexican markets.This episode is a must-listen for wealth management executives and advisors interested in how "hyper-personalization" and integrated compliance are redefining the modern investment proposal.Resources:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorCapIntelLinkedIn - James Rockwood’s LinkedIn

  • 420. Knomee with Marla Sofer | E420

    35:25||Ep. 420
    Host Jason Pereira interviews Marla Sofer, Founder and CEO of Knomee, about her mission to bridge the "understanding gap" between wealth managers and their clients. Drawing on her leadership experience at JPMorgan, BlackRock, and Microsoft, Sofer explains how Knomee uses consumer-friendly "adventures" to capture a client’s true financial identity—defining what concepts like "security" actually mean to them. By turning this unique behavioural data into AI-synthesized insights, Knomee provides advisors with actionable conversation starters and next-best actions to deepen trust and accelerate conversions.This episode is a must-listen for advisors who want to move beyond generic financial planning and use behavioural intelligence to create more personalized, high-trust client relationships.Resources:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorKnomeeLinkedIn - Marla Sofer’s LinkedIn

  • 419. AdvisorCRM with Ryan Borer | E419

    23:54||Ep. 419
    On this episode of FinTech Impact host Jason Pereira interviews Ryan Borer, CEO of Advisor CRM, about his mission to transform the CRM from a static database into an "action engine" for financial and insurance professionals. Inspired by his experience building proprietary tech for a TAMP, Borer explains how his platform avoids the rigid, breakable workflows of traditional systems by focusing on flexibility and data-driven signals. The conversation explores the shift toward a more open tech ecosystem—supported by Advisor CRM’s APIs—and introduces Trove, a new AI-driven opportunity intelligence tool designed to surface growth leads automatically.This episode is a must-listen for advisors frustrated by "clunky" CRM workflows and firm owners looking to stay ahead of the curve with AI-integrated client management.Resources:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorAdvisorCRMLinkedIn - Ryan Borer’s LinkedIn

  • 418. Nexhelm AI with Brian Abatemarco | E418

    23:51||Ep. 418
    Host Jason Pereira interviews Brian Abatemarco, Head of Sales at Nexhelm AI, a platform launched in late 2025 to automate end-to-end financial workflows. Drawing on his 12 years as a CFP, Brian explains how Nexhelm connects existing tools—like CRMs, Outlook, and DocuSign—to execute complex tasks via simple prompts, ensuring advisors never "drop the ball" on client requests. The discussion covers the platform's ability to automate everything from onboarding to email filing, while touching on the broader challenges of scaling fintech and the vital role of CFP education in the AI era.This episode is a must-listen for forward-thinking advisors and operations leaders who are tired of manual data entry and want to see how "agentic AI" can finally bridge the gap between their disconnected software tools.Resources:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorNexhelm AILinkedIn - Brian Abatemarco’s LinkedIn

  • 417. Nitrogen with Dan Zitting | E417

    22:12||Ep. 417
    Host Jason Pereira joins Nitrogen Wealth CEO Dan Zitting to discuss the company’s evolution from a niche risk-scoring tool into a comprehensive AI platform. Dan outlines how Nitrogen is leveraging a new agentic AI engine to automate the advisor meeting lifecycle, effectively shrinking hours of manual preparation into minutes. Beyond technical updates, the conversation dives into Nitrogen’s expanded suite—covering everything from portfolio research to tax education—and Dan’s vision for overcoming the data and compliance hurdles that currently slow down AI adoption in wealth management.This episode is a must-listen for financial advisors and RIA owners looking to reclaim their schedules through automation, as well as fintech enthusiasts interested in how legacy brands successfully navigate a total AI-centric pivot.Resources:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorNitrogen WealthLinkedIn - Dan Zitting’s LinkedIn

  • 416. Hamachi.ai with Mike Wilson | E416

    33:52||Ep. 416
    In this episode of FinTech Impact, host Jason Pereira interviews Mike Wilson, CEO and co-founder of Hamachi, an AI governance layer for financial advisors that unifies data from systems like CRMs and portfolio platforms to power workflow “bots” such as a daily dossier and household brief. Wilson explains Hamachi’s origin, its compliance-first guardrails, and its strategy to embed via integrations and API rather than compete for the advisor desktop. They also discuss roadmap integrations and partners, including TaxStatus, FP Pathfinder, Financial’s client portal distribution, and potential research data sources like Morningstar and Zacks.Episode Highlights:00:00 Welcome to FinTech Impact + Meet Mike Wilson (Hamachi)00:30 What Hamachi Does: An AI ‘Governing Intelligence Layer’ for Advisors01:09 Origin Story: From Orion Alumni to Compliant Advisor AI02:52 From Email Add‑On to Guardrailed Chat: Early Product Evolution04:38 Real Advisor Workflows: Daily Dossier & Household Brief in Action08:58 Integration Roadmap: CRM, Portfolio Platforms, and Tax Data (TaxStatus)10:52 Where Hamachi Fits: Embedded AI, API Strategy, and Bot Marketplace14:25 What’s Next: Pathfinder Workflows, Client Portals, and Research Feeds23:28 Why Governance Matters: PII Redaction, Audit Trails, SEC/FINRA Compliance27:21 Rapid‑Fire Wrap‑Up: Industry Wish, Biggest Challenge, and What Excites Mike33:01 Closing Remarks, Call to Action, and Sponsor MessageResources:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorHamachi.aiLinkedIn - Mike Wilson’s LinkedIn

  • 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