WealthStack

“Personalization” has become one of the most overused words in wealth management and one of the hardest promises to actually deliver. Clients want portfolios that reflect their goals, values, tax realities, and life events. Firms want scale, efficiency, and fewer operational landmines. Too often, those two goals collide. In this episode of The WealthStack Podcast, host Shannon Rosic sits down with Joshua Allen, CEO of TCP Asset Management, to unpack what real portfolio personalization looks like inside a fast-growing RIA and why most firms underestimate the operational cost of getting it wrong. Josh shares how TCP moved beyond model-only workflows, where automation actually helps (and where it doesn't), and why saying no to most technology is critical to scaling personalization without creating an ops headache. Key takeaways: How hiring a director of advisory services strengthened tech integration Why deeper use of existing tech beats adding more tools to the stack How personalized portfolios are driving referrals across generations Why most “personalized portfolios” still feel identical to clients What's real vs hype when it comes to AI in portfolio management Resources: Listen to WealthStack on Wealth Management Subscribe and listen to WealthStack on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to WealthStack on Spotify Connect with Shannon Rosic: Shannon Rosic WealthStack website Wealth Management Connect with Joshua Allen: LinkedIn: TCP Asset Management Website: TCP Asset Management About Our Guest: As a founding Partner and  Chief Executive Officer of TCP Asset Management, Josh Allen is charged with leading a team of wealth advisors in practice management, business development, and innovative planning solutions. These solutions have provided our clients with the resources and flexibility needed to deliver a personalized financial planning experience that is fluid and dynamic. Josh and his team have developed and refined a process that is comprehensive in nature and ties together: investment management, risk management, retirement income planning, estate planning, business and family legacy planning, and philanthropy. This exclusive process allows them to put together all the pieces of the financial puzzle for their clients as their lives unfold and be engaged when their needs evolve. Josh received a Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University in Family Resource Management. He also received a certificate in Financial Planning from Boston University. Upon completion of the education, examination and experience requirements, Josh obtained the Certified Financial Planner, CRPC® and CRPS® designations. His securities licenses include the series 7,9,10 and 66 and State of Ohio insurance license. Josh is married to Branda, who is also one of his business partners. They together have three children, two dogs and two cats. As a family they love the outdoors, whether it is on the beach or in the mountains, they are always up for an adventure.

As advisors race to deliver “personalized” portfolios at scale, a hard reality is setting in: most personalization is still just a model tweak with a nicer label. Meanwhile, clients want more hands-on service, more transparency and more customization, while firms are trying to grow without hiring an army of operations and investment staff. The result is a widening gap between what clients expect and what legacy portfolio tools can realistically deliver. The firms that win won't be the ones stacking more complexity. They'll be the ones using automation to deliver truly bespoke outcomes, with clearer decisioning, tighter risk controls and better records behind every trade. In this episode of The WealthStack Podcast, host Shannon Rosic sits down with Wes Caywood, head of distribution at Pave Finance, to unpack what “real personalization” actually means in 2026, why portfolio complexity rarely translates into client-perceived value and how automation can make portfolio management more defensible, not less.  Key takeaways: How to modernize portfolio management with “blowing up” your existing workflows Where AI actually fits in portfolio management Where the personalization gap shows up most clearly (and why it becomes an ops and time problem fast) What automation should capture for compliance, auditability, and transparency  The biggest mistake firms make when evaluating portfolio tech Resources: Listen to WealthStack on Wealth Management Subscribe and listen to WealthStack on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to WealthStack on Spotify Connect with Shannon Rosic: Shannon Rosic WealthStack website Wealth Management Connect with Wes Caywood: LinkedIn: Wes Caywood LinkedIn: Pave Finance Website: Pave Finance About Our Guest: Wes Caywood is the Head of Distribution at Pave Finance, where he works closely with advisors and firms to modernize portfolio management through thoughtful use of technology and automation. With more than 20 years in financial services, Wes brings deep experience working with sophisticated clients, family offices, and advisory teams. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former Navy officer, he is driven by a service-oriented mindset and a focus on helping advisors deliver personalized, well-prepared client experiences at scale.

