The Nine

In this episode of The Nine , we speak with Chris Bailey, Director of Retirement at Cerulli Associates, about the continued growth and evolution of Collective Investment Trusts (CITs) and their expanding role in the retirement marketplace. Chris shares perspective on the forces reshaping defined contribution plans and how CITs are influencing product strategy, pricing, and innovation across the as...

In this episode of The Nine , we speak with Mike Dembro, Lead Investment Strategist at MFS Investment Management, about the forces that have truly been shaping markets over the past year. Amid persistent headlines around policy shifts, rate volatility, and renewed inflation concerns, Mike shares perspective on the signals that actually mattered—and the ones that proved to be distractions. In nine...

In this episode of The Nine , Sarah Walter of Nicsa speaks with Jorge Rodriguez, Head of Sales & Marketing at Monterey Insight, in collaboration with ALFI, about the continued growth of Luxembourg as a leading global fund hub. Jorge shares perspective on what’s driving growth and which segments are shaping the next phase of expansion in the asset and wealth management industry. In nine minutes...

In this episode of The Nine , we turn to an urgent industry challenge: cybersecurity in the age of artificial intelligence. We sat down with Judith Pinto , Managing Director and U.S. Banking and Capital Markets Security Lead at Accenture , fresh off the stage at Nicsa’s Asset & Wealth Management Summit where she presented “The Next Era of Defense.” In just nine minutes, Judith shares How AI is...

David Breakstone, Global Head of Wealth & Asset Management Go-to-Market at ServiceNow helps us unpack how artificial intelligence is redefining client engagement across the industry. In just nine minutes, David shares: ·       How to balance automation with authenticity, trust, and human judgment. ·       How to overcome operational barriers to scaling personalized service; and ·       Where f...

In this episode of The Nine , we sit down with Bob Suh, Founder and CEO of OnCorps AI, to unpack the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence across financial operations. Trading volumes have surged across the industry, but operational capacity hasn’t kept pace. Bob explains why a new wave of agentic AI is changing that trajectory. In just nine minutes, we explore: Why traditional outsourcing an...

Olmstead's Head of Data, AI, and Technology Practice, Anthony Whitford, shares the secrets of successful AI adoption strategy ahead of his panel at Nicsa's Asset & Wealth Management Summit November 11+12 in Boston. For more, visit: http://nicsa.org and http://olmst.com And check out these articles for more detailed insights from Anthony: Clients demand FASTIR outcomes from their Data...

Fidelity Digital Assets’ Ramine Bigdeliazari joins The Nine to discuss how digital assets and tokenization are reshaping asset & wealth management. From stablecoins to tokenized funds, he explores the opportunities, challenges, and future impact of this rapidly evolving space.  Hear more at https://www.fidelitydigitalassets.com and http:// http://nicsa.org/podcasts

​In this special compilation episode of The Nine , we’re bringing you bite-sized insights from live Nicsa events, featuring expert voices on three of the industry’s most talked-about topics. Mike De​m​bro (MFS) puts political noise in perspective with a data-driven look at investing through election cycles Joanne Kane (​S​S&C) delivers a plainspoken, no-nonsense breakdown of what firms need to...

In this episode of The Nine , Mike Mastroianni —Nicsa Board member and industry operations veteran—joins host Sarah Walter to unpack the forces reshaping the asset and wealth management landscape. With experience across service providers, asset managers, and client channels, Mike offers a unique lens on how firms can lead through change.  This conversation blends strategic foresight with grounded...

In this timely episode of The Nine , we explore the growing interest in dual share class ETFs —a product structure that could significantly reshape the investment landscape. Host Sarah Walter is joined by Christopher Swansey and Daniil Shapiro of Cerulli Associates , who offer expert insights into why asset managers are filing for SEC exemptive relief, how this structure works, and what it will ta...

