Fintech Impact

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.Episode Highlights: 00:09: Introduction to Axos Advisor Services and its aim to integrate custodian servicing with banking for RIAs.00:27: Michael Watson expresses his pleasure in joining the conversation and discussing Axos' services.00:34: Axos' journey from being one of the first digital banks founded in 2000 to expanding into commercial banking and securities by acquiring a clearing firm and eventually E-Trade's custody business.03:07: The evolution of Axos from its inception as Bank of Internet to a comprehensive digital and commercial banking provider.05:20: Watson emphasizes Axos' commitment to outstanding service, citing the differentiation in their approach to onboarding RIAs and providing personalized, efficient solutions.08:32: The conversation moves towards Axos' capability in providing digital workflows and eliminating operational inefficiencies through automation.13:55: Early feedback on Axos' integrated banking and brokerage services following their launch, highlighting the digital convergence for an improved client experience.16:33: The discussion includes the initial success of banking offerings since launch and the eagerness among RIAs to adopt these services.Key Takeaways: Axos Advisor Services aims to be a pivotal player in blending custodial services with banking for RIAs, leveraging its digital bank foundation to offer streamlined, efficient solutions.The acquisition of E-Trade's custody business illustrates Axos' strategic initiative to diversify and enhance their offerings in a competitive market.Commitment to service excellence and the integration of digital banking functionalities are central to Axos' strategy in fostering relationships with RIAs and their clients.Tweetable Quotes: "In a world where digital transformation defines success, Axos brings banking and custodial services into a new era for RIAs." - Michael Watson"Service excellence isn't just a goal; it's our commitment to every RIA we partner with." - Michael Watson"Advisors need banking solutions that understand and complement their unique offerings, not compete with them." - Michael WatsonResources Mentioned: Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-watson-33222a1/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Fintech Impact, Jason Perra interviews Rahim Harji, CEO of Datasoft Group, a leading online digital effects 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.Episode Highlights:00:09: Introduction to Rahim Harji, CEO of Datasoft Group, discussing the company’s role in facilitating global financial transactions.00:27: Rahim thanks the host for having him on the show.00:29: Rahim is asked to elaborate on DataSoft Soft and its services.01:27: Exploration into the origin story of DataSoft Group and how it came to be.02:44: Discussion on the common challenges small and medium businesses face with international payments and FX.04:40: How DataSoft Group helps mitigate issues around opaque exchange rates and associated fees.07:19: Overview of the full range of services provided by Datasoft Group.10:22: The productivity benefits clients experience by partnering with DataSoft Group.12:40: Strategies on how DataSoft Group reaches its customers without a traditional sales team.17:37: Rahim's wish for instilling more entrepreneurial spirit within the team.20:09: What excites Rahim about working at Datasoft Group and the fintech industry.Key Takeaways:DataSoft Group is at the forefront of easing the complexities of global financial transactions for small to medium sized businesses.The company’s flagship platform, FX office, helps in mitigating challenges related to international payments and foreign exchange, promoting efficiency through automation.A significant aspect of DataSoft Group's success lies in its ability to streamline regulatory compliance and enhance productivity, reducing the burden on businesses.The company’s ongoing focus on innovation and partnership reflects its commitment to solving contemporary financial challenges while advocating for digitization and strategic financial management.Tweetable Quotes:"We specialize in helping small medium businesses with moving money around the world, simplifying what is usually a complex process." - Rahim Harji"Our platform allows our financial services clients to be transparent, leveraging straight through processing." - Rahim Harji"We believe in power in partnerships; our success is a testament to the brilliant minds and dedication of our team." - Rahim HarjiResources Mentioned:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editinghttps://www.datasoft.global/about/company/who-we-are/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahimharji/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.Episode Highlights:00:09: Introduction to the episode and guest, Andrew Altfest of FP Alpha, discussing the evolution of his platform in the AI space for financial advice.00:43: Andrew expresses his excitement to return to the show and discuss the advancements of FP Alpha since his last appearance.00:51: Andrew details the functionality of FP Alpha, emphasizing automation in advanced planning and the democratization of financial services once available only to the wealthiest.03:19: Andrew reflects on FP Alpha's journey from its concept to the present day, highlighting the addition of numerous first-of-its-kind features and the broadening of its service offering.05:02: Andrew discusses new features like estate snapshots and the platform's integration with various data sources to enhance the planning process.08:06: There's a deep dive into FP