In 2007, an ambitious entrepreneur named Jon Stein embarked on a journey in financial technology by founding Betterment. Driven by a desire to simplify and improve everyone’s financial life, Stein draws from his experience consulting for banks and brokers to develop an innovative online investment platform. Under his leadership, Betterment becomes the largest independent online financial advisor, pioneering in areas such as fractional shares and smart asset allocation. After 13 years of success and growth, Jon Stein hands over the reins to Sarah Levy in 2020, marking a new era for the company he built with determination and vision.
Jonathan “Jon” Stein is an American fintech entrepreneur, known for founding and leading Betterment, the largest independent online financial advisor. His ambition was to make life better by helping people navigate the complex world of investment. With his experience in consulting for banks and brokers on risk management, he was able to identify opportunities and optimize them. His vision led to significant innovations such as fractional shares and smart asset allocation.
During his thirteen years as CEO of Betterment, Jon Stein transformed the company from an innovative project into a leading figure in the industry. On December 8, 2020, he stepped aside, handing the reins to Sarah Levy. This transition marks not only a new chapter for Betterment but also a testament to his commitment to growth and continuous development.
For Stein, the essence was not just to build a successful business but to create a lasting impact in the financial field. His determination and adaptive approach inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams with passion and resilience.
Jon Stein and the Genesis of Betterment
With an innovative vision to improve personal financial management, Jon Stein founded Betterment in 2007. This project arose from his desire to provide individuals with tools to optimize their investments in a more accessible and intelligent way. Before embarking on this adventure, Stein had already amassed solid experience in consulting banks and brokers on risk management, which enabled him to pinpoint consumers’ needs in financial services. His approach involved identifying opportunities and rigorously elaborating on them, a facet that marked the early stages of Betterment.
Jon Stein’s Role as CEO
As CEO of Betterment, Jonathan Stein successfully led this company to unparalleled heights, making it an essential player in the online advisory landscape. Under his leadership, Betterment introduced revolutionary concepts like fractional shares and smart asset allocation, initiatives that positioned the company as an industry leader. Stein led Betterment for 13 years before passing the baton to Sarah Levy, former COO and exceptional talent whom he personally hired to lead the next growth steps.
A New Phase for Jon Stein
On December 8, 2020, Jon Stein announced his decision to step down as CEO of Betterment, marking an important milestone in his career. He now plays an advisory role at Betterment, continuing to indirectly influence the company’s strategy. This transition was seen as a strategic move to inject new ideas and perspectives into the organization while benefiting from the expertise of Sarah Kirshbaum Levy. This decision was part of a broader context of evolving fintech players, where Stein seeks to constantly adapt Betterment to modern challenges. For more information on his current role and contributions, you can refer to this detailed article.