As artificial intelligence-powered tools flood the market and marketing becomes faster, cheaper and easier to automate, advisors are discovering an uncomfortable truth: more tech doesn't automatically create more trust. In an industry that's louder and more crowded than ever, growth is no longer a tactics problem; it's an attention, resonance and differentiation problem. The firms that win will be the ones that understand how technology amplifies identity, not replaces it, and how behavioral finance and neuroscience shape decisions long before a prospect ever takes a meeting. In this episode of The WealthStack Podcast, Shannon Rosic sits down with Dr. Joshua Wilson, founder of NeuBeFi, to explore where tech, behavioral finance, and human psychology actually intersect, and why most advisors are focusing on the wrong side of the decision-making process. Key takeaways: Why most firms have a marketability problem, not a marketing problem  How technology amplifies identity rather than creating differentiation What “signal discovery” means and how it turns sameness into differentiation Why growth fails when treated as a checklist instead of a diagnosis How clarity and cognitive relief drive trust in money decisions Resources: Listen to WealthStack on Wealth Management Subscribe and listen to WealthStack on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to WealthStack on Spotify Connect with Shannon Rosic: Shannon Rosic WealthStack website Wealth Management Connect with Dr. Joshua Wilson: LinkedIn: Dr. Joshua Wilson LinkedIn: NeuBeFi Website: NeuBeFi About Our Guest: Dr. Joshua Wilson is the pioneer behind Neuro-Behavioral Finance—a transformative approach that fuses behavioral finance, neuroscience, narrative strategy, and decision science to help advisors and FinTechs become the only option their ideal clients feel drawn to. Before becoming a sought-after strategist to RIAs and FinTechs, Joshua spent nearly two decades inside the arena where he achieved significant success. Joshua has personally closed hundreds of millions in AUM both virtually and in person. During his time with TD Ameritrade, he was a highly decorated advisor, National Coach of the Year, led the national sales training program, and traveled the country representing the firm. After transitioning to the independent RIA world, he built and grew his advisory practice from $0 AUM and no base salary. After selling his book, he led another RIA from turnaround to rapid expansion to acquisition as CEO. In addition to guiding wealth advisors and FinTechs, his expertise has been sought by $20+ billion asset managers, platforms backed by Y Combinator, marketing agencies, and venture capital firms. His programs have reshaped firms that later appeared in Forbes, Financial Times Top 300 RIAs, the RIA Database’s Top 100 Emerging Wealth Managers, and more. Individually, Joshua has been named to multiple Forbes lists honoring America’s top financial advisors and recognized multiple times as a 5 Star Wealth Manager.

For three years running, the WealthStack season has officially started the same way: with an unfiltered wealthtech outlook conversation between Shannon Rosic and Davis Janowski, senior technology editor and research analyst at Wealth Management. If 2025 was the year firms finally started using AI, 2026 is shaping up to be the year we find out whether all that tech actually pays the rent. In this annual tech vibe check, Shannon and Davis dig into how AI notetakers quietly reshaped advisor workflows, why agentic AI and “AI operating systems” are the next wave, and what this all means for junior talent, firm structure and the future “Chief AI Officer.” They also explore whether Franken-stacks are really dying, how niche platforms and new lead-gen tools are redefining value, and why cybersecurity and deepfakes may be the biggest underpriced risks on every CTO's roadmap.  Key takeaways: What under-the-radar innovations to watch in the 2026 How data fragmentation limits real AI adoption despite rising tech budgets What agent-based platforms signal about the future of advisor software Why critical thinking remains more valuable than pure AI skills How cybersecurity risks are growing faster than regulatory responses Resources: Listen to WealthStack on Wealth Management Subscribe and listen to WealthStack on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to WealthStack on Spotify Connect with Shannon Rosic: Shannon Rosic WealthStack website Wealth Management Connect with Davis Janowski: LinkedIn: Davis Janowski Instagram: @DavisJanowski About Our Guest: Davis Janowski is a New York-based technology journalist whose work spans consumer, business and the FinTech sectors. Prior to his six years with WM, Janowski worked for Forrester Research as an analyst covering Digital Wealth Management. In edition, he has worked for two FinTech startups, Wealthfront and New York-based FeeX, Inc. (now Pontera). His work covering the advisor tech space began in 2007 when he joined InvestmentNews as the advisor industry's first dedicated technology reporter. His start in tech journalism began as an editor with PC Magazine in 1999 where he later served as an analyst and reviewer. His work has appeared in The New York Times, Wealth Management, Financial Planning, RIABiz, InvestmentNews, PC Magazine, numerous blogs and several books, including Technology Tools for Today’s High Margin Practice. He has also been a speaker and moderator at numerous industry conferences. Outside his day-to-day he is a senior guide for Manhattan Kayak Company in New York City.

