The Powered Top 25 · Vol IEditorial Selection · 2026

25.

Outstanding Fintech Leaders of 2026

An editorial selection by the editors of Powered Magazine.

Compiled byThe Editorial Board

FiledNew York · 2026

The cohort25 selected out of 2,700 profiles

SerialPortraitName & roleCompanyEditorial hook

S. 01

Nik StoronskyCo-Founder & CEO

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Revolut“Nikolay "Nik" Storonsky is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Revolut, one of the world's leading fintech companies transforming the way people manage money. Since launching the company in 2015, he has guided its evolution from a foreign exchange app into a global financial super app offering banking, payments, investing, savings, and business services to millions of customers worldwide. Before founding Revolut, Storonsky worked as a derivatives trader at Lehman Brothers and Credit Suisse, where he developed deep expertise in financial markets. His product-focused leadership and ambitious vision continue to position Revolut at the forefront of global financial innovation.”

S. 02

Arik ShtilmanCo-Founder & CEO

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Rapyd“Arik Shtilman is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rapyd, a global fintech company providing payment, payout, and financial services infrastructure to businesses worldwide. Since co-founding the company in 2016, he has led its transformation into one of the industry's leading fintech platforms, enabling organizations to integrate cross-border payments, digital wallets, card issuing, and embedded financial services through a single API. Before launching Rapyd, Shtilman founded ITNavigator, a communications technology company acquired by Avaya, and built a successful career in enterprise technology. His entrepreneurial leadership continues to drive innovation in global payments, financial infrastructure, and digital commerce.”

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S. 03

Leo MindyukCo-Founder & CEO

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ML Tech“Leo Mindyuk is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ML Tech, an institutional fintech company delivering AI-powered digital asset investment solutions for professional investors. Since co-founding the company in 2020, he has led its growth by combining quantitative trading, machine learning, and institutional-grade infrastructure to modernize crypto investing. Before launching ML Tech, Mindyuk built and led the digital assets trading desk at Blue Fire Capital and previously worked in quantitative trading and financial research at Consolidated Trading and McKinsey & Company. A graduate of MIT and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, he continues to advance innovation at the intersection of finance, artificial intelligence, and digital assets.”

S. 04

Bradley RissCo-CEO

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AppBrilliance Inc.“Bradley Riss is the Co-Chief Executive Officer of AppBrilliance, where he leads the company's mission to modernize digital payments through real-time bank transfers, open banking, and AI-powered payment infrastructure. He oversees strategy, partnerships, and commercial growth as AppBrilliance helps businesses leverage RTP and FedNow networks for faster, more secure money movement. Before joining AppBrilliance, Riss held senior leadership roles across the global payments and fintech industry, building expertise in digital commerce, embedded finance, blockchain, and financial technology platforms. Recognized for combining strategic vision with operational leadership, he continues to drive innovation in real-time payments and the evolving financial services ecosystem.”

S. 05

Laurie QuercioliStrategic Account Liaison

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Mortgage365“Laurie Quercioli is the Strategic Account Liaison at Mortgage365, where she helps mortgage lenders strengthen customer relationships through technology-driven lending solutions. Drawing on more than three decades of experience across mortgage lending, credit consulting, business development, and market research, she works closely with financial institutions to improve borrower engagement and long-term portfolio growth. Before joining Mortgage365, Quercioli founded Laurie Claire Credit Consulting, advising clients on credit optimization and financial wellness, while also holding leadership roles in healthcare, research, and business consulting. Her broad expertise in lending strategy, customer education, and relationship management continues to make her a respected voice in the mortgage technology industry.”

S. 06

Dr. Vinay NairFounder, CEO & Executive Chairman

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TIFIN“Dr. Vinay Nair is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Executive Chairman of TIFIN, an AI-powered fintech platform transforming wealth management through personalized financial intelligence. Since founding the company in 2018, he has led the development of innovative solutions that help financial institutions, advisors, and investors make more informed decisions using artificial intelligence. Before TIFIN, Dr. Nair founded 55ip, a tax-smart investing platform later acquired by JPMorgan Chase Asset Management. A former finance professor at The Wharton School, MIT, and Columbia University, he combines academic excellence with entrepreneurial leadership to advance the future of wealth technology and AI-driven financial services.”

