CT Tech Week featured a dynamic panel discussion on the current fintech landscape, highlighting the exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors in Connecticut.

The event, titled "State of Fintech," was hosted by Emily Goodman, Partner at FS Vector, and brought together a distinguished panel of experts to explore various fintech sectors, the US regulatory environment, and its impact on product development and investment strategies.

Host, Emily Goodman, a Partner at FS Vector, kicked off the panel by discussing the importance of regulatory and compliance strategies in fintech. With a career embedded in diverse fintech projects, Emily’s insights into the evolving landscape of digital assets provided a strong foundation for understanding the broader market dynamics. Her expertise spans payments, lending, cards, and digital assets, making her a well-regarded practitioner and thought leader in the fintech space.

Keith Styrcula, CEO and Founder of Glasstower Digital, highlighted the transformative potential of digital payments technology. Keith’s experience in pioneering structured investments at JPMorgan, Credit Suisse, and UBS, combined with his current work in the digital assets industry, provided attendees with a historical and forward-looking perspective on fintech innovations. His leadership in creating the Structured Products Association and his role in developing diverse financial products underscored the importance of innovation in financial engineering.

Jason Cabral, a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, emphasized the critical role of regulatory compliance in fostering a secure and trustworthy fintech environment. Representing a wide range of financial institutions, fintechs, and digital asset companies, Jason shared practical advice on navigating complex regulatory frameworks. His extensive experience in bank regulatory practice and consumer compliance offered valuable insights into the strategic considerations for fintech companies.

Jordan Lue of Connecticut Innovations brought a venture capitalist’s perspective to the discussion, focusing on how Connecticut Innovations supports tech startups through investment and mentorship. With a background in technology development and experience in evaluating tech company investment opportunities, Jordan discussed the practical challenges and opportunities facing fintech entrepreneurs. His insights into venture capital and startup growth were particularly relevant for those looking to secure funding and scale their businesses.

Frances Zelazny, Co-Founder & CEO of Anonybit, addressed the ethical considerations and privacy issues surrounding biometric data. As an advocate for consumer privacy and responsible data use, Frances highlighted the importance of building trust in fintech solutions. Her pioneering work in decentralized biometrics infrastructure provided a glimpse into the future of digital security and user privacy.

Event Highlights

The "State of Fintech" panel provided attendees with valuable insights into emerging trends, investment strategies, and the regulatory landscape affecting fintech development in Connecticut. Each panelist shared their unique expertise, contributing to a comprehensive exploration of the fintech sector's current and future state. Discussions ranged from the intricacies of regulatory compliance to the innovative use of digital assets and biometrics.

CT Tech Week continues to be a platform for fostering innovation and growth within Connecticut's tech ecosystem. The "State of Fintech" panel was a testament to the collaborative spirit and forward-thinking approach driving the state's tech industry. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of the fintech landscape and valuable connections to further their ventures.

Stay tuned for more events and updates from CT Tech Week, and continue to engage with Connecticut's vibrant tech community.

Image Sources: Melissa Olguin