Best Places to Work in Fintech 2024

May 6, 2024 12:00 PM

Fintechs are slowly recovering from 2023 when a number of firms announced layoffs.

Despite the challenges, some fintech companies are still managing to provide employees with a welcoming work environment, a full benefits package and frequent and transparent communication.

This year, 40 companies made American Banker's annual list of the Best Places to Work in Fintech. The honorees range in size from small firms — three winners have fewer than two dozen employees — to companies with hundreds of staff members.

The ranking was compiled in cooperation with the Best Companies Group and involves a two-step selection process. For the first part, applicants completed a thorough survey covering their policies and the benefits they provide to workers. For instance, almost all of the winners provided employees with a 401(k), 403(b) or 457 retirement plan, compared with just 88% of the fintechs that didn't make the list. More than two-thirds of the fintechs on this year's list provided workers with paid time off to volunteer. Only 44% of the firms that applied and didn't make the cut offered this as a perk.

For the second part, employees completed an engagement and satisfaction survey that included dozens of prompts on topics such as leadership, work environment and their relationship with their supervisor. In these responses, the winners generally outshined the applicants who didn't make the ranking. For instance, 93% of workers at the fintechs that made this year's list said that they have confidence in the organization's leadership, compared with 82% for those at companies that didn't make the cut. Only 82% of the employees at the fintechs that did not qualify for the ranking said that corporate communications were frequent enough, compared with 93% of workers from the winners.

Please read on for highlights from this year's honorees.

Employees bond by taking a fitness bootcamp class together.

Plaid

San Francisco
CEO and co-founder: Zach Perret
No. of U.S. employees: 908
Service: Data sharing between banks and fintechs

Why it's a great place to work: Plaid said that it has a culture that focuses on ownership at all levels of the organization. Every staff member is encouraged to "make an impact on their work and the company, regardless of their roles and levels," the fintech added. For instance, the company's design team noticed that negative space was used to depict people, which meant people ended up being all white in its illustrations. Now the design team is using a new system based on the Humans of New York Project that supports illustrating individuals of different skin color and other attributes to change up the artwork on its website.

"People who choose to dedicate their careers to Plaid do so because they believe in the company's ability to support them in their personal journeys to make a positive impact on the future of financial services," the company said.

Interesting fact: Plaid gives the entire company off from Christmas through New Year's since it's generally a busy time for families.

The strategic planning team meets to get some work done.

Tyfone

Portland, Oregon
CEO and co-founder: Siva Narendra
No. of U.S. employees: 37
Service: A digital banking platform

Why it's a great place to work: Tyfone runs a flat organization to ensure that employees are empowered to try "new things, make mistakes, and be trusted," the company said. Staff members are also encouraged to "challenge anything" as long as it is done with respect and data to back up the person's suggestions.

"Ultimately this creates an environment where employees know that they can trust and count on everyone around them," the fintech added.

Interesting fact: Every quarter, each employee can take a day off specifically designated for personal wellness activities. That can include a spa day, spending quality time with loved ones or simply resting and relaxing.

Allied Payment Network employees take part in the annual Day of Giving. The company gives employees a paid day off to participate in the event.

Allied Payment Network

Fort Wayne, Indiana
CEO: Geoff Knapp
No. of U.S. employees: 41
Service: Provides payments technology to financial institutions

Why it's a great place to work: Allied Payment Network believes that its "underdog" mentality helps it succeed in an industry filled with much larger players. The company has just over 40 employees. "It's a culture built on relationships, results, and a history of success," the fintech said. "We don't look for task-completers — we look for thinkers, creators, and people who will help continue to grow this culture."

Interesting fact: Allied Payment Network hosts an annual all-employee summer get-together where employees from across the country come to its office in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. The event usually includes attending a minor league baseball game together.

Expansion Capital Group’s leadership team dressed as turkeys to serve a catered lunch for the company during the Thanksgiving season in 2022.

