Category: Management
The WealthStack Podcast: Why Estate Planning is The Next Frontier of Wealth Management with Gene Farrell

The WealthStack Podcast: Why Estate Planning is The Next Frontier of Wealth Management with Gene Farrell

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Is estate planning the next frontier of wealth management? Estate planning solutions are becoming steadily more popular with advisors, especially those seeking to differentiate their services. As clients become increasingly aware of the complexities of wealth transfer, asset protection, and legacy planning, they expect comprehensive guidance from their advisors. By using estate planning tools, advisors can offer a holistic approach to wealth management, addressing not only investment strategies but also the essential aspects of estate distribution and tax implications. 

In this episode, Shannon Rosic, director of WealthStack content and solutions, speaks with Gene Farrell, CEO of Vanilla, about the emerging trends in estate planning and why it’s becoming a critical part of wealth management.

Shannon and Gene also discuss:

  • Why estate planning is becoming a differentiator for financial advisors 
  • The biggest misconceptions around estate planning
  • Why the great wealth transfer is driving technological changes
  • The impact AI is having on estate planning software

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Gene Farrell:

About Our Guest:

With over 25 years of executive leadership experience driving transformation and growth across the consumer and technology industries, Gene is a recognized thought leader and innovator known for building disruptive new businesses for global brands. He was named a 2019 Innovator of the Year by the Puget Sound Business Journal. 

Prior to Vanilla, Gene spent 4 1/2 years at Smartsheet where he helped take the company public and scale the business from $100M to over $500M in revenue. As Smartsheet’s Chief Strategy and Product Officer Gene was responsible for leading company strategy, corporate development, product management, product marketing, experience design, and strategic alliances. Gene joined Smartsheet from Amazon Web Services where he spent five years as a vice president responsible for enterprise computing. In this role, Gene pioneered new cloud businesses including Amazon WorkSpaces and Amazon Chime. Before Amazon, Gene was a vice president at the Coca-Cola Company, where he founded and led the creation of the Coca-Cola Freestyle beverage platform. His groundbreaking work on Coca-Cola Freestyle was recognized by Forbes as one of the best new products of the decade and received the Edison Gold Innovation and Catalyst Design awards.



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The WealthStack Podcast: Crypto’s Journey to the Mainstream WIth Adam Blumberg

The WealthStack Podcast: Crypto’s Journey to the Mainstream WIth Adam Blumberg

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The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs by the Securities and Exchange Commission dominated trends in the first quarter of 2024. But how did we even get to this point? While Bitcoin has been around since 2009, cryptocurrencies have quickly evolved from digital novelties to trillion-dollar technologies, poised to disrupt the global financial system. Digital currencies are being increasingly viewed as investments, which is why advisors need to be educated about the subject.

In this episode, Shannon Rosic, director of WealthStack content and solutions, speaks with Adam Blumberg, co-founder of Interaxis, about how advisors can prepare themselves and their clients for a crypto-inclusive future. 

Shannon and Adam also discuss:

  • The current regulatory landscape 
  • Crypto’s viability as an investment
  • The implications of blockchain technology 
  • Why decentralized finance and Web3 represent significant advancements 

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Adam Blumberg:

About Our Guest:

Adam is a Certified Financial Planner, and a former registered investment advisor. He co-founded Interaxis in 2019 to educate advisors and investors on digital assets and decentralized finance. His Interaxis YouTube channel is viewed by thousands across the globe. He is a regular contributor to Coindesk’s Crypto for Advisors and was featured on Bloomberg TV and Blockworks. 



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The WealthStack Podcast: Top Tactics For High-Growth Firms WIth Sara Baker

The WealthStack Podcast: Top Tactics For High-Growth Firms WIth Sara Baker

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For years, firms have benefited from a rising equity market and an equally long period of near-zero interest rates. RIAs found themselves in a position where they could achieve growth with minimal effort. However, most executives in wealth management are not content with this passive approach to growth. The secret to RIA growth lies in keeping sight of their priorities. In order to differentiate in a ‘sea of sameness,’ RIAs have turned their attention to innovation and tailored client experiences. 

