Investing Safely with Human Advisors, Online Platforms & AI Agents
The way we invest is being transformed by technology, but the fundamentals of building wealth haven't changed. Digital assets have entered the mainstream. AI agents are making real-time investment decisions. Online platforms have democratized access to markets once reserved for the wealthy. Yet with more options than ever, many investors feel less certain — not more — about where to turn.
Should you be working with a financial advisor? Using a robo-advisor or investing app? Letting an AI agent manage your portfolio? And how do you do any of this safely, especially in a world where scams, volatility, and opaque algorithms are real risks?
In this candid, practical session, we’ll discuss who — or what — to trust with your financial future.
We'll explore:
Where we are now: How AI, digital assets, and online platforms have fundamentally shifted what's possible for everyday investors
Know your situation and options:
When a human advisor is worth every penny
What online platforms do brilliantly/where they fall short
What AI-powered investing tools can actually do for you today — and what to watch out for
Evaluating traditional and digital assets together: How to evaluate crypto, stablecoins, and tokenized assets as part of your portfolio — and how to protect yourself
The power of combining them: How to build a personal financial stack that uses human guidance, digital platforms, and AI in concert
Whether you're just starting to invest, navigating a major life transition, managing a growing portfolio, or dipping your toes into digital assets for the first time, you'll leave this session with a clear framework for making confident, informed — and safe — decisions.
Speakers
Stephanie Nehmens | Associate Advisor, North Berkeley Wealth
With 15 years of experience in the financial industry, Stephanie works with Lead Advisors to provide comprehensive financial planning and investment management. She got her start working for a private asset management firm that catered to institutional and retail clients and obtained accreditation to sell hedge funds, separately managed accounts, and mutual funds. Since then, she has worked with institutional and commercial clients at large firms like J.P. Morgan Chase, consumers at well-known publicly traded companies like LendingClub, and with fintech startups.
Marie Roker-Jones | Web3/AI Strategist, AI 2030
Marie is a two-time founder and superconnector guiding investors, startups, and leaders through the intersection of web3, AI, and inclusive innovation. As a Venture Fellow and technology strategist with deep roots in social impact, Marie brings the perspective of someone who has watched AI reshape financial access firsthand — and who asks the critical question of whether these tools are reaching everyone they should, including in emerging digital asset markets.
Ann Lucchesi | Senior Director, First Citizens Wealth
Ann advises founders and executives of private companies on equity compensation, liquidity events, and pre/post-IPO planning. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Certified Equity Professional (CEP), she co-hosts the Building More Than Business podcast exploring the intersection of personal and business wealth. Prior to First Citizens, she held roles at SVB Private (Silicon Valley Bank's wealth advisory arm), Parallel Advisors, and Charles Schwab.
Moderator
Karen Hsu | Founder & CEO, BlockSteer | Co-Founder, Blockchain by Women
With 30 years of experience at the intersection of tech in AI, blockchain, and financial security, Karen founded BlockSteer, an AI integrity and financial risk platform, and co-founded LuumiFi, a financial guidance app to empower all investors. Karen founded BlockchainIntel, exiting to Appdome and co-founded Blockchain by Women, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing the latest insights into blockchain innovation, AI integrity and risk mitigation.
** The information is this session is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Please note that the views and opinions expressed by our panelists today are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of their employers or any entities they represent