In this episode of The Nine , Sarah Walter welcomes Cheri Belski , Head of Investment Management Solutions at LPL Financial , for a dynamic conversation on leadership, adaptability, and the evolving future of asset and wealth management. Cheri shares how an unconventional path—from politics to portfolio strategy—fueled her growth and helped her develop a mosaic view of the industry. From betting o...

In this inspiring episode of The Nine , host Sarah Walter is joined by Frank Heavey , Executive Director of the Expect Miracles Foundation (EMF) . Frank shares the mission behind EMF—from raising over $23 million for cancer research to supporting young adult survivors—and offers a look into the Foundation’s most powerful initiative: the 2025 Distance Challenge . Learn how this global, virtual move...

In this episode of The Nine , we're joined by Eric Pan, President and CEO of the Investment Company Institute (ICI), for a timely and insightful conversation on the evolving landscape of asset and wealth management. Fresh off the stage at Nicsa’s Strategic Leadership Forum, Eric shares his thoughts on how political shifts, technological innovation, and generational preferences are reshaping t...

​In this special episode, we sit down with five exceptional professionals from Nicsa’s Rising Stars program to discuss their transformative experiences at the 2025 Strategic Leadership Forum. From building powerful networks to embracing authenticity in the workplace, these future industry leaders share key takeaways that are shaping their careers. Tune in to gain insights on leadership, mentorship...

In this episode of The Nine , Mike Dembro, Lead Investment Strategist at MFS Investment Management, shares his journey from early investing lessons to navigating major financial crises. Fresh off the stage at Nicsa’s Strategic Leadership Forum, he discusses the importance of resilience, industry shifts, and why staying the course matters in volatile times.  More at http://nicsa.org/podcasts

In this episode of The Nine , we sit down with Rob Kane, Director of Alternative Investments at Commonwealth Financial Network , to explore his unconventional path into asset & wealth management. Rob shares how his background in sports shaped his path to this industry, the pivotal moments that defined his leadership, and why he gravitated toward alternative investments. He also dives into the...

In this bonus episode of The Nine , host Justine Phoenix sits down with Sarah Walter, Nicsa's new Head of Asset & Wealth Management Relationships. Sarah shares her unconventional journey from studying agricultural economics in Montana to becoming a leader in the financial services industry. She reflects on pivotal moments in her career, including the power of mentorship, navigating indust...

We chat with David Wu, Head of Generative AI at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. From his unconventional path inspired by the film "Wall Street" to leading in AI without a tech degree, David shares pivotal career moments, the importance of mentorship, and lessons in leadership. Discover how he envisions AI empowering human connection in wealth management and his advice for navigating an...

Fresh from leaving a leadership role at John Hancock to accelerate growth in her family’s auto business, Michelle Fuller talks to us in person at Nicsa's 2024 Asset and Wealth Management Summit, reflecting on the people and circumstances she encountered along the way. You won’t want to miss the extraordinary story of how she turned a family challenge that initially seemed career-ending into a...

Join us in a discussion with PwC's John Stadtler that includes lessons learned, career advice, and his take on some of the asset and wealth management industry’s most important topics.  For more, visit http://nicsa.org/podcasts

Gary Casagrande traces his path through the industry, highlighting the value of continued learning throughout your career, as well as the work you'd need to put into networking in order to get the best returns. Hear about all that and much more in this episode of NicsaTalk. For more, visit http://nicsa.org/podcasts

Dr. Omar Aguilar, President, CEO, & CIO of Schwab Asset Management, reflects on his background and highlights the importance of being flexible about your career path. Recorded on-site at Nicsa Diversity Project North America’s Fearless Leadership Symposium 2024. For more, visit http://nicsa.org/podcasts

The Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry’s new CEO Serge Weyland shares some of the challenges he overcame and lessons he learned along the way. Recorded on-site at Nicsa’s Strategic Leadership Forum 2024. For more, visit http://nicsa.org/podcasts

Hear from MFS CFO Amrit Kanwal about his background, lessons learned, and advice. Recorded on-site just after he came offstage at Nicsa’s Strategic Leadership Forum 2024. For more, visit http://nicsa.org/podcasts