Tony Petrilli Joins The Exponential Show
Host Mayank Singh sits down with Tony Petrilli, Chairman and CEO of ViewTrade, for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolution of investing, the infrastructure supporting cross-border market access, and the role of artificial intelligence in financial services.
Recorded at True Digital Park in Bangkok, the episode explores how technology has shaped Tony’s career and continues to transform how financial institutions and investors access global markets.
This conversation was originally produced and published by The Exponential Show. ViewTrade acknowledges and thanks The Exponential Show for the opportunity.
From Ticker Tape to Digital Investing
Tony reflects on a career in financial services that began with an early interest in markets in the 1970s.
He describes how the arrival of personal computers and, later, the internet transformed access to financial information. What once required a visit or telephone call to a broker can now be accessed almost instantly through digital platforms.
For Tony, the evolution of financial services has consistently been connected to one question: how can new technology be applied responsibly to make investing more accessible and efficient?
Making Cross-Border Investing Simpler
Although an investor may be able to access another market through a mobile application, significant complexity exists behind that experience.
Cross-border investing can involve different regulatory frameworks, banking systems, currencies, tax requirements, market conventions, languages and operational processes.
Tony explains that ViewTrade’s role is to help financial institutions address this complexity so they can provide their customers with access to global markets through a more unified experience.
The objective is straightforward: take processes that are difficult behind the scenes and make them easier for financial institutions and their end customers to use.
Working With Local Financial Ecosystems
The conversation also examines ViewTrade’s work in Thailand.
Tony discusses the importance of working collaboratively with local financial institutions, industry organisations, regulators and service providers to understand the barriers affecting cross-border investing.
Rather than approaching a market solely as an external provider, he explains that ViewTrade aims to become part of the local financial services ecosystem. This includes supporting local firms, developing local capabilities and helping create infrastructure that can benefit the broader market.
He also discusses the importance of applying strong standards across markets, even where local regulation may still be developing.
For ViewTrade, regulatory compliance is not simply about following the wording of a rule. It also requires understanding the underlying objectives, including investor protection, appropriate customer identification and effective anti-money-laundering controls.
How AI Could Change Financial Services
Artificial intelligence is another central theme of the discussion.
Tony identifies two areas where AI is already having a meaningful impact.
The first is operational efficiency. AI can support activities such as account opening, compliance reviews, anti-money-laundering processes, technology configuration and the identification of potential errors or unusual patterns.
The second is information discovery. AI can help users analyse and summarise large quantities of information more quickly, potentially making it easier to research companies, sectors and markets outside their home country.
This could expand the range of opportunities an investor is able to explore. However, access to more information does not remove the need for careful evaluation and human judgement.
Humans Must Remain Accountable
Tony emphasises that AI should assist people rather than replace their accountability.
AI may provide information, identify patterns or generate recommendations, but the individual or institution using the technology must remain responsible for the final decision.
This principle applies across investment research, compliance, software development and other areas of financial services.
Technology can improve speed and support better-informed decision-making, but it should operate within appropriate controls, governance frameworks and human oversight.
Why Asia Matters for Global Investing
The episode also explores the growing importance of Asia-Pacific within the global investing landscape.
Tony discusses rising interest in international markets across the region and the importance of enabling investors to access those markets through financial institutions in their own countries.
He explains that local account relationships can help financial institutions maintain their customer connections while providing access to global investment opportunities.
Thailand represents an important part of this regional strategy because of its established financial services community and the opportunity to work with local stakeholders on improving cross-border infrastructure.
Relationships Over Transactions
One of Tony’s central leadership principles is the value of long-term relationships.
Drawing on lessons from the early stages of his career, he explains that a single transaction may create a short-term result, while a strong client relationship can endure for decades.
This relationship-led approach influences how ViewTrade works with clients, regulators, industry partners and local financial services communities.
It also becomes increasingly important in an AI-driven world. Technology may automate processes, but trust, culture, accountability and human relationships remain essential differentiators.
What Comes Next?
Looking ahead, Tony discusses several developments that could influence the next phase of financial services, including:
- Artificial intelligence and automation
- Tokenisation of financial assets
- Stablecoins and the movement of money
- Prediction markets
- Broader access to different investment products
- Continued modernisation of cross-border infrastructure
Rather than attempting to predict every development, Tony advocates an active and practical approach to innovation.
Financial institutions should understand emerging customer needs, engage with new technologies and begin testing potential solutions. Progress is more likely to emerge through responsible participation than through observation alone.
About The Exponential Show
The Exponential Show, hosted by Mayank Singh, features conversations with business leaders, founders and industry experts about technology, innovation, leadership and the forces shaping the future.
This episode featuring Tony Petrilli was recorded and produced by The Exponential Show. You can watch the full episode here.
Disclaimer
This content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute investment, financial, legal, tax, regulatory or other professional advice, and it should not be relied upon as a recommendation or solicitation to buy, sell or hold any security, financial instrument or investment product.
Any opinions or views expressed during the episode are those of the individual speakers and are based on the information and circumstances available at the time of recording. They do not necessarily represent the views of ViewTrade, its affiliates, The Exponential Show or any other organisation.
References to technologies, markets, products, asset types or investment approaches are illustrative and do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Availability of products, services and market access may vary by jurisdiction and remains subject to applicable legal, regulatory, eligibility and contractual requirements. ViewTrade does not provide services directly to retail investors in every jurisdiction. Individuals and institutions should consult their own qualified professional advisers before making financial or investment decisions.
