Best Places to Work in Fintech 2022

June 1, 2022 9:00 AM

The Great Resignation is taking a heavy toll on employers, and the banking industry has not been immune to this.

Because of that, leaders in financial services might be able to learn a thing or two about creating an open and welcoming workplace from the winners of this year’s Best Places to Work in Fintech.

Fifty firms made the list this year with U.S. workforces ranging in size from just 15 employees at Moca Financial to more than 6,700 staff members at Jack Henry. The honorees boast a wide range of benefits that are appealing to workers. A handful of firms, including Ascent Funding, Wise and Alkami, encourage employees to recharge through paid sabbaticals and generous time off. Pipe, which provides financing to businesses based on their revenue, gives employees every Friday off during the summer.

Other companies offer health care options at no or little cost to employees or make significant contributions to retirement plans. Many of the fintechs have adopted policies that are popular with their staff. For instance, Mpower Financing, this year’s top fintech to work for, offers staff members multiple opportunities to give and receive feedback throughout the year. Corserv, which came in as the 10th-best fintech to work for, has always had a remote workforce, even before COVID-19. The founders believed this created greater autonomy.

The winners were selected through a two-part survey process, completed with the help of the Best Companies Group. The surveys measured employee satisfaction in addition to examining benefits and policies.

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San Francisco
CEO: Renaud Laplanche
No. of U.S. employees: 930
What it does: Provides consumer loans and banking products

Interesting fact: Every employee who has been with the company for at least a year participates in the stock incentive plan. As for cash compensation, there is a monthly incentive bonus program designed to drive excellence. Employees can earn the monthly bonuses based on performance metrics, such as production, compliance and customer satisfaction.

Unusual perk: The company has a Slack channel where coworkers can post cute pictures of their beloved pets.

Pictured: Employees participate in the Phoenix Pride festival.

Biz2Credit

New York
CEO: Rohit Arora
No. of U.S. employees: 119
What it does: Online lender to small businesses. A subsidiary, Biz2X, offers a SaaS business lending platform for banks.

Interesting fact: Employees receive a daily lunch credit to use on Seamless, an online food delivery app, and can utilize the office's fully stocked kitchen.

Unusual perk: Each year employees receive a monetary service award tied to the number of years they have worked at Biz2Credit. For instance, for the first year, workers are given $500, then $1,000 after two years, $3,000 for three years and so on.

Pictured: Employees have fun during a costume contest that included different categories, such as best-dressed up department and funniest costume.

Jack Henry & Associates

Monett, Missouri
CEO and chairman: David Foss
No. of U.S. employees: 6,754
What it does: Core banking provider

Interesting fact: To attract talent, Jack Henry posts job openings on platforms like Women Who Code and Disability IN. Managers are also open to hiring remote workers who are located throughout the U.S. The company even offers a business innovation group, called JHAnyWhere, for remote workers.

Unusual perk: The Dedication to Excellence Award is given to four winners each quarter for going above and beyond with their job performance. A rotating panel of judges selects the winners.

Pictured: Employees volunteer to pack 2,000 meals that were donated to Feeding America by attendees of the Jack Henry Annual Conference.

Bank OZK Labs

St. Petersburg, Florida
Managing director: Brian Smith
No. of U.S. employees: 36
What it does: In-house innovation lab for Bank OZK

Interesting fact: Bank OZK Labs focuses on the career advancement of employees and works to promote from within. This includes different resources for professional development and mentoring, such as access to Pluralsight, an online service that provides training and skills development. Less experienced employees are also paired with more senior team members who provide mentorship and support on more complex projects. And every month, the company holds an on-site event where employees have a chance to lead a 15- to 30-minute talk that covers a variety of topics, such as product demos.

Unusual perk: The company works to promote tight-knit comradery within its product development teams. This includes allowing the same core group of colleagues to work on difficult problems together over long periods. The firm has found that this strategy improves team morale and productivity due to a shared sense of purpose that develops over time.

Pictured: Employees gather outside of Bank OZK Innovation Labs’ headquarters in St. Petersburg, Florida.

