Greg Banasz, Chief Marketing Officer at Steward Partners, shares how he brings the firm’s brand to life while empowering more than 200 independent advisors to express their individuality. Instead of a one-size-fits-all playbook, he offers a flexible “spice rack” of strategies—helping advisors mix and match tools that best support their goals in branding, communication, and growth. By putting collaboration and advisor input at the center, he ensures every strategy feels authentic while still connected to Steward’s broader identity.

He also speaks to the generational shift transforming the industry and the importance of meeting younger, tech-savvy clients where they are—with modern tools like QR codes, video, and AI. For Greg, compliance isn’t a barrier but a partner in creating authentic messaging. Looking ahead, he sees video, personalization, and data-driven insights as key growth drivers, but believes lasting success starts with something simple: listening to advisors and building from their genuine interests.

Resources: Steward Partners

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Ryan George, Chief Marketing Officer at Docupace, joins us to discuss how back-office innovation is helping advisors scale smarter. He shares his personal journey to Docupace and how the firm has grown into a 23-year-old leader in streamlining advisor operations, from account opening and compliance to compensation management and advisor transitions.

He also highlights the company’s latest investments in user experience, its acquisition of Hubly, and the evolving role of AI in advisor technology. Ryan emphasizes the importance of operational efficiency in unlocking growth for RIAs, offers perspective on the “buy vs. build” debate, and explains why expanding access to quality financial advice is what excites him most about the future of fintech.

Resources: Docupace

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Jeremy Schwartz, Global CIO, and Sam Rines, Macro Strategist for Modern Portfolios at WisdomTree, join us to explore how today’s shifting geopolitical landscape is shaping new global investment strategies. Sam explains how Europe’s renewed focus on defense and infrastructure—driven by NATO spending commitments—is creating long-term momentum across industries. He highlights companies like Saab, Leonardo, and Rheinmetall, where sustained demand and innovation in areas like drone tech and anti-drone systems are already translating into earnings growth.

Jeremy shares how these developments could mark the beginning of a new era for European technology and industrial leadership. Together, they walk through WisdomTree’s Geo Alpha strategy (GEOA), designed to help investors navigate uncertainty and align portfolios with major global shifts. With themes spanning policy, innovation, and evolving supply chains, GEOA offers a forward-looking framework for those seeking broader diversification and resilience across changing markets.

Click here to view the current holdings in GEOA.

Definitions:

Resources: WisdomTree ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) & Investments

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. For a prospectus or, if available, the summary prospectus containing this and other important information about the fund, call 866.909.9473 or visit WisdomTree.com/Investments. Read the prospectus or, if available, the summary prospectus carefully before investing.

WisdomTree GeoAlpha Opportunities Fund (GEOA) Risk Information: There are risks associated with investing, including possible loss of principal. Some countries and regions in which the Fund invests may have and may continue to experience security concerns, war, aggression and/or conflict, economic uncertainty, sanctions or the threat of sanctions, natural and environmental disasters, and widespread disease or other public health issues. Foreign investing involves special risks, such as risk of loss from currency fluctuation or political or economic uncertainty. Investments in non-U.S. securities involve political, regulatory, and economic risks that may not be present in investments in U.S. securities. To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in a single country or region, it is more likely to be impacted by events affecting that country or region. Please read the Fund’s prospectus for specific details regarding the Fund’s risk profile.

WisdomTree Funds are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC.

Jeremy Schwartz is a registered representative of Foreside Fund Services, LLC

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Jason Bottenfield, Managing Partner at Park Cities Group within Steward Partners, joins us to share the story of his unique path from professional baseball to wealth management. He reflects on how the discipline and resilience he developed as an athlete helped him navigate the early challenges of breaking into the industry—without connections or a finance degree—and how those lessons continue to shape his approach to business and leadership.

Jason also discusses what led him and his partners to join Steward Partners in 2019 and why the firm’s hybrid model and collaborative culture have helped their business grow. He shares real examples of how Steward’s infrastructure supports complex client needs, emphasizes the value of mentoring the next generation, and explains how Park Cities Group delivers a boutique experience backed by big-firm capabilities.

Resources: Steward Partners

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Dan Bjerke, President of Digital Wealth at InvestCloud, joins us to discuss how the firm is tackling one of wealth management’s biggest pain points — fragmented technology and siloed data. With 35 years in financial services technology, Dan explains how disconnected systems drain advisor productivity and weaken client experiences. He outlines InvestCloud’s approach to unifying systems through a digital data warehouse, workflow automation, and AI tools that streamline onboarding, meetings, portfolio management, and next-best-action recommendations — all while maintaining strict security and compliance.

Dan also highlights the growing role of alternative investments, the need to scale them beyond the ultra-wealthy, and how smart technology can make that possible. From real-time “chat with your data” dashboards to practical steps for breaking down silos without costly overhauls, Dan shares how firms can unlock efficiency, strengthen relationships, and drive organic growth by tackling targeted use cases and building momentum over time.

