As the financial and insurance industries continue to evolve under the influence of emerging technologies, universities are being called to play a new role—not only as educators, but as conveners and innovators. Fayetteville State University (FSU), through its Broadwell College of Business and Economics (BCBE), is answering that call.

On October 30–31, 2025, FSU will host its FinTech and InsurTech Conference, an expanded two-day event that bridges academia, industry, and government to explore innovation across financial technology, risk management, and insurance. Building upon the success of its 2024 inaugural event, this year’s conference has grown substantially in size, scope, and influence, attracting nearly 300 participants representing 23 universities and a diverse mix of policymakers, executives, and scholars.

The FinTech and InsurTech Conference originated in 2024 as part of FSU’s broader strategy to align education with emerging market needs and to foster economic mobility across southeastern North Carolina. The Broadwell College of Business—long recognized for its leadership in entrepreneurship, analytics, and workforce development—conceived the conference as a bridge between academic theory and practical innovation.

“In its design, we wanted this conference to be more than a gathering of experts,” said Ulysses Taylor, Dean of the Broadwell College of Business and Economics. “It’s a platform to connect our students directly with leaders who are reshaping financial systems, digital commerce, and risk management. The future of business education depends on how well we integrate real-world application into the classroom experience.”

Building on lessons from its first year, the 2025 conference expands the programmatic focus beyond FinTech to include InsurTech, a sector experiencing rapid transformation due to advances in automation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence. The integration of these disciplines—finance, risk management, and insurance—mirrors both the industry’s convergence and FSU’s curricular innovations.

In parallel, the Broadwell College of Business is seeking approval to advance a new Bachelor’s degree in Risk Management and Insurance, complementing its established programs in Finance, Accounting, Healthcare and Business. This initiative is designed to prepare students for in-demand careers while responding to workforce needs identified through collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Insurance, the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina, and private-sector partners.

The two-day conference will feature a robust program of keynotes, panels, workshops, competitions, and networking sessions designed to inform, inspire, and connect participants.

Day One begins with three concurrent workshops: The Basics of FinTech and Blockchain Technology, Foundations of Insurance, and Leadership Skills to Thrive in Any Challenge. The midday keynote will feature former NFL player turned entrepreneur Marques Ogden, speaking on “From Setback to Startups: How Resilient Leaders Thrive in a Tech-Driven World.”

Afternoon sessions include a student pitch competition featuring teams from six universities, followed by a policy and industry panel with North Carolina Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Teena Piccione, State Senator James Burgin, and Joseph Stewart, Vice President of Governmental Affairs for the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina. Secretary Piccione will also deliver the evening keynote, “AI-Powered Cyber Attacks and Cybersecurity in Digital Transformation.”

Day Two begins with a morning keynote from Traci Adedeji, immediate past president and chair of The Institutes CPCU Society, on “Building the Next Generation of Insurance Innovators.” Two subsequent panels—“The Rise of Digital Assets, Blockchain and DeFi: Opportunities and Challenges” and “Generational Shifts and FinTech and InsurTech Innovations”—will explore the technologies and demographic forces reshaping finance and insurance.

The lunchtime keynote, delivered by Dr. Tonya Evans, President and CEO of Advantage Evans LLC, will focus on “From Cash to Crypto: How Digital Money Is Redefining Our Financial Future.” 

The conference concludes with the Deloitte Student Consulting Case Competition, a hands-on challenge in which teams analyze real-world business scenarios related to data, compliance, and emerging technology. Concurrent sessions will also examine “How Data and Technology Are Changing On-Demand Insurance Models and Careers” and “Insights into the Technical Skillset for the FinTech/InsurTech Space.

Beyond the scheduled sessions, the conference will feature a career and networking fair open to all FSU students, with participation from leading financial institutions, insurance companies, and government agencies. The fair is part of BCBE’s mission to create equitable access to career pathways and to connect students with employers who value both technical and leadership skills.

The event also underscores FSU’s growing national reputation as a regional hub for innovation and workforce development. Since the inaugural 2024 conference, enrollment in the university’s finance, risk management, and insurance programs has grown to more than 80 students—a 40% increase in one year. Many have since completed internships with participating firms, while new collaborations with organizations such as Deloitte, NC Farm Bureau, Spencer Foundation, Erie Insurance, MedPro and the North Carolina Surplus Lines Association have emerged.

As finance, insurance, and technology continue to converge, the need for adaptable, innovative professionals grows exponentially. Fayetteville State University’s FinTech and InsurTech Conference stands as a model for how public institutions can drive innovation through education and partnership.

Through interdisciplinary collaboration, experiential learning, and industry engagement, FSU is equipping the next generation of leaders with the technical and ethical foundation to shape the digital economy—proving that when academia and industry align, both innovation and opportunity flourish.

📍 Event Dates: October 30–31, 2025
📍 Location: Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC
🔗 Learn more: Visit the official conference webpage