Colleen Bell is the President of Innovation and Experience at Cambridge Investment Research, a company dedicated to providing comprehensive financial solutions for wealth management professionals. Over her 18-year career at Cambridge, Colleen has significantly contributed to the company's growth, focusing on enhancing client experiences and driving innovation in the wealth management industry. Previously starting her career at the SEC, Colleen has a passion for travel and cultural exploration with her family. In her role, she emphasizes the importance of moving beyond traditional technology focuses to deliver holistic, enriching experiences for both advisors and their clients.

 In this episode…

A generational shift is underway in wealth management as established advisors prepare to pass the torch to a new wave of professionals. How is the industry responding to this transition, and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for emerging talent?

According to Colleen Bell, a visionary in the wealth management space, the key to this transition is fostering an industry-wide focus on mentorship and community. She highlights the importance of providing younger advisors with environments where they can learn alongside experienced professionals, ensuring they gain the skills needed to lead in the future. This shift is especially timely, given the growing demand for technology-driven solutions that align with the digital expectations of today's clients. As more seasoned advisors contemplate succession, Colleen sees this focus on innovation and experience as crucial to sustaining the industry’s growth and relevance.

In this episode of The Beacon Flash Podcast, Chip Kispert sits down with Colleen Bell, President of Innovation and Experience at Cambridge Investment Research, to discuss the evolving advisor-client relationship and how firms are preparing for a “succession tsunami.” They explore how technology reshapes advisor services, the importance of attracting younger talent, and the changing dynamics in client expectations.

Alan Moore is the CEO and Co-founder of AdvicePay, a platform that facilitates compliant payment processing for financial advisors offering fee-for-service financial planning. Under his leadership, AdvicePay has revolutionized how financial planners are compensated, addressing the limitations of traditional commission-based models and enabling scalable solutions for larger firms. As an advocate for fee-for-service financial planning, Alan is dedicated to helping advisors move away from traditional asset management models. With a degree in financial planning from the University of Georgia, Alan has a background in running his own RIA firm, where he focused on serving next-generation clients.

In this episode…

Financial planning is often seen as an additional service bundled with wealth management, but what happens when clients don't meet asset minimums? Can younger clients, still building their wealth, access high-quality financial advice without massive portfolios? Is the industry missing a critical opportunity by overlooking these clients?

According to Alan Moore, a pioneer in financial advising, the answer lies in rethinking how advisors get paid. He highlights that people are more than willing to pay for fiduciary financial advice — especially when they understand that “free” often means becoming the product. By offering subscription-based financial planning, advisors can reach younger, high-earning clients who might not have assets to manage but still need guidance. This shift not only opens new revenue streams but also democratizes access to financial advice, making it available to those who need it most.

In this episode of The Beacon Flash Podcast, host Chip Kispert speaks with Alan Moore, CEO and Co-founder of AdvicePay, to discuss the evolving role of financial advisors and the growing demand for fee-for-service models. They dive into how compliance, technology, and niche specialization are driving this change. Alan also shares insights on the shift toward independent advisory models and the importance of building client trust through transparent pricing.

Chip Kispert is the Founder and Managing Partner of Beacon Strategies, LLC, a consulting firm that helps wealth management companies streamline operations and integrate technology solutions. With decades of experience in the financial services industry, Chip specializes in bridging the gap between wealth management firms and solution providers. He has led numerous initiatives and is the creator of Beacon’s exclusive roundtable series, where industry leaders gather to discuss emerging trends and challenges in the field.

In this episode…

The wealth management industry is evolving rapidly. Advisors face new challenges, from managing complex client needs to integrating ever-changing technology. How are firms adapting to these pressures, and what strategies can help bridge the gap between advisors and the tools they need to succeed?

According to Chip Kispert, a leading expert in the industry, the solution lies in becoming a bridge between wealth firms and solution providers. He highlights that advisors struggle with technology fatigue, trying to piece together various platforms while prioritizing client relationships. By streamlining processes and integrating technology more effectively, firms can alleviate this burden, allowing advisors to focus on their core mission: helping clients achieve financial success. Chip also underscores the need for thought leadership and collaboration, particularly through exclusive, invitation-only roundtables that foster innovation and shared learning.

In this episode of The Beacon Flash Podcast, Chip Kispert is interviewed by Chad Franzen of Rise25 to discuss the future of wealth management. They explore key trends, including the impact of technology on advisor workloads, the importance of unbiased consulting, and how roundtable discussions are shaping industry leadership. Chip also shares valuable insights on how firms can stay ahead by maintaining strong, collaborative relationships between advisors and solution providers.