Expansion Capital Group

Sioux Falls, South Dakota
CEO: Vincent Ney
No. of U.S. employees: 89
Service: Lender to small businesses

Why it's a great place to work: Expansion Capital Group has a list of core values: "Be bold and brilliant, team up, act like an owner and do the right thing." To reinforce these values, the company provides employees with "the opportunity to work on exciting and meaningful projects that challenge their skills and keep them engaged," the fintech said. And then the company goes out of its way to honor hard work with regular recognition events and awards to celebrate achievements and milestones. For instance, employees who have been with the company for a decade receive an all-expenses-paid trip.

Interesting fact: Expansion Capital Group celebrates "Unicorn Day" complete with unicorn-themed activities, such as unicorn ring toss, a unicorn hula hoop contest and a unicorn dress up contest. Over the last few years, the company has had a charcuterie company set up a board with all types of colorful food in its break room.

Employees have fun during a Halloween costume contest.

T-Rex Group

New York
CEO: Benjamin Cohen
No. of U.S. employees: 34
Service: Provides software and data services for structured finance and private credit

Why it's a great place to work: T-Rex Group has a specific hierarchy for its focus that starts with its team, followed by clients then the markets and industries its own clients invest in and finally the broader community. It tries to make a positive difference in each level by rewarding employees financially with stock options and other perks, by putting clients in a better position financially and by helping investors achieve better returns.

Interesting fact: Employees can get reimbursed for the cost of some added fun perks, such as a membership for Citi Bike and for their cell phone expenses.

One of Glia’s team enjoys a lantern hike.

Glia Technologies

New York
CEO and co-founder: Daniel Michaeli
No. of U.S. employees: 146
Service: Provider of customer service communication software

Why it's a great place to work: Glia Technologies' core values are collaborate, challenge, master and persevere, or CCHaMP. "Glia proactively fosters our cooperative workstyle through transparency, regular company-wide meetings, training and mentoring programs as part of our commitment to constructive dialogue across the company," the fintech said. "Glia supports our innovative people with flexible work-life balance programs, including generous PTO, benefits and professional development."

Interesting fact: Glia hosts weekly "donuts and demos" where its research and development teams demo the work that has been completed in the last week and get updates from business development, the talent team, engineering managers and the chief technology officer.

Employees gather for one of Advyzon’s quarterly meetings. The entire company meets in person once or twice annually with staff members flying in from all over the U.S. to a central location.

Advyzon

Lisle, Illinois
CEO and founder: Hailin Li
No. of U.S. employees: 61
Service: Wealth-management CRM software

Why it's a great place to work: Advyzon provides some fun perks to its staff members. For instance, its office is pet friendly and four-legged friends regularly visit. There is also a beer fridge that is stocked weekly with both alcoholic and nonalcoholic options. And during the summer, staff members on each team alternate Fridays off so essentially everyone gets two four-day work weeks a month. "We are consistently reinvesting in our product and our people; this has enabled us to grow a healthy and successful company while maintaining our commitment to excellent product and service," Advyzon said.

Interesting fact: Advyzon will match 100% of an employee's 401(k) contributions on the first 3% they contribute and then 50% of the contribution up to a maximum of 5%. Employees are eligible to contribute after 90 days and are 100% vested from that day.

A group of Green Check Verified employees enjoy a dinner together.

Green Check Verified

Bonita Springs, Florida
CEO: Kevin Hart
No. of U.S. employees: 81
Service: Provides products to help financial institutions serve the cannabis industry

Why it's a great place to work: Green Check Verified said it is always looking for ways to make the workplace better for its employees. For instance, this year it improved its health coverage. "We focus on competitive pay and as a growing fintech, we provide options for all employees at the company," the fintech said. "As we grow, we make sure we extend company/revenue success to benefit our team members who work so hard and believe in our mission."

