Episodes

​​Growth is on every trust leader’s mind, but for many firms, scaling creates operational drag that pulls their best people away from client relationships. How do you build capacity for growth without sacrificing the service quality that defines your firm? How do you compete when talent constraints and market complexity make it harder to do everything in-house? In our third conversation from the Association of Trust Organizations annual conference, Rusty Sommer speaks with Dan O’Brien, Business ...

Technology is meant to create space for deeper thinking, yet many firms feel more rushed than ever. Busy workflows, manual processes, and unclear priorities often crowd out time for clients and strategy. In this episode, Rusty Sommer speaks with Trasha Schwendener, Managing Director at F2 Strategy, at the American Trust Organization’s (ATO) annual conference about how trust organizations can rethink technology to give people time back. They explore where automation actually helps, why process ma...

Operations is the hidden engine that turns ambition into enterprise growth. Yet, for many firms, it’s overlooked until bottlenecks appear. In this episode, Rusty Sommer speaks with Matt Sonnen, Chief Operating Officer of Coldstream and host of the COO Roundtable podcast, about the pivotal role of operations in wealth management firms. Matt shares insights from his unique journey as a consultant and operator, the importance of community among COOs, and how process, people, and technology align fo...

Wealth management firms are drowning in technology, but which tools truly matter? In this episode of In The Money, host Rusty Sommer talks with Chip Kispert, Managing Partner of Beacon Strategies, about separating hype from value in AI, compliance, and alternatives. They explore how firms can scale effectively, adopt tech without fatigue, and prepare for the next wave of client expectations. Key Points: How advisors face tech overload and why plug-and-play solutions that simplify workflows are ...

Wealth management is evolving rapidly, and technology is no longer just a support tool; it’s a driver of strategic growth. How can advisors deliver truly personalized client experiences while running more efficient businesses? How can tech stacks attract top talent and position firms for the future? In this episode of In The Money, Rusty Sommer talks with Benoit Fleury, Chief Product Officer and co-founder of d1g1t, about how open architecture, AI integration, and institutional-grade analytics a...

Are you struggling to articulate your brand’s story or connect with clients in a meaningful way? Discover the art and science behind building a powerhouse brand that supports growth and client trust. In this episode, Rusty Sommer speaks with Randy Lambert and Joe Steuter from Intention.ly about transforming growth through strategic brand messaging. They explore the map to supercharge growth and build a cohesive brand narrative in the ever-evolving financial industry. The conversation highlights ...

What if your financial data could talk? Would it reveal new secrets about your clients, business, and the future of wealth management? In this engaging episode of “In the Money,” host Rusty Sommer dives deep into the age of data with Oleg Tishkevich, the visionary founder and CEO of INVENT®. Together, they explore the transformative power of data integration in reshaping the wealth management landscape. Listen in as Rusty and Oleg discuss: (03:07) The complexities of data scattered across multi...

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 emphasiz...

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, clear...

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-standar...

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 ...

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 ...

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. Andre...

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 ...

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 ...

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-p...

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 ...

Are you ready to revolutionize your firm’s growth strategy in the wealth management industry? Discover how to unlock the full potential of your wealth management firm with growth strategies and technology integration from industry leader Joe Duran of Rise Growth Partners. In this episode, Rusty Sommer interviews Joe Duran, Managing Partner at Rise Growth Partners, to highlight essential growth strategies for advisory firms. They explore the critical gaps in brand innovation, technology applicati...

Is your financial advisor about to be replaced by AI? The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no. Tune into this episode to discover how AI is doing more than just automating repetitive tasks—it’s redefining the role of financial advisor and reshaping the entire financial landscape. As AI drives significant change in wealth management, the industry stands at a crossroads. Join host Rusty Sommer and fintech professional and industry thought leader, Jason Pereira, as they discuss whether financial ad...

What factors are driving the continuing evolution of wealth management? In this episode, we dive into the world of private equity with industry insiders! Explore the impactful role of private equity in the wealth management sector in this engaging episode of ‘In the Money,’ sponsored by Flyer Financial Technologies. Host Rusty Sommer sits down with Lori Hardwick, Strategic Advisor at Genstar Capital, and Noreen Beaman, Head of Leadership Development at East Bay Executive Coaching. They explore h...

How does the high-stakes world of sports mirror the world of financial technology and asset management? Discover this and more in the latest episode of ‘In the Money,’ sponsored by Flyer Financial Technologies. Host Rusty Sommer welcomes Steve Lewczyk, the esteemed Managing Director for Business Development at Flyer. With an impressive three-decade career in financial technology and services, Steve discusses leveraging technology for competitive advantage and innovating for the future of finance...

Can technology bridge the gap for smaller wealth management firms in a competitive market? Join Rusty Sommer and special guest Chuck Fialla from Sovereign Financial in this insightful episode of ‘In the Money,’ where they explore the pivotal role of technology in transforming small and mid-sized wealth management firms. Understanding the role of portfolio management and trading technology / automation allowed his firm to serve more clients successfully. With his rich background in financial plan...

Is technology fundamentally transforming the wealth tech industry? Discover the groundbreaking insights with Rusty Sommer and special guest Verity Larsen from Versoft Consulting in a riveting episode of “In The Money,” presented by Flyer Financial Technologies. With over two decades in the field, Verity guides us through the evolving landscape of investment technology, cautioning against a one-size-fits-all approach. Are you ready for the change? Key Highlights: Dive into the complexities and w...

Join Rusty Sommer from Flyer Financial Technologies and Brett Kunshek of Mariner Wealth Advisors in this episode as they dive into the nuanced world of options. They cast away myths about its risks and highlight its potential, especially for high net worth clients. Discover how the wealthy use options as sophisticated financial instruments. Key points covered in the episode: How wealth advisors are redefining their approach to derivatives Why option strategies are the new buzz in today’s turbul...