The WealthTech Podcast

• The State of Wealth Management Technology | Michael Rose, Cerulli Associates

  What’s the state of wealth management technology in 2025?In this episode, Mark Wickersham sits down with Michael Rose, Director of Wealth Management Research at Cerulli Associates, to unpack the latest research and trends shaping the industry. We cover: ✅ The current state of U.S. wealth management technology ✅ Why CRM and digital marketing tools remain underutilized ✅ Integration challenges facing advisors and firms ✅ How AI is beginning to transform advisor efficiency and client engagement ✅ Shifts in pricing, service models, and client expectations Michael brings a unique perspective — combining a decade as a financial advisor with his role leading Cerulli’s wealth management research team. This is a data-driven look at where wealthtech is today and what’s next. 🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wfJ-UvWaE6wAbout Michael RoseMichael is a director within Cerulli’s Wealth Management practice, where he researches key elements of the wealth management industry, with an emphasis on broker/dealers and wealth management technology. In this capacity, he regularly engages with constituents across the wealth management ecosystem, including retail investors, financial advisors, and executives within wealth management, asset management, and technology firms, in order to support Cerulli’s market research initiatives. About Cerulli AssociatesFor over 30 years, Cerulli has provided global asset and wealth management firms with unmatched, actionable insights. Headquartered in Boston, Cerulli Associates is an international research and consulting firm that provides financial institutions with guidance in strategic positioning and new business development. Our analysts blend industry knowledge, original research, and data analysis to bring perspective to current market conditions and forecasts for future developments. About The WealthTech Podcast:The WealthTech Podcast is a bi-monthly interview series hosted by Mark Wickersham. Each month we present conversations with various industry leaders that focuses on the challenges family wealth firms face with technology, people and process. The podcast is produced by Brad Oliver. The WealthTech Podcast is brought to you by the generous support of Risclarity. Risclarity fills the technology gaps family wealth firms face when serving the complex needs of ultra-high net worth families. DisclaimerInformation provided is for educational purposes only. Opinions expressed and estimates or projections given are as of the date of the presentation there is no obligation to update or provide notice of inaccuracy or change.

  --------  

  44:02

  --------

  44:02
• The Future of Advice: AI, Data, and Democratization | Kendra Thompson, Epok Advice

  In this episode of The WealthTech Podcast, host Mark Wickersham sits down with Kendra Thompson, founder of Epok Advice and venture partner at Alpha Tech Partners. With over 25 years in wealth management, Kendra shares her unique perspective on where the industry is heading—and how technology, data, and AI are reshaping the future of advice.Kendra dives into:The shift from app-based tools to flexible, data-first and AI-driven platforms.How the delivery of financial advice must evolve to meet client needs while reducing advisor friction.The democratization of wealth management and the opportunity to scale advice to mass affluent investors.Why women and next-gen investors remain underserved—and how firms can better engage them.The challenges advisors face when scaling, and the early wins AI can deliver.Lessons on avoiding “spaghetti tech stacks” and building sustainable platform strategies.From innovation to core platform modernization, Kendra offers candid insights on what firms must do to remain competitive and human in a rapidly changing industry.🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5ATMu-ayrg8About Kendra ThompsonKendra Thompson is a 25 year veteran of the Wealth Management Industry with a track record for helping the largest global players with their biggest transformations . Her passion is Advice and the power it has to help individuals and communities gain access to a better future. Acting as consultant to the executive teams and boards, Kendra advises on strategy topics including M&A, Growth, High Performance Sales and Operational Excellence. She also leads teams delivering on AI, digital technology & organizational change. A champion of FinTech, Kendra acts as Executive Advisor to Private Equity & StartUp leaders looking to operationalize new technology & disrupt the status quo of Financial Services Globally.  About Epok Advice Epok Advice is a strategy consultancy specializing in wealth and asset management. We partner with financial institutions, fintechs, and service providers to navigate industry disruption, design innovative client experiences, and build future-ready business models. Our work blends deep expertise in investment and advisory services with a sharp focus on emerging technologies, client behavior, and organizational transformation.About The WealthTech Podcast:The WealthTech Podcast is a bi-monthly interview series hosted by Mark Wickersham. Each month we present conversations with various industry leaders that focuses on the challenges family wealth firms face with technology, people and process. The podcast is produced by Brad Oliver. The WealthTech Podcast is brought to you by the generous support of Risclarity. Risclarity fills the technology gaps family wealth firms face when serving the complex needs of ultra-high net worth families. DisclaimerInformation provided is for educational purposes only. Opinions expressed and estimates or projections given are as of the date of the presentation there is no obligation to update or provide notice of inaccuracy or change.