Technology promises speed and clarity, yet frustration keeps showing up instead. Many firms buy tools expecting instant results, only to find the real challenges start after launch. In this episode of The WealthStack Podcast, host Shannon Rosic speaks with Jason Pereira, senior partner and financial planner at Woodgate Financial, about what actually broke in wealthtech adoption this year. They unpack why most failures are human, not technical, how unrealistic expectations derail implementation and why AI often complicates workflows before helping.  They also explore where AI truly adds value, why surface-level integrations fall short, and what advisors should focus on before buying the next shiny tool. Key takeaways: Why most tech “fails” at the human level The rise and risks of vibe coding and DIY tools AI's real wins and painful misfires in 2025 The danger of treating complex tools like plug-and-play appliances What advisors should actually do heading into 2026 Resources: Listen to WealthStack on WealthManagement.com Subscribe and listen to WealthStack on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to WealthStack on Spotify Connect with Shannon Rosic: Shannon Rosic WealthStack website WealthManagement.com Connect with Jason Pereira: LinkedIn: Jason Pereira Website: Jason Pereira Website: Woodgate Financial About Our Guest: Jason Pereira is a financial planner who has lived and breathed financial planning for over 20 years. Over that time, he has become a recognized writer, commentator, speaker, podcaster, teacher, and voice in financial planning, practice management, and fintech. He has earned two degrees, nine professional designations, been nominated for or received more than 30 industry awards, and produced over 750 articles, podcasts, and interviews. JasonPereira.ca serves as his platform for sharing the insights, perspectives, and lessons he has gathered throughout his career.

Wealth firms are finally moving beyond “CRM as a Rolodex” and into a world where CRM, data and AI operate as the command center of the entire business. As growth pressures mount, advisor demographics shift and AI-driven tools flood the market, the firms that win will be those that treat their CRM as a true … Read More Read More

When giving meets innovation, philanthropy transforms from a year-end transaction into a powerful force for ongoing impact. In this episode of The WealthStack Podcast, host Shannon Rosic sits down with Sarah Angello, co-founder of Daffodil, to discuss how technology is modernizing charitable giving and helping advisors weave generosity into their clients' financial planning.  Sarah shares … Read More Read More

Wealth management is no longer powered by people using technology, it's powered by firms built on it. As artificial intelligence, data and digital experiences reshape the industry, the winners will be those who modernize from the inside out, and where infrastructure, integration and culture work together to deliver scalable, human-centric advice. In this episode of … Read More Read More

Client expectations in wealth management have leapt ahead: investors want the same seamless, mobile, and personalized experience they get from Netflix, Uber and even their bank. Yet most firms still rely on portals few clients open and emails lost in crowded inboxes, creating gaps in engagement, advice delivery, and growth. In this episode of The … Read More Read More

Family offices sit at the intersection of complexity and innovation, where the stakes are high and trust is everything. The challenge isn't just adopting new tools, but ensuring they deliver security, transparency, and personalization for ultra-high-net-worth families. In this environment, technology has shifted from back-office infrastructure to the front line of client engagement. In this … Read More Read More

As AI shifts from novelty to necessity in wealth management, the real unlock isn't shiny tools, it's smarter planning. Advisors need technology that compresses plan-build time, surfaces next-best actions and keeps clients engaged without losing the human in the loop. How can AI move firms from episodic planning to an additive, always-on model? By turning … Read More Read More

