WealthTech on Deck

The world is experiencing a profound demographic shift that is transforming how we think about aging. With people living longer and healthier lives, the traditional concept of old age is being redefined. The longevity revolution presents a unique opportunity for the financial services industry. As individuals seek guidance on how to fund their long lives and find purpose in their later years, fina...

In retirement planning, annuity often raises mixed feelings among individuals. Some may shy away from it, while others might be skeptical due to misconceptions. But, it could be the missing puzzle piece to secure one's golden years. It bears striking similarities to cherished pillars of financial security such as social security and pensions, capturing the essence of a reliable and steady income s...

Marketing in financial services has transitioned to being a strategic imperative. Financial firms are now recognizing the power of marketing to drive organic growth, capture new markets, and capitalize on untapped opportunities. As the industry explores the potential of marketing, they unearth the chances for exponential growth and enhanced brand recognition. The journey may have started later for...

In pursuing an optimized tech stack, wealth management firms are engaged in a relentless game of integrating and coordinating their operating systems. From sophisticated analytics tools to artificial intelligence-driven platforms, these advancements hold immense potential for both financial advisors and their clients. As the trend gains momentum, firms realize the need for comprehensive and strate...

In today’s mobile workforce, Americans are chasing new challenges, higher salaries, and better benefits by switching jobs. According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), the typical 401K plan participant will have 9.9 jobs throughout their professional journey, equating to approximately 14.8 million workers with retirement savings finding new jobs each year. While transitioning to a...

The evolution of annuities within the wealth management advisory space exemplifies a commitment to elevating the client experience. Through technological advancements, data analysis, and streamlined processes, annuities have emerged as an essential building block in portfolios. This transformation not only benefits clients but also empowers financial advisors to deliver comprehensive and fiduciary...

Financial services have seen connectivity and collaboration emerge as game-changers, transforming the way advisors engage with valuable resources and reshaping their practices. Contrary to popular belief, it became evident that technology itself was not the sole innovation; instead, the art of collaboration stood as the true catalyst for change. This revelation shifted the focus from a mere pursui...

Retirement is no longer considered an endpoint but rather a gateway to a new chapter brimming with purpose. Gone are the days when it was synonymous with endless leisure and idle relaxation. Today's retirees and pre-retirees are embracing a paradigm shift where health, family, purpose, and finances are the cornerstones for a thriving retirement.  In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Lena Haas,...

Pioneers in financial technology have reshaped the industry with their visionary ideas and relentless dedication. Among these legends of wealthtech, Len Reinhart, President of Reinhart Consulting Group, and Jim Seuffert, Former Chairman of the Board of Envestnet Institute on Campus, stand tall. They revolutionized fee-based investment management. Len and Jim embarked on a mission that changed how...

For high-earning millennials and Gen Z, financial success often comes hand in hand with a perplexing challenge — how to make the most of their income. With their eyes set on the future, they know that making smart choices can make their hard-earned money work for them. By harnessing the power of a tax-efficient investment system, this young and savvy generation can pave the way toward a future wit...

As the demand for private investments continues to rise, bridging the gap between technology and client servicing has become essential. However, the current state of technology in this industry remains fragmented, hindering the realization of a truly streamlined and efficient process. How can advisors break the barrier to unlocking opportunities in private investing? In this episode, Jack talks wi...

Conferences are a wonderful way to expand your network, explore industry trends, and enhance your skills. The most natural networking is hard to replicate over Zoom. It is the small talk in between speaker sessions, quick chats while refilling coffee, or conversations happening in the hallways.  This week, Jack speaks with Chip Roame, Founder and Managing Partner of Tiburon Strategic Advisors, abo...

Businesses are often focused on client retention, but employee retention is equally as important. In order to retain top talent, employers need to support employees' financial needs and offer them holistic financial benefits, regardless of their stage of life or current career trajectory.   Brian McDonald, Head of Morgan Stanley at Work, is committed to bringing employees comprehensive solutions t...

Financial advice plays a key role in making informed decisions about how to meet your current needs and how to reach your long-term goals, but most U.S. workers don’t have access to this type of information. Without proper guidance to navigate complex financial decisions, U.S. workers risk making uneducated decisions that could negatively impact their financial well-being for years to come. Is the...

According to Cerulli’s research, “22% of wealth managers said consolidating to a unified managed household (UMH) is a significant priority, with half reporting it as a moderate priority for their firm moving forward.” This discovery is aligned with wealth managers shifting away from transactional brokerage relationships and prioritizing fee-based assets. The Unified Managed Household (UMH) goes fu...

The wealth management industry has changed tremendously over the last 20 years, and it’s difficult to remember that what we now consider the norm developed over time. Merrill Lynch’s shift towards goal-based wealth management transformed the industry and moved beyond a narrow focus on ROI. This new approach better-served clients by prioritizing their actual goals such as supporting family members,...

Innovation is often accompanied by a fear of failing, and many industry leaders perceive change as a threat rather than an opportunity for progress. This is especially true of the asset and wealth management industries, which are both rooted in tradition and predictability. So what happens when a company serving asset managers, wealth managers, and financial advisors adopts new approaches and leve...

Comfort is the enemy of progress, especially in business. Adapting to new models and driving change is frightening, due to fear and risk of failure. Some industries are better than others at embracing disruption, but the insurance industry often needs to catch up. When systems are working well enough, not everyone sees value in taking a different approach. Change may be uneasy, but it also brings...

Satisfied customers are the foundation of any successful business. Keeping customers satisfied means that every interaction must be positive, from the first contact to closing a deal. Positive client experiences build loyalty and retention, while negative client experiences damage a company’s reputation. By prioritizing the client experience, companies differentiate themselves in a crowded marketp...

In today's competitive business landscape, it feels daunting and nearly impossible to gain the attention of prospects. Everyone is selling something, and potential clients are inundated with marketing messaging that all blurs together. It’s no longer enough to have a website, write a blog post, or have a social media presence. How can you stand out in the sea of sameness?  Mike Saunders, President...

ChatGPT may have recently taken the world by storm, but artificial intelligence is not new. AI’s greatest strength has always been its ability to personalize information in seconds. With the advancement and accessibility of technology, these AI solutions have become popularized, even in the financial services sector.  Vinay Nair is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of TIFIN, a company that makes inve...

With economic uncertainty on the horizon, employees are feeling more anxious than ever about job stability, inflation, and their retirement plans. It wasn’t too long ago that employees had the upper hand during the Great Resignation, but it seems as though the power dynamic has shifted out of employees’ favor.  Jacquelyn Reardon, Head of Client Experience for Retirement, Insurance, 529, and Wealth...

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we think about everything - the way we work, the way we interact, the way we approach safety, healthcare, and even grocery shopping. COVID-19 forced many people to reflect on the state of their finances and underscored the importance of planning for unforeseen circumstances. The ability to lean on trusted financial advisors proved to be more crucial than ever....

As financial services advance, people increasingly use digital tools and platforms to manage their finances. While these tools can be highly effective, they may not always align with the person's values and aspirations. How can people utilize new technologies and platforms while ensuring that their financial decisions align with their values and aspirations rather than simply following algorithms...

A startling 6.6% of Fortune 500 companies have women as their CEOs and only 23% of C-Suites are made up of women. Such statistics show that gender bias is prevalent despite increased traction and awareness around diversity, equity, and inclusion. While progress is slow, thankfully, it is not stagnant. Many businesses receive questions about the lack of diversity within their organization and what...