Alpha's offerings, including estate lab features, scenario comparisons, and tax planning tools which have been enhanced since 2021.11:32: Andrew articulates the benefits of integrating advanced planning into advisory services, emphasizing business growth, deeper client relationships, and succession planning.Key Takeaways FP Alpha leverages AI to democratize advanced financial planning, allowing advisors to serve high-net-worth clients more efficiently.The platform fills the gap left by traditional financial planning softwares by automating estate, tax, and insurance planning.Continuous innovation and integration with other financial technologies enhance FP Alpha's usability and comprehensiveness, making it a powerful tool for financial advisors.Tweetable Quotes "FP Alpha democratizes advanced financial planning with AI, opening doors to previously specialized services for a broader client base." - Andrew Altfest"With FP Alpha, advisors can now delve deeper into estate, tax, and insurance planning, areas often overlooked by traditional planning softwares." - Andrew Altfest"True innovation in FinTech, like FP Alpha, doesn't just improve existing tools; it creates new possibilities for advisors and their clients." - Andrew AltfestResources Mentioned:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editinghttps://fpalpha.com/about/https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-altfest-cfp/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.Episode Highlights00:44: Davyde expresses gratitude for being invited back to the show.00:53: Davyde introduces Responsive AI and its flagship product, Prioritize, emphasizing its focus on advisor productivity and insight.01:34: The discussion dives into the history of Responsive AI, starting from its initial concept to its pivot towards serving advisors.03:39: Explanation of the "next best action" concept and its various implications in financial advising.05:00: Insight into the difficulties of implementing AI effectively within the financial sector and the necessity for streamlined data.07:10: Challenges of integrating complex AI solutions in an industry struggling with disparate and unstandardized data systems.08:17: How Responsive AI seeks to complement and enhance Salesforce implementations with focused AI applications in finance.10:23: Discussion about the real-world impact and efficacy of Responsive AI's solutions in improving business processes and advisor-client interactions.14:19: A critique of the current state of AI hype and the real challenges still facing its application in the financial sector.18:42: Davyde shares his perspective on the future development of AI and its implications for financial services.24:48: A wish for the industry to make faster and more honest decisions regarding technology and client service.Key Takeaways Consolidation and improved decision-making are key for financial services to leverage AI effectively. AI's potential in finance hinges on addressing data quality issues and focusing on enhancing advisor-client relationships.Implementing AI solutions like Responsive AI's can lead to significant improvements in productivity and decision-making for financial advisors.The future success of AI in finance requires a balanced approach that combines technology with human expertise and insight.Tweetable Quotes "AI in finance isn't just about the technology; it's about enabling smarter, faster decisions for advisors and their clients.” - Davyde"Data is the fuel of AI, but without proper refinement and focus, even the most advanced AI can't drive financial services forward.” – Davyde"The best AI implementations work as a centaur model –combining the strengths of human expertise with the power of artificial intelligence.” - DavydeResources Mentioned:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/davyde//https://www.responsive.ai/about  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.Episode Highlights: 00:09: Introduction of Brian McLaughlin and his role at Orion Advisor Technologies, alongside his significant contributions to the advisor technology industry.00:32: Brian expresses excitement over finally connecting for the podcast episode, humorously acknowledging the previous push and pull.00:36: Discussion on the reciprocal podcast guest appearances between the speakers.00:47: An overview of Orion Advisor Technologies, emphasizing the company's breadth in providing end-to-end technology solutions for advisors.01:37: Mention of Orion’s status as a major player in the technology space for advisors and the episode's focus on technology over the TAM side.02:12: Brian shares his history in the industry, including the origin story of Redtail Technology and its growth over the years.04:53: The pivotal role of creating raving fans as a foundational mantra at Redtail, focusing on delivering exceptional service to both staff and clients.09:39: Discussion around the importance of integration in the software industry and Brian's approach to open collaboration.19:37: Insight into Orion's current focus on AI technologies, including the BFI tools and the transformative potential of AI in the industry.Key Takeaways:The significance of creating a company culture that prioritizes exceptional service can lead to long-term success and market dominance.Integration and collaboration within the FinTech sector are crucial for innovation and providing comprehensive solutions to advisors.Addressing the challenge of defining and harmonizing various aspects of a business, including company culture and technological integration, is key post acquisition.The potential of AI and machine learning to revolutionize