  --------  

  53:43

  --------

  53:43
• Agentic AI and the Future of WealthTech | Dr. Sindhu Joseph

  In this episode of The WealthTech Podcast, host Mark Wickersham speaks with Dr. Sindhu Joseph, Founder & CEO of CogniCor, and a true pioneer in artificial intelligence for financial services. With a PhD in AI, over 20 years of experience, and multiple patents, Sindhu has been at the forefront of building practical AI applications long before large language models hit the mainstream.She shares her founder’s journey—from growing up in India and seeing firsthand the impacts of wealth disparity, to launching CogniCor as a purpose-driven platform that empowers financial advisors to scale personalized advice and democratize access to wealth.The conversation explores:✅Why the wealth management industry needs an AI “co-pilot”✅How CogniCor addresses tech fragmentation by creating an “intelligence layer” for advisors✅The promise and risks of agentic AI, and what it means for day-to-day workflows✅Guardrails firms should consider when adopting AI✅The broader societal implications of AI—from job disruption to redefining the human role in a technology-driven futureIf you’re curious about how AI will reshape wealth management, this episode offers both a visionary and practical roadmap.About Dr. Sindhu JosephDr. Sindhu Joseph is the Founder and CEO of CogniCor, a leading AI company serving the wealth management industry. With a PhD in Artificial Intelligence and over 20 years of experience in building AI solutions, Sindhu holds multiple patents in machine learning and natural language technologies. She launched CogniCor to address the fragmentation in financial technology and to create an industry-specific AI “co-pilot” that helps advisors reduce administrative burdens, scale personalized advice, and democratize access to wealth.A recognized thought leader in AI, Sindhu has lived and worked across India, Europe, and the U.S., bringing a global perspective to how technology can transform financial services and society at large.About CogniCor CompanyCogniCor is an AI platform built for wealth management, founded by Dr. Sindhu Joseph. Its industry-specific AI “co-pilot” helps financial advisors cut through tech fragmentation, automate workflows, and deliver scalable, personalized advice. By acting as an intelligence layer across CRMs, planning tools, and portfolio systems, CogniCor empowers firms to serve more clients efficiently while democratizing access to wealth.About The WealthTech Podcast:The WealthTech Podcast is a bi-monthly interview series hosted by Mark Wickersham. Each month we present conversations with various industry leaders that focuses on the challenges family wealth firms face with technology, people and process. The podcast is produced by Brad Oliver. The WealthTech Podcast is brought to you by the generous support of Risclarity. Risclarity fills the technology gaps family wealth firms face when serving the complex needs of ultra-high net worth families. DisclaimerInformation provided is for educational purposes only. Opinions expressed and estimates or projections given are as of the date of the presentation there is no obligation to update or provide notice of inaccuracy or change.

  --------  

  50:29

  --------

  50:29
• Rethinking Family Office Tech : Change Management to AI | Kent Lawson FOX

