Fintech
XY Planning Network Announces Finalists for its 4th Annual Advisor FinTech Competition
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XY Planning Network (XYPN) announced today that six finalists have been selected to compete in its 4th annual FinTech Competition on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 during XYPN’s annual conference, #XYPNLIVE in St. Louis, Missouri. XYPN’s FinTech Competition provides start-up advisor technology firms focused on improving the delivery of financial planning services to Gen X and/or Gen Y clients with a venue to showcase their innovative solutions to the financial advisory industry. This year’s competition, which drew nearly 30 company submissions, is sponsored by the 2016 FinTech Competition winner, Snappy Kraken.
At this year’s conference, the finalists will introduce and promote their tech offerings in front of a full audience and a panel of expert judges, including technology guru Bill Winterberg of FPPad and Michael Kitces, co-founder of XYPN. The six 2019 finalists include:
- Altruist: Altruist is a digitally native RIA custodial platform that allows RIA firms to run their businesses entirely online, thereby helping advisors do their best work with less effort. The platform enables advisors to open client accounts through the Altruist mobile app, build and trade model portfolios with no commissions or AUM fees, and offer clients ETFs and equities with AI-powered tax sophistication, rebalancing, and fractional shares.
- Anvil: Anvil converts document-based processes into simple online workflows, allowing advisors to gather client information once and use Anvil to pre-fill important paperwork. Designed to limit the time advisors spend copy and pasting information, Anvil allows them to use that time to service their clients.
- College Aid Pro: Created by Capstone College Partners and College Funding Services, College Aid Pro helps advisors work with their clients to plan for and manage their future and current college tuition payments. Advisors can use College Aid Pro to model relevant information in 10-15 minutes that forecasts financial aid packages for all four years of schooling at over 2,000 colleges, allowing the advisors to develop and deliver holistic college planning advice.
- Holistiplan: Holistiplan is a tool that can read a tax return and provide advisors with a two-page client-ready report that includes helpful metrics and potential planning observations. The initial iteration of this platform will focus on evaluating 2018 tax returns to generate planning ideas for clients. Future versions of Holistiplan will focus on reading and analyzing insurance documents, including P&C declaration pages.
- Knudge: Knudge is a shared to-do list platform for advisors and their clients that provides information on what tasks have been completed by each party, and sends automated reminders for outstanding items. Designed to increase accountability, Knudge ensures that clients are tackling their action items so the advice delivered by their financial advisor can be properly implemented.
- NEXA Insights: NEXA Insights is a client survey tool enabling advisors to access insights from their clients in a non-threatening, non-intimidating manner. The platform guides advisors through the survey development process and enables them to distribute the survey to clients and gather feedback in a quick and simple fashion.
“The XYPN FinTech Competition is truly an embodiment of the Network’s core mission to support and encourage the innovation of new solutions to help our advisors better serve next gen clients. It is unbelievably rewarding to support these solutions and we hope to see substantial impact in the industry’s ability to bring real financial planning expertise to the next generation,” says Alan Moore, CEO and co-founder of XY Planning Network.
“This year’s competition at #XYPNLIVE will give these creative advisor FinTech companies the opportunity to showcase their innovations, and get the visibility and early adopters they need to survive and thrive as startups,” adds Michael Kitces, co-founder of XY Planning Network and publisher of the Nerd’s Eye View blog, which covers advisor FinTech developments. “We’re proud to help advance FinTech innovation in the financial advisor industry by providing XY Planning Network as a launchpad to help new FinTech firms get launched.”
This year’s winner, selected by the FinTech Competition judges at #XYPNLIVE, will be profiled and announced in a press release by PR agency FiComm Partners. Additionally, the winning firm will be featured in an exclusive interview on #XYPNRadio, with a dedicated XY Planning Network blog post, as well as an article on Kitces.com and a promotional video and feature on FPPad.com by Bill Winterberg. Past winners of XYPN’s FinTech Competition include digital onboarding tool Mineral Interactive, which has since been acquired by Carson Group, digital 401(k) provider Vestwell, and digital marketing firm Snappy Kraken.
