Defining FinTech with Michael Imerman, Ph.D. | Treussard Talks (E10) Join Jonathan Treussard, Ph.D. for a thoughtful conversation with Michael Imerman, Ph.D. — Professor of Finance at UC Irvine and author of The Economics of FinTech (2025). They define what truly counts as FinTech, map the ecosystem across verticals and horizontals, trace the post‑GFC innovation cycle, and separate durable signal from hype across AI, cloud, and blockchain. They also explore inclusion, alternative data, and fairness in credit decisions, and close with teaching, purpose, and the skills that create day‑one value in finance. Key Highlights What FinTech Really IsA clear definition that holds up in portfolios and policy, distinguishing finance‑adjacent tech from true FinTech. The FinTech MapVerticals from payments, digital banking, lending, and digital wealth to PropTech and InsurTech. Horizontals like risk, valuation, and regulation. Enablers include AI, cloud, distributed ledgers, and a forward look at quantum computing. After the GFCHow cycles of hype, shock, and regulation shift risk and activity, and why technology firms moved from vendors to direct financial service providers. AI’s Breakout and Quantum’s HorizonWhat is driving adoption today, what’s realistic, and why quantum could matter over a five‑to‑ten‑year window. Blockchain Beyond CryptoPragmatic applications like secured lending and collateral tracking that improve market plumbing and controls. Inclusion and RiskThe promise and pitfalls of alternative data and AI in credit, including proxy variables and fairness challenges for regulators. Teaching and PurposeBridging industry and classroom to build in‑demand skills and create day‑one value in finance. Why It Matters for Sophisticated InvestorsPurposeful wealth management demands context. Understanding how technology, incentives, and regulation reshape intermediation and credit helps investors separate durable innovation from “solutions in search of a problem,” position capital with prudence, and stay aligned with long‑term goals. Subscribe to Wealth, Empowered — practical, candid insight at the intersection of technology, markets, and purposeful wealth management. Built for operators, founders, and families who want clarity and control.Subscribe: https://wealth-empowered.beehiiv.com DisclaimerThe content of Treussard Talks is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed are those of Jonathan Treussard and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Treussard Capital Management or its affiliates. Listeners should consult their own financial advisors before making investment decisions. Visit www.treussard.com for additional disclaimers.