Resources: InvestCloud

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Susan McKenna, CEO of eMoney Advisor, joins us to discuss the company’s evolution as it marks its 25th anniversary. She shares her path from tech-focused marketing leader to CEO, and how eMoney has stayed true to its planning-first mission while adapting to changing market needs. Susan reflects on its unique culture, dedication to client service, and the importance of equipping advisors with the tools, training, and support to deliver exceptional experiences. Under Fidelity’s ownership, eMoney has had the flexibility to innovate while maintaining its focus on financial planning.

Susan also looks ahead to trends shaping the next decade, from purposeful AI integration to greater personalization, accessibility, and financial wellness for a broader audience. She highlights eMoney’s ability to support clients at every stage, from foundational planning to advanced estate strategies, and the need to balance technology with the human side of advice. With innovations like the premium client portal and a diverse client base driving development, eMoney is focused on delivering full-spectrum planning that reaches more people and deepens advisor-client relationships.

Register for the eMoney Advisor 2025 Summit, October 20-22: https://emoneyadvisor.com/summit

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We sit down with James Sahagian, Managing Partner at Ramapo Wealth Advisors within Steward Partners, to explore his path from an early fascination with financial markets to leading a client-focused, team-based practice. He highlights Steward’s responsive culture and commitment to innovation, which have expanded his team’s capabilities through educational seminars, digital platforms, and a holistic service model.

James discusses the growing need for advisors to pair financial expertise with technology, interdisciplinary skills, and behavioral insight—especially as the massive baby boomer wealth transfer accelerates. Committed to financial literacy, he urges early planning, disciplined saving, and long-term thinking to help clients and their families achieve lasting success.

Resources: Steward Partners

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In this episode, we catch up with Anuj Gupta, Head of Sales Engineering, and Blake Wood, Head of Platform Strategy at Envestnet. They walk us through how Envestnet is helping advisors scale personalization and drive efficiency across their practices. From AI-powered insights and tax-aware investment tools to client review automation and UMA flexibility, Blake and Anuj highlight the innovations that are making it easier for advisors to deliver high-touch service—at scale.

They also dive into the operational realities of adopting new tech, the importance of integration and flexibility, and how Envestnet is balancing innovation with a strong compliance-first foundation. With demand for alternatives growing and advisor expectations evolving, the platform continues to expand its capabilities while staying focused on what really matters: creating more time for advisors to have deeper, more meaningful conversations with the clients they serve.

Resources: Envestnet

Disclosures:

The information, analysis, and opinions expressed herein are for general information only. Nothing contained herein is intended to constitute legal, tax, securities, or investment advice, nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment, nor a solicitation of any type. Investing carries certain risks and there is no assurance that investing in accordance with the portfolios or strategies mentioned will provide positive performance over any period of time. Past performance is not indicative of future results.  

Potential transactions identified by Envestnet’s AI tools including but not limited to Insights Engine are based on concentrated positions, concentrated asset classes, and/or high cash allocations but do not include a fee analysis or other factors that should be taken into account when considering brokerage versus advisory accounts.  Potential transactions identified by these tools are for informational purposes only and are not to be construed as an instruction to take any specific action. Envestnet, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates are not responsible for any decisions or recommendations you may provide to your clients.

Alternative Investments may have complex terms and features that are not easily understood and are not suitable for all investors. You should conduct your own due diligence to ensure you understand the features of the product before investing. Envestnet and its affiliates do not provide research or product oversight on alternative investments. As with all investments, there is no assurance that alternative investment strategies will achieve their objectives or protect against losses.

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We catch up with Tim Burklow, Managing Director and Wealth Advisor at Mainstay Wealth Management within Steward Partners. Tim shares his journey from being inspired by his father’s advisor to building a successful career in financial services, including over three decades with a single firm. He explains what ultimately led him to make the leap to Steward Partners and the importance of preparing for succession with intentionality. While the transition was initially daunting, he describes the move as energizing—for both himself and his team—and credits Steward’s resources and support for helping them hit the ground running.

Tim reflects on how the shift has reinvigorated his passion for the work, especially in mentoring the next generation of advisors. He highlights Steward’s robust wealth management platform, customized investment models, and collaborative culture as game changers for client service and team development. With a renewed focus on leadership, legacy, and empowering his team, Tim sees this next chapter as his most meaningful yet—one defined by impact, growth, and passing the torch with purpose.

Resources: Steward Partners

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Thomas Moore, Head of Betterment Advisor Solutions, shares how Betterment is reimagining custody and advisor technology to help modern RIAs scale efficiently. Drawing on his background at legacy institutions, Moore explains how Betterment’s all-in-one, tech-forward platform integrates portfolio management, billing, and reporting—eliminating inefficiencies and streamlining advisor workflows. Innovations like fully digital onboarding, solo 401(k)s, and lending solutions reflect the firm’s close feedback loop with advisors and commitment to continuous improvement.

He also explores the evolving custodial landscape and the growing demand for solutions that meet the expectations of millennial investors. By white-labeling tools, automating client communications, and supporting advisor branding, Betterment helps firms deepen relationships while maintaining scalability. Looking ahead, Moore sees opportunity in blending high-touch service with smart automation to drive the next wave of advisor growth.

Resources: Betterment.com/Advisors

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