In this inspiring episode of Assetora Unlocked, hosts George and Darren sit down with 21-year-old content creator and investor Ethan Wong to discuss how Gen Z is redefining commerce, industry, and financial freedom.

Born in New York and raised in Macau, Ethan shares his entrepreneurial journey - from winning a YouTube silver plaque at age 16 to shifting his focus toward long-term asset compounding, financial education, and his ultimate dream of launching a hedge fund.

The trio dives deep into the pitfalls of fast-money consumerism pushed by social media influencers, the immense power of patience, and the critical shift from chasing "riches" to building true "wealth". Ethan also highlights why open-market platforms like Assetora are unlocking once-impossible private equity and community-driven investment opportunities for a new generation of investors.

In this inspiring episode of&nbsp;Assetora Unlocked, hosts George and Darren sit down with 21-year-old content creator and investor Ethan Wong to discuss how Gen Z is redefining commerce, industry, and financial freedom.
Born in New York and raised in Macau, Ethan shares his entrepreneurial journey - from winning a YouTube silver plaque at age 16 to shifting his focus toward long-term asset compounding, financial education, and his ultimate dream of launching a hedge fund.
The trio dives deep into the pitfalls of fast-money consumerism pushed by social media influencers, the immense power of patience, and the critical shift from chasing "riches" to building true "wealth".&nbsp;Ethan also highlights why open-market platforms like Assetora are unlocking once-impossible private equity and community-driven investment opportunities for a new generation of investors.

Assetora Unlocked opens the door to the world of alternative investing. Hosted by Darren Younger and George Takianos, each episode reveals how Assetora is reshaping access to real assets — from property and private credit to AI, hospitality, and health-tech. Hear from founders, fund managers, and partners as they share insights, opportunities, and stories that help everyday investors Invest Differently and build wealth through innovation and purpose.

Assetora Unlocked opens the door to the world of alternative investing. Hosted by Darren Younger and George Takianos, each episode reveals how Assetora is reshaping access to real assets &mdash; from property and private credit to AI, hospitality, and health-tech. Hear from founders, fund managers, and partners as they share insights, opportunities, and stories that help everyday investors Invest Differently and build wealth through innovation and purpose.

Assetora Unlocked

Building Wealth vs. Getting Rich: A 21-Year-Old’s Philosophy on Investing Differently

In this episode of Assetora Unlocked, hosts Darren and George sit down with John Crutchley (JC), the CEO and founder of Mist, to discuss a critical shift in Australia’s international education sector. With new government regulations requiring international students to evidence nearly $30,000 for living expenses , John reveals the systemic gaps that have historically led to financial hardship, visa fraud, and student exploitation.

John explains how Mist provides an innovative onshore solution that allows students to securely move funds into Australian-named accounts before they arrive. By integrating with major institutions like Commonwealth Bank and universities such as La Trobe, Myst ensures funds are distributed via monthly drawdowns, providing peace of mind for parents and essential integrity for the Australian government. Tune in to learn how Myst is mitigating risk for universities and protecting the quality of life for the next generation of global talent.

In this episode of Assetora Unlocked, hosts Darren and George sit down with John Crutchley (JC), the CEO and founder of Mist, to discuss a critical shift in Australia&rsquo;s international education sector. With new government regulations requiring international students to evidence nearly $30,000 for living expenses , John reveals the systemic gaps that have historically led to financial hardship, visa fraud, and student exploitation.
John explains how Mist provides an innovative onshore solution that allows students to securely move funds into Australian-named accounts before they arrive. By integrating with major institutions like&nbsp;Commonwealth Bank and universities such as La Trobe, Myst ensures funds are distributed via monthly drawdowns, providing peace of mind for parents and essential integrity for the Australian government. Tune in to learn how Myst is mitigating risk for universities and protecting the quality of life for the next generation of global talent.

A Deep Dive into International Education with Mist CEO John Crutchley

In this episode of Assetora Unlocked, George and Darren kick off 2026 with a bold vision for helping Australians invest differently.

They unpack Assetora’s innovative sub-fund structure that allows SMSFs to invest in property — including house and land packages — without traditional borrowing complexities like bare trusts. They also explore how investors can combine super and personal capital, syndicate with family or friends, and access a secondary market for added flexibility.

Beyond property, the conversation turns to fractionalised health tech, R&D funding and new income-generating opportunities starting from as little as $1,000.

With a strengthened brand, new banking partnerships and a growing investor community, 2026 is set to be a breakout year.

If you’re ready to rethink how you build wealth, this episode shows you how.

In this episode of Assetora Unlocked, George and Darren kick off 2026 with a bold vision for helping Australians invest differently.
They unpack Assetora&rsquo;s innovative sub-fund structure that allows SMSFs to invest in property &mdash; including house and land packages &mdash; without traditional borrowing complexities like bare trusts. They also explore how investors can combine super and personal capital, syndicate with family or friends, and access a secondary market for added flexibility.
Beyond property, the conversation turns to fractionalised health tech, R&amp;D funding and new income-generating opportunities starting from as little as $1,000.
With a strengthened brand, new banking partnerships and a growing investor community, 2026 is set to be a breakout year.
If you&rsquo;re ready to rethink how you build wealth, this episode shows you how.

Invest Differently in 2026: The SMSF Property Game-Changer

In this episode of Assetora Insights, we’re joined by Geoff Rooney, Partner at BDO and Director of the SMSF Association, to explore why self-managed super funds continue to grow and how technology, control and engagement are reshaping retirement investing.

Geoff explains why control is the primary driver behind SMSF adoption, the types of investments trustees are increasingly seeking outside traditional super funds — including property, gold and digital assets — and why staying connected to your investments matters.

We also discuss the evolving role of financial advice, the impact of regulation and cost on access to advice, and how many SMSF trustees rely on a broader ecosystem of accountants, tax and legal professionals rather than traditional advisers alone. The conversation touches on how technology is reducing complexity and cost, improving reporting, and increasing liquidity — particularly as members approach pension phase.

Geoff also breaks down how borrowing works within an SMSF, including non-recourse loan structures, and why diversification and liquidity planning are critical for long-term retirement outcomes.

To learn more or connect with Geoff:
Geoff can be contacted via BDO Australia or through the SMSF Association, where he serves as a Director.

In this episode of Assetora Insights, we&rsquo;re joined by Geoff Rooney, Partner at BDO and Director of the SMSF Association, to explore why self-managed super funds continue to grow and how technology, control and engagement are reshaping retirement investing.
Geoff explains why control is the primary driver behind SMSF adoption, the types of investments trustees are increasingly seeking outside traditional super funds &mdash; including property, gold and digital assets &mdash; and why staying connected to your investments matters.
We also discuss the evolving role of financial advice, the impact of regulation and cost on access to advice, and how many SMSF trustees rely on a broader ecosystem of accountants, tax and legal professionals rather than traditional advisers alone. The conversation touches on how technology is reducing complexity and cost, improving reporting, and increasing liquidity &mdash; particularly as members approach pension phase.
Geoff also breaks down how borrowing works within an SMSF, including non-recourse loan structures, and why diversification and liquidity planning are critical for long-term retirement outcomes.
To learn more or connect with Geoff: Geoff can be contacted via BDO Australia or through the SMSF Association, where he serves as a Director.

Building Wealth vs. Getting Rich: A 21-Year-Old’s Philosophy on Investing Differently

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