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 wit...
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 Is
A clear definition that holds up in portfolios and policy, distinguishing finance‑adjacent tech from true FinTech.
The FinTech Map
Verticals 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 GFC
How 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 Horizon
What is driving adoption today, what’s realistic, and why quantum could matter over a five‑to‑ten‑year window.
Blockchain Beyond Crypto
Pragmatic applications like secured lending and collateral tracking that improve market plumbing and controls.
Inclusion and Risk
The promise and pitfalls of alternative data and AI in credit, including proxy variables and fairness challenges for regulators.
Teaching and Purpose
Bridging industry and classroom to build in‑demand skills and create day‑one value in finance.
Why It Matters for Sophisticated Investors
Purposeful 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.
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Disclaimer
The 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.