In this episode, Shannon Rosic, director of WealthStack content and solutions, speaks with Sara Baker, president of Triad Wealth Partners, about the tactics high-growth firms are focusing on in order to succeed.

Shannon and Sara also discuss:

  • Why refining service models could lead to growth 
  • The imperative role of technology in scaling operations and improving client experiences
  • The critical distinction between growth and scale for firms
  • How to balance innovation and tradition within an organization

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Sara Baker:

About Our Guest:

Sara Baker, JD, LLM, is President of Triad Wealth Partners. She is a leader with over 15 years of financial services experience in M&A, integrations, start-ups, product operations, project management, strategic planning, tax planning, and advanced financial planning. 



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The Wealthstack Podcast: What’s Next in WealthTech With Joel Bruckenstein

The Wealthstack Podcast: What’s Next in WealthTech With Joel Bruckenstein

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The advent of wealthtech represents both a significant opportunity and a challenge. On one hand, it offers tools that can enhance efficiency, improve client engagement, and enable more personalized, data-driven advice. On the other hand, it demands a shift in mindset and skill set, requiring advisors to become adept at integrating new technologies into their practice. The implications of wealthtech extend beyond operational efficiency to fundamentally altering the value proposition of financial advisors, compelling them to differentiate themselves through the quality of their insights and their ability to deliver comprehensive, client-centric solutions.

In this episode, Shannon Rosic, director of WealthStack content and solutions, speaks with Joel Bruckenstein, President of T3, about the transformative impact of technology on wealth management.

Shannon and Joel also discuss:

  • T3/Inside Information Software Survey takeaways 
  • Digital strategies for engaging nextgen clients
  • What popular wealthtech trends he disagrees with
  • The burgeoning role of AI in wealth management

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Joel Bruckenstein:

About Our Guest:

Joel P. Bruckenstein, CFP®, is a globally recognized authority in the field of applied technology for financial professionals. He is renowned as the Publisher of Technology Tools for Today (T3), formerly known as Virtual Office News and now known as the T3 Tech Hub.

As the driving force behind the esteemed T3 Advisor Conference, Bruckenstein has established it as the preeminent technology event for independent financial advisors executives from independent broker/dealers and executives from large registered investment advisory firms. The conference also welcomes fintech journalists, private equity firms, and asset managers that support the wealthtech ecosystem. Celebrating its 20th year in 2024, the conference has consistently delivered unparalleled value to its attendees.

Beyond these major conferences, Bruckenstein partners with influential thought leaders in the financial services industry, such as Brian Hamburger of MarketCounsel, to host various technology summits.

For over two decades, Bruckenstein has been advising financial service firms of all sizes, aiding them in enhancing their technological infrastructure, streamlining processes, and optimizing workflows.



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The Wealthstack Podcast: Going From Wealth Advisor to a Wealth Coach With Urs Bolt

The Wealthstack Podcast: Going From Wealth Advisor to a Wealth Coach With Urs Bolt

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Financial advisors are much more than just “money experts”, and their role is evolving from traditional wealth advising to a more personalized wealth coaching approach. As the needs of investors become more complex, advisors are relying heavily on technology to help them become more efficient and streamline operations. By saving time and money, they’re truly able to focus on a holistic approach for their clients.

In this episode, Shannon Rosic, director of WealthStack content and solutions, speaks with Urs Bolt, a well known financial mentor and coach, about what’s driving this shift.

Shannon and Urs also discuss:

  • How personalization drives innovation
  • Where advisors, coupled with technology, can add value
  • The significance of financial literacy
  • Trends in the wealthtech space outside of the US

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Urs Bolt:

About Our Guest:

Urs Bolt is an expert in WealthTech and ecosystems in (crypto) finance, based in Switzerland. 30+ years’ experience in wealth management, investment banking and related technology businesses. My core expertise is to develop and roll out new digital business platforms.

He helps financial service providers and tech companies to review/refocus business strategies, advise on strategic projects, develop solutions and markets, and build business partnerships.

