Episode 262: Building Trust in a Regulated Industry

Finance affects everyone, but the companies that explain it clearly are the ones most likely to earn trust, change behavior, and stand out.

In this episode of The Registered Investment Advisor Podcast, host Seth Greene interviews Dan Simon, Chairman of Vested and CEO and Co-Founder of Qwoted who discusses the communication challenges inside financial services, including the need to make complex, regulated offerings clear, credible, and relevant. He also explores how fintech, user design, financial literacy, AI, and specialized expertise are shaping the future of financial marketing and professional services.

Key Takeaways:  

• Financial services companies often struggle because their products are complicated and heavily regulated.
• Clear communication helps financial companies explain their value to consumers, clients, and other institutions.
• Finance touches public policy, capital markets, and personal financial stability.
• Many financial companies face brand, reputation, narrative, or perception challenges.
• Specialized knowledge matters because finance has strict rules about what companies can and cannot say.

Dan Simon is the founder and CEO of Qwoted, an online network that connects journalists with expert sources and is used by reporters across major newsrooms. He serves on the U.S. Board of Advisors for Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and has built Qwoted's work around press freedom, newsroom economics, and journalists' working conditions. He is the author of The Money Hackers (HarperCollins, 2020), which explores how technology has transformed our relationship with money. The book was named the best small business book by the Axiom Awards.

Connect With Dan:  

Website: https://www.qwoted.com/

LinkedIn (Personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/dansimon/