Interesting fact: Green Check Verified has regular virtual happy hours with different themes and team-building games each time. This helps foster a sense of solidarity in the fully remote company.

Alkami’s leadership team participates in a Tools for Schools volunteer program. They helped pack backpacks for kids at the Genesis Women's Shelter.

Alkami Technology

Plano, Texas
CEO: Alex Shootman
No. of U.S. employees: 898
Service: Provides cloud-based digital banking technology

Why it's a great place to work: Through the Alkami Cares Together program, the company provides employees with a sense of purpose by partnering with organizations to give back to the community. The fintech works with groups such as Bold Idea, which helps students learn how to code; Feed The City, which makes lunches for people in need; Genesis Women's Shelter; and local school districts. "By fostering a high-growth, dynamic and rewarding environment, we attract and retain top industry talent," the fintech said. "We do this by providing great benefits; making meaningful investments in learning and development; celebrating successes together; taking time to give back and volunteer; and ensuring every Alkamist has ownership in the company."

Interesting fact: Alkami Technology hosts "Wonderful Wednesdays" once a month where employees meet up in person. Each one has a different theme, such as ice cream social, movie trivia and summer camp. A virtual connection option is also offered at the same time.

Bond.AI employees enjoy a brewery tour.

Bond.AI

Little Rock, Arkansas
Chairman and CEO: Uday Akkaraju
No. of U.S. employees: 16
Service: A financial intelligence platform

Why it's a great place to work: Ensuring a strong work-life balance is an important component of the culture at Bond.AI. The company provides flexible schedules and closes its offices over the holidays to ensure employees don't feel pressured to work during their vacations and have a chance to truly unplug. "Bond.AI is leading empathy first in the workplace, with a strong focus on family and work-life balances," the fintech said.

Interesting fact: Managers will send coupons to DoorDash for the families of employees who are working late on a project.

Capitolis employees plant terrariums for Earth Day in the company's new office.

Capitolis

New York
CEO: Gil Mandelzis
No. of U.S. employees: 55
Service: A business-to-business marketplace for capital

Why it's a great place to work: Capitolis said that employees love working there because of their colleagues. "Everyone works together and is all in, constantly innovating, solving problems and getting stuff done," the fintech said. The firm also offers fun activities, such as workout classes and volunteering at a soup kitchen.

Interesting fact: The fintech offers happy hours that include activities based on team interests or that relate to certain holidays, such as planting terrariums for Earth Day and offering a taco bar for Cinco de Mayo.

Several teams from Mantl participate in a virtual trivia game.

Mantl

New York
CEO: Nathaniel Harley
No. of U.S. employees: 93
Service: Provides account-opening software

Why it's a great place to work: Mantl invests in its employees by offering robust benefits, including unlimited paid-time off, a $400 stipend for home office equipment and internal mentoring programs. "Our goal is to ensure that our benefit offerings consider the diverse needs of our team and show that we value our employees' happiness and well-being," the company said. "We listen to our employees' needs and challenges through one-on-one conversations, feedback surveys and pulse checks, and adapt our policies to ensure work-life at Mantl is not only manageable but enjoyable and fulfilling."

Interesting fact: Mantl has created internal trainings on a variety of topics, including inclusive language, how to communicate in a remote work environment and best practices for one-on-one meetings.

Alloy employees enjoy the company’s 2023 retreat by getting into a karaoke night.

Alloy

New York
CEO: Tommy Nicholas
No. of U.S. employees: 240
Service: Provides identity verification technology

Why it's a great place to work: Alloy believes that a strong workplace culture must go beyond just "feeling good." Because of that, it has created growth and performance programs so that employees can improve their skills. "The result has been the creation of an environment that prioritizes each employee's growth path and success in the lens of the greater success of Alloy," the company said.

Interesting fact: Alloy offers a variety of mental health and wellness perks. These include free therapy sessions, Gympass memberships and a monthly wellness stipend.