PayTrace

Spokane Valley, Washington
Executive vice president of operations: Justin Goes
No. of U.S. employees: 57
What it does: Provides online payment software to merchants

Interesting fact: After a project is completed, PayTrace celebrates by surprising employees with personalized videos from celebrities requested through the service Cameo. PayTrace selects the celebrity based on the recipient’s interests and who they might enjoy getting a message from the most. They host a company-wide gathering to watch the videos together.

Unusual perk: Employees receive a $100 gift card to Amazon, a local restaurant or Target to help celebrate birthdays, weddings and birth or adoption of a child.

Pictured: Part of Paytrace’s marketing and independent software vendor teams represent the company at the SaaS Connect conference in San Francisco.

Expansion Capital Group

Sioux Falls, South Dakota
CEO: Vincent Ney
No. of U.S. employees: 70
What it does: Online lender to small businesses

Interesting fact: Employee incentives include on-site lunches for hitting certain milestones, prize and monetary giveaways and an annual holiday party to celebrate the year’s achievements.

Unusual perk: The company utilizes an outdoor entertainment area and patio with a grill for summer cookouts and celebrations. Employees can also enjoy the space during lunchtime and breaks.

Pictured: The winners of a group Halloween costume contest dressed up as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Facet Wealth

Baltimore
CEO: Anders Jones
No. of U.S. employees: 312
What it does: Provides financial planning app for individual investors

Interesting fact: Facet Wealth publishes an annual in-depth report on its diversity, equity and inclusion activities that’s provided to all employees. Workers are also invited to join a monthly DEI discussion group.

Unusual perk: Facet Wealth offers two pet health care insurance plans that employees can purchase. One plan includes 70% reimbursement for expenses incurred while the other covers half of the costs. Staff members pay a monthly premium that ranges from $28 to $126 per month, depending on the number of pets they insure.

Pictured: A few Facet Wealth employees meet up in Brooklyn, New York, to socialize.

Apiture

Wilmington, North Carolina
CEO: Chris Babcock
No. of U.S. employees: 258
What it does: Provides digital banking software to banks

Interesting fact: Apiture provides great health care benefits meant to minimize out-of-pocket costs for employees. This includes the company paying for the premium and deductible for employees' and their dependents' in-network medical care. The premium for employees and their dependents is covered for dental and vision care.

Unusual perk: The company has a voice feature that allows job candidates to record their names to ensure they are pronounced correctly.

Pictured: Employees enjoy a trip to Topgolf.

DataSeers

Alpharetta, Georgia
CEO: Adwait Joshi
No. of U.S. employees: 37
What it does: Provides software to banks and fintechs for onboarding clients, fighting fraud, maintaining compliance and marketing

Interesting fact: CEO Adwait Joshi founded DataSeers with the mission of fighting human trafficking. The company’s AI-driven software analyzes data from different financial institutions to detect human trafficking rings.

Unusual perk: The company celebrates the cultural diversity in the office. For example, to celebrate Holi day, a popular Hindu festival, the entire company celebrated by wearing traditional Indian clothing.

Pictured: Employees participate in last year’s holiday party.

Allied Payment Network

Fort Wayne, Indiana
CEO: Ralph Marcuccilli
No. of U.S. employees: 39
What it does: Provides payment technology to community banks and credit unions

Why it’s a great place to work: Allied Payment Network provides unlimited vacation days to employees.

Unusual perk: Allied uses Slack and other platforms to recognize employee accomplishments. It has integrated Bonusly, a recognition and rewards program, into several Slack channels, including the #TeamAllied channel. Each staff member who gets Bonusly points is publicly recognized on that channel with their specific accomplishments outlined for all to see.

Pictured: Employees from Allied Payment Network participate in the United Way’s Day of Caring in August by assisting residents in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Cross River

Fort Lee, New Jersey
CEO: Gilles Gade
No. of U.S. employees: 627
What it does: Provides banking platform for fintech firms

Interesting fact: Cross River partners with Sinai Schools, an organization that provides education for children and young adults with special needs. Students from the program intern at Cross River once a week.

Unusual perk: Male and female barbers provide free on-site haircuts twice a week.

Pictured: Employees celebrate Cross River’s 13th anniversary during a summer carnival at the company’s headquarters in Fort Lee, New Jersey.

Alkami

Plano, Texas
CEO: Alex Shootman
No. of U.S. employees: 669
What it does: Provides cloud-based mobile and digital banking technology

Interesting fact: The Alkami Be Well initiative focuses on the physical, emotional, intellectual, social and occupational health of employees.