  In this episode of The WealthTech Podcast, host Mark Wickersham sits down with Kent Lawson, Chief Operating Officer at Family Office Exchange (FOX), to explore how family offices are navigating technology transformation. Kent shares insights from years of working on both the family office and vendor side—shedding light on the real challenges around technology adoption, the importance of change management, and why selecting the right tools begins with understanding the family’s long-term vision.The conversation covers:Common pitfalls in family office technology selectionHow AI is reshaping workflows, data access, and reportingThe ongoing shift toward specialized, plug-and-play solutionsThe role of generational wealth transfer in accelerating modernizationWhy data quality and change management often determine successKent also reflects on his unique journey from professional musician to family office executive, offering a personal perspective on leadership and adaptation.Tune in for practical takeaways and big-picture insights on the future of family office technology.🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sCmr8KaUcFoAbout Kent LawsonKent Lawson is the Chief Technology Officer at Family Office Exchange (FOX). With 25 years of experience as a leader in the wealth management industry, and a deep focus in technology for the family office, Kent’s expertise in consulting, project management, analysis, and diligence around technology drives the FOX Technology Marketplace.With a degree in Music Performance from Ball State University, Kent spent his early years performing as a jazz saxophonist and married another musician, which led him to his “day job” within the wealth industry as a part-time file clerk with an RIA. His background in creativity and thinking outside the box provided the foundation needed for designing innovative solutions in business process and technology making him perfectly suited for the family office industry. About Family Office ExchangeFamily Office Exchange (FOX) delivers the resources, connections, and knowledge that allow families to manage their enterprises and grow their wealth across generations. Founded in 1989, FOX was the first–and continues to be the industry-leading–membership organization that brings together families, family office executives, and their trusted advisors. Since inception, FOX has worked with over 2,000 families and advisors from around the world.  For more information visit: http://www.familyoffice.comAbout The WealthTech Podcast:The WealthTech Podcast is a bi-monthly interview series hosted by Mark Wickersham. Each month we present conversations with various industry leaders that focuses on the challenges family wealth firms face with technology, people and process. The podcast is produced by Brad Oliver. The WealthTech Podcast is brought to you by the generous support of Risclarity. Risclarity fills the technology gaps family wealth firms face when serving the complex needs of ultra-high net worth families. DisclaimerInformation provided is for educational purposes only. Opinions expressed and estimates or projections given are as of the date of the presentation there is no obligation to update or provide notice of inaccuracy or change.

  --------  

  44:22

  --------

  44:22
• Creating the Owner's Manual for Your Family | Josh Kanter, leafplanner

  What if your family had an owner’s manual?In the latest episode of The WealthTech Podcast, we sit down with Josh Kanter—family wealth executive turned fintech founder of leafplanner—to explore the personal story that inspired him to build a tool that helps families preserve and share critical knowledge across generations.Josh shares:✅ Why information—not just data—is the missing piece in wealth transfer✅ How leafplanner helps families prepare for succession, not just react to it✅ What advisors need to know about delivering true “family office services”✅ The role of transparency, complexity, and emotional intelligence in legacy planningAs always we end the podcast on a personal note with three questions that have nothing to do with wealthtech.🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4-qabV4ONUcAbout Josh KanterJosh started his career in 1987 as a lawyer focusing on corporate and securities law, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, venture capital, private equity, bankruptcy, commercial lending, and more. Josh founded leafplanner, a digital document and information sharing platform designed to replicate the creation of his own family’s “owner’s manual,” a tool to identify, collect, organize and communicate information from the disparate parts of a family’s ecosystem in order to identify blind spots, share information, educate family members and advisors, and provide a more holistic succession of information for families. Josh received his J.D. from the University of Chicago in 1987. He earned a BA/BS in Economics (magna cum laude) and Political Science from Emory University in 1984.About leafplannerHumans aren’t as good as we think at identifying unknowns. leafplanner enables your family to get and stay organized, educate family members and advisors, and discover planning gaps that could influence your family’s desired impact, both financial and non-financial. Whatever your goals may be, taking a proactive approach presently and in the future is imperative to allow you to focus on what matters most. About The WealthTech Podcast:The WealthTech Podcast is a bi-monthly interview series hosted by Mark Wickersham. Each month we present conversations with various industry leaders that focuses on the challenges family wealth firms face with technology, people and process. The podcast is produced by Brad Oliver. The WealthTech Podcast is brought to you by the generous support of Risclarity. Risclarity fills the technology gaps family wealth firms face when serving the complex needs of ultra-high net worth families. DisclaimerInformation provided is for educational purposes only. Opinions expressed and estimates or projections given are as of the date of the presentation there is no obligation to update or provide notice of inaccuracy or change.

  --------  

  37:51

  --------

  37:51

More Business podcasts

Trending Business podcasts

About The WealthTech Podcast

The WealthTech Podcast: Podcasts in Family