Prismm Aims to Help Banks Retain Inherited Assets Through Digital Estate Planning

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Prismm introduces infrastructure for banks that integrates beneficiary and estate planning digitally, enabling smoother asset transfer upon account holders' deaths and helping banks reduce asset loss due to estate attrition.

Prismm, a fintech startup established in 2020 by sisters Martha Underwood and Shella Sylla, offers a new approach for banks to retain assets inherited by families. Addressing a critical yet underserved aspect of financial services—the digital management of beneficiary designations and estate transitions—Prismm enables account holders to pre-authorize family members’ access to accounts and essential documents. This infrastructure facilitates a streamlined and remote digital transfer of assets when an account holder passes away.

The company’s inception traces back to personal family experience, where Underwood and Sylla faced challenges in locating important financial information when their hospitalized father was incapacitated. Later during the COVID-19 pandemic, Underwood observed firsthand the difficulties surviving families encountered in managing financial affairs post-mortem, illuminating a systemic infrastructure gap.

Prismm’s products are tailored to institutional deployment rather than as direct-to-consumer apps, emphasizing minimal friction for users—often family caregivers overwhelmed by responsibilities. Prismm Designate simplifies beneficiary updates for customers and streamlines the process for banks. Prismm Anchor serves as a secure, bank-integrated platform for holders to track diverse assets and grant controlled access. An upcoming product, Prismm Continuity, will provide guided support for bank staff and families through the transfer process.

Financial institutions typically suffer significant 'estate attrition,' losing billions as heirs move inherited funds elsewhere due to the cumbersome transfer processes. Prismm positions itself as the digital infrastructure enabling banks to reduce asset loss and cultivate relationships with heirs, potentially securing future customers through smoother estate transitions.

By integrating directly into bank systems, Prismm aims to offer a proactive, comprehensive solution—supporting both backend execution and front-end engagement with next-generation account holders. The startup presented its mission at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 and is among competitors in the Startup Battlefield, highlighting the growing fintech interest in digital estate planning solutions.