Category: Management
How Farther’s Custom Tech Fuels Advisor Growth with Taylor Matthews and Brad Genser

How Farther’s Custom Tech Fuels Advisor Growth with Taylor Matthews and Brad Genser

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The buy versus build debate continues to rage on in the wealth management industry. Many of the largest wealth managers and RIAs have already created great software and technology that others can purchase and fold into their existing businesses. But Farther actually turned to creating their own in-house proprietary platforms to achieve success in a data-driven way. 

Now, with $72 million in Series C funding, Farther plans to use this investment to further support advisors and enhance their platform. 

Shannon, Taylor, and Brad discuss:

  • The importance of responsible scaling to maintain high service quality for clients and advisors
  • Strategies behind their remote-first company model and the benefits it brought during the pandemic
  • Why AI is a tool for scaling advisors’ time, not replacing their role in building trust with clients
  • The importance of clean, unified data for optimizing client outcomes and advisor efficiency

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Taylor Matthews and Brad Genser:

About Our Guests:

Taylor Matthews leads Farther’s executive team and shapes the overarching strategy for the firm. Prior to founding Farther, Taylor was a member of the leadership team at ForUsAll, where he helped build the fintech retirement advisory firm from $25 million in assets under management to just under $1 billion in his two years there.

Taylor previously co-founded Essmart, a social enterprise distributing tech-for-development products in India, and was an investment banker and management consultant in his early career. He graduated from MIT Sloan with an MBA and Yale with degrees in philosophy and political science.

 

Brad Genser sets Farther’s vision for using technology to deliver an elite wealth experience for clients. Prior to founding Farther, Brad worked at Goldman Sachs in New York – where he founded and led an AI team dedicated to Private Wealth, and was an advisor on a team that managed over $1 billion in assets for clients.

Brad received both an SM in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from MIT. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, he is a two-time Iraq war combat veteran who was awarded two bronze stars.

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The WealthStack Podcast: The TAMP Evolution: Tech Driving Wealth Management Forward with Kyle Wiggs

The WealthStack Podcast: The TAMP Evolution: Tech Driving Wealth Management Forward with Kyle Wiggs

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TAMPs have evolved significantly since their inception in the 1980s, becoming essential tools for advisors seeking to enhance operational efficiency and client service. Initially, TAMPs were designed to simplify portfolio management by providing access to pre-selected investment models and third-party asset managers, allowing advisors to outsource the heavy lifting of investment management. Over time, as technology has advanced and client expectations have shifted, TAMPs have evolved to offer a wider array of services, including advanced portfolio customization, automated trading, and integrated compliance tools. The modern TAMPs now combine cutting-edge wealthtech solutions with multi-custodial capabilities, allowing advisors to serve a broader range of clients more effectively while keeping their focus on client engagement and growth.

In this episode, WealthStack Podcast host Shannon Rosic chats with Kyle Wiggs, CEO of UX Wealth Partners, about the evolving role of TAMPs in wealth management.

Shannon and Kyle also discuss:

  • The evolution of TAMPs and the technology advancements driving growth
  • How advisors can leverage TAMPs to manage regulatory, operational, and investment challenges more effectively
  • The role of AI in enhancing decision-making and portfolio management
  • How technology is redefining the client experience and helping advisors maintain control while outsourcing key functions

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Connect with Kyle Wiggs:

About Our Guest:

As President & CEO, Kyle is responsible for leading UX Wealth Partners’ team of dedicated industry experts. He focuses primarily on business strategy, organizational management, platform & product development, and distribution strategy. With nearly two decades of industry experience, Kyle has an intimate understanding of today’s advisors, the technologies needed to modernize their businesses, and the transformative investment tools that power the UX Wealth Partners platform.

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Harnessing the Power of Testimonials for Business Growth with Andrew Johnson of Testimonial IQ

Harnessing the Power of Testimonials for Business Growth with Andrew Johnson of Testimonial IQ

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The use of testimonials creates a powerful opportunity to amplify the potential reach of positive experiences through word-of-mouth sharing to new audiences. For financial advisors, online reputation is becoming increasingly important as clients turn to digital channels for information. Understanding how to leverage testimonials effectively can be a game-changer for business growth.

In this episode of WealthStack, Shannon Rosic, Director of WealthStack Content & Solutions, chats with Andrew Johnson, CEO, and Co-founder of Testimonial IQ, about why financial advisors should care about Google reviews, the role of compliance in managing testimonials, and how to align online presence with real-world client relationships.

