ScratchWorks Puts Focus on Fintech At Barron’s Top Independent Advisors Summit

ORLANDO, FL, March 15, 2018 — ScratchWorks, a FinTech accelerator that connects tech startups with wealth management leaders to advance the digital transformation of the financial services industry, today announced the finalists in its FinTech startup competition. Three finalists will pitch their respective companies to the ScratchWorks founders during a live event at theinvite-only Barron’s Top Independent Advisors Summit.

Last October, ScratchWorks began accepting applications for FinTech companies seeking seed funding or early stage investments – the first FinTech accelerator of its kind in the wealth management industry. Three of those companies were invited to take the stage during today’s event at the Barron’s Summit and showcase their innovative technologies in front of a live audience. These finalists have the opportunity to receive funding offers on the spot, in addition to receiving exposure to top individuals and organizations in the financial services industry.

The three finalists participating in the ScratchWorks event are:

  • Snappy Kraken, a simple platform that combines and automates marketing, workflows, and operations.
  • Investment POD, a multi-strategy robo advisor offering automation that delivers both asset and strategy diversification.
  • CircleBlack, Inc., a mobile personal wealth management technology that can act as a “central hub” for advisors.

ScratchWorks was founded by five leaders of top wealth management and investment firms across the country. The group started meeting regularly more than 10 years ago to discuss and debate industry trends. As a result of their ongoing collaboration, they formed ScratchWorks to help discover and grow ideas in the FinTech space.

Michael Nathanson at Barron's ScratchWorks Resized 3.15.18

  • Michael J. Nathanson, Chairman, CEO, and President of The Colony Group
    “All of the ScratchWorks finalists are great examples of the forward-thinking solutions that advisors – and their clients – need.”
  • Marty Bicknell, CEO and President of Mariner Wealth Advisors
    “I can’t wait to hear from the finalists at the live event – after all, anything can happen. Not only will these firms make a big impact in the room, but in the industry as well.”
  • Richard M. Burridge, Jr., Founding Partner, CEO, and Chief Investment Officer of RMB Capital
    “ScratchWorks is all about opening doors and accelerating opportunities for FinTech firms to learn and grow.”
  • John D. Eadie, Founder and Managing Director of Covenant
    “Investor preferences are changing, and these FinTech companies underscore the power of technology to create a better client experience.”
  • Jon Jones, CEO of Brighton Jones
    “FinTech is the future, and ScratchWorks is an opportunity to embrace disruption that can elevate our industry.”

ScratchWorks is sponsored by Fidelity Clearing & Custody Solutions, eMoney Advisor, the University of Colorado (CU) Leeds School of Business, and Barron’s.

“It’s great to see wealth management firms taking a future-ready approach and helping to shape what the future of our industry will look like,” said David Canter, head of the registered investment advisor segment for Fidelity Clearing & Custody Solutions and moderator of the session. “These ScratchWorks finalists will be the firms that help advisors and investors achieve tomorrow’s goals.”

For more information about ScratchWorks, visit www.scratch.works.

Mariner Wealth Advisors, RMB Capital, Covenant, Brighton Jones, and The Colony Group are each an investment adviser registered with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration with the SEC does not imply any level of skill or training. For additional information about any of these registered investment advisers, including fees and services, you can visit the websites linked above or refer to the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov).

Fidelity Clearing & Custody Solutions® (“Fidelity”) is an independent company, unaffiliated with ScratchWorks. The information and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and in no way represent the advice, opinions, or recommendations of Fidelity. There is no form of legal partnership, agency affiliation, or similar relationship between Fidelity and the above financial advisors referenced in this announcement, nor is such a relationship created or implied by the information found herein. Fidelity Clearing & Custody Solutions and Fidelity Investments are registered service marks of FMR LLC. Fidelity Clearing & Custody Solutions® provides clearing, custody, or other brokerage services through National Financial Services LLC or Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Members NYSE, SIPC. 837193.1.0