He is also active as a speaker, moderator, micro-blogger, lecturer, and author; recognised as a global opinion leader in #WealthManagement, #WealthTech, #DigitalAssets.

In addition to this, Bolt is a member of advisory boards and jury panels: FT PWM WealthTech Awards, Global Wealth & Society, WealthBriefing Editorial Board and Swiss Awards, Blockchain Competition for Finance.



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The WealthStack Podcast: Measuring Tech ROI with John Spyers of Buckingham Wealth Partners

The WealthStack Podcast: Measuring Tech ROI with John Spyers of Buckingham Wealth Partners

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Evaluating technology ROI is crucial for ensuring that investments in digital tools and platforms directly contribute to operational efficiency and client satisfaction. This process helps to align technology spending with the firm’s strategic goals, driving growth and enhancing the value delivered to clients. Ultimately, evolving digital experiences for clients and advisors can help firms deliver stronger wealth solutions.

In this episode, Shannon Rosic, Director of WealthStack Content and Solutions, speaks with John Spyers, Chief Information and Technology Officer at Buckingham Wealth Partners, about how productivity solutions are resulting in real ROI for firms. 

Shannon and John also discuss:

  • Differentiating the client experience with automation
  • The critical balance between security and innovation
  • How to prioritize technology initiatives throughout a firm’s digital transformation
  • Buckingham’s approach to digital transformation

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with John Spyers:

About Our Guest:

John Spyers oversees the day-to-day management of the Technology, Data Operations, Product Support, Service Operations, and Onboarding & Integration teams. He helps identify and design solutions that allow Buckingham Strategic Wealth’s technology and other operational areas to be better utilized in order to improve processes and increase efficiency.

John, who joined Buckingham in 2015, is drawn to technology because of its ability to change people’s lives and reshape businesses. In his role, he is able to watch that play out first-hand as his team delivers solutions to help advisors and clients. He gets great reward in interacting with colleagues throughout the organization, challenging each other and continually searching for ways to do things better on behalf of our clients.

Prior to joining Buckingham, John worked for 15 years at Perficient, a technology consulting organization based in St. Louis, and held roles such as director of operations, director of solution delivery and director of corporate projects. He has a bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis in finance and operations and manufacturing management.

John lives in Wentzville, Missouri, with his wife, Devon, and their two sons, Grayson and William.



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The WealthStack Podcast: What Custodial Competition Means for the Industry with Thomas Moore of Betterment for Advisors

The WealthStack Podcast: What Custodial Competition Means for the Industry with Thomas Moore of Betterment for Advisors

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The custodial space is notoriously difficult to break into, but Betterment wasn’t afraid to take the leap. While larger custodians are locked in a battle for scale, Betterment saw an opportunity to better serve smaller RIAs by helping them leverage the platform to support their growth and operational efficiency.

In this episode, Shannon Rosic, director of WealthStack content and solutions, speaks with Thomas Moore, Head of Betterment for Advisors, about why custodial competition is reshaping wealth management. 

Shannon and Thomas also discuss:

  • Trends in the robo-advisory space
  • Where advisors can find growth  
  • Betterment’s approach to AI
  • What’s on the roadmap for Betterment 

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Thomas Moore:

About Our Guest:

Thomas Moore has spent his career working with top wealth management firms across the country. He is passionate about helping financial advisors to find the best possible solutions for their clients and businesses. Prior to this role, he held lead sales roles for Affiliated Managers Group, SEI and The Vanguard Group.



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The WealthStack Podcast: Will AI Make Advice More Human with Nick Graham of Cambridge

The WealthStack Podcast: Will AI Make Advice More Human with Nick Graham of Cambridge

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The future of the wealth management industry isn’t going to be dominated by robots. Instead, it will be an evolving hybrid market in which human advisors use digital techniques to gather data and generate thoughtful, and more precise recommendations faster and more objectively than they do today. When it comes to artificial intelligence, the challenge is not fending off extinction, it is shifting skills. Can CTO’s be the changemakers that help advisors adapt? 

