Category: Finance
AI and Financial Advisors: Why 2025 Will Be a Turning Point with John O’Connell (Ep. 26)

AI and Financial Advisors: Why 2025 Will Be a Turning Point with John O’Connell (Ep. 26)

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How is Artificial Intelligence reshaping the wealth management industry?

In this episode, Rusty Sommer sits down with John O’Connell, CEO and Founder of The OASIS Group, at the bustling Market Council Summit in Las Vegas. Together, they explore how AI is rapidly transforming the way advisors serve clients, from streamlining workflows to enhancing personalization at scale. Their conversation highlights both the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into financial services, while emphasizing the continued importance of human expertise in the process.

Rusty and John discuss:

  • (01:56) The rise of AI and its prevalence in conferences today 
  • (03:34) How note-taking tech is gaining traction in wealth management 
  • (04:40) The evolving AI wealth tech map with over 80 firms and growing 
  • (07:57)Enhancing the client experience with AI and the importance of having humans in the loop 
  • (14:13) The future of financial advice aided by AI and its potential to increase productivity 

Connect with John O’Connell:

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About our Guest: 

John O’Connell has more than 30 years of leadership experience in both emerging businesses and mature, established organizations. He started his career designing and developing financial applications at Merrill Lynch and KPMG Peat Marwick. He was a member of the team for an IPO, sale of a firm, and packaging 2 other firms for sale. He held North American leadership positions at Oracle for over 8 years. He was the president of a FinTech firm and held C-level customer-facing roles at two global, publicly traded companies.

John is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer for The Oasis Group. A firm specializing in helping wealth management and technology firms to solve their most complex challenges. The Oasis Group helps firms with technology selection and implementation, sales processes and strategy, and processes to attract, sell, propose, onboard, and service new clients.

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Your Guide to Optimizing Portfolio Management with Advanced Reporting with Bill McFadden of GreenHill Investment Reporting (Ep. 25)

Your Guide to Optimizing Portfolio Management with Advanced Reporting with Bill McFadden of GreenHill Investment Reporting (Ep. 25)

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How is cutting-edge technology reshaping portfolio management with advanced reporting?

Join Rusty Sommer as he sits down with Bill McFadden, President and CEO of GreenHill Investment Reporting, to explore the evolving intersection of portfolio management and performance reporting, and its pivotal role in client trust and decision-making.

Bill McFadden explores how investment reporting has evolved from a basic compliance requirement into a strategic asset, enabling deeper client engagement, clearer insights, and more informed wealth management decisions. With a key focus on leveraging data visualization and tech partnerships, the duo discusses the importance of customized, clear communication to tell compelling investment stories.

Rusty and Bill discuss: 

  • The balance of automation with personalized client services for investment professionals
  • Flexibility and customization in investment performance measurement
  • AI’s potential influence on generating insights and enhancing advisory roles
  • Greenhill’s innovative initiatives, including a unique partnership with Drexel
  • The shift in client expectations and more sophisticated reporting needs
  • How enhanced data, combined with sophisticated portfolio management and reporting solutions, can address alternative investment needs.

Connect with Rusty Sommer:

Connect with Bill McFadden:

About Our Guest: 

Bill McFadden is the President at GreenHill Investment Reporting in the Greater Tampa Bay Area. He has over 25 years of experience as a Financial Services Executive and Entrepreneur. Bill is also the owner of Sixline, an investment advisory consulting firm. Bill McFadden was formerly the lead of Business Development for CGI.

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The Rise of Alternative Investments: What Advisors Need to Know with Kartik Srinivasan (Ep. 24)

The Rise of Alternative Investments: What Advisors Need to Know with Kartik Srinivasan (Ep. 24)

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What if your tech could read your client’s mind?

In this episode, Rusty Sommer interviews Kartik Srinivasan about the technologies that are reshaping financial advising. They explore how advisors are navigating increasingly complex wealth structures, the role of AI in enhancing client relationships, and what the future holds for advisor-led innovation.

Kartik and Rusty discuss:

  • (00:01:29) Tools supporting advisors in managing complex portfolios
  • (00:02:40) Approaches to consolidating non-standard assets like real estate and esoteric passion assets
  • (00:04:35) How evolving platforms align with broader advisory strategies
  • (00:09:21) Major trends, including generational wealth transfer and alternative investing
  • (00:17:40) The growing role of AI in modern financial advice
  • (00:25:34) Current challenges in fintech integration and where the industry is heading

Connect with Kartik Srinivasan:

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About our Kartik Srinivasan: 

Kartik Srinivasan is a seasoned financial technology executive with over 20 years of experience in the wealth management industry. He currently serves as President of Advyzon Institutional, a division of Advyzon dedicated to supporting financial advisors who work with high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients. Kartik joined Advyzon in 2024 to lead the development of innovative tools and services tailored to the complex needs of these advisors and their clients.

