That desire is what led to the genesis of an investment advisory firm with a unique name based in Gainesville , together . Launched in 2015 by Tom Mallini and his son Jud , the company , together , was founded for the purpose of using newer and better technology to deliver a more integrated planning service . Jud , who worked as a financial services representative for a major company for 10 years , felt frustrated by the lack of technology available at his job , motivating him to start an independent firm .
“ As we were starting this firm , I was introduced to an engineer at the University of Florida who opened my eyes to all the technology I could use to provide a simpler , more seamless experience for clients ,” said Jud Mallini . “ Using tools like customer relationship management software , I saw the potential to take this practice to a whole new level thanks to a constantly changing technological environment .”
Before technology development became widespread in the industry , financial planners and investment advisors faced an arduous task in preparing for client meetings . But today , firms like together are utilizing the latest technology to create more efficient workflows , better analyze client risk tolerance and provide easier access to reports and data .
“ The key is to use technology to help clients gather all the data in their life and quickly put it into a simple , visual representation of whether they ’ re on pace to meet their goals ,” said Tom Mallini , who spent 43 years in commercial banking before starting together with his son . “ If you can provide that high-quality picture , it enhances the human-to-human interaction and allows clients and advisors to spend more time on the things that are important .”
Keeping it Secure
While financial planning , banking and payments have become more automated and easier to access , these advancements have created a significant hurdle — security . With fraud and major hacks becoming more prevalent , banks and businesses are investing more resources than ever before to protect consumers ’ data . The challenge is finding a way to heighten security while still providing ease of access .
“ In the early days , cybersecurity offenses were more like proofs of concept . Hackers didn ’ t know what to attack and they weren ’ t actively going after money or financial records ,” said Dr . Manish Agrawal , a professor at the University of South Florida who specializes in information systems and security . “ In the last few years , however , we ’ re seeing better prepared attackers who are patient and have better capabilities . So now , we ’ re increasingly Dr . Manish Agrawal seeing attacks on valuable targets such as financial institutions . A recent development is the exploitation of trusted business-tobusiness connections .”
Though there has been a rise in data breaches , Agrawal says the technology industry is maturing rapidly to make necessary changes . For most organizations , improving cybersecurity primarily means ensuring regular updates to technology systems or implementing cloud-based solutions for improved security . And on the consumer side , technology like biometrics and dual-factor authentication is gaining traction as a way to keep data safe .
“ The smartest way to mitigate the majority of risk that exists today is through tools like dual-factor authentication and biometrics — whether it ’ s voice recognition , retinal scanning or fingerprint validation ,” said Eliscu . “ The other thing that ’ s now possible with technology is creating a ‘ DNA profile ’ of a person ’ s behavior . For example , a bank or business can accumulate behavioral characteristics to better understand customers and improve security at great scale and with great accuracy .”
As technology continues to enhance financial security , connectivity and accessibility , Corridor companies are making significant contributions to the industry ’ s growth . For example , FIS , with an office in St . Petersburg , offers chip cards and a number of innovative security solutions . And in Orlando , startup company Fattmerchant pioneered a novel platform that makes it easier and more cost-effective for businesses to process payments .
“ The Corridor has become a gathering point for people in this industry , and we ’ re starting to see a lot of growth ,” said Tom Mallini . “ We ’ re seeing technology companies locate here because of the talent we have — and that can only mean success for our region .”
50 florida . HIGH . TECH 2017