the financial services industry, particularly in optimizing operational efficiencies and personalizing client services.Tweetable Quotes:"Creating raving fans is at the heart of our success – focusing on making both staff and clients exceptionally happy." - Brian McLaughlin"Integration is not just about technology; it's about people and companies working together towards a common vision." - Brian McLaughlin"AI has the potential to be a game-changer in financial services, enabling advisors to serve their clients like never before." - Brian McLaughlinResources Mentioned:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editinghttps://orion.com/thought-leader/brian-mclaughlinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/redtail/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Episode Highlight:00:09: Jason introduces the episode and guest Tanmai Sharma, CEO and Founder of Collation.AI. Understanding the company's mission illuminates the episode's focus on solving data integration and workflow challenges in financial services through advanced AI technologies.04:29: Sharma underscores the flexibility and scalability of their solution compared to traditional methods, which often rely on manual data management. This part of the conversation emphasizes the efficiency and accuracy benefits of using AI and bots for data synchronization tasks.08:54: The role of artificial intelligence in enhancing data management and user interaction with Collation.AI's platform is discussed. Sharma elaborates on how AI aids in analyzing unstructured data and simplifying interactions through moderated conversations with a chatbot. 11:11: Discussing the future vision for Collation.AI and the broader Fintech sector, Sharma speculates on the move towards data standardization. This future direction promises to further streamline data handling across platforms, potentially revolutionizing how financial data is managed and utilized. 14:36: Sharma reflects on his professional journey and the evolution of Collation.AI. His insights provide a personal perspective on the challenges and opportunities in leveraging technology to solve complex data issues in the Fintech domain.Key Points:The integration of AI and bot technology in managing financial data can significantly reduce the complexity and enhance the efficiency of data workflows.Collaboration between technology providers and financial professionals is key to addressing the ongoing challenges of data integration, accuracy, and utilization. The journey of adapting advanced technologies in traditional sectors like finance underscores the importance of experience, knowledge, and continuous innovation in solving industry-wide problems.Tweetable Quotes:"It should be a criminal offense to have the data and not use it correctly." - Tanmai Sharma"We're not competing with anyone; our competitor is a human being. Our solution is in a very different zip code." - Tanmai Sharma "Every customer gets a separate data warehouse...it's easier, cheaper, faster, more reliable." - Tanmai SharmaMentioned Resources:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tanmai-sharma-9b1777/https://collation.ai/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.Episode Highlights:00:10: Jason introduces the episode and guest, Jim Sinai, the Chief Marketing Officer at Vanilla. Vanilla is spotlighted as a pioneering online estate advisory platform, aimed at fostering deeper connections between advisors and clients through estate planning.02:52: Jason reflects on the traditional shortcomings of estate planning in the advisory industry and how Vanilla fills this gap by creating a definitive value proposition for clients.06:28: Jim outlines the typical workflow for clients using Vanilla, illustrating how the platform empowers advisors to offer personalized and impactful estate planning experiences, from initial assessments to executing updated estate plans. 09:38: The destructive potential of poorly organized estates on family harmony is discussed, underscoring the value of thoughtful estate planning facilitated by Vanilla's platform. 11:31: Sinai details the "last mile" of estate planning with Vanilla, explaining how clients come to realize the discrepancies between their current estate plans and their intentions, leading to necessary adjustments or complete overhauls of their documents. 15:05: Jim highlights how Vanilla also serves as a bridge to engage the next generation in estate planning, addressing the common issue of heirs departing from their parents' advisors. 17:24: Jason wraps up the interview by exploring the broader aspirations within the industry and the challenges Vanilla faces in encouraging more advisors to prioritize estate planning in their practice.Key Points:Vanilla is pioneering a shift in estate advisory, focusing on the relationship and conversation between advisor and client rather than just the documents. Effective estate planning can significantly impact family harmony and legacy, addressing concerns beyond simple wealth distribution. The platform engages not only the current generation but also future heirs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to family wealth and legacy planning. Advisors using Vanilla report transformative experiences in client engagement, highlighting the platform's ability to visualize and simplify complex estate planning concepts.Tweetable Quotes:"Vanilla is changing the narrative around estate planning from documents to discussions." - Jim Sinai "Estate planning done right is about building relationships that go deeper than money." - Jim Sinai"Every family has a legacy. Vanilla helps define and protect it for generations." - Jim Sinai Resources Mentioned:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jimsinai/https://www.justvanilla.com/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.Episode Highlights:00:10 - Introduction to the podcast. Jason Pereira, the host, welcomes listeners to the show and introduces Larry Shumbres, CEO, and founder of Archive Intel. The discussion sets the stage for a deep dive into the significance of AI-powered compliance in the financial sector. 