Can Trading Be Like 'Fantasy Sports'? BullRush CEO And Other Experts Address How Platforms Adapt To Change

At the Benzinga Fintech Deal Day & Awards, a panel of fintech leaders explored how modern technology and innovative strategies are transforming the way retail investors engage with markets.

With representatives from Stocktwits, BullRush, SensaMarket, and Stakeholder Labs, the discussion focused on how gamification, personalized tools, and community-focused platforms are reshaping the financial landscape.

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The Rise Of Gamification In Finance

Trent Hoerr, CEO of BullRush, emphasized the power of gamification in retaining users and fostering vibrant communities. "Our platform is built entirely around gamified trading competitions," Hoerr explained. BullRush motivates users to participate daily by offering trivia challenges and leaderboards while encouraging knowledge-sharing and interaction. "It's like fantasy sports but for trading," he added, describing how competition and social banter keep users engaged.

Michael Bozzello, head of product and engineering at Stocktwits, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Stocktwits' plans to integrate similar features. "We're moving into gamification, focusing on social capital rather than paid entry," Bozzello said. He explained how top traders on Stocktwits naturally become creators and influencers within the community. "It's about enabling users to find connection and feel like they belong."

Leveraging AI To Simplify Complex Data

Abdul Zoheb, CEO of SensaMarket, discussed how artificial intelligence is streamlining complex financial tools for retail investors. "Gen Z has grown up with instant data and personalization," Zoheb said. "They want tools that feel intuitive, almost invisible, in their financial journey." SensaMarket offers pre-built strategies and visual profit-loss simulations, allowing users to understand trades quickly.

Zoheb stressed that simplifying data is crucial, especially for newcomers. "The financial world is flooded with information, and AI can help turn that into meaningful insights for users at all levels, from beginners to institutional traders."

Personalizing Engagement With Direct Investor Outreach

Katie Perry, marketing strategist at Stakeholder Labs, highlighted the growing importance of direct-to-investor communication. Perry explained how her team helps public companies understand shareholder behaviors and tailor their outreach. "Companies are realizing that retail investors are watching earnings calls like TV shows," she noted. Some are even spicing up these calls, as Perry shared: "Duolingo had its AI coach, Lily, read part of the call, and Palantir's CEO opened with a mic drop moment."

Perry also suggested fintech platforms look beyond their industry for inspiration. "Retail engagement doesn't look like it used to," she said. "People are checking stocks from their phones while at dinner. There's a lot to learn from consumer apps about content and user experience."

Retail Investors Aren't Going Anywhere

Reflecting on the panel, Bozzello summed up the transformation brought about by the rise of retail investors: "Retail isn't going anywhere. They've proven they're impactful and meaningful." Platforms like Stocktwits, BullRush, and SensaMarket are shaping their tools to reflect this new reality, building communities and empowering investors to engage with confidence.

As retail participation continues to grow, the fintech industry is finding innovative ways to adapt, ensuring that investors at every level have the tools and support they need to succeed.

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