S. 07

Bob WestChief Executive Officer

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CU*SOUTH“Bob West is the Chief Executive Officer of CU*SOUTH, a credit union service organization providing core processing technology and digital solutions to financial institutions across the United States. He leads the company's strategic direction, driving innovation that enables credit unions to modernize operations, enhance member experiences, and compete in an evolving financial landscape. West has spent more than three decades in the credit union industry, holding executive leadership roles focused on technology, operations, and organizational growth. Under his leadership, CU*SOUTH has expanded its technology offerings while maintaining a strong commitment to member-focused service, operational excellence, and collaborative innovation within the credit union community.”

S. 08

Dr. Pravinkumar BhandariFounder & CEO

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GlobPey“Dr. Pravinkumar Bhandari is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of GlobPey, a fintech company delivering digital payment, merchant acquiring, point-of-sale, and embedded financial solutions for businesses worldwide. He leads the company's vision to simplify payment acceptance through secure, scalable technologies that support merchants across the United States and international markets. Before founding GlobPey, Dr. Bhandari built an extensive career in financial technology, digital transformation, and IT leadership, holding senior roles across banking and payment organizations in Asia and North America. With expertise spanning fintech innovation, payment infrastructure, cybersecurity, and merchant services, he continues to advance modern, technology-driven financial ecosystems.”

S. 09

Matt PaulsonFounder & CEO

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MarketBeat“Matt Paulson is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MarketBeat, a financial media and market intelligence platform serving millions of investors with market news, analyst ratings, earnings data, and investment research. Since founding the company in 2011, he has led its growth into one of the most widely used independent financial information platforms for retail investors. Beyond MarketBeat, Paulson is an active entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist who supports education, entrepreneurship, and community development initiatives. His expertise in financial publishing, digital media, and technology-driven business growth continues to help investors make more informed decisions in today's dynamic financial markets.”

S. 10

Andy WhiteFounder & CEO

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Closinglock“Andy White is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Closinglock, a fintech company helping title companies, law firms, and real estate professionals securely manage payments and protect against wire fraud. Since founding the company in 2017, he has led the development of a platform that streamlines payment processing, identity verification, and fraud prevention throughout the real estate closing process. Before launching Closinglock, White built a career in software development and technology entrepreneurship, focusing on solutions that simplify complex financial transactions. Under his leadership, Closinglock has become a trusted partner for real estate professionals seeking secure, efficient, and technology-driven closing experiences.”

S. 11

Charlie OlsonChief Executive Officer

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Pando“Charlie Olson is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pando, a financial technology company helping founders diversify career risk through income pooling, founder peer groups, and innovative financial tools. He leads the company's strategic vision, focusing on building a financial ecosystem that enables ambitious entrepreneurs to share in one another's upside while gaining access to meaningful peer support and founder-focused liquidity solutions. Under Olson's leadership, Pando has developed a highly curated community of high-potential founders, combining financial innovation with collaborative networks designed to strengthen long-term entrepreneurial success. By aligning incentives among exceptional builders, Pando continues to redefine how founders manage uncertainty, build resilience, and create shared prosperity.”

S. 12

David SilversteinFounder & CEO

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Ned“David Silverstein is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ned, a fintech company helping lenders make smarter credit decisions through real-time cash flow intelligence and automated lending infrastructure. Since co-founding the company in 2021, he has led the development of a platform that enables financial institutions to improve underwriting, monitor portfolio risk, and expand access to capital for small businesses. Before launching Ned, Silverstein held leadership roles in strategy, operations, and business development, building expertise across financial services and technology. His customer-focused approach and commitment to modernizing commercial lending continue to drive innovation in data-powered financial infrastructure.”