PayQuicker employees enjoy a yacht cruise in Boca, Florida.

PayQuicker

Rochester, New York
CEO: Paul Beldham
No. of U.S. employees: 62
Service: A global payments platform

Why it's a great place to work: PayQuicker's success is due, in part, to CEO and President Paul Beldham's connection with employees "at every level, ensuring that everyone knows their value to the team," the company said. "Our dedicated team of employees share a vision of success that comes from leadership that continues to care about its people as it grows," the fintech added.

Interesting fact: Employees enjoy extra time off during the summer months.

Top performers at IOU Financial are honored during an awards gala.

IOU Financial

Kennesaw, Georgia
CEO: Robert Gloer
No. of U.S. employees: 75
Service: Online lender to small businesses

Why it's a great place to work: IOU Financial's core values are integrity, commitment, customer satisfaction, accountability and teamwork. It achieves these by giving employees a wide range of opportunities to celebrate each other's contributions, including giving coworkers a shout-out in real time through the company's internal communication systems. "Through all of this, IOU gives every member of our team the freedom to be themselves and rely on each teammate's strengths to make the company successful," the fintech said.

Interesting fact: IOU Financial gives away weekend getaways to staff members who have reached 10 years of service at the fintech and to those who have done exemplary work.

Smiley Technologies employees pose in front of its office building on World Smile Day.

Smiley Technologies

Little Rock, Arkansas
President and CEO: Elizabeth Glasbrenner
No. of U.S. employees: 86
Service: Provider of core banking software

Why it's a great place to work: Smiley Technologies strives for an "employee first" culture. It has never laid off any workers, and management has an open communication policy where executives are easily reachable.

Interesting fact: On World Smile Day, employees can book headshots and pictures with their colleagues. There is also a kindness jar where employees can write out something nice about Smiley Technologies and its staff members. Cookies are also provided.

Employees from the revenue team enjoy their annual kickoff.

Encapture

Dallas
CEO: Will Robinson
No. of U.S employees: 48
Service: A machine-learning platform for streamlining tasks

Why it's a great place to work: Encapture said its employees are key to its success. "We work with incredibly smart and passionate individuals who want the best for our customers," the company said. "We set high expectations because we believe in our potential, and we even aim higher."

Interesting fact: Encapture offers fun activities around its office for its staff members, such as putt-putt challenges and hot fudge sundaes.

Employees play cornhole at one of DCI’s summer “thank goodness it’s Friday” events.

DCI

Hutchinson, Kansas
President and CEO: Sarah Fankhauser
No. of U.S. employees: 307
Service: Provider of core processing and digital banking products

Why it's a great place to work: DCI said its core values drive its culture. These include always putting the customer first, being honest and working with integrity, communicating openly and frequently, having a good attitude and building relationships on trust and accountability. "These values have helped us cultivate an environment of trust and mutual respect throughout the organization," the company said. "DCI stands out from similar organizations because of its people. It is our number one differentiator."

Interesting fact: The company recognizes employees for their years of service through weekly newsletters.

Apiture employees volunteer with a school supply drive.

Apiture

Wilmington, North Carolina
CEO: Chris Babcock
No. of U.S. employees: 286
Service: Provider of digital banking products

Why it's a great place to work: Apiture's Wilmington, North Carolina, location has a state-of-the-art fitness facility that is free for employees to use. It also offers subsidized meal options for two campus restaurants. "Apiture ensures that employees are supported through competitive salaries, 401(k) contributions, and annual bonus opportunities," the company said. "Every employee also enjoys equity in the company through incentive stock options granted when hired."

Interesting fact: Apiture covers 100% of insurance premium and other out-of-pocket medical expenses for employees and their family members — employees don't pay for any medical expenses.

Mpower’s CEO addresses staff members during an all-hands meeting.

