Tag: Wealth 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

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.



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

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

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. 



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

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

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. 



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

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

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.



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

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.



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

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.



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

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.



The WealthStack Podcast: The Future of Investing with John O’Connell of The Oasis Group

The WealthStack Podcast: The Future of Investing with John O’Connell of The Oasis Group

From the metaverse to alternative investments, the future of investing is going to look very different. Alternatives have historically been reserved for institutions, as alternative asset managers targeted those who could write the biggest checks. But that’s now starting to change as tech companies look to the retail market, opening up opportunities to wealth managers, advisors, and even consumers.

In this episode, Shannon Rosic, Director of WealthStack Content and Solutions, speaks with John O’Connell, founder and CEO of The Oasis Group about: 

  • The future of investing, specifically when it comes to alternative investments
  • How the metaverse is changing the investment landscape
  • Why advisors need to stay on top of AI trends
  • What other trends advisors should be watching

Connect with Shannon Rosic:

Connect with Guest:

About Our Guest:

Mr. O’Connell has more than 30 years of leadership experience in both emerging businesses and mature, established organizations. He started his career designing and developing financial applications at Merrill Lynch and KPMG Peat Marwick. He was a member of the team for an IPO, sale of a firm, and packaging 2 other firms for sale. He held North American leadership positions at Oracle for over 8 years. He was the president of a FinTech firm and held C-level customer-facing roles at two global, publicly traded companies.

John is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer for The Oasis Group. A firm specializing in helping wealth management and technology firms to solve their most complex challenges. The Oasis Group helps firms with technology selection and implementation, sales processes and strategy, and processes to attract, sell, propose, onboard, and service new clients.

John is the author of Rise of The Activist Investor, a handbook for investors who would like their money to reflect their values by exercising their rights as owners of publicly traded firms. He invented the Activist Investor Arc to describe how retail investors progress through different phases of activist investing.

John holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science & Mathematics from the College of Staten Island and an MBA in Finance from Rider University.



Dakota’s Carina Diamond: WealthTech’s Impact on the Future of Advice

Dakota’s Carina Diamond: WealthTech’s Impact on the Future of Advice

As technology for the wealth management industry evolves, financial advisors will have more options than ever before to enhance the services – and value – they deliver to clients. 

Understanding and navigating the readily changing WealthTech landscape can be a challenge for many, however. In this episode of the WealthStack podcast, Carina Diamond, the Chief Experience Officer at Dakota Wealth Management, shares her experience and perspective on how successful advisory firms are using technology to customize financial plans, improve and deepen relationships with clients — and ultimately run a more productive and profitable business. 

Carina and Mark Bruno, the Managing Director of Wealth Management at Informa, specifically focus on:

  • The role of technology in changing and improving client experiences 
  • How virtual platforms can help to facilitate stronger advisor/client relationships
  • Continued opportunities for advisors to leverage and invest in new technology
  • The primary contributors to Dakota’s growth in 2021
  • Insights into the acquisitions announced at Dakota earlier in 2021

Connect with Carina Diamond:

Connect with Mark Bruno:

About our guest:

As Chief Experience Officer, Carina is responsible for providing leadership and mentoring to the other client advisors at Dakota Wealth, as well as directing marketing efforts for the firm. Before joining Dakota Wealth Management, Carina Diamond was founder and CEO of Springside Partners LLC.

1. The Evolution of Advice: Joe Duran on the Accelerating Pace of Change in Wealth Management

1. The Evolution of Advice: Joe Duran on the Accelerating Pace of Change in Wealth Management

When the pandemic hit in March 2020, the financial advice industry essentially became virtual overnight. Advisors and the companies that support them embraced technology like never before and now, roughly 18 months later, the business of advice has experienced it’s most significant period of change ever. 

Where does the advice industry go from here? In this inaugural episode of the WealthStack podcast, Wealth Management’s Mark Bruno addresses the big picture with Joe Duran, managing director of Goldman Sachs Personal Financial Management. Joe dives into how modern technology and current worldwide events have changed the way that advisors work, from adapting client meetings to engaging virtually with potential clients and prospects.

Specifically, Joe and Mark dive into:

  • What have been some of the most significant changes in the advisor-client relationship since March 2020? How will that re-shape the future of advice?
  • What technologies, tools and resources allowed some advisors to thrive over the last 18 months?
  • From an industry perspective, how has the landscape of wealth management providers changed the most? 
  • What types of firms, services and experiences will “win” going forward?

Connect with Joe Duran:

Connect with Mark Bruno:

About our guest:

Joe is co-head of Personal Financial Management Group, which includes Ayco and Personal Financial Management (PFM). He is a member of the Consumer and Wealth Management Inclusion and Diversity Council and Steering Committee.

Joe joined Goldman Sachs as a partner in 2019 as part of Goldman Sachs’ acquisition of United Capital, which was subsequently renamed Personal Financial Management.

Joe founded United Capital in 2005. Before that, he served as president of GE Private Asset Management, which he built and sold to GE as president of Centurion Capital in 2001.

Joe has written three books, including The Money Code, which was listed on The New York Times and USA Today’s bestseller lists.

Joe earned a BS in Business Administration from Saint Louis University and MBA degrees from Columbia University and the University of California, Berkeley. He is a CFA charterholder.