Before joining Advyzon, Kartik spent more than 12 years at Morningstar, where he played a major role in building portfolio management systems. He later served as Managing Director of Third-Party Integrations and Partnerships at Charles Schwab, where he helped oversee the integration of TD Ameritrade Institutional into Schwab Advisor Services.

He holds a BBA in Finance and Economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and an MBA in Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Economics from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Outside of work, Kartik enjoys traveling, skiing, and hiking with his family.

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The Role of Human Connection in the Age of Algorithms (Ep. 23)

The Role of Human Connection in the Age of Algorithms (Ep. 23)

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What role does human connection play in the ever-evolving world of wealth management?

In this episode, Rusty Sommer speaks with Kate Healy of AdvoKate IQ about the importance of personal interaction in an industry increasingly dominated by technology. Rusty and Kate navigate through the dynamics of integrating human elements with advanced technology, exploring cultural awareness, next-gen talent acquisition, and adaptable service models.

Kate shares insights on:

  • (01:24) The irreplaceable value of human connection in client relationships and service
  • (02:56) How changing demographics demand adaptation in talent acquisition and cultural awareness
  • (08:57) Building scalable businesses while nurturing the next generation of financial talent
  • (10:47) Crafting a seamless and personalized client experience using modern technology
  • (20:57) Leadership lessons in empowering the next generation in finance

This episode is a must-listen for those interested in understanding how to balance the digital transformation in finance with the critical human element. Don’t miss out, hit play!

Connect with Kate Healy:

Connect with Rusty Sommer:

About our Guest: 

Kate Healy is CEO and Founder of AdvoKate IQ, LLC, designed to help wealth management firms with their growth strategy, focusing on the intersection of organic growth and workforce development. Kate offers diverse leadership experience as a financial services industry executive and nonprofit leader. Develop and guide high-performing teams. Deliver innovative, client-first marketing. Embrace change and modernize leveraging technology and business intelligence. Lead with humor and empathy.

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How Technology is Revolutionizing IRAs with Brian Hamburger (Ep. 22)

How Technology is Revolutionizing IRAs with Brian Hamburger (Ep. 22)

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Are you keeping pace with the rapidly changing landscape of independent financial advice? If your practice isn’t evolving, you might be left in the dust.

In this episode, Rusty Sommer sits down with Brian Hamburger, JD, CRCP, President and CEO of MarketCounsel, to explore the ever-evolving world of independent advisors. Brian shares his insights on evolving business models, the impact of technology, and what advisors need to know about current industry trends. Tune in to find out how innovation is reshaping client relationships and what the future holds for regulatory changes.

Brian discusses: 

  • (02:05) The importance of creating a community for CEOs and founders in wealth management
  • (02:49) Key takeaways and themes from this year’s conference
  • (05:38) The evolving landscape for independent advisors and emerging opportunities
  • (07:00) How technology and pandemic-driven changes are reshaping advisor-client dynamics
  • (08:42) Navigating regulatory changes under shifting political landscapes
  • (13:32) Market Council’s role in supporting RIAs
  • (15:08) Predictions for the financial regulatory environment in 2025

Connect with Brian Hamburger:

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About our Guest: 

Brian Hamburger, JD, CRCP, is the founder, president and CEO of MarketCounsel Consulting, the leading business and regulatory compliance consultancy to the country’s preeminent entrepreneurial independent investment advisors. Brian is also the founder and chief counsel of the Hamburger Law Firm, a boutique law firm with its practice in virtually all areas related to the investment and securities industry, entrepreneurial and employment matters. The MarketCounsel companies and the Hamburger Law Firm reflect Brian’s unrelenting entrepreneurial drive and genuine desire to provide an unparalleled combination of preeminent counsel and uncompromising service to the wealth management profession. Hamburger is also the president of MarketCounsel Productions, a company that has built community within the wealth management profession by hosting events such as The MarketCounsel Summit, MarketCounsel Supper Clubs and MarketCounsel After-Hours. The MarketCounsel Summit is the industry’s capstone event of the year and a forum for debate and dialogue on some of the most critical issues facing leaders of wealth management firms.

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The Power of Partnerships in Wealth Management with Andree Mohr (Ep. 21)

The Power of Partnerships in Wealth Management with Andree Mohr (Ep. 21)

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Are you ready to take center stage in financial advice? Discover what it takes to make true partnerships and community-building the cornerstone of your business strategy.

In this episode, Rusty Sommer sits down with Andree Mohr, President of Integrated Partners, at the Market Counsel Conference in Las Vegas. They discuss the art of collaboration between financial advisors and CPAs, detailing how Integrated Partners is redefining success through strategic partnerships and community support. Andree shares insights on how they empower advisors to connect deeper with their clients, streamline operations with technology, and foster a vibrant, collaborative environment. As the conversation unfolds, you’ll learn about their innovative approach to advisor support, including leveraging AI for strategic planning and the power of community building.

