The Fintech Impact Podcast

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.

In this episode, Jason Pereira discusses with Gavin Nachbar, CEO and Co-founder of Column Tax, about how they are revolutionizing tax filing by embedding tax services within financial applications. Gavin explains the origins of Column Tax, its mission to simplify tax filing for Americans, and the innovative approach of using API integrations to streamline the process. The conversation also delves into the challenges of tax filing, particularly for self-employed individuals, and the potential future of real-time tax management and planning.

In this episode of Fintech Impact, Jason Pereira interviews Ryan Rosett, co-Founder and co-CEO of Credibly, a lending platform designed to facilitate small business loans ranging from $5,000 to $600,000. Ryan discusses the origins of Credibly and highlights their objective to address banking challenges faced by small businesses. He elaborates on the company's unique approach to assessing loan credibility, focusing on cash flow and customer service. The conversation further delves into Credibly's advances in technology, notably utilizing generative AI to enhance industry classification and loan processing efficiency.

In today's episode, Jason Pereira hosts Parker Ence, CEO and Co-Founder of Jump, a generative AI-based meeting transcription and note-taking service. They discuss the innovations in AI technology, particularly for financial advisors, and how Jump helps automate and assist in meeting preparations and follow-ups to make financial advisors' lives easier. Parker elaborates on the company's unique offerings, how they address the essential but cumbersome parts of financial advising, and the roadmap for the future of Jump.

In this episode of Fintech Impact, Jason interviews Ali Zahedi, CEO of Infinite Systems, about their comprehensive portfolio management software, Harmony, and its impact on the Canadian wealth management industry. Allie shares the origins of Infinite Systems, emphasizing the company's commitment to providing end to-end, integrated solutions for wealth managers and their move towards exploring inorganic growth opportunities through acquisitions. The conversation delves into the challenges and rewards of building a tech based solution from the ground up, the importance of team cohesion, and the company's future visions focusing on both enhancing existing services and exploring adjacent opportunities.

In this episode of Fintech Impact, host Jason Pereira interviews Michael Watson, head of Axos Advisor Services, on how Axos aims to revolutionize the traditional custodial and banking services for RIAs (Registered Investment Advisors). Axos, a digital bank established in 2000, evolved from a consumer-focused bank to a comprehensive provider offering commercial banking, securities business, and custodial services. The acquisition of E-Trade's custody business is highlighted as a strategic move to diversify and solidify Axos' position in the market. Watson details the company's commitment to providing high-touch, personalized services and the integration of digital banking solutions catering to RIAs and their clients, emphasizing the importance of service quality, efficiency, and not competing with advisors for clients.

In this episode of Fintech Impact, Jason Pereira interviews Rahim Harji, CEO of Datasoft Group, a leading online digital FX and payment settlement platform. Harji discusses the origins of Datasoft Group, its flagship platform FX office, and how it facilitates financial transactions globally for small to medium businesses, easing the complex problem of managing money across borders. Additionally, he touches on the challenges and advancements in international payments, regulatory compliance, and the future direction of the company, including automation and integration efforts aimed at streamlining financial processes for businesses.

In this episode of Fintech Impact, Jason welcomes Andrew Altfest of FP Alpha, an innovative platform at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and financial planning. Andrew discusses FP Alpha's mission to automate advanced planning for financial advisors, democratizing services previously available only to the wealthiest clients through specialized teams. The platform has evolved to offer a comprehensive suite of tools for advisors, including estate planning, tax scenario comparisons, and integration with other financial tech tools, aiming to make the planning process more efficient and effective. Jason and Andrew delve into the challenges and triumphs of developing and scaling FP Alpha and the broader implications of AI in enhancing the human aspect of financial planning.

In this episode of Fintech Impact, host Jason Pereira welcomes back Davyde Wachell, CEO and founder of Responsive AI, a company focused on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance advisor insight and productivity in the financial sector. They discuss the evolution of Responsive AI from its initial concept as a robo-advisory service to its current state offering a next best action ecosystem for financial advisors. The conversation also covers the broader implications of AI in finance, including the challenges of implementing AI solutions effectively and the potential for AI to transform client-advisor interactions for better financial decision making.

In this episode of Fintech Impact, Jason interviews Brian McLaughlin, President of Orion Advisor Technologies, as he discusses the evolution of Orion and its impact on the FinTech space. Brian shares insights into the challenges of harmonizing technology and teams following acquisitions, and his personal mission to innovate within the industry. He emphasizes the significance of householding in financial planning and the potential of AI to revolutionize the field. Additionally, Brian highlights his aspiration to make financial services accessible to the middle class, underscoring technology's role in reducing delivery costs and improving service.