Madhushri Verma

Mpower Financing

Washington, D.C.
CEO: Manu Smadja
No. of U.S. employees: 35
Service: Lender to international students

Why it's a great place to work: Professional development is an important aspect of Mpower Financing's culture. To reinforce that, employees are given an allowance of $1,000 per year to pay for courses and conferences. They are also given access to resources such as LinkedIn Learning and mentoring opportunities. "Professional development is highly encouraged and facilitated within the company," the company said. "Employees are not just passive participants; they actively engage in performance management, setting annual goals and key performance indicators."

Interesting fact: Mpower's management ensures that employees are kept up to date with what's happening at the company through weekly town hall meetings.

Employees play pickleball during one of Hometap’s monthly “happiness committee” outings.

Hometap

Boston
CEO: Jeffrey Glass
No. of U.S. employees: 196
Service: A home equity investment firm

Why it's a great place to work: Staff members believe in Hometap's mission of helping maximize homeownership. The fintech helps homeowners tap into their home equity. "Hometappers, who arrive from incredibly diverse backgrounds and with talents ranging the full gamut across tech disciplines, lending operations, financial services and consumer brand building, are singularly committed to our mission: actualizing, expanding and preserving the value of homeownership and standing alongside homeowners for their journey in life," the company said. Management also touts empathy, flexibility and work-life balance as core tenets of its workplace environment.

Interesting fact: Hometap recognizes employees who demonstrate its values during monthly all-hands meetings. The awards include "being a good owner," which recognizes staff members who step up; "being a good neighbor," which honors those who do what's right for the company and not the individual; and "strong foundations," which recognizes employees who have been with Hometap for less than year for a job well done.

At least once a year, KlariVis’ CEO Kim Snyder hosts a BBQ at her house for the entire team. This usually happens during KlariVis Week, which is when the entire company comes together in Roanoke, Virginia.

KlariVis

Roanoke, Virginia
CEO and founder: Kim Snyder
No. of U.S. employees: 54
Service: A data analytics firm

Why it's a great place to work: KlariVis believes its people-centric approach makes it a great place to work. "We prioritize fostering a supportive environment where every team member feels respected, heard, and valued," the fintech said. That includes open communication and a flat organizational structure to ensure there is transparency throughout the company. It also promotes work-life balance and flexible work schedules so staff members can thrive both personally and professionally.

Interesting fact: The company provided KlariVis branded shoes to all employees.

Employees at Member Driven Technologies participate in the company’s CEO Forum, an annual event focused on discussing internal strategy.

Member Driven Technologies

Farmington Hills, Michigan
President and CEO: Larry Nichols
No. of U.S. employees: 149
Service: A credit union service organization that provides core technology and services

Why it's a great place to work: Member Driven Technologies has created an innovation challenge program that any employee can participate in where they promote their ideas for improving the company. Ideas can relate to products, services or processes. "Through this program, our employees are directly helping with the ongoing evolution of our organization," the fintech said. "Our team members are empowered and respected. They are encouraged and given the tools to shine on their projects, and having fun along the way is part of our everyday process."

Interesting fact: Member Driven Technologies offers medical and dental coverage that is completely paid for by the fintech for staff members and any dependents. It also offers an annual $2,100 opt-out payment for anyone who does not participate in the medical coverage.

Several children enjoy a bring your kid to work day at Summit Technology.

Summit Technology Consulting Group

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
CEO: Benjamin Wallace
No. of U.S. employees: 70
Service: A consulting firm that provides software services

Why it's a great place to work: Summit Technology Consulting Group said its employees often say that the potential to grow and flexibility are two characteristics that make the company a great place to work. To achieve that, management avoids thinking "this system has been working, why change it?" and instead "encourages employees to learn, grow, and share their knowledge and new interests with the larger group." Staff members can share what they are working on with their colleagues during routine lunch- and-learn events.

Interesting fact: Summit Technology has its own smoker and hosts barbecues at the office for its staff.