Unusual perk: The company hosts a summer internship program called Alkamist in the Making. It’s designed to provide opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to obtain hands-on work experience. For Alkami, it provides mentorship opportunities for its leaders and creates a pipeline of potential future hires.

Pictured: Alkami’s employees gather together.

Nymbus

Jacksonville, Florida
Chairman and CEO: Jeffery Kendall
No. of U.S. employees: 257
What it does: A software-as-a-service company focused on core banking for new digital-only brands

Why it’s a great place to work: Nymbus works with the Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Fellowship Program through the U.S Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The six-week program provides professional training, networking and hands-on experience with the hope of matching an employer with a potential new hire. The company has participated in the program since October and has hired two full-time employees.

Unusual perk: The Nymbus Awards recognize employees who are making significant contributions to the company and are an inspiration to their coworkers. Four to six winners are selected every quarter. They receive recognition in front of the entire company, a Nymbus Awards plaque and $2,500 in cash.

Pictured: The marketing and labs team get together in Austin, Texas, to celebrate some accomplishments.

Smiley Technologies

Little Rock, Arkansas
President and CEO: Elizabeth Glasbrenner
No. of U.S. employees: 64
What it does: Provides core banking modernization services

Interesting fact: President and CEO Elizabeth Glasbrenner will reward employees who have been recognized by their peers for good performance and demonstrating the company’s core values with a handwritten note and gift card.

Unusual perk: If remote workers can’t participate in a holiday party, the company sends them restaurant gift cards so they can purchase similar food served at the event. They can also tune in through Microsoft Teams.

Pictured: Employees participate in an ugly sweater party in December.

Praxent

Austin, Texas
CEO: Tim Hamilton
No. of U.S. employees: 34
What it does: Provides user experience design for fintechs and banks

Interesting fact: The company hosts a weekly “practice snack" where an employee or a guest will deliver a presentation. When an employee presents, it’s usually a demonstration of a client project they have been working on. Guest speakers from one of the company’s five verticals — banking, lending, fintech, wealth and insurance — may also provide information on their area of expertise.

Unusual perk: Praxent added five more paid days off during COVID-19 to promote employee wellness. Now employees in the U.S. receive 15 days of paid time off plus an extra day for their work anniversary, five wellness days, nine federal holidays and the days between Christmas Eve to the day after New Year's Day.

Pictured: Employees help build a home for Habitat for Humanity, which Praxent supports each year.

VizyPay

Waukee, Iowa
CEO: Austin Mac Nab
No. of U.S. employees: 68
What it does: Provides credit card payment processing to small businesses

Interesting fact: Each year, the company gives out a People's Choice Award to an employee during its annual holiday party. The winner is voted on by their peers based on work ethic and positive attitude and receives a custom-engraved glass award.

Unusual perk: VizyPay hosts an annual puppy day where it donates to a local animal shelter. The shelter then brings puppies to the office for a cuddle break for employees. It’s one of the company’s favorite traditions, and employees have been known to adopt dogs after the visit.

Pictured: VizyPay employees participate in a bowling fundraiser for Blank Children's Hospital hosted by the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce and Waukee Young Professionals. The company sponsored two bowling lanes and held an internal fundraiser challenge to ensure employees who couldn’t bowl still had an opportunity to donate.

SmartBiz

San Francisco
CEO: Evan Singer
No. of U.S. employees: 147
What it does: Facilitates Small Business Administration loans

Interesting fact: SmartBiz will provide up to 26 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period to eligible employees to care for certain family members who sustained serious injury while serving in the armed forces.

Unusual perk: Through an initiative called Charity Miles, the company will donate money to a charity of an employee’s choice based on the number of miles they run, walk or workout.

Pictured: Brent Looney, SmartBiz’s chief operating officer, and Chinmayi Arukala, senior QA manager, participate in the company’s Halloween party.

Autobooks

Detroit
CEO: Steve Robert
No. of U.S. employees: 119
What it does: Provides small-business banking technology to banks

Interesting fact: Autobooks offers traditional and Roth options for its 401(k) plan. Staff members are auto enrolled at 4% of their salary on the first day of the month after their hire date. The company then matches contributions up to 50% until 4% of the person’s annual salary.