Shannon and Andrew discuss:

  • Understanding testimonials vs. endorsements
  • Overcoming the fear of feedback
  • What advisors need to know about SEO
  • Future trends in online reputation management and the role of AI in compliance

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Connect with Andrew Johnson:

About Our Guest:

An experienced FinTech entrepreneur, Andrew previously co-founded Datalign Advisory, an RIA referral platform where he serves as a board advisor. Before Datalign, he worked in management consulting with a focus on B2C marketing and in product/operations strategy with Meta (Facebook). Andrew served for five years in the Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer, including two deployments on the world’s finest Destroyer, USS O’Kane. Andrew earned his MBA from the University of Virginia and his BS from Davidson College. He resides with his family in Denver, CO.

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Why Business Owners Deserve Better from Their Advisory Partners with Trevor Greenway

Why Business Owners Deserve Better from Their Advisory Partners with Trevor Greenway

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Small to medium-sized businesses make up 99% of all U.S. businesses, and most of these business owners are unaware of their enterprise value. The episode dives into how Interval provides critical insights for business owners by automating business health analytics and delivering ongoing value monitoring, ultimately helping advisors provide better guidance by integrating business health data into their planning process.

Join Shannon Rosic, director of WealthStack content and solutions, as she speaks with Trevor Greenway, Co-Founder & CEO at interVal, on how interVal is empowering financial advisors to attract, retain, and better serve high-value business owner clients through the innovative use of technology.

Shannon and Trevor discuss:

  • What data is most important in business valuations
  • How InterVal fits into an advisors overall tech stack
  • How wealth managers can act as the “quarterback” for business owners
  • The importance of having clear business goals when implementing AI

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Trevor Greenway:

 

About Our Guest:

Trevor Greenway is an exceptionally passionate leader who believes that when data is harnessed for good, everyone in the ecosystem benefits. He understands that business owners and their advisors can operate more efficiently when financial data is sorted and contextualized in meaningful ways. Believing that everyone succeeds with access to comprehensive information, Trevor led the development of a software platform that provides this data in real time.

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The WealthStack Podcast: Unpacking The State of CRM with Doug Fritz

The WealthStack Podcast: Unpacking The State of CRM with Doug Fritz

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Proactive client engagement through technology has become paramount, which means the role of the CRM has evolved. In an increasingly uncertain economic environment, advisors must future-proof their business models to scale operations and expand their reach. A key area to revisit is their CRM system, which has become crucial for delivering personalized services and enhancing client engagement. 

In this episode, Shannon Rosic, Director of WealthStack Content and Solutions, speaks with  Doug Fritz, CEO and founder of F2 Strategy, about the current state and future of CRM systems in the wealth management industry. 

Shannon and Doug discuss:

  • The shift from traditional CRM systems to more integrated, automated solutions
  • Key frustrations and wish list items for wealth management firms using CRM systems
  • Differences in how firms view CRMs as either operational tools or client engagement tools
  • The role of CRM maturity and workflow customization in increasing satisfaction

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Connect with Doug Fritz:

About Our Guest:

Doug Fritz is the co-founder and CEO of F2 Strategy. Doug, a veteran CTO and sought-after WealthTech consultant leads an all-star team of executives in technology-driven operations, digital client engagement, performance, and implementation, among many other areas for clients. Through F2’s Outsourced CTO (OCTO) model and strategy consulting services, Doug is passionate about helping firms of all sizes deliver exceptional client and advisor experiences.

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The WealthStack Podcast: The Post-Merger Playbook

The WealthStack Podcast: The Post-Merger Playbook

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Mergers and acquisitions often mark the beginning of a transformative journey, filled with both incredible opportunities and challenging headaches. Few industries offer more enticing M&A potential than wealth management, a fragmented sector where performance, processes, and personnel must consistently operate at peak efficiency. For financial advisory firms, regardless of size or type, preparing for acquisition is vital, which is why thorough planning and having a well-defined project plan are crucial for a successful merger.

In this episode, Shannon Rosic, director of WealthStack Content and Solutions, speaks with Verity Larsen, Founder and CEO of Versoft Consulting, about the importance of a comprehensive post-deal integration strategy.

Shannon and Verity also discuss:

  • Why working with reliable vendors and partners can significantly streamline the merger process
  • The role of data accuracy
  • Why assessing cultural and operational compatibility between merging firms is essential for smooth integration
  • How to ensure user adoption of new systems 

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Verity Larsen:

About Our Guest:

Verity is Versoft’s heart and soul. She co-founded the company in 2015 after spending 7.5 years as Team Lead and Senior Consultant at SS&C Advent. Prior to entering the consulting field, she worked as Assistant Director of Information Systems at a Portland-based asset management firm and has been in the investment management industry since 2000.