00:33 - Larry expresses gratitude for the opportunity to discuss Archive Intel on the podcast, highlighting the importance of sharing knowledge on compliance solutions. 00:35 - The inception story of Archive Intel. Larry narrates how conversations with investment advisors and broker dealers highlighted the need for a modern compliance archiving solution, leading to the establishment of Archive Intel. 01:42 - Archive Intel's value proposition. Larry outlines how the platform is designed to streamline the archiving of communications across emails, social media, and texting, using AI to drive efficiency and reduce compliance risks. 02:31 - Addressing the limitations of previous solutions. The conversation shifts to the problems with existing compliance archiving solutions, such as siloed products and the labor-intensive review process, setting the context for Archive Intel's integrated approach.05:24 - Focusing on the financial industry. Larry discusses the strategic decision to cater exclusively to the financial sector, improving user experience and efficiency by narrowing the platform's focus. 06:10 - Artificial Intelligence in Archive Intel. Larry dives into how AI is used to streamline processes, reduce false positives, and enhance the review process, underscoring the company's forward-thinking approach. 10:42 - Evolution of Archive Intel and AI models. Larry shares insights into the development journey of Archive Intel's AI capabilities, highlighting the iterative process of improvement. Key Points:The advent of AI in compliance represents a pivotal shift towards more efficient and less error-prone processes.Intel's use of AI to handle compliance tasks signals a significant advancement in the field.Specializing in a niche area, like the financial sector, allows for deeper understanding and better solutions for industry-specific challenges.Tweetable Quotes:"Building AI solutions is like teaching a child to walk or talk; it takes time and adjustment." - Larry"Let users communicate on their preferred channels and focus on effectively archiving those communications." - Larry "AI in compliance is not just about automation; it's about elevating the entire compliance process to new standards of efficiency and precision." - LarryResources Mentioned:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/larryshumbres/https://archiveintel.com/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.Episode Highlights:00:11: Jason Pereira welcomes Rick Scruggs and gives an overview of Rick's extensive experience in the financial sector, particularly in serving family business owners and professionals. This sets the stage for a discussion on scaling advisory practices through valuable propositions and technological advancements.02:33: Rick highlights the universal truth of mortality and the significance of financial planning and goal-setting to secure a prosperous future for oneself and their dependents.07:57: The dialogue touches on the importance of having a strategic business plan and annual reports from advisors to align key employees with the business owner's vision and goals.13:35: The conversation shifts towards the role of technology in Rick's business. He shares his philosophy on using technology as a tool to provide solid, reliable information that can be shared with a client's entire advisory team.16:45: Rick outlines the structure of his team and describes the collaborative nature of his business model, highlighting the importance of teamwork in providing comprehensive services to clients.18:13: A specific technology tool, Value Compass, is discussed as an example of how technology can help business owners understand the valuation of their business and identify areas for improvement.22:38: Looking towards the future, Rick shares his vision for leveraging technology like AI and digital communication tools to grow his business and serve more family business owners across the country.27:36: The episode wraps up with Rick expressing what motivates him, focusing on seeing his clients achieve their dreams and impacting their lives positively.Key Takeaways:The power of mentorship and asking the right questions can significantly influence personal and professional growth. Effective financial planning and goal-setting are crucial for securing a prosperous future, acknowledging the inevitability of mortality.Rick Scruggs' approach to integrating technology with a client centred, collaborative business model provides a blueprint for future-forward financial advising.Tweetable Quotes:"We're all here for a short visit on the blue planet. Make a conscious choice on how you're going to live it." - Rick"Nobody wants a drill; they want a one-eighth inch hole. That's how we have to apply technology." - Rick"Teams win games, but a strong defence wins championships. Apply both to your business strategy." - RickResources Mentioned:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorPodcast Editinghttps://www.financialdesigns.com/ https://www.rickscruggs.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-scruggs-clu-chfc-c-k-p%C2%AE-5257a729/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.