Unusual perk: Twice each quarter, the company hosts a three-day new hire orientation at its headquarters to introduce new staff members to the office, team and city of Detroit. Participants receive Autobooks swag, such as tech gadgets, coffee mugs and branded gear. Besides programming that covers the company’s history, culture and function of each business, employees are treated to happy hours and a sporting event, such as a Detroit Tigers or Red Wings game.

Pictured: The engineering and IT teams enjoy a team building and recognition event. The day included barbecue, swimming and sunbathing.

IOU Financial

Montreal, Canada
CEO: Robert Gloer
No. of U.S. employees: 60
What it does: Online lender to small businesses

Interesting fact: Employees can access a library of more than 33,000 trainings and courses to help build their knowledge and advance their careers.

Unusual perk: Medical benefits are retroactive to a new hire’s first day. IOU is willing to work out a payment plan of up to four installments to allow an employee to pay for those benefits over time to ensure their paycheck isn’t being drained right as they start at the company.

Pictured: IOU employees enjoy some time at Andretti Indoor Karting and Games for annual team building, laser tag, go-karts and arcade games.

Wise

London (global headquarters), New York (U.S. headquarters)
CEO: Kristo Kaarman
No. of U.S. employees: 358
What it does: Provides cross-border payments through a mobile app

Interesting fact: Wise hosts a wellbeing month twice a year, which includes in-person yoga, mediation and massages.

Unusual perk: Employees can work remotely from almost anywhere in the world for a maximum of 90 days over a 12-month rolling period. This policy gives staff members flexibility to visit families and to travel extensively. Since the program’s launch in January 2021, Wise employees have worked from places such as Brazil, the United Kingdom and Hungary.

Pictured: Employees from across the U.S. gather in Tampa, Florida, in January for Mission Days, which is a chance for the team to discuss big ideas and tough questions that affect the company.

Redtail Technology

Sacramento, California
CEO: Brian McLaughlin
No. of U.S. employees: 127
What it does: CRM for financial advisers

Interesting fact: Redtail offers free training and ongoing education to employees, with the topics normally at their discretion, through Udemy, a company that provides online courses.

Unusual perk: Eligible employees may qualify for assistance in repaying their student loans, which must be in good standing to qualify. Redtail will make a monthly contribution to qualifying loans with a lifetime maximum contribution of $10,000 per employee. The benefit is available to full-time workers 90 days after their hire date who completed an associates, bachelors or masters degree.

Pictured: Employees enjoy “take out Tuesday.” Each quarter, the company gives employees up to $75 to purchase a meal for themselves and their family. It’s meant to show employee appreciation while supporting local businesses.

Envestnet

Berwyn, Pennsylvania
CEO: Bill Crager
No. of U.S. employees: 2,014
What it does: Financial-planning services provider

Interesting fact: In partnership with the Center for Financial Planning, the Envestnet Scholarship Program helps qualified individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups in the financial planning sector. Students can qualify for up to $5,000 for a certificate-level or up to $10,000 for an undergraduate-level CFP board registered program. As of June 30, 2021, 53 scholarships totaling over $280,000 have been granted.

Unusual perk: Employees are eligible for a parental stipend of $250 per month per child. There is no family max for this benefit.

Pictured: Envestnet employees volunteer with Envestnet Cares, the company’s charitable organization.

MX

Lehi, Utah
President and CEO: Shane Evans
No. of U.S. employees: 753
What it does: Provides data aggregation and analytics

Interesting fact: Diversity and inclusion is critical to MX’s workplace culture. Because of that, the company has partnered with Paradigm, a diversity, equity and inclusion consulting firm, to work with its team on implementing effective diversity and inclusion strategies. It is also working to align its employee resource groups to promote inclusion and diversity and provides ongoing diversity training.

Unusual perk: MX’s “secret library,” which is set apart from the rest of the office, has comfortable couches, dim lighting, books, drinks and even a massage therapist on-site every day. Employees can get up to an hour-long massage for half price while MX covers the rest of the cost.

Pictured: MX staff members hang out in the first-floor lobby of MX’s headquarters.