Todd Cooper is the Chief Revenue Officer at TIFIN AG, which leverages artificial intelligence to enhance wealth management outcomes by providing data-driven solutions for client acquisition, retention, and growth. With extensive experience in the wealth management technology sector, Todd has played pivotal roles in launching innovative financial platforms and services at companies like Prudential, Envestnet, and LPL Financial. At TIFIN AG, he focuses on helping wealth management enterprises adopt cutting-edge AI technologies to drive organic growth and improve client outcomes.

 In this episode…

In an industry where technology is rapidly reshaping the landscape, financial advisors are facing a critical crossroads. As AI continues to evolve, how will it redefine the advisor-client relationship, and what does this mean for the future of wealth management?

According to Todd Cooper, a seasoned expert in wealth management technology, AI is set to transform how advisors interact with their clients fundamentally. He highlights that while control is increasingly shifting to clients, AI provides a powerful tool for advisors to offer more personalized and timely insights. This shift enhances the advisor's ability to meet client expectations and ensures that the human element remains central in delivering value. As advisors are expected to do more for more clients, AI offers a pathway to maintaining relevance and efficiency in an increasingly complex environment.

In this episode of The Beacon Flash Podcast, host Chip Kispert sits down with Todd Cooper, Chief Revenue Officer at TIFIN AG, to discuss the intersection of AI and wealth management. They explore how AI enables advisors to become holistic financial coaches, the critical role of actionable intelligence, and the importance of early adoption and experimentation in staying ahead of industry changes.

Pem Guerry is the Executive Vice President at SIGNiX, the largest provider of digital signatures in North America. He possesses a wide range of financial, marketing, and technology management experience in the private and public sectors. Previously, Pem served as Assistant Commissioner of finance and administration for Tennessee, where he managed the state’s overall technology resources. Before starting his career, he played on a professional tennis tour and traveled the world.

In this episode…

E-signatures are rapidly becoming a staple in our daily lives, revolutionizing how we handle documentation and transactions. As their adoption grows within the wealth management industry, what are the key benefits and potential risks that firms should be aware of?

According to Pem Guerry, a seasoned expert in digital signatures,  e-signatures offer compelling benefits for companies and their customers, including transforming initial client onboarding and account opening experiences. He highlights that while e-signatures offer significant efficiency and convenience, they also come with associated risks like identity and document fraud if not managed properly. Pem discusses how integrating e-signatures into onboarding and account opening processes can enhance client experiences and long-term relationships. However, he emphasizes the importance of implementing robust security measures to mitigate potential fraud and ensure high assurance and convenience for users.

In this episode of The Beacon Flash Podcast, host Chip Krispert sits down with Pem Guerry, Executive Vice President at SIGNiX, to discuss the pivotal role of e-signatures in wealth management. They explore how e-signatures streamline onboarding processes, the growing concerns around fraud, and the increasing regulatory scrutiny in the industry. Tune in to learn about the benefits, challenges, and future innovations in the world of digital signatures.

Patrick Hannon is the VP of SaaS Commercialization at Fidelity Labs, where he leverages his vast experience in financial technology to create and execute go-to-market strategies. With a history of positions at companies like Nitrogen (formerly known as Riskalyze) and Advicent (now part of InvestCloud), he offers a deep understanding of enterprise wealth management. Patrick values mentorship highly, helping young professionals in their career development. He is a thought leader in the industry, known for his strategic focus on integrating technology into financial planning and compliance. 

 In this episode…

The world of wealth management is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements and shifting client expectations. How will advisors adapt to stay ahead in this dynamic landscape?

According to Patrick Hannon, a seasoned expert in financial technology, the key lies in better articulating comprehensive value propositions and leveraging AI to streamline operations. He highlights the importance of integrating unstructured text, like meeting notes and call transcriptions, to enhance client experiences and retention. Patrick also underscores the need for proactive engagement with the next generation of clients, emphasizing financial literacy and early involvement to secure long-term relationships.

In this episode of The Beacon Flash Podcast, host Chip Kispert sits down with Patrick Hannon, the VP of SaaS Commercialization at Fidelity Labs, to discuss the future of wealth management. They explore AI’s impact on advisor workflows, strategies for improving client communication, and the importance of mentorship in the industry. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of wealth management and the technologies shaping its future.

Geoff Moore is the Chief Information Officer at Valmark Financial Group, a leader in the financial services industry since 1963, specializing in life insurance, equity, investment advisory, risk management, and retirement plan products for top financial advisors. With over 20 years of experience in financial services and technology, Geoff works to enhance operational efficiency and streamline processes at Valmark. He leads initiatives across cybersecurity, expansion through recruitment, and operational ease, utilizing a team of skilled developers, testers, project managers, and business analysts. Passionate about staying abreast of the latest technological tools and methodologies, Geoff drives Valmark’s continuous improvement and innovation.