In this episode of Fintech Impact, host Jason hosts Tanmai Sharma, the CEO and Founder of Collation.AI. The discussion revolves around how Collation.AI addresses the pervasive issue of data integration challenges within financial services through AI-driven solutions. By focusing on creating a centralized data warehouse and utilizing AI chatbots for workflow operations, Sharma shares insights on enhancing data utility and streamlining services in the sector.

In this episode, Jason Pereira interviews Jim Sinai of Vanilla, an innovative platform changing how advisors and clients engage in estate planning. Vanilla simplifies the estate planning process, making it more accessible and meaningful by integrating technology to facilitate conversations around legacy and wealth distribution. The discussion covers Vanilla's origin, its impact on the advisory industry, and how it enhances client-advisor relationships through strategic estate planning.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of compliance and archiving with Larry Shumbres, CEO, and founder of Archive Intel. Archive Intel leverages AI to revolutionize the way businesses handle compliance, offering a singular platform to manage and mitigate risks effectively. We explore the challenges and opportunities in the sector, the role of AI in compliance, and how Archive Intel is setting new standards for efficiency and user experience.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

In this episode of Fintech Impact, Jason Pereira 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.

In this episode of Fintech Impact, Jason Pereira interviews Rick Scruggs, the CEO and founder of Financial Designs. The dialogue primarily explores how successful advisors can scale their practices by not only enriching their value proposition to clients but also integrating technology to enhance the delivery of their services. Rick's vast experience of over 40 years in servicing family business owners and professionals provides listeners with a blend of wisdom, practical strategies, and a vision for the future of financial advising.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode of Fintech Impact, Jason Pereira interviews Tom Rieman, CEO and founding partner of Practice Intel. Practice Intel is a platform that leverages a data-driven approach to aid advisors in understanding and expanding the organic growth of their businesses. Through detailed insights into their operational effectiveness and the impact of their advisory relationships, the platform aims to illuminate pathways for improvement and scaling. The conversation delves into the origins of Practice Intel, the role of data in refining advisory services, and how advisors can leverage these insights for substantial growth.

In this enlightening episode of Fintech Impact, host Jason Pereira welcomes Ryan VanGorder, CEO of Opto Investments, to delve into how Opto Investments revolutionizes private market investments through technology. Throughout their discussion, they explore the challenges of information fracturing in the private markets and how Opto aims to bridge that gap for the wealth management community.

In this episode of Fintech Impact, Jason interviews Gary Fooks, CEO and Co-Founder of 8Twelve Mortgages. They dive deep into how 8Twelve Mortgages is revolutionizing the mortgage broker industry by enhancing the collaboration experience among advisors, mortgage brokers, and consumers through digital reinvention. This discussion sheds light on the motivations behind the creation of 8Twelve Mortgages and how it's setting new standards for efficiency and customer satisfaction in the mortgage space.

In this episode of Fintech Impact, host Jason Pereira welcomes Jeff Coyle, CEO of Libretto, a platform designed to revolutionize financial planning by incorporating a comprehensive view of a client's total asset picture. They dive deep into how Libretto's innovative approach, which includes human capital and off-book assets, aims to meticulously craft financial plans that ensure more accurate, personalized, and future-proof financial strategies. Jeff shares insights into the methodology behind Libretto, its foundational principles, and the transformative impact it seeks to achieve in the wealth management landscape.

In this episode of Fintech Impact, host Jason Pereira welcomes Ritik Malhotra, Co-Founder and CEO of Savvy Wealth, to discuss the intricacies of their digital platform designed to empower financial advisors. They dive into the platform's capabilities, its origin story, and the pressing challenges it aims to solve in the financial advisory landscape, enhancing both the advisor's efficiency and the client experience.

In this episode of Fintech Impact, Jason Pereira welcomes back Corey Westphal, from Mobile Assistant. Having first appeared on the show in August 2019, Corey discusses the evolution of Mobile Assistant since his last interview, focusing on its adaptation for the future. Together, they delve into how Mobile Assistant has innovated dictation services for financial advisors, enhancing data accuracy and integration with client relationship management (CRM) systems.

In this episode of Fintech Impact, Jason Pereira interviews Ryan Eisenman, Co-founder and CEO of Arch, a revolutionary platform designed to streamline the handling of alternative investments for advisors and their back offices. Throughout the conversation, they delve deep into the challenges of managing investments in the private markets, how Arch addresses these issues by aggregating and digitizing investment data, and the broader implications for both investors and advisors.

In this episode of Fintech Impact, Jason Pereira interviews Tina Powell, Partner and Chief of Community at Intention.ly, and introduces the Advisor Brand Builder tool. Designed to assist financial advisors in crafting their brand identity efficiently and effectively, the tool promises to revolutionize the branding process for financial professionals. Through their discussion, Tina Powell sheds light on the significance of strong branding in the financial services industry, the innovative approach of Advisor Brand Builder, and offers invaluable insights into leveraging technology for branding.