Dear Tony Robbins: Let's Build A Future Where Every Person On Earth Has Financial Freedom

The following is an open letter to Tony Robbins.

Dear Mr. Robbins,

You've inspired millions to think differently about the world. Your latest book showed that it truly is possible for anyone to demystify the financial space, and take positive steps toward a life of fiscal freedom.

What if I told you there's an entire culture dedicated to empowering the individual investor? Even more, what if I told you that in a week, its most passionate players are meeting in one room, on one night, to meld minds and push for even further change?

There is.

One Night, One Room

On April 8, the Benzinga Fintech Awards Gala will take place in New York City. Dedicated to showcasing the hottest ideas in the capital markets, over 100 companies will share their technology with industry leaders, from venture capital gurus to startup heads.

Exhibitors will present many concepts, including crowdsourced data solutions, automated investing tools, data visualization software, private equity research networks, real-time news alerts, and more.

There are two constant ideals, though, across all platforms: Access and financial independence.

The Key Issues

According to Credit Suisse, global wealth surpassed $200 trillion last year. However, only a fraction is actually managed by the individuals who hold that wealth.

Greater access to research, along with tools designed to provide financial independence, could balance the scale.

It's important to note public awareness of this initiative is growing.

A Business Insider article in March, for example, dove into the key issues at play. "Known in short as fintech," the author wrote, "these startups are changing the way people pay, lend, and invest, threatening the long-established and entrenched financial systems."

Wall Street institutions are also paying attention.

Barclays Accelerator, powered by TechStars, recently announced it will scout for fintech startups at the Benzinga Fintech Awards. "Our Accelerator enables us to help translate emerging technologies into what could be the future of financial services," an executive at the company explained.

Mega-investment bank Goldman Sachs is even getting into the action. A recent report examined what the firm termed "the socialization of finance." Goldman estimated more than $4.7 trillion of revenue in the traditional financial services realm is at risk of being disrupted by fintech companies.

What's Next?

The future is bright, but there's still work to be done.

On April 8, the fintech industry's most passionate leaders will put their heads together to build a future where market intelligence is in the hands of the many, not the few.

And Mr. Robbins, it wouldn't be complete without you.

Sincerely,

Jake Mann

Senior Editor

Benzinga