Zak Wetsphal has been at the cutting edge of the fintech space for quite some time now. As the co-founder and CEO of popular trading platform StocksToTrade, Zak was way ahead of the curve when it came to spotting the opportunity for bringing more financial capabilities and money management tools to the masses.
Still today, more than a decade after his trading platform launched, Zak is still one of the leading pioneers for driving financial empowerment to the average joe, aiming to disrupt an outdated system where the power remains only in the hands of a few. Specifically, Zak has worked to break down barriers for retail traders, particularly after he felt like he was on the wrong side of them when he first started out his journey into the markets.
For decades, high powered algorithmic trading tools were locked behind closed doors, only available to the wall street elite. And now, Zak is working hard to open up access to these tools, democratizing trading and wealth building opportunities for everyday investors.
Jumping Off the Corporate Ladder
Despite early career success, Zak recalls feeling gradually disillusioned by the rat race and rigid career progression those environments promoted. He explains, “I saw really talented people hitting ceilings through no fault of their own — just politics, demographic biases, and factors limiting upward mobility.”
He soon took up penny stock trading as a hobby. However, he described facing the common frustrations of information and access inequalities that gave institutional investors access to far greater analytical resources.
“I had this vision for an intuitive platform pairing analytics software with an engaged community so regular people could help each other succeed. Too many emerging traders lacked mentors or guidance learning best practices.”
The more Zak reflected on those experiences and discussions with fellow retail traders, the more his entrepreneurial instincts kicked in. He ultimately took the leap, leaving his stable corporate job despite peers questioning that decision.
“I realized solving these problems for millions of people felt far more meaningful than just figuring things out for myself. And I trusted that if you build solutions allowing people to take control of their financial futures, there will always be demand.”
Mission to Open Markets
For Zak Westphal, issues of financial access and inclusion resonate strongly for him, and his company, StocksToTrade. He emphasized that while founding a startup admittedly requires strong personal drive, his motivations run deeper than ego or wealth accumulation.
“We live in times of unprecedented information access yet staggering inequality. Certain groups face systemic barriers to wealth building opportunities, keeping them stuck in vicious economic cycles.”
He pointed out how economic mobility data continues showing the wealthy have significant advantage perpetuating and preserving generational affluence. “So barriers persist, and too many hard-working people can’t access tools to take control or get a fair shot.”
Zak says, while regulations aim to protect unsophisticated investors on paper, in practice they often discriminate by income or net worth. He believes a more nuanced approach balancing investor education, choice, and protection is needed rather than blanket barriers claiming that they serve the greater good.
He explained how StocksToTrade aims to challenge status quo gatekeeping and democratize access to powerful trading tools, analytics, and insights – once only available to elite institutions.
“We invest heavily in educational programs tailored to different expertise levels. That pairing of technology and community helps members make more informed financial decisions based on their personal risk appetite.”
Product Innovation
Part of StocksToTrade’s success comes from continually updating features and educational offerings most relevant to customers. According to Zak, the feedback from StocksToTrade’s 30K+ engaged community members provides invaluable direction to management. “We learn so much just by listening to users that share their experiences and pain points. It really guides development priorities.”
At the same time, Zak knows that there is no such thing as standing still in a highly innovative space such as fintech. If you aren’t developing new features and moving forward, then you’re falling behind.
“We want to meet members wherever they are on their trading journey today, while also anticipating needs 3-5 years out. We keep our ear to the ground for what people want, and we also keep doing what we can to bring advanced trading features to the masses.”
He is also keenly focused on leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance decision making. Specific applications news analysis from his stock screeners aim to help customers spot opportunities faster or avoid emotional pitfalls.
Still, Zak clarified the end goal is not handing all power over to algorithms – but rather helping to strengthen and support individual choice. “The last thing we want is users becoming disengaged or disconnected. So human empowerment through technology remains our main goal.”
Democratizing Access for the Next Generation
With global asset prices recently notching all-time highs, we asked Zak whether financial markets growing increasingly complex intensifies the need for their platform.
“Absolutely,” he asserted. “It’s no coincidence we’ve seen an explosion of people opening first-time investment accounts in the past couple of years. Returns often seemed guaranteed in a euphoric bull market, so interest surged.”
“But the tide looks to be turning as tightening monetary policies slow down economies. Unfortunately late entrants lulled into false confidence are in for a rude awakening. This is when relying on fundamentals and risk management matters most.”
He expects the coming months’ increased volatility to further validate StocksToTrade’s tools and real-time alerts informing smarter decisions for any market environment. Importantly, Zak believes shifting generational attitudes also play a role driving adoption of self-directed trading platforms like StocksToTrade. He explained:
“Younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z now demand far more customization and flexibility managing their finances. The rise of consumer fintech parallels these trends – money management revolving around an individual’s unique interests and values, not dictated entirely by traditional institutions.”
Zak also mentioned how historically marginalized communities are increasingly exploring market participation to build generational wealth, timing nicely with surging technological capabilities.
“We want to ensure all groups benefit from innovations that lower barriers and hidden advantages previously allowing only the wealthy to get wealthier. Leveling access creates more winners.”
The Road Ahead
Rather than chasing fame or fast riches, Zak Westphal focuses efforts on progressing financial inclusion and empowerment for everyday people.
No doubt challenges await as competitive and regulatory environments evolve. But by sticking to that purpose-driven growth strategy, Zak seems confident StocksToTrade can empower many more individuals to take control of their financial futures in the years ahead.
