In the rapidly evolving world of finance, a new wave of entrepreneurs, traders, and innovators is making a significant impact, particularly in fintech, cryptocurrencies, and traditional financial services. Among them is Oban MacTavish, cofounder of Spade, a startup that utilizes advanced data solutions to enhance how banks discern the legitimacy of transactions. Established in New York City just three years ago, Spade addresses the challenge presented by outdated banking infrastructures that inadequately support the detection of fraudulent activities in card transactions. By leveraging an extensive database that encompasses millions of businesses and integrating artificial intelligence with human oversight, Spade allows financial institutions to obtain detailed merchant information, significantly aiding their fight against the staggering $36 billion loss incurred by banks due to credit and debit card fraud globally in 2023.
Enterprising young figures such as MacTavish and Cooper Hart, both recently named honorees in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 finance list for 2025, exemplify the drive to revamp the financial landscape. The selections for this year’s list were drawn from over 600 nominations and evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges from various sectors of finance, demonstrating a broad consensus on the influence of these innovators. Among Spade’s achievements are processing over $1 billion in monthly transactions for clients including well-known companies like Stripe, drawing in $16 million in venture funding from notable investors such as Andreessen Horowitz. The rise of fintech continues with contributions from a diverse group of entrepreneurs, underscoring the demand for innovative solutions to age-old problems.
Another standout entrepreneur recognized on the list is Mukund Tibrewala, who at just 29 has already made significant strides in the tech industry. His journey from developing apps in high school to founding Salient, an AI-driven platform designed to streamline customer interactions for auto lenders, highlights the fusion of technology and finance. Salient, which generated $6 million in annualized revenue in 2024, provides essential payment processing capabilities. The platform’s successful partnership with firms like Consumer Portfolio Services showcases its potential and the growing trend of utilizing AI to enhance operational efficiency within financial services.
Meanwhile, the investment landscape is also transforming thanks to the efforts of standout entrepreneurs like Anthony Zhang, the 29-year-old founder of Vinovest. His innovative platform is democratizing access to wine investment, previously thought to be exclusive to affluent investors. Through Vinovest, clients are provided with a robo-advisor that identifies lucrative investment opportunities while managing the acquisition and storage of investment-grade wines. With custody of more than 1.7 million bottles and investments surpassing $140 million from over 20,000 customers, Zhang has illustrated how technology can be utilized to widen investment accessibility and cultivate a deeper appreciation for alternative assets, proving that compelling narratives can lead to success in the investment space.
Innovations in the crypto sector are also flourishing, highlighted by the notable accomplishments of entrepreneurs such as Shayne Coplan, age 26, who founded Polymarket. This blockchain-based prediction market platform has attracted considerable attention, allowing users to wager on future events and processing over $3.5 billion in transactions in 2024. Alongside Coplan, Cindy Leow, cofounder of Drift, is making strides in the trading exchange landscape. At just 27, she has built the largest trading platform for perpetual contracts within the Solana ecosystem, managing over $400 million in deposits. The growth of platforms like Drift and Polymarket illustrates the resilience and creativity prevalent in the cryptocurrency sector as they navigate regulatory challenges while continuing to offer innovative solutions.
The finance category of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 also reflects a robust presence of traditional financial service leaders. David Fershteyn, another honoree, leads Altera Investments, managing a noteworthy $450 million in assets while focusing on alternative investments in private equity and real estate. His entrepreneurial journey began during his college years, showcasing early ambition and initiative. Additionally, individuals like Evelyn Duan are breaking barriers within larger financial institutions; as a vice president at Sixth Street Partners, Duan has successfully contributed to multi-million-dollar investments in technology companies, furthering their growth. These finance professionals not only exemplify success within their organizations but also serve as mentors to underrepresented groups in the industry.
The versatility of this year’s 30 Under 30 list highlights growing trends in finance, such as the intersection of technology and traditional services, the increasing diversity within the financial sphere, and the democratization of investment opportunities. With innovators at the helm, the financial landscape is becoming more inclusive and reflective of a broader range of voices and ideas. Entrepreneurs like MacTavish, Tibrewala, Zhang, Coplan, Leow, and Fershteyn are heralding a new era in finance that blends traditional pillars with cutting-edge technology, demonstrating a collective commitment to reshaping the future of financial services—an undertaking that promises profound implications for businesses and consumers alike. Understanding these emerging trends will be critical for those looking to navigate and succeed in this transformed financial ecosystem.