Payrailz

Glastonbury, Connecticut
CEO: Fran Duggan
No. of U.S. employees: 61
What it does: Provides money transfer and bill payment products

Interesting fact: Spot bonuses are used to acknowledge employees who are going above and beyond. For instance, a team completing an important project or an individual organizing a team event, such as a company-wide fitness challenge, could be awarded a spot bonus. The amounts of the award vary depending on what is being recognized.

Unusual perk: Payrailz hosts periodic virtual contests, such as pumpkin painting, trivia and fantasy football.

Pictured: Payrailz employees gather for a small team meeting.

FinFit

Virginia Beach, Virginia
CEO: David Kilby
No. of U.S. employees: 50
What it does: Provides financial wellness program and tools to employers

Interesting fact: FinFit offers employees $250 each year for every year of service, up to $2,000, for their health savings account.

Unusual perk: Each quarter, one employee is recognized for their hard work with the Rockstar award. The winner receives $500, and the company will donate another $500 to a charity of their choice.

Pictured: Employees dress up in various costumes for Halloween.

Abrigo

Austin, Texas
CEO: Wayne Roberts
No. of U.S. employees: 589
What it does: Provides compliance, credit risk, and lending software to banks

Interesting fact: Abrigo interviews all job candidates based on their competencies to help eliminate unconscious bias. It’s different from a traditional interview since the meeting is focused on determining a candidate’s strengths compared with predetermined competencies. The process is evidence based, transparent and uses specific criteria to evaluate all candidates fairly and consistently.

Unusual perk: The Powerhouse Penguins — the company calls staff members penguins — is an employee-led program created to recognize and reward hard work. A Powerhouse Penguins Advisory Committee reviews nominations and then considers input from the executive leadership team. The group selects the quarterly award winners, who are announced at the company’s all hands meeting.

Pictured: Employees enjoy Abrigo Ice Cream Day.

Vestwell

New York
CEO: Aaron Schumm
No. of U.S. employees: 182
What it does: Workplace savings and investment platform for small businesses

Interesting fact: The company hosts an annual summer internship program for six students from underrepresented groups with the commitment to hire two as full-time employees. Vestwell achieved that goal last year and has maintained relationships with the other undergraduate students with the hopes they will return to the program again this year and eventually be hired full time. Recruitment for the rest of the 2022 cohort will take place this spring.

Unusual perk: Vestwell completes semi-annual performance reviews with select top performers receiving additional equity in the company.

Pictured: Employees enjoy Vestwell's summer party last year.

Mantl

New York
CEO: Nathaniel Harley
No. of U.S. employees: 108
What it does: Provides account-opening software

Interesting fact: Mantl offers a $400 stipend for remote workers to purchase necessary home office equipment.

Unusual perk: On work anniversaries, employees receive a variety of gifts, such as food baskets, flowers, tech gadgets and event tickets. Each gift is tailored to the person’s interests.

Pictured: A Mantl employee works remotely.

Nova Credit

San Francisco
CEO: Misha Esipov
No. of U.S. employees: 65
What it does: Translates credit history data from other countries into data U.S. lenders can use for loan decisions

Interesting fact: U.S.-based employees will be offered a membership to Gympass, which gives users access to a variety of gyms and studios, and are able to access remote physical therapy benefits through Physera.

Unusual perk: Employees receive one free flight for each year of service, so someone who has worked at Nova for five years would get free airfare for five flights, for instance.

Pictured: Staff members participate in an employee-led paper lantern building event to celebrate the mid-autumn festival in 2021.

Ethic

New York
CEO: Doug Scott
No. of U.S. employees: 53
What it does: Sustainable investing tech for wealth managers and individuals

Interesting fact: Pets are welcome daily to Ethic’s headquarters. Not only do these furry creatures put a smile on employees’ faces, but studies have shown that pets can decrease stress levels and improve collaboration, according to Ethic.

Unusual perk: Ethic organizes monthly cooking sessions in its kitchen. This allows team members to enjoy healthy and sustainable food while socializing.

Pictured: Employees enjoy a team event hosted on a Brooklyn rooftop farm that promotes sustainable living and local ecology.

Refundo

Kearny, New Jersey
CEO: Roger Chinchilla
No. of U.S. employees: 56
What it does: A cloud-based platform for tax professionals

Interesting fact: Refundo's office has a game room, which includes a Pac-Man arcade game, PlayStation 5 and board games, where employees can relieve stress during the day.