As artificial intelligence becomes table stakes, RIAs and enterprises alike are experimenting with tools to streamline workflows, improve client experiences and scale smarter. But while many firms are testing isolated tools, the real opportunity lies in weaving AI into the very DNA of a business, transforming it from a tech experiment into a strategic advantage.  … Read More Read More

Decision paralysis is one of the biggest silent killers of RIA growth. With hundreds of tech tools, endless surveys and no clear roadmap, many firms freeze instead of scaling. The result? Wasted time, poor implementations and missed opportunities to run their practices like true businesses. In this episode of The WealthStack Podcast, host Shannon Rosic … Read More Read More

What happens when an advisor leaves the safety net of a big broker-dealer to start fresh—and hand-pick every stitch of technology? For Jordan Raniszeski, co-founder and senior managing partner of Carnegie Private Wealth, it meant balancing efficiency with humanity, testing everything from AI meeting assistants to client portals, and building a culture that embraces innovation … Read More Read More

In an industry where personalization and scale are often at odds, AI-powered meeting assistants are becoming a cornerstone of the modern advisor's tech stack. These tools promise to eliminate hours of administrative work by automatically capturing meeting notes, updating CRMs and handling post-meeting follow-ups. But in wealth management, where trust, accuracy and compliance are everything, … Read More Read More

Advisors are drowning in meeting prep, notes and follow-ups—but what if artificial intelligence could give them those hours back and make their advice more personal? In this episode of The WealthStack Podcast, host Shannon Rosic sits down with Era Jain, CEO and co-founder of Zeplyn, to discuss how they're building AI-native workflows that free up … Read More Read More

Private markets are no longer just for the ultra-wealthy. In fact, they may be the missing piece in your clients' portfolios—and AssetMark is betting big on that future. In this episode of The WealthStack Podcast, host Shannon Rosic sits down with Michael Kim, president and CEO of AssetMark, to unpack how technology, education, and private … Read More Read More

Clients expect personalized portfolios and proposals. So, what if you could ditch cookie-cutter models and deliver truly personalized portfolios, at scale, without blowing up the back office? In this episode of the WealthStack podcast, Shannon Rosic chats with Govinda Quish, managing director and global head of wealth management product at MSCI. Govinda brings a global … Read More Read More

What if your clients could actually see how every dollar of their wealth supports their life goals, without relying on a Monte Carlo simulation or generic risk questionnaire? In this episode of the WealthStack Podcast, host Shannon Rosic is joined by Jeff Coyle, founder and CEO of Libretto, a platform built to help advisors deliver … Read More Read More

As clients demand more holistic and human-centered planning experiences, financial advisors are increasingly being asked to support aging-related decisions, from home transitions to end-of-life care. For many, this “messy middle” between long-term care planning and estate settlement has become a blind spot. So, what does it take to navigate life's most challenging transitions, like elder … Read More Read More

As financial technology continues to evolve, one key area of change is the automation of routine tasks. For wealth management professionals, forms automation is essential for boosting efficiency, reducing manual errors, and enhancing the client experience. As the demand for faster, more seamless processes grows, many advisors are turning to automation solutions to streamline paperwork … Read More Read More

The rise of AI is creating a pivotal shift in wealth management—streamlining operations, enhancing client engagement, and helping advisors scale. While some firms remain hesitant, the future belongs to those embracing AI not as a replacement but as a co-pilot that empowers them to serve clients better and grow more efficiently. In this episode of … Read More Read More

What exactly does it take to ride the wave of independence in wealth management, and how can technology ease the transition? The breakaway movement is accelerating, with more advisors leaving traditional wirehouses to build independent RIAs that offer greater flexibility, control and client-centric service.  But with independence comes new challenges—scaling efficiently, selecting the right tech … Read More Read More

The landscape of wealth management is shifting, and alternative investments are emerging as a powerful tool for RIAs looking to drive organic growth and portfolio resilience. With increasing investor demand for access to institutional-grade opportunities, advisors must evolve their approach to stay competitive. In this episode of The WealthStack Podcast, host Shannon Rosic, director of … Read More Read More

