On May 12, Financial Planning and Arizent hosted The Advisory Firm of 2030 at the Live Media Studio in New York City, bringing together senior leaders across wealth management, fintech, asset management, communications, and financial services for a candid discussion on where the industry is headed next.
Moderated by Nick Rice, Director at Brunswick Group and co-author of Wealth Management With a Difference, the conversation featured April Rudin, Founder & CEO of The Rudin Group; Stephanie Luedke, CFA, Head of Private Wealth at Neuberger Berman; and Melissa Nims, Chief Solutions Officer at Mercer Advisors.
Throughout the evening, panelists challenged conventional thinking around what the advisory firm of 2030 will actually look like and what firms need to prioritize now to remain competitive over the next several years.
While AI and technology were certainly part of the conversation, much of the discussion centered on something more fundamental: the evolving expectations of clients and advisors, how firms are redefining growth, and what truly differentiates firms in an increasingly crowded market.
Topics explored throughout the evening included:
- How advisory firms are rethinking growth, client engagement, and operating models
- Whether the "great wealth transfer" will be as transformative as many predict
- How advisor expectations and buying behavior continue to evolve
- What wealthtech and solution providers must do to break through market noise
- The role AI and technology will realistically play in shaping future advisory businesses
- How firms are preparing for changing client demographics, generational wealth, and long-term retention
The discussion continued into a networking reception following the panel, where attendees had the opportunity to continue conversations with peers and speakers. Copies of Wealth Management With a Difference were also available during the evening, followed by a book signing with April Rudin and Nick Rice.
Attendees included senior marketing, strategy, communications, and growth leaders from organizations across wealth management and financial services, including firms such as JP Morgan Asset Management, Oliver Wyman, JConnelly, Neuberger Berman, Mercer Advisors, State Street Investment Management, DTCC, MSCI, Sage Advisory, and others.
Thank you again to everyone who joined us and contributed to such a thoughtful and engaging evening.
Are you interested in partnering with us on a similar executive event or discussion? We'd love to chat. Please email Amy Hamm.
