After a lengthy search and selection process, InvestmentNews is proud to present the 5-Star Technology Providers of 2025.
From back-office support to data gathering, financial planning, digital marketing, and education, this year's crop of 26 wealth technology providers are covering all areas to support investment professionals and firms across the US, as well as the clients they serve – though that should honestly go without saying.
The critical importance of the best new technology and software for advisors is clear to see from every angle. Research from Cerulli has found one in 10 advisors expect to switch firms this year, with tech standing out among the pushes and pulls that could drive such a decision.
In study after study, advisors and firms that lean into technology have consistently displayed higher scores across multiple metrics of success. Survey data from Orion, which provides one of the largest integrated tech platforms for advisors, show advisors consider productivity gains as their biggest edge, with 51% agreeing on the need to spend more of their day on higher-value, strategic work.
Zocks, one of this year's top tech providers is taking on that problem head-on with its Client Intelligent Platform. Mark Gilbert, CEO, says his firm is freeing up time for advisors by doing the heavy lifting for client meeting preparation and documentation.
“If they have five to 10 meetings a week with clients, which is pretty common, that adds up really quickly and it’s giving them real time back," Gilbert says.
The platform is able to strike a fine balance between effiiciency and security, he says, thanks to "very advanced data protection policies" that let advisors stay in control.
“Let’s say there’s Social Security numbers they don’t want in the system or they don’t even want to be processed. We can redact anything early on,” Gilbert says
Sycamore, a regtech platform provider, claims an edge over rivals through its Compliance Manager, which is designed to address an ever-present but often-overlooked challenge.
“The number one pain point in the industry is data quality,” explains president and founder Mike Overdorf. “We aggregate and normalize it, which is very important, because everyone sends data a little bit differently and then puts it into a single database.”
The ability to create a clean data pool from multiple streams can be a powerful thing for firms looking to put together a cohesive tech ecosystem. As Andrew Rose, associate analyst of wealth management at Cerulli Associates puts it: “A well-integrated system reduces errors, streamlines workflows, and creates a more positive experience for both advisors and clients.”
At Sycamore, Overdorf says problem-solving doesn't stop at the digital level. To effectively correct and prevent real-world inefficiencies, he and his team embrace the human element in the optimization process, taking great pains to ensure everyone's on the same page.
“I tell my team 95% of the world’s problems are due to bad communication, so, if anything, we overcommunicate,” he says.
From this year's list of the best new technology and software for investment professionals, InvestmentNews is proud to highlight:
To read InvestmentNews' full 5-star report on new technology and software for investment management professionals, click here.
Also, a Fidelity veteran goes indie with Osaic OSJ Innovative Financial Group, and Citizens welcomes a sports and entertainment-focused trio previously overseeing $800 million from Morgan Stanley.
Former Osaic executive Shah has joined the self-described AI workforce company as managing director in charge of its engagement efforts with wealth firms.
The SEC enforcement division is reportedly digging into potential conflicts of interest, valuations, and disclosure in fast-growing fund manager-led transactions.
New research shows aspiring advisors are fluent in AI — but fear firms will automate the very roles they need to learn the trade.
Edward Jones is making Carefull’s technology available to its 9 million-plus clients through its more than 20,000-strong network of financial advisors.
Dan Biagini of American Equity says the steady decline of pensions, longer lifespans and a reset in interest rates are rewriting how advisors build retirement income
Direct indexing is on pace to outgrow ETFs and mutual funds. Northern Trust's Ken Lassner explains why the advisors who get it wish they had started sooner.