The future of wealth management isn't just about managing portfolios—it's about leveraging technology to deliver personalized, client-centric solutions at scale. As the industry evolves, advisors and firms must adapt to new digital tools, automation and AI-driven insights to remain competitive. In this episode of the WealthStack Podcast, host Shannon Rosic, director of WealthStack content and … Read More Read More

The rise of AI in wealth management isn't just about technological advancement; it's about fundamentally reshaping how advisors operate, engage with clients and scale their businesses. AI's ability to automate administrative tasks gives advisors more time to focus on strategic planning and client relationships—core elements of building trust and growing AUM. Firms that embrace this … Read More Read More

The WealthStack podcast is back for 2025, and advisors are navigating a whirlwind of challenges—think regulatory twists, inflationary pressures and a wealthtech marketplace that feels more crowded than a New York subway at rush hour. This perfect storm is setting the stage for a transformative year, where clarity and consolidation could bring some focus to … Read More Read More

Technology is no longer just a nice-to-have—it's essential for scaling and improving client outcomes. With increasing demands on advisors, platforms like Schwab are working to simplify, integrate and anticipate the next wave of innovation to help advisors thrive in an evolving landscape. In this episode of The WealthStack Podcast, Shannon Rosic, director of WealthStack content … Read More Read More

Digital vaults are revolutionizing legacy planning by providing a secure, centralized and accessible solution for managing critical documents and assets. In an era where families are geographically dispersed, and financial lives are increasingly complex, digital vaults enable the seamless organization and sharing of important information, such as wills, insurance policies, deeds and health directives. By … Read More Read More

With over 62% of wealth management firms acknowledging that AI will significantly transform operations, it's becoming imperative to adopt AI responsibly while ensuring data integrity, regulatory compliance and robust cybersecurity. Shannon Rosic, director of WealthStack content and solutions, chats with Alec Crawford, the founder and CEO of Artificial Intelligence Risk, about how this firm is … Read More Read More

The buy versus build debate continues to rage on in the wealth management industry. Many of the largest wealth managers and RIAs have already created great software and technology that others can purchase and fold into their existing businesses. But Farther actually turned to creating their own in-house proprietary platforms to achieve success in a … Read More Read More

TAMPs have evolved significantly since their inception in the 1980s, becoming essential tools for advisors seeking to enhance operational efficiency and client service. Initially, TAMPs were designed to simplify portfolio management by providing access to pre-selected investment models and third-party asset managers, allowing advisors to outsource the heavy lifting of investment management. Over time, as … Read More Read More

The use of testimonials creates a powerful opportunity to amplify the potential reach of positive experiences through word-of-mouth sharing to new audiences. For financial advisors, online reputation is becoming increasingly important as clients turn to digital channels for information. Understanding how to leverage testimonials effectively can be a game-changer for business growth. In this episode … Read More Read More

Small to medium-sized businesses make up 99% of all U.S. businesses, and most of these business owners are unaware of their enterprise value. The episode dives into how Interval provides critical insights for business owners by automating business health analytics and delivering ongoing value monitoring, ultimately helping advisors provide better guidance by integrating business health … Read More Read More

Proactive client engagement through technology has become paramount, which means the role of the CRM has evolved. In an increasingly uncertain economic environment, advisors must future-proof their business models to scale operations and expand their reach. A key area to revisit is their CRM system, which has become crucial for delivering personalized services and enhancing … Read More Read More

Mergers and acquisitions often mark the beginning of a transformative journey, filled with both incredible opportunities and challenging headaches. Few industries offer more enticing M&A potential than wealth management, a fragmented sector where performance, processes, and personnel must consistently operate at peak efficiency. For financial advisory firms, regardless of size or type, preparing for acquisition … Read More Read More

When it comes to direct indexing, adoption and understanding has historically lagged because the tools were not readily available to advisors, and/or they were not intuitive to use. The evolution of direct indexing is not just a trend but a fundamental shift in the investment management industry, driven by technological innovation and the changing needs … Read More Read More

