Our Team

John O’Connell is the Founder and CEO of The Oasis Group, a leading consultancy that specializes in guiding wealth management and fintech firms through complex business and technology transformations. With over 30 years of leadership experience spanning startups and global enterprises, John has held senior roles at Merrill Lynch, Oracle, and multiple fintech firms, contributing to IPOs and major acquisitions. At The Oasis Group, John leads initiatives in technology selection, cybersecurity, AI integration, and client lifecycle optimization. The firm is renowned for its Peaks Research series and the AI WealthTech Map, which provide actionable insights for financial professionals navigating digital transformation. John is also the author of Rise of The Activist Investor, a handbook that empowers individuals to align their investments with their values. He developed the Activist Investor Arc, a framework that outlines the journey of retail investors engaging in shareholder activism. A respected voice in the industry, John frequently contributes to publications like Financial Planning Magazine and Wealth Solutions Report, and speaks at major conferences such as RIA Edge and Wealth Management EDGE.

David Jaindl Martin is a seasoned compliance executive and the Founder & CEO of Compliers Consulting Services, LLC, a boutique compliance advisory firm serving broker-dealers, investment advisers, and fintech firms. With  years of experience in the financial services industry, David is a licensed compliance professional with deep expertise in SEC and FINRA regulations. He has held senior compliance roles at firms including Benchmark Investments, Xton Financial, and R.F. Lafferty & Co., Inc., where he served as Chief Compliance Officer. At Compliers, David leads a team that specializes in regulatory compliance consulting, offering services such as compliance program development, ongoing training, mock audits, and regulatory exam readiness. His firm is known for integrating technology and automation into compliance workflows, helping clients stay ahead of evolving regulatory requirements.

Stephen Cortright is a seasoned fintech executive with a distinguished career in building and scaling innovative financial platforms. He began his journey in 2001 as Chief Operating Officer at FX Solutions, a pioneering online foreign exchange brokerage. During his tenure, FX Solutions gained recognition for its rapid growth and was named to the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing private companies. In 2011, Stephen joined DriveWealth as Head of Advisory Products, where he played a crucial role in developing their digital wealth management solutions. His contributions were instrumental in shaping DriveWealth’s innovative approach to embedded brokerage services. In 2022, Stephen took on the role of Chief Executive Officer at Investall, an AI-driven mobile trading platform focused on personal finance and investing. Under his leadership, Investall has been delivering AI-driven trading for thousands of equities and major cryptocurrencies, providing users with price forecasts and financial projections for self-trading, as well as automated products like Robo, Goals, and the AI-Trader for directed trading. Stephen’s extensive experience and visionary leadership continue to drive innovation in the fintech industry, making him a respected figure in the realm of digital finance.

Jeff Van Blarcom, founder of The Securities Institute of America, is a leading authority in securities exam preparation, dedicated to helping financial professionals achieve licensing success for over 25 years. With a passion for making complex financial topics clear and accessible, Jeff has developed industry-leading textbooks, video classes, and innovative learning tools that have helped over 400,000 candidates pass their exams. Under his leadership, The Securities Institute has set the gold standard for pass rates and educational excellence, blending cutting-edge technology with expert insights to empower students and firms nationwide. Jeff’s unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and student success has made him a trusted name in financial education and a driving force behind the next generation of licensed professionals.

Kevin has acquired more than 40 years of experience in managing administrative, customer support, human resource, legal, marketing, and other key functions. He previously served as the Chief Administrative Officer for DriveWealth, a leading Fintech firm powering investing experiences for global leaders and disruptors. As the Chief Administrative Officer for DriveWealth, Kevin oversaw a number of important functions including administrative, corporate documentation, due diligence, human resources, and legal matters. Subsequent to DriveWealth, he served as the Chief Operating Officer for FX Solutions. Kevin has also worked at a leading energy company where his responsibilities included strategic planning, corporate affairs, product development, and marketing and sales functions. Kevin earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Lehigh University and an MBA in Financial Management from Pace University.

Rifton Westby is a seasoned recruitment executive and the Head of Recruitment at Kingswood U.S., a leading financial services firm specializing in wealth management and advisory solutions. With a strong background in talent acquisition and a deep understanding of the financial industry, Rifton has been instrumental in building high-performing teams that drive organizational succes.

Rifton Westby is a seasoned recruitment executive and the Head of Recruitment at Kingswood U.S., a leading financial services firm specializing in wealth management and advisory solutions. With a strong background in talent acquisition and a deep understanding of the financial industry, Rifton has been instrumental in building high-performing teams that drive organizational succes.

Rifton Westby is a seasoned recruitment executive and the Head of Recruitment at Kingswood U.S., a leading financial services firm specializing in wealth management and advisory solutions. With a strong background in talent acquisition and a deep understanding of the financial industry, Rifton has been instrumental in building high-performing teams that drive organizational succes.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Rifton is known for his community involvement and passion for mentorship, often sharing insights and guidance with aspiring professionals in the financial sector.

With a proven track record of success and a forward-thinking mindset, Rifton Westby continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the talent landscape at Kingswood U.S., ensuring the firm remains at the forefront of the financial services industry

Sebastian Burtone is a seasoned executive in the financial services and fintech sectors, renowned for his strategic leadership and operational expertise. With a career spanning over two decades, he has played pivotal roles in scaling innovative platforms and driving growth across various organizations.

As the former Chief Operating Officer at FusionIQ, Sebastian was instrumental in enhancing the firm’s digital wealth management solutions, focusing on operational efficiency and strategic partnerships. His tenure at FusionIQ underscored his ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and implement transformative strategies.

 

Currently, Sebastian serves as the Head of Institutional Development at 11th.com, where he leverages his extensive experience to foster institutional relationships and drive business development initiatives. In addition, he is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of B Squared Partners LLC, a firm dedicated to providing strategic consulting services to financial institutions. Through Burtone Consulting, LLC, he continues to offer bespoke advisory services, reflecting his commitment to innovation and excellence in the financial sector.

Sebastian’s multifaceted career reflects a deep understanding of the evolving financial services industry, making him a valuable asset to any organization seeking to navigate the complexities of today’s market.

Abigail Cortright is a multidisciplinary creative whose work bridges photography, styling, and vintage curation. A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, she draws inspiration from Dutch Golden Age paintings and Impressionism, infusing her visuals with a rich, textured aesthetic. Her distinctive style—marked by a “witchy and maximalist” sensibility—reflects her passion for antique finds and storytelling through imagery. Whether capturing editorial fashion or crafting evocative still lifes, Abigail brings a timeless, art-historical depth to modern visual narratives