“Technology is changing the game for advisors and the way they run their practices. The XYPN FinTech Competition embodies this by providing technology vendors the opportunity to showcase how advisors can become more efficient and solve the pain points they are facing,” said Jud Mackrill, Mineral Co-Founder and Carson Group CMO. “#XYPNLIVE is a unique event allowing advisors and technology vendors to come together to discuss the issues plaguing advisors today which vendors are aiming to solve for tomorrow.”
SOURCE XY Planning Network
As we close out 2024, the fintech industry continues to deliver headlines that underscore its dynamism and innovation. From IPO aspirations to groundbreaking regulatory milestones, today’s updates highlight the transformative power of fintech partnerships, regulatory evolution, and disruptive technologies. Here’s what you need to know.
Chime’s Quiet Step Toward Public Markets
Chime, the U.S.-based financial technology startup best known for its digital banking services, has taken a significant step by filing confidential paperwork for an initial public offering (IPO). As one of the most valuable private fintechs in the U.S., Chime’s move could potentially signal a renewed appetite for fintech IPOs in a market that has been cautious following fluctuating valuations across the tech sector.
With a valuation that reportedly exceeded $25 billion in its last funding round, Chime’s IPO could set a new benchmark for the industry. Observers note that its strong customer base and revenue growth may make it an appealing choice for investors seeking to capitalize on the digital banking boom. However, the timing and success of the IPO will depend on broader market conditions and the regulatory landscape.
Source: Bloomberg
ZBD’s Pioneering Achievement: EU MiCA License Approval
ZBD, a fintech company specializing in Bitcoin Lightning network solutions, has made history by becoming the first to secure an EU MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) license. This landmark approval by the Dutch regulator positions ZBD at the forefront of compliant crypto-fintech operations in Europe.
MiCA, which aims to harmonize the regulatory framework for crypto-assets across the EU, has been a focal point for industry players aiming to establish legitimacy and expand their offerings. ZBD’s achievement not only validates its operational rigor but also sets a precedent for other fintech firms navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.
Industry insiders view this as a strategic advantage for ZBD as it broadens its footprint in Europe. By leveraging its regulatory approval, the company can accelerate its product deployment and establish trust with institutional and retail users alike.
Source: Coindesk, PR Newswire
The Fintech-Credit Union Synergy: A Blueprint for Innovation
The convergence of fintechs and credit unions continues to reshape the financial services ecosystem. Collaborative initiatives, such as the one highlighted in the recent partnership between fintech innovators and credit unions, are proving to be a potent force in delivering tailored financial solutions.
This “dream team” approach allows credit unions to leverage fintech’s technological expertise while maintaining their community-focused ethos. Key areas of collaboration include digital payments, personalized financial management tools, and enhanced loan processing capabilities. These partnerships not only enhance member engagement but also enable credit unions to remain competitive in an increasingly digital-first financial environment.
Industry analysts emphasize that such collaborations underscore a broader trend of traditional financial institutions embracing fintech-driven solutions to bridge service gaps and foster innovation.
Source: PYMNTS
Tackling Student Loan Debt: A Fintech’s Mission
Student loan debt remains a pressing issue for millions of Americans, and a Rochester-based fintech aims to offer relief through its cloud-based platform. This innovative solution is designed to simplify loan management and provide borrowers with actionable insights to reduce their debt burden.
The platform’s features include repayment optimization tools, personalized financial education, and seamless integration with loan servicers. By addressing the complexities of student loan management, this fintech is empowering borrowers to make informed decisions and achieve financial stability.
As the student loan crisis continues to evolve, solutions like this highlight the critical role fintech can play in addressing systemic financial challenges while fostering financial literacy and inclusion.
