April 05, 2018
Investment management firms are celebrating record assets under management after an increase in 2017. This is great news for investment managers as it translates into nice-sized bonuses. However, beneath the surface, there are signs that the foundation may be cracking in many firms, exposing the vulnerabilities of investment managers as they enter a new period… Read more »
April 01, 2018
Demographic shifts, advancing technology, changing consumer preferences, a surging and sometimes volatile stock market, and increasing regulatory scrutiny are compounding elements of the uncertainty keeping many firms in a perpetual reactive mode. It is more important than ever for business leaders to understand the current trends, what is driving them, and the risks they present…. Read more »
March 11, 2018
In recent years, the commoditization of investment advice has forced an increasing number of financial advisors into offering more comprehensive financial planning as a way to add more value to the client relationship. As a result, the financial planning space is becoming much more crowded, making it difficult for financial advisors to stand out. That is why financial advisors should consider establishing a niche to more quickly build their businesses, focusing on a more targeted market they can dominate rather than a broader market they can vanish in. The key to differentiation in a crowded field is to become more focused and specialized to become recognized as the best-of-breed for a specific type of clientele that can be served profitably and effectively.
March 09, 2018
The Morgan Stanley ex-head sees 500% assets growth to $100 billion AUA by 2023 as critics see old branding, old money, old technology and old recruiting challenges. Dan Sondhelm and other industry observers offer their perspectives.
February 18, 2018
I see it all the time. Investment managers with good strategies and impressive track records just can’t seem to gain traction with institutional investors or financial advisors. Either firms have a tough time with distribution or senior management still holds on to outdated notions such as “if we build it, investors will come” and “good performance sells itself.”
February 10, 2018
As more financial advisors offer retirement planning services to clients, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate from one another. The commoditization of advice, especially through the rise of robo-platforms, has magnified the challenge financial advisors face in being able to substantiate their value proposition. It can take a significant investment of time and money to differentiate your practice in such a crowded and competitive industry. But, with nearly $30 trillion of retirement assets in play, it’s a worthwhile investment.
February 05, 2018
Should you outsource your portfolio strategy? Yes, according to a small but growing number of advisors using ETF managed portfolios. Dan Sondhelm commented on this trend.
January 07, 2018
The Blogosphere is here and it is not going anywhere. It’s not just for people talking about what they’re eating for lunch or their next celebrity crush. Blogging is big business for entrepreneurs and business owners. Rescue a CEO asked some businesses how they use blogging to help their business. Dan Sondhelm is featured at #17.
December 19, 2017
Robos and wealth managers are focusing more of their communications efforts on digital education such as timely content, marketing automation and social media to be where clients and prospects spend their time. Dan Sondhelm shares his thoughts for this story.
December 11, 2017
Let’s say you’ve just completed an educational white paper on a topic of clear and compelling interest to your existing and potential best new clients. How do you promote and distribute it? Do you put it in clear plastic and hang it on doors? Slide it under windshield wipers? Drop it from airplanes? People digest content in different ways. The more and better you repurpose it and distribute it, the more buzz you’ll create.
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