S. 13

Justin FischerCEO & Co-Founder

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RiskScout“Justin Fischer is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of RiskScout, a RegTech company helping financial institutions modernize compliance, fraud prevention, and anti-money laundering operations through intelligent software solutions. Since co-founding the company, he has led its mission to simplify regulatory compliance while enabling banks and credit unions to confidently serve higher-risk industries. Before launching RiskScout, Fischer founded Launchy Consulting and held executive leadership roles at Q2 Software and Student Loan Genius, building extensive expertise in financial technology and banking operations. A recognized fintech leader and industry speaker, he continues to advance innovation in compliance technology, helping financial institutions strengthen risk management and accelerate digital transformation.”

S. 14

David LibmanFounder & CEO

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8CapAi“David Libman is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of 8CapAi, a fintech company leveraging artificial intelligence to help financial institutions automate underwriting, risk assessment, and lending decisions. He leads the company's vision of combining AI, predictive analytics, and financial data to create faster, more accurate credit evaluation processes for banks, lenders, and fintech organizations. Before founding 8CapAi, Libman built a career spanning financial services, technology, and entrepreneurship, developing solutions that improve operational efficiency and customer outcomes. His expertise in artificial intelligence, financial innovation, and digital transformation continues to drive the evolution of smarter, data-driven lending technologies.”

S. 15

Houston FraleyFounder, CVO & CEO

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Symple Lending“Houston Fraley is the Founder, Chief Visionary Officer, and Chief Executive Officer of Symple Lending, a fintech company focused on helping consumers overcome financial challenges through innovative debt resolution and lending solutions. He leads the company's long-term strategy, product innovation, and organizational growth while advancing technology-driven approaches to personal finance. Fraley has built his career around entrepreneurship, financial services, and consumer advocacy, with a passion for simplifying complex financial decisions and improving access to responsible financial solutions. Under his leadership, Symple Lending continues to expand its digital platform, empowering individuals to regain financial stability and achieve long-term financial wellness through personalized support and technology.”

S. 16

Dean SchafferChief Executive Officer

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Lightkeeper“Dean Schaffer is the Chief Executive Officer of Lightkeeper, a fintech company delivering investment accounting, reporting, and portfolio management solutions for institutional investors and asset managers. He leads the company's strategic direction, overseeing innovation that helps financial organizations improve operational efficiency, data accuracy, and regulatory compliance. Schaffer brings more than three decades of leadership experience across financial technology, enterprise software, and investment operations. Throughout his career, he has focused on helping financial institutions modernize complex workflows through scalable technology solutions. Under his leadership, Lightkeeper continues to strengthen its position as a trusted provider of investment accounting technology for the global financial services industry.”

S. 17

Michael J. CavallaroCo-Founder & CEO

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Manifest Financial“Michael J. Cavallaro is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Manifest Financial, a fintech company helping financial institutions modernize lending, payments, and financial operations through innovative technology solutions. He leads the company's strategic vision, driving product development and partnerships that enable organizations to deliver more efficient, customer-centric financial services. Before co-founding Manifest Financial, Cavallaro built extensive experience across financial services, fintech, and business strategy, working with organizations focused on digital transformation and operational excellence. His expertise in financial technology, innovation, and enterprise growth continues to position Manifest Financial as a trusted partner for institutions seeking to navigate the future of financial services.”

S. 18

Mark SchackniesCo-Founder & CEO

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NFTYDoor“Mark Schacknies is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NFTYDoor, a fintech company transforming home equity lending through digital infrastructure and embedded financial technology. He leads the company's mission to simplify access to home equity products by connecting lenders, brokers, and borrowers through an efficient, technology-driven platform. Schacknies brings more than two decades of leadership experience in mortgage lending, fintech, and financial services, with a strong focus on innovation, strategic growth, and customer experience. Under his leadership, NFTYDoor continues to modernize the home equity ecosystem by streamlining lending processes, expanding access to capital, and improving transparency for consumers and financial institutions alike.”