Rusty and Andree discuss:

  • (01:38) Their approach to advisor support and community building
  • (03:01) Unleashing advisor growth through partnerships with CPAs
  • (05:15) How Integrated Partners helps advisors achieve significant growth
  • (09:37) The importance of partnership in the financial industry
  • (21:45) Attracting new clients and expanding services with CPA partnerships

Connect with Andree Mohr:

Connect with Rusty Sommer:

About our Guest: 

As the president of Integrated Partners, Andree Mohr serves as a driven leader, visionary, and implementor for the organization.

Her mission is to bring simplification to the financial advice industry and create a sustainable path of success for financial advisors, their support staff, management teams, and CPA partners.

Her adept workflows and nimble judgment have proven instrumental in creating a culture of innovation, efficiency, and collaboration. She skillfully leverages these capabilities to oversee Integrated’s day-to-day operations, drive the firm’s key objectives, and ensure the consistent and healthy growth of the organization.

A particular passion of hers is helping Integrated’s entrepreneurial-minded financial advisors implement strategic operations that foster practice growth and optimization to bring their business visions to fruition. Through Integrated’s nationally renowned CPA Alliance program, she assists CPA partners in monetizing their most trusted advisor status while simultaneously aiding clients in their financial planning and tax needs.

She is the co-author of the exclusive book Center Stage: How to Become the Star of Your Practice with colleagues Matt Ackermann and Paul Saganey. The book focuses on operational, team-building, and business processing efficiencies to help empower advisors to streamline their practices. The result: advisors have a roadmap to grow their business, leave a lasting legacy, and ultimately provide a boutique, concierge, and memorable experience for their clients.

She graduated from Northeastern University, where she excelled in their experiential learning programs. She has been supporting advisors in various capacities for the last 13 years and truly enjoys watching them realize their goals.

Outside of the office, her favorite pastimes include cherished moments with her husband and their twin daughters, passionately cheering on the New England Patriots, traveling to her favorite destinations, and supporting charitable causes that are important to her.

For those interested in talking football or discussing what it’s like bringing advisors onto the most open-architecture, independent, growth-oriented advisor partnership platform in existence, she can be reached at andree.peterson@integrated-partners.com.

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Today’s Technology Trends In Wealth Management with Joel Bruckenstein (Ep. 20)

Today’s Technology Trends In Wealth Management with Joel Bruckenstein (Ep. 20)

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How will embracing technology today redefine financial advising tomorrow?

In this episode, Rusty Sommer speaks with Joel Bruckenstein, a leading voice in financial technology, to explore the transformative power of today’s tech landscape. As the founder of the T3 conferences, Joel provides first-hand insights into technology trends reshaping financial advisory services. Dive deep into discussions on real innovation versus incremental evolution, and how these shifts impact the industry. Discover why staying ahead with AI and automation isn’t just beneficial but essential for growth and client satisfaction.

Joel discusses: 

  • (00:57) The evolution and implementation of technology in wealth management
  • (03:01) What truly defines innovation in financial technology
  • (05:20) Key highlights and themes of the upcoming T3 2025 Conference
  • (06:45) Strategies for organic growth using improved workflows and tech adoption
  • (08:58) Evaluating new technologies and making informed decisions
  • (10:42) Impact of AI and machine learning on client advisory
  • (14:05) Preparing financial firms for future innovations
  • (16:42) Predictions and trends for the wealth tech industry by 2025

Connect with Joel Bruckenstein:

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About our Guest: 

Joel P. Bruckenstein, CFP®, is a globally recognized authority in the field of applied technology for financial professionals. He is renowned as the Publisher of Technology Tools for Today (T3), formerly known as Virtual Office News and now known as the T3 Tech Hub.

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Navigating the Future of RIAs: Insights from TradePMR’s Robb Baldwin (Ep. 19)

Navigating the Future of RIAs: Insights from TradePMR’s Robb Baldwin (Ep. 19)

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What sparked the evolution of RIAs?

In this episode, Rusty Sommer sits down with Robb Baldwin, CEO of TradePMR, at the Market Council Summit in Las Vegas. Together, they have a candid conversation on the history and evolution of the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) sector and the current trends shaking up the landscape. From the entrepreneurial spirit that fuelled the RIA space to recent developments as Trade PMR joins forces with Robinhood, this episode provides a fresh perspective on where the industry is heading.

Robb discusses:

  • (01:54) The early entrepreneurial days of the RIA industry and its impact on modern practices 
  • (03:33) Major trends influencing the RIA space, such as roll-ups and aggregation
  • (05:16) The importance of supporting advisor independence with effective technology and service 
  • (06:23) Why the partnership with Robinhood is pivotal for the future of both companies 
  • (11:47) Enhancing client experience through technology to cater to all generations

Tune in to explore how these dynamics shape the future of wealth management and trading technology.

