February 8, 2021
Our Cogent Syndicated wealth management team works year-round to uncover trends in the wealth industry. Focusing on the distinct audiences of advisors, retirement professionals, and affluent and institutional investors, our experts are tuned in to all the changes and forces impacting the space.
You know them; you trust them. Here’s what they see coming in 2021 in wealth management.
Linda York leads the Wealth Management Syndicated Research & Consulting practice. She has over 20 years of experience in financial services spanning responsibilities in finance, marketing and business strategy. Here’s what Linda is anticipating in 2021:
“Consolidation will continue to impact the wealth management industry. In an industry that’s facing fee pressure from all angles, the market simply cannot support the multitude of players that are currently battling for share. The big will in fact get bigger—and broader in their offerings—pushing out (or eating up) the smaller, more specialized firms. The key to success going forward will be to identify the right partners—which mergers make sense and which will be doomed for failure.”
Meredith Lloyd Rice manages our financial advisor syndicated products. She has more than 15 years of experience managing research initiatives in the wealth management industry. Here’s what Meredith is ready to dig into this year:
“I’m interested in exploring how the shift toward remote work and increased reliance on digital communication are affecting advisors’ relationships with asset managers. As advisors cite emails, webinars and websites as preferred ways to engage with investment providers, which firms and types of digital content are standing out? How is the wholesaler role evolving as most interactions are now taking place remotely, and does the increased accessibility of virtual support provide an opportunity for wholesaling teams to reach more advisors?”
Sonia Davis manages our retirement and defined contribution syndicated products. She has managed numerous qualitative and quantitative studies in financial services in her more than 10 years in the industry. Here’s what she expects in the coming year:
“The fight for DC assets will become even more formidable with the launch of new multiple and pooled employer plans stemming from the SECURE Act. And with uncertainty being the new normal, financial wellness programs will be a launching pad for initiatives focused on employees’ overall well-being spanning financial security, physical and mental health, and family support such as childcare and eldercare. I also think cybersecurity will be even more vital factor for recordkeepers and investment managers as workplaces remain decentralized, client service and support continues to be conducted virtually, and more innovative retirement plan platforms take root.”
David Keen manages our affluent investor and marketing and media management products. Dave has over 20 years of supplier-side experience, which gives him a unique perspective. Here’s what Dave anticipates among affluent investors in the wake of COVID-19:
“In a trend that has only accelerated in the COVID-19 era, a new generation of investors is looking for advisors and wealth management firms to offer rich digital experiences and provide omnichannel service and advice. These investors will bring with them expectations formed by consumer technologies (e.g., Amazon, DoorDash, Uber), creating the standard for how investors want to interact with their advisors and other investment professionals. I also expect this new generation of investors to desire more control over their financial lives and greater partnership with their advisors to better understand and independently review recommendations before acting on them.”
See the reports these experts will be working on this year in our 2021 Cogent Syndicated Research Catalog and send us a note to learn how Cogent Syndicated can help build your business and your brand.