Unusual perk: The company has at least one team lunch per week where it provides food and drinks for everyone.

Pictured: Employees enjoy a trip on a yacht with tax professionals during the Maryland IRS Tradeshow.

Teslar Software

Springdale, Arkansas
CEO: Joe Ehrhardt
No. of U.S. employees: 47
What it does: Provides automated workflow and loan portfolio management tools

Interesting fact: CEO Joe Ehrhardt encourages flexibility and work-life balance. He always tells employees they don't need to ask to attend a child’s sporting event or take time off to visit family. These are important and they should be there, he says.

Unusual perk: After 90 days of employment, Teslar Software contributes 7.5% of an employee's salary to their 401(k) account regardless of whether the employee contributes.

Pictured: During a recent fun Friday event, employees visit Modern Mission to play indoor laser tag.

Member Driven Technologies

Farmington Hills, Michigan
President and CEO: Larry Nichols
No. of U.S. employees: 139
What it does: A credit union service organization that provides core technology and services

Interesting fact: Each month, Member Driven Technologies gives out an Employees’ Choice Award. Workers nominate their colleagues and each nominee gets a $100 gift card. Winners are selected by their fellow team members and are recognized during the company’s quarterly virtual all team meeting.

Unusual perk: At the company’s headquarters, there is a quiet room where staff members can relax. The space includes deluxe zero gravity massage chairs, recliners, salt lamps, chaise lounges and calming lighting and music.

Pictured: Employees enjoy their first in-person holiday party in two years in December at the Westin Hotel in Southfield, Michigan.

T-Rex

New York
CEO: Benjamin Cohen
No. of U.S. employees: 33
What it does: Provides data, analytics, reporting, and collaboration technology for assessing higher risk markets

Interesting fact: In addition to paid-time off, T-Rex offers two to four “stand-down days” each year where the entire office logs off for the day to truly disconnect. Employees are asked to reschedule calls and deadlines in advance so that everyone has the chance to spend time away from work obligations.

Unusual perk: All employees are eligible for an annual wellness stipend of $200, which can be used for expenses such as for Citi Bike, wellness subscriptions, gym memberships and sports equipment.

Pictured: A few times a year, the T-Rex team in New York boards the ferry and spends the afternoon on Governor's Island where they enjoy music, libations and games, such as bocce or kickball.

Percent

New York
CEO: Nelson Chu
No. of U.S. employees: 52
What it does: Platform for private credit investments

Interesting fact: For employees who want to get their chartered financial analyst license or another financial certification, Percent will pay for their exams and annual license fees.

Unusual perk: Percent pays 100% of medical insurance for employees and dependents. Several of the plans also have no deductible, meaning employees have minimal out-of-pocket expenses.

Pictured: During a company outing in Central Park, employees divided into groups of four for a team-building activity in rowboats.

Self Financial

Austin, Texas
CEO: James Garvey
No. of U.S. employees: 213
What it does: Provides credit builder products for consumers

Interesting fact: Self Financial said that when they ask employees what attracted them to the company, the most common answer is the purpose-driven mission of helping consumers rebuild their credit. This makes staff members feel like they are making a meaningful impact on the world, the company said.

Unusual perk: The company sends cookies to employees on their birthdays.

Pictured: Self Financial team members, known as "builders" internally, gather for a company-wide virtual meeting wearing company t-shirts.

Glia

New York
CEO: Daniel Michaeli
No. of U.S. employees: 94
What it does: Provider of customer service communication software

Interesting fact: Instead of Valentine's Day, Glia celebrated the Estonian tradition of “friend’s month” in February. Employees sent in childhood pictures, and their colleagues had to guess who was in the photo. The company revealed who was in the picture at the end of the day by having the employee take a new picture posed in the same way as the childhood one.

Unusual perk: As part of Glia’s remote-first culture, the company hosts large regional gatherings twice a year. In January and July, management invites everyone from a region — the Americas or Europe — to come together and kick off each half of the year. At least once every two years, the event takes place internationally with the entire team from across the globe.

Pictured: Glia hosted a team kick-off event in Palm Beach, Florida, in January. The company discussed its global vision and objectives for each department and hosted a wine tasting and sunset cruise.

