Tech It Up

Technology evolution and innovation is having a transformative impact across all facets and segments of wealth management. Indeed, the advisor technology industry is becoming more and more nuanced, with specialized solutions and purpose-built functionality that may not apply to all market segments. In fact, according to advisor, consultant, blogger, and today’s guest Michael Kitces, there are now more than 300 separate wealth management advisor technology applications—an astronomical growth rate for what was once just a tiny sliver in the technology universe. The good news is that with continued investment and evolution from top wealth tech providers, the technology for a universal wealth management platform is here today. On this episode, Trent, Michelle, and Michael discuss the expanding wealth tech universe and explore the concept of a universal wealth management platform and why most firms should be considering one for their core tech stack.

It’s no secret the new generation of investors are focused on investing in their interests, such as ESG, and finding firms that represent those interests. One would assume the new generation of advisors are interested in the same ideas when looking for a job. Join us as Trent and Sarah take a closer look with Stephanie Wemusa, Director of Equity and Inclusion from Mindbody at the advantages of a firm investing time and resources into diversifying their workplace. So far, we’ve learned it’s not only a benefit when attracting new employees, it’s a benefit to the bottom line.

Much like the switch from mutual funds to ETFs, the market has evolved to offer commission-free insurance products that benefit the client instead of the broker. So how did we get there? David Lau, founder and CEO of DPL Financial Partners, is here to tell us that it didn’t happen overnight. On today’s episode, Trent and Sarah take a deeper dive into the history of buying and selling insurance annuities, and the recent change in market direction.

How can you help encourage more women to start a career in Fintech? Let’s start by highlighting and celebrating the trailblazers! On today’s episode, your hosts Trent Berry and Sarah Johnson from SS&C Advent are joined by Melissa Gilbertson, Assistant Vice President, Information Technology and Trading Operations Manager at Mairs & Power & Jennifer Kirksey, Managing Director, Wealth Operations at Tolleson. They’ll share their trailblazing stories and discuss the changing landscape around gender diversity within the Fintech world.

Marketing to new investors and retaining the old doesn’t take two different marketing and communication approaches. Times are changing and current clients are jumping on board with the new generation of digital. Are you? In today’s episode, we’ll discuss why advisors are hesitant to implement new marketing strategies, from compliance concerns to common misconceptions. April will share some of the best and worst advisor marketing and communication strategies and how these strategies can make or break a firm in today’s environment.

Firms offering ESG investing could be the deciding factor for new investors. So, what exactly is ESG and how do firms gather the data for their investors? With no U.S. ESG investing standard, financial firms are having to come up with their own standards and vetting process. Without these standards, how can advisors verify whether or not investors are truly investing in ESG? In today’s episode, our guests, Zachary Dan, CEO of Act Analytics and Elgin Chau, Head of ESG Ratings of Act Analytics discuss how analyzing data and creating ESG ratings work, how it’s affecting the investor-advisor relationship, and how technology can help bridge the communication gap. Related Resources: Whitepaper | The Future Of Wealth Management: ESG Investing Act Analytics Website Blog | Test Driving Free 'News Analytics' Tool From ESG Platform Provider Act Analytics Blog | Sustainable Signals: Individual Investor Interest Driven by Impact, Conviction and Choice PDF | Sustainable Reality: 2020 Update

Your hosts Trent Berry and Sarah Johnson from SS&C Advent are joined by an incredible guest Matt McGowan, Director of Channel Alliances, Riskalyze to discuss the transition from G1 to G2 advisors and how technology will play a huge role in their sales strategy. In this episode, they discuss transition, selling strategies, adopting new technologies, and how the new client demographic affects all. With so many “self-serve” platforms and quick Google searches, anyone can manage their own portfolio, right? Listen now to hear what Matt McGowan thinks on what actions G2 Advisors need to take to not only sell their services but maintain clients in this tech-savvy millennial world of trading.

We’re excited to announce Tech it Up, an SS&C Advent podcast that covers financial services topics including ESG investing, women in fintech, the new generation of investors, selling strategies, technology, and more. In each podcast episode, your hosts Sarah Johnson and Trent Berry from SS&C Advent bring you new ideas through our community of industry leaders and influencers to intrigue, inform and inspire you through casual and thought-provoking conversations.