Season 1 | Episode 5
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In a world where financial stability can be hard to find for many Americans, Vestwell is revolutionizing the way the financial services industry at large thinks about the American savings gap. In this episode of “Growth Leaders of Wealth Management,” we delve into the remarkable journey of Vestwell, a fintech that has managed to achieve unicorn status in just seven years while amassing over 1.1 million savers. With insights from multiple Vestwell stakeholders, we explore the solutions and partnerships that have positioned them as a leader in the fintech space.
According to Founder and CEO Aaron Schumm, Vestwell was born from a desire to help address the American savings gap by making it easier for advisors to serve business retirement plans without taking on all the fiduciary responsibilities. Vestwell’s mission is to empower advisors to provide guidance, thereby creating a more efficient and effective system for both businesses and employees, and making 401(k) plans more accessible for small businesses. While they began with an emphasis on retirement savings, the company has evolved to also incorporate state-sponsored programs like 529 plans, ABLE accounts, and Auto IRAs, according to Doug Magnolia, Chief Customer Officer and President of Vestwell State Savings.
Vestwell’s growth is the result of innovation, strategic partnerships, and a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. First, they’ve truly revolutionized 401(k) administration through configurable technology and strategic partnerships. Then, collaborations with major advisory firms like Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan were pivotal in expanding their reach and efficiency. Schumm also reflects on the challenges and triumphs of building their own record keeper, a key step in Vestwell’s growth journey. Finally, winning state savings plan contracts was pivotal, showcasing their ability to expand the aperture of savings.
We also discuss Vestwell’s tech-enabled approach to financial wellness and education. The company caters to underserved markets by integrating multiple savings and investment tools into a seamless platform. Personalized guidance is offered through AI-driven chatbots, making financial planning more accessible and less daunting for employees. The result? Employees are empowered to manage their finances better and learn how to make informed decisions for their financial future.
Looking toward the future, Board Director Logan Allin outlines Vestwell’s ambitious growth plans that could potentially involve major tech players like Apple, plans to expand their product lineup, plus taking the company public in the coming years. Our conversation underscores the company’s mission to close the savings gap in America while positioning itself for continued success and expansion.
Key takeaways
- You don’t have to go up-market to find a profitable audience. As a fintech company, Vestwell serves traditional financial customers and the mass affluent market, but they achieved unicorn status by focusing on the customers that are typically ignored by the industry – people like low-to-mid income savers or those who are new to saving entirely.
- Clarity in message and mission matters – especially when the product and its delivery are somewhat complex. Vestwell’s mission to address the American savings gap is clear, which serves to energize their staff by giving meaning to their work. It also taps into an underserved market and attracts new partners to their services.
- Consumer education creates demand – when it’s done right. Improving the financial literacy of consumers and businesses is core to who Vestwell is. By blending fintech and ed-tech, they empower savers to make better, more informed saving decisions.
Connect with us:
- Meg Carpenter on Linkedin
- Aaron Schum on LinkedIn
- Doug Magnolia on LinkedIn
- Logan Allin on LinkedIn
- Lori Hardwick on LinkedIn
About Ficomm Partners
Ficomm Partners is the embedded growth partner for results-driven RIAs, and wealth management platforms. With a track record of helping over 250 clients achieve their growth goals, Ficomm understands that while industry patterns may repeat, each firm's growth challenges are unique. Ficomm prioritizes strategy and finds the most impactful ways to move you toward your goals. We align all your marketing activities with your business objectives, acting as your dedicated growth partner with our human-first approach, strategy-first methodology, and unrivaled team of industry marketing experts.