Emerging financial technologies are rapidly reshaping how people save, borrow, invest, and build wealth—often faster than consumer protections and public understanding can keep pace. With economic anxiety rising, new and potentially risky financial instruments—such as AI-powered tools, cryptocurrency, prediction markets, and buy now, pay later services—have become increasingly mainstream. To inform urgent questions about how to balance financial innovation with consumer safety, Urban researchers will share new insights from original consumer research about how and why people are using emerging technologies. Industry experts will discuss key trends shaping the future of financial services, and leading innovators will share how they are offering financial tools that responsibly expand financial inclusion for traditionally overlooked populations.   

3:00 p.m. | Opening Remarks

• Karolina Ramos, Policy Program Manager, Urban Institute

3:05 p.m. | Research Presentation: Consumer Insights

• Thea Garon, Director, Financial Well-Being Hub, Urban Institute

3:25 p.m. | Panel Discussion: Industry Trends

• Jonathan Cohen, Sports Betting Policy Lead, American Institute for Boys and Men

• Delicia Reynolds Hand, Senior Director, Digital Marketplace, Consumer Reports

• Adrienne Harris, Former Superintendent, New York State Department of Financial Services

• Alex Johnson, Founder, Fintech Takes

• Thea Garon, Director, Financial Well-Being Hub, Urban Institute (moderator)

4:15 p.m. | Panel Discussion: Innovative Strategies

• Alex De Marco, Founder and CEO, MoneyStack

• Roy Elis, Director, Head of Economic Insights, Chime

• Alex McLeod, Founder and CEO, Parlay Finance

• Alexandra Villarreal O'Rourke, Founder and CEO, Alumbra

• Vikas Raj, Cofounder and Managing Partner, ResilienceVC (moderator)

5:00 p.m. | Event Concludes and Networking Reception begins 

6:30 p.m. | Networking Reception concludes

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. Please email [email protected] if you require any accommodations or have any questions about this event. 

This event is hosted by the Urban Institute's Financial Well-Being Hub. For more on Urban’s funding policies, go to urban.org/about/organizational-principles.