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Fintech expert Martha Underwood on wealth-transfer strategies, resilience and creativity

By: Equities.com

February 25, 2025 at 13:08 PM EST

Fintech expert Martha Underwood on wealth-transfer strategies, resilience and creativity

Reprinted from WIE Suite Woman

Martha Underwood is CEO of Prismm, an enterprise platform that empowers banks to securely organize, manage and share critical information, positioning them as trusted partners during the largest wealth transfer in history. Under her leadership, Prismm has secured strategic partnerships and accolades, establishing itself as a leader in the fintech space.

Underwood is a seasoned leader with a career spanning top roles in technology and finance. She has held pivotal positions at IBM, PNC, and Silicon Valley firms, where she honed her expertise in developing innovative solutions for complex, highly regulated industries.

“The biggest misunderstanding is thinking it’s all about money. Wealth transfer is about much more than dollars and cents—it’s about preserving stories, values and the foundation that your family has built,” she said.

WIE: Why do we need Prismm?

Martha Underwood: Prismm is essential because life is unpredictable, and yet so many of us are unprepared for its transitions. We’ve all seen families struggle—not just emotionally, but practically—when a loved one passes or faces a crisis. Important documents and critical information are scattered, inaccessible, or, worse, completely missing.

Prismm simplifies the chaos. It ensures that everything—your accounts, policies, and vital information—is securely stored and easily accessible to the people who need it most when it matters most.

With the added benefit of making it simple to receive the cash or assets your loved one may have left to you, Prismm ensures that nothing falls through the cracks, protecting both legacies and loved ones. It’s about peace of mind, preserving what matters, and lightening the load for families during life’s toughest moments.

WIE: What do most people misunderstand about wealth transfer?

MU: The biggest misunderstanding is thinking it’s all about money. Wealth transfer is about much more than dollars and cents—it’s about preserving stories, values, and the foundation that your family has built. People also underestimate how complicated it is.

It’s not just a matter of having a will or a few documents; it’s about making sure everything is in one place, up to date, and accessible to the right people. Most importantly, it’s about ensuring those you care about are prepared and supported. Wealth transfer is a deeply personal process, but too often, we treat it like an afterthought.

WIE: What inspired you on this journey and how have you stayed connected when the going has been tough?

MU: This journey started from a personal place. I’ve seen firsthand the pain and chaos families go through when critical information isn’t accessible during difficult times. It made me realize that this is a problem everyone faces, but no one talks about until it’s too late. I felt a deep responsibility to solve it—not just for my family but for others too.

When things have been tough—and trust me, they have—I’ve stayed connected by remembering why I started. I think about the families we’re helping and the lives we’re simplifying. I remind myself that every obstacle is an opportunity to make Prismm better. I also lean on my friends, family and mentors. They remind me that the work we’re doing matters and that I’m not in this alone. Staying connected to that purpose and those people keeps me grounded and moving forward.

WIE: Do you have one secret to your success?

MU: If I had to name one, it would be my dad. He’s my secret weapon because he taught me resilience. He showed me that success isn’t about never failing—it’s about how you respond when life gets tough. His lessons shaped the way I approach challenges, teaching me to adapt, persevere, and keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles.

Resilience is what keeps me showing up, even on the hardest days, and it’s what allows me to stay focused on the bigger picture. His influence is the reason I believe that every step, even the difficult ones, brings me closer to the impact I want to make.

WIE: Who is a woman you admire?

MU: Outside of my mom and sisters, I’d say Cindy Gallop. She’s unapologetically authentic and uses her voice to advance women’s issues without fear or concern for retribution. Her boldness and commitment to making an impact are deeply inspiring to me. It’s a reminder to stand firm in your beliefs and use your platform to drive meaningful change.

WIE: What’s one thing you can’t live without?

MU: My family. They’re my anchor and my biggest supporters. No matter how hectic things get or how many challenges I face, they remind me of what truly matters. They’re the reason I do what I do and the constant motivation behind everything I’m building with Prismm.

On a practical level, I’d say a good coffee—it keeps me going and fuels me through the busy days!

WIE: What is one big trend you’re excited about in 2025?

MU: I’m really excited about the continued growth of the creator economy. As a creative at heart, I love seeing people compensated for their creativity and artistic brilliance. This trend not only democratizes entrepreneurship but also provides opportunities for those who don’t want to follow the traditional corporate path. It’s empowering to see individuals turn their passions into sustainable livelihoods and redefine what success can look like on their own terms.

Read more: Investing in women in leadership

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Fintech expert Martha Underwood on wealth-transfer strategies, resilience and creativity

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