Arkansas Financial Technology Companies Named Among ‘Best Places to Work in Fintech’

Two Arkansas fintech companies have been recognized as being among the best places to work in the financial technology industry by a leading banking publication.

Smiley Technologies of Little Rock and Teslar Software of Springdale have been named to American Banker’s “Best Places to Work in Fintech” list for 2022. The list recognizes the top 50 fintech companies on their workplace environments.

Both Smiley Technologies and Teslar Software are making a return to American Banker’s “Best Places to Work in Fintech” list after making the 2021 list.

Smiley Technologies is an Arkansas fintech company that provides a core banking platform, integrating most banking functions into one system. Founded in 2002, Smiley Technologies offers its core and digital banking solutions to community banks around the United States.

“As we continue to grow and add new employees, we must continue to be intentional on creating a people-first culture,” said Elizabeth Glasbrenner, President and CEO of Smiley Technologies.  “We take care of our employees just like our employees take care of our partner banks, creating that great customer support we are known for in the industry!”

Teslar Software, the second Arkansas fintech company on the American Banker list, offers a configurable lending process automation platform for community banks and financial institutions. The Springdale-based company was founded in 2008 and works to streamline processes and integrate systems for financial institutions.

"We recognize that Teslar Software’s recent success and momentum wouldn’t be possible without the strong team we have here. That’s why it’s a top priority to facilitate a work environment that’s flexible, balanced and fun," said Tamra Noe, senior vice president of people at Teslar Software. "We strive to not only create a workplace that’s enjoyable, but one that directly supports and helps to advance our employees’ careers. It’s important to us that each team member feels heard and valued; all voices and perspectives are welcome at Teslar."

Both Smiley Technologies and Teslar Software are no strangers to industry accolades. These Arkansas fintech companies have won multiple awards. Smiley Technologies was named to the Forbes Next 1000 in 2021 and was named a Forbes Small Giant Winner in 2020. Teslar Software was named the Best Solution for Lending at the 2021 FinXTech Awards.

To qualify for the “Best Places to Work in Fintech” list, companies are required to provide technology products, services or solutions that enable the delivery of financial services, must have a minimum of 15 full or part-time employees in the United States, and must have been in business for a minimum of one year.

The fintech companies recognized on the American Banker list were selected through a two-part survey process. This process, completed with the help of the Best Companies Group, evaluated company benefits and policies and employee satisfaction.

Arkansas has a long history in the fintech industry that dates to the 1960s. Systematics, an early fintech company, was founded in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1968. This company evolved into FIS Global, one of the largest fintech companies in the world.

Fintech continues to thrive in Arkansas with new companies created and supported within the state. The Venture Center hosts two fintech accelerators, the FIS Fintech Accelerator and the ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator. These award-winning fintech accelerators – which received the top prize in the Best Fintech Accelerator/Incubator category at the 2020 Finovate Awards – have helped accelerate the growth of fintech companies across the globe.

With companies like Smiley Technologies and Teslar Software and resources like The Venture Center’s accelerators, Arkansas has become a global leader in the fintech sector.