Verity graduated with an A.A.S. in Computer Information Systems from Portland Community College. She also spent 3 years on the Board of Directors for The Exchange Network (formerly Advent Users Group) serving as VP and President in her 2nd and 3rd years.

She’s committed to providing an exceptional consultative approach to every client and ensuring the work performed by the Versoft Team results in the highest level of customer satisfaction. Verity works to continue training and education throughout the Versoft team, passing on the knowledge she has gained being in this industry for so many years.  She also spends time building and maintaining relationships with vendors so the Versoft team can remain knowledgeable on technology platforms and tools, IT hosting, and data and outsourced service providers.

When she’s not doing CEO/Principal Consultant/Co-Founder things, Verity likes to spend time with family, including seven nieces and nephews and two great-nephews, in multiple states around the U.S. On rare occasions, she’ll hike around the Oregon Coast, Central Oregon, and other places throughout the Pacific Northwest.

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The WealthStack Podcast: Why Direct Indexing is The Future of Investing with Patrick Shaddow

The WealthStack Podcast: Why Direct Indexing is The Future of Investing with Patrick Shaddow

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When it comes to direct indexing, adoption and understanding has historically lagged because the tools were not readily available to advisors, and/or they were not intuitive to use. The evolution of direct indexing is not just a trend but a fundamental shift in the investment management industry, driven by technological innovation and the changing needs of investors. It offers financial advisors a way to differentiate themselves by providing unique, personalized portfolio constructions that cannot be easily replicated by competitors.

In this special episode, Shannon Rosic, Director of WealthStack Content and Solutions, speaks with Patrick Shaddow, President & CEO of Syntax Data, about why direct indexing is set to transform the investment landscape.

Shannon and Patrick also discuss:

  • The benefit for advisors to create their own indices
  • Why the industry is at a tipping point with direct indexing and the technology behind it
  • How Syntax helps advisors and their clients navigate the complexities of ESG investing
  • What’s up with Texas?

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Patrick Shaddow

About Our Guest:

Patrick Shaddow has been engaged in all aspects of indexation for over 15 years. He has worked directly with a wide range of financial institutions on index development, index production, data acquisition and dissemination, business development, and index marketing and promotion.

Patrick joined Syntax in September 2021 as President with a mandate to organize the company’s internal structure, scale up its operational resources, and commercialize its unique intellectual property. As President, Patrick initiated data sales and licensing processes with a wide range of financial intermediaries, providing clear “proof of concept” for roll-out plans.

Prior to joining Syntax, Patrick served as Head of Index Operations at S-Network Global Indexes, where he led a team of 20 professionals. At S-Net, Patrick oversaw the development and daily production of over 350 indexes, including approximately 100 indexes licensed to serve as the basis for financial products holding over $30 billion in assets under management. Patrick also oversaw the development of S-Net’s index production and distribution platform and the technology infrastructure that supported it. He negotiated and managed the company’s data licenses and entitlements, working closely with a range of providers including Refinitiv, Bloomberg, FactSet, the NYSE, and others. Patrick participated in the 100% equity sale of S-Net to a private equity company in 2020 and was a member of the management team of Alerian/S-Network until July of 2021.

Prior to joining S-Network, Patrick worked as an index analyst at Dow Jones Indexes. He is a graduate of Rutgers University School of Business with a concentration in management information systems. Patrick is married with three children.

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The WealthStack Podcast: Unlocking AI and Data Strategies: CTO Think Tank Insights with Michelle Feinstein

The WealthStack Podcast: Unlocking AI and Data Strategies: CTO Think Tank Insights with Michelle Feinstein

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When you’re a technology leader at a $1B+ wealth management firm, there’s a lot that can keep you up at night. Technology issues are evolving, but fortunately, so are solutions. When it comes to the role of the CTO, technical and analytical skills are only part of the job. It might be the case that no skill is as important as agility: the ability to assess the needs of your organization at a particular moment, and to change your tools and tactics over time to satisfy advisors and their clients.

In this special episode, Shannon Rosic, Director of WealthStack Content and Solutions, speaks with Michelle Feinstein GM/VP Global Financial Services Solutions & Strategy Salesforce, about the findings from the 2024 CTO Think Tank that was hosted at Wealth Management EDGE.