YCharts

Chicago
President and CEO: Sean Brown
No. of U.S. employees: 86
What it does: Financial data research platform

Interesting fact: Employees are given a regular stipend provided by the company’s different committees to spend on a specific theme for a month. For example, January was self-care so employees bought items, like books, plants, spa services, workout equipment and tea subscriptions, meant to help them rejuvenate. For Black History Month, employees spent the stipends at black-owned businesses.

Unusual perk: Each employee and a guest are flown into Chicago each year for a week to attend the company’s holiday party.

Pictured: Employees wear ugly sweaters and participate in the annual white elephant gift as part of the annual holiday party.

Snappy Kraken

Ormond Beach, Florida
CEO: Robert Sofia
No. of U.S. employees: 56
What it does: Marketing automation for financial services companies

Interesting fact: Each staff member has an annual educational budget of $1,000 to use for their personal and professional growth. They may use these funds for expenses such as professional programs, coaching, counseling and tuition.

Unusual perk: Snappy Kraken hosts virtual events through JAM, an online gaming company that provides fun events for fully remote teams. So far, the company has done four JAM events, including Family Feud, Guess My Sketch, a cooking class and an escape room.

Pictured: During the company’s 2021 retreat, several staff members enjoy a helicopter flyover of the Las Vegas strip.

Braviant Holdings

Chicago
CEO: Stephanie Klein
No. of U.S. employees: 70
What it does: Online lender for underserved consumers

Interesting fact: To ensure employees disconnect from work and recharge, Braviant offers four company-wide days off during the year, called “recharge Fridays.”

Unusual perk: Braviant offers up to four weeks of parental leave to part-time and full-time employees. New parents also can take advantage of a “reduced return to work schedule.” Under that benefit, workers can work three days a week for up to four weeks while still receiving their fully weekly pay.

Pictured: Employees enjoy a happy hour at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.

Corserv

Atlanta
CEO: Jerry Craft
No. of U.S. employees: 56
What it does: Payment card issuer for banks and fintechs

Interesting fact: Staff members have worked remotely since Corserv was founded in 2009. The company’s founders believe that being remote gives employees a deeper sense of autonomy and allows them to focus on their jobs without the hassle of commuting to an office.

Unusual perk: Corserv matches up to 5% of an employee’s retirement contributions starting the first of the month after the person starts. Contributions also vest immediately.

Pictured: A group of Corserv employees meet up to socialize and play tennis.

Vanja Savic/Photo by Vanja Savic

Alloy

New York
CEO: Tommy Nicholas
No. of U.S. employees: 193
What it does: Provides identity verification technology

Interesting fact: Alloy hosted a retreat in June 2021 for employees in the Poconos in Pennsylvania. About 90 workers attended and went hiking, trapshooting and go-karting. There were also wine tastings and a class on boat-building.

Unusual perk: Alloy hosted a learning session on diversity, equity and inclusion to celebrate Veterans Day and employees who have served in the military. The purpose was to generate awareness and educate the company on military members. It is also working to partner with Shift.org, a career advancement company that works with military members, to enhance its efforts to recruit veterans.

Pictured: Employees visit the Nasdaq tower to celebrate Alloy raising additional capital.

Episode Six

Austin, Texas
CEO: John Mitchell
No. of U.S. employees: 50
What it does: Payments technology and issuer processing

Interesting fact: Episode Six provides employees with access to Choose Bright, a wellness platform, at no cost. Yoga, nutrition and meditation classes are offered virtually and live on demand.

Unusual perk: The company paid for travel and other expenses for all employees to gather together for a holiday event, and management announced that everyone would get an additional week of paid time off so workers could spend additional time with their families.

Pictured: Employees from the Austin area gather during a company-sponsored happy hour.

StoneCastle Cash Management

New York
CEO: Dan Farrell
No. of U.S. employees: 43
What it does: Provides deposit services to financial institutions

Interesting fact: Speakers visit the office to discuss various health and lifestyle topics that employees may find helpful. A recent speaker covered transcendental meditation.

Unusual perk: Departmental happy hours begin exactly at 5 p.m. so that staff members can be done with the work day and start socializing with their colleagues.

