Austin might not be the first city you think of when you’re talking about finance. But the truth is, Austin is emerging as a center for fintech innovation. Entrepreneurs are collaborating with the financial sector steeped in centuries-old traditions, and creating a new way to approach this age old industry. Here are some of the most prominent leaders in Austin fintech, along with a few startups worth keeping an eye on.
Top Fintech Companies in Austin
- Abrigo
- AffiniPay
- Billd
- Juniper Square
- Red Ventures
- Self Financial
- City National Bank
Hudson River Trading is a quantitative trading firm using math and science to research and develop trading algorithms. Each day, the firm uses their proprietary algorithms to trade millions of stocks across global financial markets.
With headquarters in Downtown Austin, Closinglock provides the real estate industry with fraud prevention software. It aims to ensure that wire transfers are free of fraudulent or problematic actions when homebuyers leave “earnest money” deposits to secure properties until they close. The company’s platform allows legal offices, title companies and lenders to make secure transactions.
Self Financial launched in 2015 to help consumers build their credit. In so doing, it aims to increase economic inclusion and financial resilience for users. Its products, including the Credit Builder Account and Self Visa Credit Card, help users build credit while they also grow their savings. In addition, the company offers free rent reporting to all three major credit bureaus and utility payment reporting to TransUnion.
AffiniPay provides flexible payment integration options for the legal, psychology and accounting industries. With no extra equipment needed, businesses using AffiniPay’s technology can schedule recurring payments, link payments to their website and even use the platform’s analytics tools to manage finances.
Diversified trading firm DRW specializes in research and technology to support financial markets in five continents. In addition to trading and providing access to liquidity across traditional asset classes, the company has leveraged its broad spectrum of expertise to expand into cryptoassets, venture capital and real estate.
Billd uncovers financing and payment solutions for organizations in the construction industry, allowing them to acquire the materials they need upfront and pay suppliers later. The platform takes both parties into consideration, allowing contractors to control their cash flow and grow stress-free while suppliers are able to move more product in less time.
Juniper Square provides software that streamlines the investment and fundraising industries. The company’s software offers an encompassing investment management solution that includes a customer relationship manager tool and investor reporting analytics.
Software designer Motive aims to enhance safety, efficiency and profitability across sectors such as transportation, construction, agriculture and more. Although employees follow a remote-first work schedule, the company has two WeWork spaces in Austin and provides numerous opportunities to connect with colleagues, including company-sponsored happy hours and year-round recreational clubs.
To make sure life insurance is accessible to everyday consumers, Bestow has crafted a convenient platform. Customers can receive a quote in seconds after entering basic health information, all without having to take a medical exam. Bestow pairs each customer with top-rated carriers and offers flexible rates, making the life insurance process that much smoother for individuals.
Kestra Financial offers an independent advisor platform to help financial professionals provide personalized consulting and support services. The firm aids more than 1,700 independent financial advisors, and its services are backed by over twenty years of experience in the industry.
CAIS provides financial services that include digital assets, hedge funds and private equity that advisors can utilize with their clients. It aims to improve education about and access to alternative investment funds and products. The company’s learning system, CAIS IQ, helps advisors learn about what can improve their clients’ outcomes. Its Austin office is located near Downtown and the Financial District.
Abrigo provides software-based solutions and consulting to small banks to help detect fraud, money laundering and other financial crimes.
City National Bank has provided financial stability to a range of clients. Customers can select checking accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, and other financial products that fit their needs. City National Bank also offers mobile and online banking options to keep people connected to their financial resources when they need them most.
Kasasa offers free checking accounts that offer big rewards like high interest or cash back. They also boast no minimum balances or penalties ever and no ATM fees.
Netspend exited 2015 with 16 consecutive quarters of double digit revenue growth. The Austin-based company is a provider of reloadable prepaid cards and related financial services in the United States. They serve the estimated 68 million underbanked consumers who do not have a traditional bank account or who rely on alternative financial services.
Dosh’s transaction-based advertising solutions give shoppers cash back on everyday purchases. Consumers can download the company’s app and connect it with their existing cards so they can start earning rewards from their favorite brands. The company is currently partners with companies like Instacart, Asos, Walmart and World Market.
Wise offers users the ability to send money internationally with no fees and real exchange rates. It aims to make global payments more convenient, efficient and cheaper. Users can hold a balance in more than 40 currencies, send payments to over 160 countries and make transactions with a Wise international debit card. The company was founded in 2011 and has its hybrid headquarters in Austin.
Creditcards.com is a leading financial services technology and marketing company that provides consumers with free content, credit information, and financial insights, connects consumers with financial institutions and helps users achieve financial goals and well-being.
Q2ebanking designs mobile, virtual and voice banking applications for banks and credit unions. The Q2 platform enables banks to personalize user experience, while also offering tools like analytics dashboards and integrated security features.
Fintech company ePayPolicy makes a digital payments solution specifically designed for the insurance industry. Through ePayPolicy, businesses can build a mobile-friendly payments page that’s customized to align with their branding. The company’s technology also integrates with other popular accounting systems to simplify workflows.
When companies compete to attract top tech talent in cities like Austin, sometimes career decisions really do come down to benefits. Student Loan Genius offers a leg up with a 401k-style financial perk to help employees pay off their school debt faster. The startup counts Intel, Boeing and Kellogg’s among its growing roster of clients.
Navan aims to help customers make expense reconciliations and booking business travel more efficient and cost effective. The company offers 24/7 access to support and customizable dashboards for corporate travel and expense management. Its Austin office is downtown off of Congress and 5th Street.
Invoice Home makes digital invoicing and billing software for small businesses, solopreneurs and freelancers. Based in Austin, the company’s strategy is to make invoicing as straightforward and seamless as possible, with cloud-based services for managing payment records, billing clients and performing other important finance processes.