When you're a technology leader at a $1B+ wealth management firm, there's a lot that can keep you up at night. Technology issues are evolving, but fortunately, so are solutions. When it comes to the role of the CTO, technical and analytical skills are only part of the job. It might be the case that … Read More Read More

It's no secret that the healthcare and financial services industries are incredibly complicated and often don't easily talk to one another. In fact, medical bills are reported to be the number-one cause of U.S. bankruptcies. Healthcare costs represent a significant portion of an individual's or family's financial landscape, especially as they age. Ignoring this critical … Read More Read More

Philanthropy often remains an overlooked aspect in wealth planning, which traditionally focuses on wealth accumulation rather than distribution. But, high-net-worth individuals and families increasingly recognize that their financial legacy extends beyond the accumulation of assets. This growing interest in philanthropy demands a more integrated approach to planning, where giving is strategically aligned with overall financial … Read More Read More

SEC compliance is top of mind for RIAs across the country, and their cybersecurity needs are specific. RIAs have a fiduciary responsibility to protect their clients' data and assets, which can be vulnerable to cyber-attacks. A data breach could result in fines, penalties, and reputational damage. With the SEC proposing new rules to address cybersecurity … Read More Read More

For financial advisors, having a growth partner is essential for achieving sustainable success and scaling their business. The right partner can provide strategic insights, and enhance an advisor's operational efficiencies and client service capabilities. Through strategic partnerships, advisors can access new markets and opportunities more effectively, manage risks better, and stay ahead of industry trends, … Read More Read More

LPL Financial has been a leader in the independent broker/dealer space for years, serving nearly 22,000 financial advisors representing over $1 trillion of brokerage and advisory assets. This means the business needs its infrastructure to be fast, reliable and secure. Everything LPL does is positioned around helping advisors take care of their clients, with technology … Read More Read More

Is estate planning the next frontier of wealth management? Estate planning solutions are becoming steadily more popular with advisors, especially those seeking to differentiate their services. As clients become increasingly aware of the complexities of wealth transfer, asset protection, and legacy planning, they expect comprehensive guidance from their advisors. By using estate planning tools, advisors … Read More Read More

The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs by the Securities and Exchange Commission dominated trends in the first quarter of 2024. But how did we even get to this point? While Bitcoin has been around since 2009, cryptocurrencies have quickly evolved from digital novelties to trillion-dollar technologies, poised to disrupt the global financial system. Digital currencies … Read More Read More

For years, firms have benefited from a rising equity market and an equally long period of near-zero interest rates. RIAs found themselves in a position where they could achieve growth with minimal effort. However, most executives in wealth management are not content with this passive approach to growth. The secret to RIA growth lies in … Read More Read More

The advent of wealthtech represents both a significant opportunity and a challenge. On one hand, it offers tools that can enhance efficiency, improve client engagement, and enable more personalized, data-driven advice. On the other hand, it demands a shift in mindset and skill set, requiring advisors to become adept at integrating new technologies into their … Read More Read More

Financial advisors are much more than just “money experts”, and their role is evolving from traditional wealth advising to a more personalized wealth coaching approach. As the needs of investors become more complex, advisors are relying heavily on technology to help them become more efficient and streamline operations. By saving time and money, they're truly … Read More Read More

Evaluating technology ROI is crucial for ensuring that investments in digital tools and platforms directly contribute to operational efficiency and client satisfaction. This process helps to align technology spending with the firm's strategic goals, driving growth and enhancing the value delivered to clients. Ultimately, evolving digital experiences for clients and advisors can help firms deliver … Read More Read More

The custodial space is notoriously difficult to break into, but Betterment wasn't afraid to take the leap. While larger custodians are locked in a battle for scale, Betterment saw an opportunity to better serve smaller RIAs by helping them leverage the platform to support their growth and operational efficiency. In this episode, Shannon Rosic, director … Read More Read More

The future of the wealth management industry isn't going to be dominated by robots. Instead, it will be an evolving hybrid market in which human advisors use digital techniques to gather data and generate thoughtful, and more precise recommendations faster and more objectively than they do today. When it comes to artificial intelligence, the challenge … Read More Read More