Jenny Just & Matt Hulsizer at Ascend Innovation Summit | Standing Table

Building successful financial enterprises requires a foundation of collective decision-making, technological foresight, and a disciplined approach to risk. Jenny Just and Matt Hulsizer, co-founders of PEAK6 Investments and Apex FinTech Solutions, emphasize that their long-term success stems from a partnership model that prioritizes shared vision over individual ego. By embracing electronic trading early and focusing on solving core industry pain points like onboarding and compliance, they transformed the clearing and custody landscape. Beyond business operations, fostering financial literacy remains critical; teaching skills like poker helps individuals—especially women—normalize risk-taking and improve decision-making under conditions of imperfect information. Ultimately, the future of finance lies in leveraging AI and technology to create more accessible, efficient, and inclusive markets, provided leaders remain committed to continuous learning and the courage to act despite uncertainty.