Connect with Robb Baldwin:

Connect with Rusty Sommer:

About our Guest: 

With over 30 years of experience in the brokerage and RIA industry, Robb Baldwin is the founder, president, and CEO of TradePMR, a technology and custodial services provider for RIAs. Robb is passionate about empowering advisors to achieve their true independence and deliver exceptional service to their clients.

Robb founded TradePMR in 1998 after facing a challenging transition in his own RIA firm due to a merger of two major custodians. He saw the need for a better solution that would combine innovative technology, extraordinary support, and seamless workflow for RIAs. Under his leadership, TradePMR has grown to serve RIAs across the country, earning recognition for its award-winning Fusion platform and its customer satisfaction. Robb holds multiple securities licenses registered with TradePMR, and he continues to drive the firm’s vision and mission to provide the best technology and service in the industry.

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The Future of Wealth Management: Predictions for 2025 (Ep. 18)

The Future of Wealth Management: Predictions for 2025 (Ep. 18)

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What will shape the financial landscape by 2025? Join us as we dive deep into predictions for the future of wealth management. 

In this episode, Rusty Sommer dives into the future of wealth management with an exciting lineup of guests from the 2024 MarketCounsel summit: John O’Connell, Kartik Srinivasan, Oleg Tishkevich, Kate Healy, Andree Mohr, Bill McFadden, Brian Hamburger, Joel Bruckenstein, Robb Baldwin, Tony Stich, and Amy DeTolla. They explore the big predictions for 2025, like how AI co-pilots and personalized client apps are set to transform the industry, why mega firms driven by private equity are emerging, and how personalization will redefine client experiences. Discover insights on trends like mergers, private equity’s impact on growth, and the looming cybersecurity challenges. The dialogue is rich with insights about the continual evolution of technology, regulation impacts, and strategic industry shifts.

Key Highlights:

  • (01:13) The role of AI co-pilots in enhancing productivity
  • (02:12) The expanding impact of mergers and acquisitions fueled by private equity
  • (04:41) The emergence of custom client applications for RIAs
  • (08:48) Challenges and changes in regulation and compliance
  • (13:07) The evolution of niche-based advice and technology solutions
  • And more!

Immerse yourself in this forward-looking discussion and get a head start on 2025’s transformative impact!

Connect with Rusty Sommer:

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How Technology is Shaping the Future of Wealth Management with Tony Stich (Ep. 17)

How Technology is Shaping the Future of Wealth Management with Tony Stich (Ep. 17)

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Will AI transform wealth management overnight?

In this episode, Rusty Sommer speaks with Tony Stich from MarketCounsel about the fascinating insights and key takeaways from the latest industry summit. Dive into the world of asset management as they explore how technology and AI are reshaping the industry, the significance of real-time curriculum changes, and the introduction of fresh faces and ideas in finance.

Tony and Rusty discuss: 

  • (03:03) The evolution of summit topics for real-time impact
  • (05:35) The role of AI in improving asset management strategies
  • (06:44) Challenges and opportunities in planning for investor longevity 
  • (09:27) The importance of collaboration and networking in finance
  • (12:32) Innovations and the rapid pace of technological development
  • (13:22) Predictions for wealth management trends in 2025

Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on the future of wealth tech and discover how the industry’s shifts can enhance your professional approach. 

Connect with Tony Stich:

Connect with Rusty Sommer:

About our Guest: 

Tony is an industry speaker, consultant, trusted advisor, and active investor that specializes in GTM strategies — with a heavy emphasis on marketing — for financial services firms, RIAs, and FinTech companies. 

Published in numerous global outlets including the Journal of Financial Planning, Wealthmanagement.com, Investopedia, US News & World Report, and ThinkAdvisor as well as being featured on Reuters, FinTech TV, Financial Advisor IQ, Asset TV, and InvestmentNews, Stich is an award-winning thought leader in the FinTech space, providing compelling statistics, a thought-provoking perspective, and much-needed humor to a rapidly-evolving industry. 

He is currently Executive Managing Director of MarketCounsel — the leading business and regulatory compliance consultancy to the country’s preeminent independent investment advisers throughout all stages of their lifecycle.

Before this, he spent most of his career in the WealthTech industry with his latest role serving as Chief Revenue Officer for Entrustody — a modern, digital-first custodial platform. Prior, he was at InvestCloud which acquired Advicent, the global financial planning software developer of NaviPlan, Profiles, and Figlo. There as Chief Operating Officer, he led North American Sales, Marketing, Professional Services, Customer Success, and Support ultimately netting him recognition by Wealthmanagement.com as Chief Marketing Officer of the Year (2021) and obtaining the inaugural ThinkAdvisor LUMINARIES Executive Leadership Award (2021).

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