S. 19

Tosin OsunsanyaFounder & CEO

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tappengine“Tosin Osunsanya is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of tappengine, a fintech company helping businesses streamline payments, embedded finance, and digital financial services through modern technology solutions. He leads the company's strategic vision, focusing on simplifying financial transactions while enabling organizations to deliver seamless payment experiences for customers worldwide. An entrepreneur with a background in financial technology, product development, and business innovation, Osunsanya has built tappengine around scalable, API-driven infrastructure designed for today's digital economy. His commitment to innovation, customer-centric design, and financial inclusion continues to position tappengine as an emerging player in the evolving global fintech ecosystem.”

S. 20

Garrett SmithFounder & CEO

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Community Capital Technology (CCT)“Garrett Smith is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Community Capital Technology (CCT), a fintech company modernizing commercial lending through digital loan origination, syndication, and portfolio management solutions. He leads the company's mission to help banks, credit unions, and financial institutions streamline lending operations while improving collaboration and access to capital. Before founding CCT, Smith built extensive experience in commercial banking, structured finance, and financial technology, giving him deep insight into the challenges facing institutional lenders. Under his leadership, CCT continues to deliver innovative, cloud-based solutions that increase efficiency, enhance transparency, and accelerate digital transformation across commercial lending.”

S. 21

Tal ShaharFounder & CEO

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Atlas Invest“Tal Shahar is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Invest, a fintech company focused on expanding access to institutional-quality investment opportunities through technology-driven wealth management solutions. He leads the company's strategy, product innovation, and business growth, helping investors access diversified portfolios with greater transparency and efficiency. Before founding Atlas Invest, Shahar built extensive experience in financial services, investment management, and technology, working across capital markets and digital finance. His entrepreneurial leadership has centered on combining sophisticated investment strategies with intuitive digital platforms, enabling individuals and institutions to make more informed financial decisions while advancing innovation in the global wealth management industry.”

S. 22

Justin WhaleyChief Executive Officer

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FinTech Payments“Justin Whaley is the Chief Executive Officer of FinTech Payments, where he leads the company's mission to simplify payment processing and financial technology solutions for businesses across multiple industries. He oversees strategic growth, product innovation, and partner development, helping organizations adopt secure, efficient payment technologies that improve customer experiences and operational performance. Whaley brings extensive experience in payment processing, merchant services, and business leadership, with a strong focus on delivering scalable financial solutions for growing enterprises. Under his leadership, FinTech Payments continues to expand its technology offerings while enabling businesses to navigate the rapidly evolving digital payments landscape with confidence and efficiency.”

S. 23

Recom McCambryFounder, President & CEO

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Novae“Recom McCambry is the Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Novae, a fintech company dedicated to expanding financial opportunities through innovative technology, credit education, and business solutions. Since founding the company, he has led its growth with a mission to help individuals and entrepreneurs build stronger financial futures through accessible financial products and digital services. McCambry is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and business strategist with extensive experience in financial services, direct sales, and leadership development. Under his leadership, Novae has grown into a nationally recognized financial technology company focused on empowering consumers through financial inclusion, education, and entrepreneurship.”

S. 24

John PerezChief Executive Officer

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Unified A/R“John Perez is the Chief Executive Officer of Unified A/R, a fintech company specializing in accounts receivable management, payment processing, and revenue cycle solutions for businesses and healthcare organizations. He leads the company's strategic direction, driving innovation that helps clients improve cash flow, automate collections, and enhance customer payment experiences. Perez brings extensive executive leadership experience in financial services, receivables management, and operational transformation, with a strong focus on leveraging technology to solve complex business challenges. Under his leadership, Unified A/R continues to expand its suite of intelligent financial solutions, enabling organizations to streamline receivables operations while strengthening financial performance and customer satisfaction.”

S. 25

Laurel TaylorFounder & CEO

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Candidly“Laurel Taylor is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Candidly, a fintech company transforming the way individuals manage student debt and build long-term financial wellness. She leads the company's mission to help employers, financial institutions, and consumers improve financial outcomes through personalized student loan repayment, savings, and education solutions. Before founding Candidly in 2016, Taylor held leadership roles in higher education finance and public policy, gaining extensive experience in student lending and financial access. Her innovative leadership has positioned Candidly as a trusted platform that empowers millions of Americans to navigate education financing and achieve greater financial security.”