Ten years ago, Brendan Malone helped launch a fintech that would quietly change how everyday Australians think about investing. A decade on, Raiz has helped over 340,000 monthly users invest more than $5 billion, paid out $230 million in dividends, and reinvested $9 million through its cashback program. For many users, it was their first time owning shares or receiving a dividend outside of super.

In this episode, Brendan sits down with Sam to reflect on Raiz's 10 year journey, the lessons learned along the way, and what financial education in Australia should really look like. The conversation covers the highs, the hard calls (including pulling out of Southeast Asia), and the philosophy behind building a product designed to take customers from cradle to grave. It is essential listening for founders, fintech operators, and anyone who cares about how technology can shift behaviour at scale.

We dive into:

💡 The original mission behind Raiz and why breaking down barriers to investing mattered

💡 The pivot from Acorns Australia to Raiz Invest and the road to IPO

💡 Why Raiz expanded into Indonesia and Malaysia, and why they came home

💡 How the product evolved from 5 portfolios to 9, including crypto, property and Plus

💡 Why "the decision not to make a decision is a decision" hits harder than it sounds

💡 The 3 month retention rule that shapes how customers experience the market

💡 Brendan's view on wealth as a right, not a privilege, and what Australia could learn from the US Trump accounts model

💡 Practical lessons on teaching kids the value of money, chores, jars and all

A sharp, honest conversation about building something that actually changes people's lives.

Check out Raiz Invest here: https://raizinvest.com.au/

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