Ascent Named Best Places to Work in Fintech 2025
For the fourth year, San Diego-based fintech recognized for innovative culture
Ascent, a leading provider of innovative financial products and student support services that enable more students to access education and achieve academic and economic success, has been named one of the 2025 Best Places to Work in Fintech, an awards program created in 2017 by Arizent and Best Companies Group.
The 2025 list, which includes 29 distinguished companies, was published by Arizent brands American Banker, National Mortgage News, Financial Planning and Digital Insurance on May 12, 2025. “The Best Places to Work in Fintech ranking is a glimpse into the company practices and policies that are popular with employees in the financial sector,” said Penny Crosman, executive editor, technology at American Banker. “This year’s honorees can serve as an inspiration or nudge to companies looking to attract and retain top talent.”
Ascent Funding stood out among competitors for its employee-centric practices, commitment to innovation in student lending, and positive workplace environment. “This award validates our dedication to building not just an innovative fintech company, but a workplace where employees can thrive while making education more accessible to students,” said Ken Ruggiero, CEO at Ascent. “Our team’s passion for helping students achieve their educational dreams not only drives our company culture, but also our success.”
Ascent’s selection was based on a rigorous two-part evaluation process, including an assessment of workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems, and demographics, along with a comprehensive employee experience survey. The company’s focus on empowering both its employees and the students it serves contributed to its outstanding performance in both evaluation areas.
“At Ascent, we’ve built a culture where employees are empowered to grow their careers, bring their authentic selves to work, and feel genuinely supported—whether through our hybrid flexibility, professional development programs, or inclusive benefits that evolve with our team’s needs,” said Emily Skoubo, Director of Human Resources at Ascent.
For more information about Ascent Funding’s innovative approach to private student lending and career opportunities, visit https://www.ascentfunding.com/. For details about Arizent’s Best Places to Work in Fintech program, visit www.BestPlacestoWorkFinTech.com or contact Penny Crosman at [email protected].
About Ascent
Ascent is a leading provider of innovative financial products and wrap-around student support services that enable more students to access education and achieve academic and economic success. Everything Ascent offers is designed by leading industry professionals and with advanced technology and innovation to increase every student’s ability to plan, pay, and succeed. Ascent’s rare Outcomes-based Loan provides funding to credit-invisible borrowers who generally do not benefit from traditional credit. Ascent products also include: Cosigned Loans, Solo Loans, Career Loans, Parent Loans, Graduate Loans, Access Loans, Enterprise Loans and Impact Loans.
