USF Sarasota-Manatee, Northwestern Mutual to Host ‘FinTech 2020’ Financial Technology Conference

The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee and Northwestern Mutual will explore artificial intelligence, Big Data, cybersecurity, blockchain and other cutting-edge technologies during an upcoming conference, FinTech 2020: Financial Services and the new Digital Economy, on Friday, Jan. 24, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail.

The one-day conference will examine existing and emerging digital technologies and their influence on financial services, from investment to backroom operations, and identify advances and other digital trends that are likely to play a dominant role in future investing. Visit usfsm.edu/featured-events/fintechconference/index.aspx to register.

“We are thrilled to provide the opportunity to foster discussion about some of the really exciting new technology that is already shaping the financial services sector and will continue to do so in the years to come,” said USF Sarasota-Manatee Regional Chancellor Karen A. Holbrook, PhD, who will welcome the speakers.

Among FinTech 2020’s topics are emerging technologies such as those below, which create unique challenges as investors and wealth managers work to adapt and prosper:

• Blockchain
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Machine Learning
• Digital Start-Ups
• Digital Regulation
• Crypto Assets
• Cybersecurity
• Risk Management
• Future Work Skills

Carol Grunberg, vice president of money movement and innovation at Northwestern Mutual, will deliver the keynote address and lead a lineup of financial and technology experts.

“Technology is impacting the way consumers interact with and manage their finances, and also providing new opportunities for the industry to leverage data and insights to create a more integrated and dynamic digital experience for clients,” Grunberg said. “Fintech 2020 will bring a range of global perspectives, such as insights from technology giants in the U.S. as well as abroad in China, to discuss how technology and innovation are shaping the future of financial services.”

Other speakers and panelists include:

• John Jorgensen, president and CEO, the Sylint Group
• Nick Wichert, senior director of strategic business development, Northwestern Mutual
• Rachel Wei West, CEO and founder, InfoAlliance LLC
• Thomas E. Becker, PhD, interim dean, the College of Business, USF Sarasota-Manatee
• Kiran Garimella, PhD, chief scientist and CTO, KoreConX; professor, USF
• Eddie Sanchez, PhD, professor of finance, USF Sarasota-Manatee
• Bhuvan Unhelkar, PhD, professor of information technology, USF Sarasota-Manatee
• Greg Smogard, PhD, assistant vice president of innovation and business development, USF Sarasota-Manatee

“This conference will appeal to anyone with an interest in digital technology and its impact on the financial sector, from bankers and wealth managers to the average investor who simply wants to learn more about technology and its influence on financial services,” Smogard said. “It should be an interesting and insightful conference.”

For more information or to register, visit usfsm.edu/featured-events/fintechconference/index.aspx.

To learn more about USF Sarasota-Manatee, visit usfsm.edu.