In this episode, Shannon Rosic, director of WealthStack content and solutions, speaks with Nick Graham, Chief Technology Officer at Cambridge, about the opportunities AI creates when it comes to financial advice, and how Cambridge is staying ahead of the curve.

Shannon and Nick discuss:

  • How Cambridge is approaching AI trends
  • What technology advisors are asking for the most 
  • The next frontier of generative AI
  • How the role of the CTO has changed

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Nick Graham:

About Our Guest:

Nick Graham joined Cambridge in 2017 and currently serves as a member of Cambridge’s Executive Council. Graham has more than 25 years of experience in product development, consulting services, and business development across a variety of markets, including the financial services industry. In his current role, he leads one of the most innovative financial professional workstations in the industry, featuring financial professional-friendly technology that is customizable for the broadest range of independent business models across financial professional business channels. Graham was named Chief Technology Officer of the Year by WealthManagement.com1 at the 2021 Industry Awards. He is a member of the Fairfield Economic Development Association Board of Directors and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Clemson University.



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The WealthStack Podcast: Can Your Tech Help Tame Volatility with Don Nilsson of Addepar

The WealthStack Podcast: Can Your Tech Help Tame Volatility with Don Nilsson of Addepar

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The fastest-growing, most resilient RIAs are relying on modern technology to deliver a differentiated experience and keep up with client expectations. Given the significant amount of market turmoil over the past year, having the right technology, data, tools and perspective are more important than ever to navigate volatility and a dynamic risk landscape. Fortunately, Addepar has been at the forefront of these trends by developing the industry standard for data management and aggregation, analysis and reporting.

In this episode, Shannon Rosic, director of WealthStack content and solutions, speaks with Don Nilsson, Chief Product Officer at Addepar, about how they’re supporting advisors in a more tech-enabled and data-driven way.

Shannon and Don discuss:

  • Why adoption rates of sophisticated portfolio management systems has increased
  • The implications of the great wealth transfer 
  • How Addepar is helping create a more transparent ecosystem
  • Where AI sits on the Addepar roadmap 

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Don Nilsson:

About Our Guest:

Don is the Chief Product Officer at Addepar, focused on driving the development of the company’s platform which specializes in data aggregation, analytics, and portfolio reporting to provide insights and clarity into investment portfolios. Highly adept at user-centric solutions, Don brings a design-centered approach to development.

Prior to joining Addepar, he spent more than two decades at FactSet, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Product Development, responsible for running their global product development function and overseeing development across the entire platform.

Don received a BS in finance at Villanova University and an MBA from New York University.


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The WealthStack Podcast: The Myth of the Perfect Tech Stack with Adrian Johnstone

The WealthStack Podcast: The Myth of the Perfect Tech Stack with Adrian Johnstone

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Is the perfect tech stack a unicorn…does it even exist? The battle between all-in-one versus best-of-breed wages on. But, Practifi, a performance optimization platform, is on a mission to help wealth management firms create the perfect tech stack. Can a firm get an idealized tech stack for their needs? Absolutely. Would it be perfect for the next firm? Almost certainly not. There is an importance of setting up a tech stack to mirror and support how advisors want to spend their time, which is why it’s so critical for technology to be flexible. 

In this episode, Shannon Rosic, director of WealthStack content and solutions, speaks with Adrian Johnstone, CEO of Practifi, about why the “perfect” tech stack will depend on a firm’s unique needs and priorities.

Shannon and Adrian discuss:

  • Why tech adoption still remains a challenge for many advisors 
  • The role of tech in improving client experience
  • What he has learned from the Australian and U.S. wealthtech markets 
  • What’s on the roadmap for Practifi 

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Adrian Johnstone:

About Our Guest:

Adrian has over 20 years experience helping advice businesses of all sizes leverage technology for growth.

A regular presenter at industry events in Australia and United States, Adrian offers deep insight into the technology needs of advisors. Adrian owns Practifi’s go-to-market strategy and direction globally.

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