Shannon and Michelle also discuss:

  • The importance of a data governance strategy
  • Where firms are leveraging AI and unlocking the power of data
  • Operational efficiency of client portals
  • Why firms are prioritizing middle office scalability and productivity tools

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Michelle Feinstein:

About Our Guest:

Michelle Feinstein is general manager and vice president, Global Wealth & Asset Management Solutions & Strategy for Salesforce Industries. Her expertise is in digital transformation for wealth management. This process of digitization is complex, it requires firms to accelerate plans to harness data, digitize advisor-client experiences, and modernize service to scale and support growth.

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The WealthStack Podcast: Financial Fitness: Strengthening Futures with Healthcare Planning

The WealthStack Podcast: Financial Fitness: Strengthening Futures with Healthcare Planning

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It’s no secret that the healthcare and financial services industries are incredibly complicated and often don’t easily talk to one another. In fact, medical bills are reported to be the number-one cause of U.S. bankruptcies. Healthcare costs represent a significant portion of an individual’s or family’s financial landscape, especially as they age. Ignoring this critical component can lead to unforeseen financial burdens, which may disrupt even the most meticulously crafted financial plans. By proactively addressing healthcare costs, advisors can help clients better anticipate and manage these expenses, thereby ensuring a more secure and predictable financial future.

In this episode, Shannon Rosic, director of WealthStack Content and Solutions, speaks with Christine Simone, CEO of Caribou, about why healthcare planning can differentiate financial advisors in a competitive market.

Shannon and Christine also discuss:

  • Common challenges when it comes to healthcare planning
  • Tangible benefits for advisors and their clients 
  • How integration of healthcare planning enhances the personalization of financial advice
  • How AI is changing the healthcare industry 

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Christine Simone:

About Our Guest:

Christine co-founded Caribou in 2020, where she serves as the CEO and plays a central role in developing and offering their healthcare planning software. Prior to that, she worked at CoHealth (formerly Dash MD) from 2019 to 2020 as the Manager of Client Success and Implementation. At CoHealth, she oversaw the successful implementation of their mobile platform within healthcare systems and acted as a liaison for communication with partners. From 2017 to 2019, Christine worked at eSight Eyewear as a Special Project Coordinator and Vision Advocate, where she was responsible for growing the business in a designated territory and evaluating client eye conditions. Christine’s earlier work experience includes a role as a Researcher at Vancouver Coastal Health, where she gained valuable skills and knowledge in behavioral neuroscience and conducted research on potential novel therapeutics.

Christine holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Biology from The University of British Columbia.

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The WealthStack Podcast: Bringing the Power of Planning to Philanthropy

The WealthStack Podcast: Bringing the Power of Planning to Philanthropy

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Philanthropy often remains an overlooked aspect in wealth planning, which traditionally focuses on wealth accumulation rather than distribution. But, high-net-worth individuals and families increasingly recognize that their financial legacy extends beyond the accumulation of assets. This growing interest in philanthropy demands a more integrated approach to planning, where giving is strategically aligned with overall financial goals. Platforms like PhilanthPro are bridging the gap by offering professional planning tools specifically designed for philanthropic giving. 

In this episode, Shannon Rosic, director of WealthStack Content and Solutions, speaks with Nicholas Palahnuk, Founder and CEO of PhilanthPro, about the importance of philanthropy in wealth planning.

Shannon and Nicholas also discuss:

  • The key drivers behind philanthropic contributions and why tax benefits are not the primary motivator
  • How PhilanthPro aids in managing the complexities of tax, legal, and regulatory obligations in charitable giving
  • How the Great Wealth Transfer and shifting demographics are transforming Philanthropy 
  • How this tech is different from grant management software that’s currently available

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Nicholas Palahnuk:

About Our Guest:

Nicholas Palahnuk is the Founder and CEO of PhilanthPro. Recognizing a gap in the financial industry, he brought to life a suite of tools to foster philanthropy for a brighter future.

Palahnuk also leads a wealth management group that empowers people to live and give comfortably through sound financial planning. The Globe & Mail Report on Business named him one of Canada’s top wealth advisors. In 2020, he was nominated top under 40 by the Investment Industry Association of Canada.

Palahnuk is a member of the Forward Global philanthropy community and studies global development at Harvard University. He also founded a private foundation in 2021 to fund innovative programs that build greater mental health resilience among young people. 

Passionate about financial planning from an early age, Palahnuk became the youngest Certified Financial Planner in Canada at the age of 21. He lives in Toronto and splits his time between Canada and the US.

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