Pictured: Employees were treated to a Bingo night complete with cash prizes and time to socialize with their coworkers.

Moca Financial

Bastrop, Texas
CEO: John Burns
No. of U.S. employees: 15
What it does: Provides payment cards and technologies to community institutions

Interesting fact: Given that Moca is an early-stage fintech, there are no pure managers. Instead, everyone with managerial duties is a “player-coach,” the company said. Managers have no time or inclination to micromanage their direct reports. Instead, the company focuses on hiring strong candidates and then encourages them to take initiative. Managers outline expected results and then give their employees wide latitude to achieve those goals.

Unusual perk: MOCA’s employees like to socialize. The company has periodic gatherings, generally at CEO John Burns’s ranch, in addition to at least monthly impromptu happy hours. The firm also hosts an annual holiday party, which was held at a hotel in Austin last December.

Pictured: Employees enjoy watching a game during the 2021 College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.

IntraFi Network

Arlington, Virginia
CEO: Mark Jacobsen
No. of U.S. employees: 216
What it does: Provides deposit services to financial institutions

Interesting fact: Each month, IntraFi Network publishes a Spotlight series that highlights a different employee, who selects questions from a list to answer about themselves. The questions cover a range of topics, such as upbringing, interests and hobbies. The information is then written up as a Q&A. The intention is to increase cultural awareness and share the different experiences and perspectives of the company’s workforce.

Unusual perk: IntraFi offers all employees contributing to a 401(k) plan a dollar-for-dollar match up to $6,000 each year. After 90 days, new hires are automatically enrolled into the plan with a 5% contribution in an effort to make the transition easier.

Pictured: Employees enjoy a rooftop birthday celebration.

Pipe

Miami
Co-CEO: Harry Hurst
No. of U.S. employees: 56
What it does: Provides financing to businesses based on their revenue

Interesting fact: Pipe conducts hackathons roughly every quarter, and everyone is encouraged to participate to ensure the process is cross-functional and collaborative. Before the event, ideas are collected in a spreadsheet that anyone can contribute to. Then a pitch session is held so participants can decide which teams and projects they want to join. Once the hackathon begins, employees spend 48 hours coding and building. When the 48 hours are up, they demonstrate their work.

Unusual perk: Employees receive every Friday off during the summer.

Pictured: Employees enjoy an all-company gathering out in Miami.

Green Check Verified

Bonita Springs, Florida
CEO: Kevin Hart
No. of U.S. employees: 32
What it does: Provides products to help financial institutions serve the cannabis industry

Interesting fact: Green Check Verified is a fully remote company with employees in 18 states and two countries.

Unusual perk: Given its highly collaborative nature, department heads meet daily, and every employee has the chance to be involved in multiple aspects of the company.

Pictured: Employees from the product team celebrate an important release.

Ascent Funding

San Diego
CEO and chairman: Ken Ruggiero
No. of U.S. employees: 74
What it does: Provides student loans

Interesting fact: Ascent Funding offers a COVID community fund where employees get up to $1,000 to spend on pandemic-related support for a family member. This could include child care, tutoring or purchasing school supplies.

Unusual perk: Employees are sent $25 DoorDash gift cards so they can enjoy a catered meal during virtual parties. The office is also stocked with unlimited snacks and drinks, including many healthy choices, cold brew and kombucha.

Pictured: A team of employees have fun during the scavenger hunt on “flannel day” during spirit week.

Mpower Financing

Washington, D.C.
CEO: Manu Smadja
No. of U.S. employees: 24
What it does: Lender to international students

Interesting fact: Mpower believes that feedback is a critical part of its culture. Not only is feedback provided on an ad-hoc basis in real time, but the company also makes sure employees give and receive feedback monthly and semi-annually. Employees also get a chance to participate in sessions with their supervisor’s managers, and during the bidirectional feedback session, managers review an employee’s well-being, performance, professional development opportunities and growth objectives.

Unusual perk: The Employee Ambassador team organizes team bonding activities companywide. Each functional team also has its own quarterly budget to organize its own events. Mpower has done a mixture of virtual and in-person events, such as escape rooms, scavenger hunts, painting and board games.

Pictured: Employees enjoy a luncheon to celebrate Mpower’s anniversary in April.

Jackie Stewart

Executive Editor, American Banker Magazine

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