 In this episode…

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries across the globe, but what about its impact on the wealth management sector? Amidst the buzz and growing applications, can AI truly revolutionize how wealth firms operate, or is it just another fleeting trend?

According to Geoff Moore, a seasoned technologist with over two decades in the field, AI holds significant promise despite its surrounding hype. He compares the current excitement about AI to the early days of the World Wide Web, noting both periods were marked by groundbreaking potential and inevitable challenges. Geoff highlights AI's practical benefits in enhancing operations and compliance within wealth management, yet he remains cautiously optimistic. He emphasizes the realistic improvements AI can provide, like modest boosts in developer productivity and strategic enhancements in regulatory compliance, suggesting that while AI may not revolutionize the industry overnight, it is paving the way for substantial progress.

In this episode of The Beacon Flash Podcast, host Chip Krispert and Geoff Moore, Chief Information Officer at Valmark Financial Group, explore the intriguing world of artificial intelligence in wealth management. They discuss AI’s hype, its realistic benefits and potential pitfalls, how firms are strategically deploying AI, and the critical role of regulatory and security frameworks in its adoption.

Are you ready to peek into the future of wealth tech innovation? Buckle up, because our latest Beacon Flash podcast episode features none other than Michelle Feinstein, the esteemed Vice President and General Manager of Financial Services Group at Salesforce. She takes us on a thrilling journey, revealing the groundbreaking advancements at the recent Dreamforce event, including the cutting-edge Einstein Co-Pilot, an expanded data cloud strategy, and the integration of personal financial management in their industry-leading financial services cloud. 

Looking for answers on how technology is morphing the wealth management industry? Feast your mind on our enlightening conversation about the vital role of data, the swift pace of industry evolution, and the challenges of catering to diverse client demographics, from the uber-rich to the mass affluent. Michelle decodes the complex role that AI plays in financial services and uncovers Salesforce's bold strategy in this space. We also tackle the technology hurdles wealth firms grapple with, emphasizing the importance of data unification, effective analytics, and the retirement of outdated systems to accelerate innovation. Don't miss out on this action-packed discussion!

In the latest Beacon Flash podcast episode, Frank and Beacon Strategies’ Managing Partner Chip Kispert discuss how longevity planning differs from traditional financial planning, the challenges it addresses, and the gap it fills.

Of course, longevity planning also presents challenges for advisors, and Frank explores how this new approach requires empathetic communication to resonate with clients. It’s about the importance of planning for the inevitable changes in life and guiding clients through the complexities of healthcare and caregiving, ultimately enhancing the client-advisor relationship.

“If you offer this to your clients, you will differentiate yourself from the competition,” says Frank. “There's a real, real opportunity to do that, and most importantly, provide peace of mind for your clients.”

Tune in to this episode of the podcast to hear more from Frank and Chip about longevity planning, its impact on financial strategies, and the value it brings to both advisors and clients.

Overview
What is Longevity Planning? (01:27)
The Financial Planning Landscape (09:35)
Fitting Longevity Planning Into Your Advisor Tool Chest (12:44)

Resources
Frank McAleer's LinkedIn
Raymond James' Website
Chip Kispert's LinkedIn
Beacon Strategies' Website

The most successful advisors know that the ever-evolving world of wealth management is a people-driven business. With investors entrusting their life savings to their advisors, strong relationships are key.

And for Aaron Klein, CEO of Nitrogen, simplifying complex financial concepts and guiding clients towards informed decision-making is a crucial part of building those relationships.

"Some of the most successful advisors that I've seen really innately understand that clients are hiring them to take over the important and the complex, to really guide them past the complexity into the simplicity," he said during a conversation with Beacon Strategies’ Managing Partner Chip Kispert during a recent Beacon Flash podcast episode.

Chip and Aaron explored what that might look like for today’s advisor, including the impact of digital transformation and the potential of generative AI to automate tasks and streamline workflows for financial advisors.

According to Aaron, it’s the technology providers’ responsibility to offer seamless workflow integrations that go beyond simple data exchange and single sign-on. And no matter how big Nitrogen gets, Aaron said, the team will keep pushing to deliver excellent solutions and focused innovation.

As he explained, "I think what is so critical for wealth management firms and for advisors is that they focus on making sure that they pick great technology partners, with best-of-breed solutions, where you have the ability to own your own data."

Overview
Investor's Needs Influencing the Role of Advisors Going Forward (07:27)
AI Innovation (13:17)
Future of the Wealth Marketplace (20:00)

Resources
Aaron Klein's LinkedIn
Nitrogen's Website
Chip Kispert's LinkedIn
Beacon Strategies' Website