A group of Corserv employees, including Joel Herron, Dan Lamarche, Cony Metcalf, Chelesa Larkins, Nicole Scott and Yolanda Ortiz, enjoy lunch.

Corserv

Atlanta
CEO: Anil Goyal
No. of U.S. employees: 86
Service: Provides card issuing platform for banks and fintechs

Why it's a great place to work: One of Corserv's values is balance, which means it expects employees to deliver results while also ensuring staff members have "opportunities to pursue their interests and develop skills," the company said. Community is another core tenet of the organization. That's because the fintech is "largely employee owned" so corporate interests align with what's best for clients.

"We believe in teamwork and embrace diverse cultures and points of view," Corserv added.

Interesting fact: Corserv likes to recognize employees for a variety of reasons, including for their years of service and for going above and beyond in their job duties. The company also gives employees birthday gifts.

Braviant employees participate in a game night as a team outing.

Braviant Holdings

Chicago
CEO: Stephanie Klein
No. of U.S. employees: 48
Service: Online lender for underserved customers

Why it's a great place to work: At Braviant Holdings, the best idea wins regardless of who suggests it. "Monthly companywide meetings reinforce this, openly sharing business results, financial forecasts and celebrating wins or addressing challenges," the fintech said. "This concerted effort has forged stronger, more cohesive teams united by a shared purpose and vision."

Interesting fact: Braviant Holdings offers a sabbatical program where employees who have worked there for five years can take one month off while still being fully paid.

Best places to work_2024_pic_aces engage.jpg

Employees participate in the annual Aces Engage event, which allows staff members to connect with customers, share insights and strengthen partnerships.

Aces Quality Management

Denver
CEO: Trevor Gauthier
No. of U.S. employees: 81
Service: Provides audit technology

Why it's a great place to work: Aces strives to have a diverse workforce with unique perspectives. To help achieve that, employees are "encouraged to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas," the fintech said. Staff members are also offered flexible work arrangements to help ensure work-life balance.

Interesting fact: Aces will match dollar-for-dollar the first 3% of a staff member's salary for contributions to a retirement plan and then match 50 cents per dollar for between 4% and 5% of the person's salary.

Staff members from Teslar’s client success team celebrate after they completed an escape room challenge during a fun Friday event.

Teslar Software

Springdale, Arkansas
CEO and founder: Joe Ehrhardt
No. of U.S. employees: 62
Service: Provides automated workflow and loan portfolio management tools

Why it's a great place to work: Employees at Teslar Software value the transparency that CEO Joe Ehrhardt provides into strategy and decision-making. He holds a weekly companywide meeting each Monday to keep everyone informed. It's also a chance for department leaders to provide updates.

Interesting fact: During Teslar's Christmas party, employees who have gone above and beyond are recognized for their contributions.

A group of Praxent employees from Austin, Texas, build a house for Habitat for Humanity.

Praxent

Austin, Texas
CEO: Tim Hamilton
No. of U.S. employees: 43
Service: Provides user-experience design and consulting to fintechs and banks

Why it's a great place to work: Praxent promotes a few important aspects to its workplace culture, including trust and employee appreciation. "We believe that without trust, there can be no sustainable, lasting progress in your career," the fintech said. "We understand your need to be appreciated and challenged."

Interesting fact: Praxent ensures that its workers see internal opportunities for growth. The fintech said that 15% of its team is promoted every year.

Trovata employees attend a wellness yoga day at the company’s San Diego headquarters.

Trovata

Solana Beach, California
CEO and founder: Brett Turner
No. of U.S. employees: 91
Service: Helps businesses automate cash reporting, forecasting and analysis

Why it's a great place to work: A key component of Trovata's environment is that managers don't micromanage their staff members. "[E]veryone is able to take ownership and try out new ideas," the fintech said.

Interesting fact: Trovata's teams gather in San Diego twice a year for a three-day in-person meeting. Employees get a chance to brainstorm with their colleagues and bond through activities, such as go-kart racing and sunset bay cruises.

