This year, Wanda Delgado is celebrating 44 years in the industry, and she has no sign of slowing down.
As she reflects on her career accomplishments to date, there’s one thing that stands out above the rest: her relationship with clients.
“I'm not just a service provider, I'm not just somebody that comes and does something and then leaves you,” the founder and registered principle at Santa Ana, California-based Insight Financial Advisors says. “I know a lot about my clients. The joy of that is that I have a life's work.”
That's why she has no plans to retire.
“It's not just a job. I'm not just trying to make money. I'm trying to take care of people. I feel like I've made promises, and I intend to keep them.”
One of the things that Delgado is recognized for among clients and reps at various investment houses is the “standout” service she provides. As an example, Delgado documents all her meetings with clients.
“They don't see other advisors being in touch with our clients as often or documenting because every time I have an ‘Update Meeting’, I document it and then the client gets a copy of that letter,” she explains. “That also sets a circumstance where I know that there could be a certified public accountant or an attorney that's looking at my work.
“When I’m asked, ‘Why did we make this particular change?’ I can look back at that documentation and say, ‘Well, you and I decided to do it in September of last year. And here's the reason why.”
The proactive communication and relationship building are just a few reasons Delgado is being recognized as an InvestmentNews Awards 2024 Excellence Awardee, with the winners announced on June 20 at 583 Park Avenue, New York City in a glitzy, red carpet ceremony. Click here to register to attend.
Delgado is quick to highlight that despite the wealth management industry being a people-first business, it can be hard to lose sight of the constant communication. That’s why she reminds advisors to talk their clients.
“Learn enough about them where you have a nice relationship with them and enjoy that process,” she says.
Rajesh Markan earlier this year pleaded guilty to one count of criminal fraud related to his sale of fake investments to 10 clients totaling $2.9 million.
From building trust to steering through emotions and responding to client challenges, new advisors need human skills to shape the future of the advice industry.
"The outcome is correct, but it's disappointing that FINRA had ample opportunity to investigate the merits of clients' allegations in these claims, including the testimony in the three investor arbitrations with hearings," Jeff Erez, a plaintiff's attorney representing a large portion of the Stifel clients, said.
Chair also praised the passage of stablecoin legislation this week.
Maridea Wealth Management's deal in Chicago, Illinois is its first after securing a strategic investment in April.
Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.
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.
