What's a disruptive force that no one is talking about?

What's a disruptive force that no one is talking about?
Executives from top advice firms, national brokerages and tech firms describe challenges the advice industry needs to be prepared to address.
AUG 15, 2019
By  Ellie Zhu
Doug Besso, chief technology officer, HighTower

“Using machine learning and artificial intelligence to create the augmented adviser, and really the augmented client, experience.”

Cheryl Nash, president - investment services, Fiserv

“I think we're all focusing on the adviser and technology, but how about the consumer?”

Rich Policastro, senior vice president - sales and relationship management, Fidelity Investments

“One thing that I really think is going to be more of a disruptor is as firms are growing, being able to differentiate themselves and really articulate their value proposition.”

Jack Snyder, managing director, east divisional director, Nuveen Investments

“I think it's how we continue to deploy our resources to really service our clients in the most efficient way, not only for how they want to be serviced, but also how we can get the most out of it.”

Sean Lawlor, head of enterprise data solutions, Envestnet

“I would say adviser performance accountability.”

Todd Thomson, co-founder and chairman, Dynasty Financial Partners

“The RIA world is going to go through a very massive disruption as we start seeing very large, very professionally run national RIAs evolve onto the scene. It will make it very difficult to compete as a smaller shop in that industry, and increasingly difficult to compete if you don't have a fiduciary mindset, as you serve your clients.”

Heather Kelly, senior vice president, United Capital Risk Management

“It's all about moments and experiences. It's what is that experience with the adviser, and did that adviser get me to achieve the goals?”

Latest News

Advisor moves: RBC swipes $1.7B UBS team, Baird duo departs for LPL's Linsco channel
Advisor moves: RBC swipes $1.7B UBS team, Baird duo departs for LPL's Linsco channel

RBC Wealth Management's latest move in New York adds an elite eight-member team to its recently opened Westchester office.

Stifel star broker, Chuck Roberts, leaves firm under cloud of investor complaints
Stifel star broker, Chuck Roberts, leaves firm under cloud of investor complaints

Stifel – so far - is on the hook for more than $166 million in damages, legal fees and settlements in investor complaints involving Roberts, a 35-year industry veteran.

iCapital secures $820M in latest funding, hits $7.5B
iCapital secures $820M in latest funding, hits $7.5B

The giant alt investments platform's latest financing led by T. Rowe Price and SurgoCap Partners, along with State Street, UBS, and BNY, will fuel additional growth on multiple fronts.

Merrill Lynch on the hook for $3.7M after clients claimed sale of unsuitable private equity
Merrill Lynch on the hook for $3.7M after clients claimed sale of unsuitable private equity

Some investors recently have seen million dollar plus decisions by FINRA arbitration panels involving complex products decisions go their way.

What does it take to feel 'financially comfortable' or 'wealthy' in 2025?
What does it take to feel 'financially comfortable' or 'wealthy' in 2025?

New report shines a light on how Americans view wealth today.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.