MVB Bank employees partner with the nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build beds for children in need.

MVB Bank

Bridgeport, West Virginia
CEO: Larry Mazza
No. of U.S. employees: 371
Service: Bank partner to fintechs

Why it's a great place to work: MVB Bank's core values include commitment, trust, teamwork, RLC — which standards for respect, love and caring — and being adaptive. The entire staff chose these values, and therefore they have greater buy-in from everyone. "We pride ourselves on living them out in both our personal and professional lives," the fintech said. "They are a key component to our company culture. Our team members describe the culture at MVB with words like empowering, powerful, passionate, accepting, fun, motivating and opportunistic."

Interesting fact: Recognizing employee contributions is important at MVB Bank. Staff members who are heavily involved in corporate-level projects are given thank-you gifts. Additionally, employees can nominate their colleagues to be recognized through the "rock stars of the month" program for demonstrating the company's values. The nominees are given a shout out during monthly town hall meetings.

Employees gather for a game of pickleball.

WebBank

Summit, New Jersey
President and CEO: Jason Lloyd
No. of U.S. employees: 253
Service: Bank partner to fintechs

Why it's a great place to work: WebBank strives to provide great benefits and flexible schedules to its staff members. But it believes that the opportunity to work for a company at the cutting edge of technology is what really attracts job seekers to the company. The fintech noted that "what will inspire you the most is a chance to make a difference every day with a company brimming with growth opportunities that are there for the taking."

Interesting fact: To celebrate Tommy Lasorda Day, WebBank gives its employees a day off to recognize Tommy Lasorda, the late longtime manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and his contributions to youth initiatives.

Employees from CRS celebrate successfully completing a timed Escape Room challenge.

CRS

Folsom, Georgia
CEO and co-founder: Stephen Hawkins
No. of U.S. employees: 30
Service: Provides credit data APIs, credit monitoring, CRM integrations

Why it's a great place to work: Providing autonomy and trusting employees is an important component of CRS's workplace. It demonstrates this trust by allowing employees to work remotely. "Every day, we work to create an environment that fosters new ideas, inspires collaboration and teaches respect for ourselves, our customers and the industry at large," the fintech said. "As a remote-friendly, global team united by a shared entrepreneurial passion, we bring together individuals with diverse backgrounds from all over the world."

Interesting fact: CRS has a #watercooler Slack channel where employees share interesting articles, provide music recommendations, post photos from personal activities and discuss other interests.

YCharts employees take in a Chicago Cubs game during the company’s annual baseball outing.

YCharts

Chicago
President and CEO: Sean Brown
No. of U.S. employees: 126
Service: Financial data research platform for asset managers and advisors

Why it's a great place to work: YCharts has created several groups, such as Women of YCharts, a DEI committee, an education committee and a social committee, to help make its work environment fun and inviting. This includes offering virtual and in-person events, such as games, happy hours and baking classes. Additionally, it provides some fun perks, such as lunch stipends and a Tiki bar with kombucha, cold brew and craft beer, for staff members who come into its office. "YCharts is a meritocracy, where those who have a positive attitude, make their colleagues better, and deliver results the 'right' way have the best opportunity to grow through the company," the fintech said.

Interesting fact: On birthdays and work anniversaries, employees are given credits to the YCharts gift store so they can purchase any item of their choosing, such as clothing, accessories or backpacks.

Employees in Ascent’s San Diego office decorate pumpkins.

Ascent Funding

San Diego
Chairman and CEO: Ken Ruggiero
No. of U.S. employees: 87
Service: Provides student loans

Why it's a great place to work: Managers at Ascent Funding create individual development plans for their direct reports to help ensure professional growth. "Ascent's executive leadership team is transparent, approachable and leads by example," the fintech added. "Every team member is invested in our company's vision to be the undisputed leader in driving positive student outcomes."