Source: RBJ
Industry Implications and Takeaways
Today’s updates underscore several key themes shaping the fintech landscape:
- Regulatory Milestones: ZBD’s MiCA license approval exemplifies the importance of regulatory compliance in unlocking growth opportunities.
- Strategic Partnerships: The collaboration between fintechs and credit unions demonstrates the value of combining technological innovation with traditional financial models to drive customer-centric solutions.
- Market Opportunities: Chime’s IPO move reflects a potential revival in fintech public offerings, signaling confidence in the sector’s long-term prospects.
- Social Impact: Fintech’s ability to tackle systemic issues, such as student loan debt, showcases its role as a force for positive change.
The post Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Chime, ZBD, MiCA) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Leading global payments platform SPAYZ.io has confirmed it will be attending iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 on 14 to 16 January. Exhibiting at Stand 64 at Trade Centre Dubai, SPAYZ.io’s team of professionals will be on hand providing live demonstrations of its renowned payment services for payment providers. Attendees will also receive exclusive insight into SPAYZ.io’s plans for 2025 alongside early early access to its upcoming plans for the new year.
SPAYZ.io delivers a host of payment solutions that leverage the latest technological innovations and open access to the fastest growing emerging markets across Africa, Europe and Asia. Over the past year, there has been huge demand for its Open Banking and local payment method services, alongside bank transfers, mass payouts, online banking and e-wallets.
Yana Thakurta, Head of Business Development at SPAYZ.io commented: “We look forward to once again participating at iFX Dubai to expand our network of partners and clients. It’s a fantastic way to kick off the year, connecting with thousands of industry leaders from FOREX platforms to trading companies, and everything in between.
“Our key goal for iFX Dubai EXPO 2025 is to expand our portfolio of solutions and geographies. We’re using this as an opportunity to partner with like-minded entities who share our ambition to provide payment solutions that are truly global.”
Come meet SPAYZ.io’s team at the Trade Centre Dubai at Stand 64. You can also book a meeting slot with a member of a team.
The post SPAYZ.io prepares for iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Airtm, the most connected digital dollar account in the world, is proud to announce the addition of two distinguished industry leaders to its Board of Directors: Rafael de la Vega, Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane, and Shivani Siroya, CEO & Founder of Tala. These appointments reflect Airtm’s commitment to innovation and financial inclusion as the company enters its next phase of growth.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rafael and Shivani to Airtm’s Board of Directors,” said Ruben Galindo Steckel, Co-founder and CEO of Airtm. “Their unique perspectives and proven track records will be invaluable as we continue scaling our platform to empower individuals and businesses in emerging markets. Together, we’ll push the boundaries of financial inclusion and innovation to create a more connected and equitable global economy. Rafael and Shivani bring a wealth of experience and strategic insight that will strengthen Airtm’s mission to connect emerging economies with the global market.”
Rafael de la Vega, a seasoned leader in fintech global partnerships and technology innovation, is currently the Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane. With a proven track record of delivering scalable, impactful solutions at the intersection of fintech, innovation, and commerce, Rafael’s expertise will be pivotal as Airtm continues to grow. “Airtm has built a platform that breaks down barriers and opens up opportunities for people in emerging economies to connect to global markets. I am excited to contribute to its growth and help further its mission of fostering financial inclusion on a global scale,” said Rafael.
Shivani Siroya, CEO and Founder of Tala, is a pioneer in financial technology, renowned for empowering underserved communities through access to credit and essential financial tools. Her leadership in leveraging data-driven innovation aligns seamlessly with Airtm’s vision of creating more equitable financial opportunities. “Empowering underserved communities has always been at the core of my work, and Airtm’s mission resonates deeply with me. I’m thrilled to join the Board and work alongside such a dynamic team to expand access to financial tools that truly make a difference in people’s lives,” said Shivani.
The post Airtm Enhances Its Board of Directors with Two Strategic Appointments appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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