Wharton FinTech Podcast

Zoey Tang sits down with Vinay Nair, founder and CEO of TIFIN, a fintech platform that drives personalization for wealth using AI and investment intelligence. TIFIN operates a collection of fully-owned subsidiaries in wealth and investments that are shaping the future of investor experience. Vinay was also the Founder and Chairman of 55ip, which was successfully sold to J.P. Morgan. As a serial entrepreneur and investor, Vinay was also a former finance faculty member of Wharton. His teaching focuses on venture capital, private equity, and entrepreneurship. He is also recognized as an expert in the areas of sustainable and responsible investing and has written “Investing for Change”, a book published in 2008 by Oxford University Press. In the episode, Vinay covers his journey from academics to entrepreneurship, how TIFIN is helping transform Wealth Management for consumers and financial advisors, and how TIFIN is pioneering in the space using Gen AI through partnership with incumbents.

Nate Gee hosts Anthony Scaramucci, Founder and Managing Partner of SkyBridge Capital, an alternative investment firm with a significant focus on digital assets. In this episode, they cover: - Anthony’s partnership with FTX and Sam Bankman-Fried - What led to FTX’s 30% stake in SkyBridge, and takeaways from FTX’s collapse - Risk-taking, facing criticism, and moving on from mistakes - Insights from Anthony’s time as White House Communications Director - Recent performance and the road ahead for SkyBridge - Bitcoin, other digital assets, and the future of money - Anthony’s macroeconomic and geopolitical concerns - SkyBridge’s SALT Conferences - And much more! About SkyBridge SkyBridge Capital is an alternative asset manager and investment advisor whose holdings include digital assets, public and private equity, and hedge funds. It was founded in 2005 by Anthony Scaramucci, also the founder and chairman of SALT, SkyBridge’s venture studio and networking forum covering public policy, finance, and technology. About Anthony Scaramucci Anthony Scaramucci is an investor and entrepreneur whose focus in recent years has included digital assets and related technology at SkyBridge Capital. Scaramucci has also worked in politics, most notably in a brief stint as the White House Communications Director for President Donald Trump in 2017. He was ranked among Cointelegraph’s most influential people in crypto and blockchain in 2022, and in 2016, he was listed among Worth Magazine's 100 most powerful people in global finance. Scaramucci has authored multiple books and speaks on CNBC, Bloomberg, and other media. Before founding SkyBridge, Scaramucci sold his prior investment business, Oscar Capital Management, to Neuberger Berman in 2001. He began his career at Goldman Sachs and holds a JD from Harvard Law School and a BA from Tufts University. For more FinTech insights, follow us on: WFT Medium: medium.com/wharton-fintech WFT Twitter: twitter.com/whartonfintech WFT Instagram: instagram.com/whartonfintech Nate’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-c-gee/

David Haber, a16z General Partner, discusses the outlook for fintech and his experiences as an operator, entrepreneur, and investor. He shares learnings from Bond Street, the importance of software, and his transition from VC to founder and CEO. They also explore opportunities in gaming and discuss the unique strategy of Kerry First.

Mark Fiorentino, partner at Index Ventures, discusses his journey into fintech and venture investing, his investment philosophy for companies in different stages, and his advice for founders in volatile times. They also explore the ongoing debate between San Francisco and New York City as fintech hubs, and the importance of risk management in the fintech market. Additionally, they share wine pairing recommendations.

Blythe Masters reflects on her career in financial services spanning three decades, discussing major mergers, market upheavals, and the transformative impact of AI on Motive Partners. She shares experiences of becoming a parent at a young age and the challenges of entrepreneurship in the fintech industry. Learn about Motive Partners' successful wealth creation opportunity and the potential of AI in the financial services industry.

Nikhil Lakhanpal, Co-Founder at Narmi, discusses creating a superior customer experience through API-driven digital banking. They cover segmenting and targeting customers, selling to risk-averse financial institutions, main competitors, and the future of the banking sector. Nikhil shares Narmi's short-term goals and envisions Narmi as the digital partner for financial institutions in 5 years.

John MacIlwaine, Co-Founder & CEO at Highnote, discusses the complexities of payments processing, Highnote's approach as an embedded platform, insights into their latest Credit Issuing product, the future of issuer processing, and their strategies for navigating the competitive fintech industry.

Jeremy Tsui, co-founder and CEO of Finley, discusses the inspiration behind Finley, trends in private credit, and the ways Finley helps companies manage their debt. He also shares his views on AI in fintech and his experience with Y Combinator and venture capital fundraising.

Stacy Greiner, DailyPay's COO, discusses the mission of providing employees with on-demand pay access. Topics include revenue model, competitive position, future of earned wage access, risk for employers falling behind, impact of wage compression in healthcare, and strategic priorities. Stacy also shares her journey to COO and offers career advice.

Rob Straathof, CEO of Liberis, discusses embedded finance and small business lending. Topics include Liberis' platform, business funding options, working with regulators, and the applications of GenAI in business. Rob also reflects on his career and emphasizes the importance of pursuing passion and building relationships.