Interesting fact: Ascent Funding takes wellness seriously. The company offers employees a variety of wellness-related benefits, including membership to a rooftop gym near its office, group fitness classes and $200 annually for employees to spend on purchases related to wellness.

IntraFi employees enjoy a company picnic.

IntraFi Network

Arlington, Virginia
CEO: Mark Jacobsen
No. of U.S. employees: 271
Service: Provides deposit services to financial institutions

Why it's a great place to work: Providing a healthy work-life balance is one key to a strong culture at IntraFi. This includes allowing for teleworking and flexible schedules and providing ample paid time off, the company said. It also offers an onsite wellness room at its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, that includes space for prayer, mediation, yoga and nursing mothers. "Management and HR work together to create an open, honest, inclusive workplace," the fintech said. "Employees have opportunities to grow technically and professionally; managers are trained and equipped with resources to help employees grow, increasing employee engagement and fostering a continuous-learning environment."

Interesting fact: IntraFi said that it considers employee retention a top priority. To keep veteran workers, it offers a 30-day sabbatical for employees who reach their 15-year anniversary with the company.

Employees enjoy a night out together with bowling and food.

StoneCastle Cash Management

New York
CEO: Dan Farrell
No. of U.S. employees: 42
Service: Provides deposit services to financial institutions

Why it's a great place to work: StoneCastle Cash Management said that its workplace culture focuses on empowering employees, following its mission of "doing good with deposits" and promoting a strong work-life balance. "Every employee's idea, whether a major innovation or subtle technological process improvement, is heard, actively embraced and transformed into actionable initiatives," the fintech said. "We encourage creativity and provide the platform for these ideas to flourish, allowing our team to feel genuinely invested in the company's growth."

Interesting fact: StoneCastle Cash Management said it trusts staff members to be productive at home and gives everyone the flexibility to take care of personal issues, such as picking up children from school or going to a doctor's appointment, as needed. Employees have the option to telecommute four days a week.

Employees play a friendly game of pickleball.

Inclined

Sausalito, California
CEO and co-founder: Joshua Wyss
No. of U.S. employees: 22
Service: Offers a revolving line of credit backed by a life insurance policy

Why it's a great place to work: Inclined's values are "simplicity, empowerment, transparency, humility and accountability." The company said this focus helps create an environment where employees feel safe to ask questions and give feedback, and everyone trusts their colleagues to work diligently and ethically.

Interesting fact: Inclined will contribute $3,000 each year to employees' health savings accounts.

PEX staff at a recent company outing.

PEX

New York
CEO and founder: Toffer Grant
No. of U.S. employees: 71
Service: Provides software for expense and card management

Why it's a great place to work: PEX said employees enjoy an environment where innovation is fostered and encouraged and ideas are valued from staff members at every level of the organization. Executives also strive to spend time with employees to help build a sense of camaraderie. "PEX is a great place to work because the culture permits intellectual freedom and creativity," the company said. "Our team members are hardworking and focused but there is also room for everyone's personalities and perspectives."

Interesting fact: PEX has competitive employees who enjoy quarterly virtual events, such as trivia games and escape rooms. It also hosts quarterly in-person events. For example, recently staff members went bowling and had a scavenger hunt at a museum near the company's New York headquarters.

Employees enjoy an outing in Washington, D.C.

Union Credit

Santa Rosa, California
CEO and co-founder: Dave Buerger
No. of U.S. employees: 18
Service: Hosts marketplace that lets credit unions offer loans at the point of purchase

Why it's a great place to work: Union Credit offers staff members the opportunity to own a stake in the company through stock options. Union Credit said that this "provides employees with a sense of ownership, aligns their interests with the company's success and fosters a greater commitment to achieving organizational goals."

Interesting fact: Union Credit pays 100% of the premiums for health and dental insurance plans.

Jackie Stewart

Executive Editor, American Banker Magazine

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