Beacon Flash

The Next Generation of Advisors Is Here!

Colleen Bell is the President of Innovation and Experience at Cambridge Investment Research, a company dedicated to providing comprehensive financial solutions for wealth management professionals. Over her 18-year career at Cambridge, Colleen has significantly contributed to the company's growth, focusing on enhancing client experiences and driving innovation in the wealth management industry. Previously starting her career at the SEC, Colleen has a passion for travel and cultural exploration with her family. In her role, she emphasizes the importance of moving beyond traditional technology focuses to deliver holistic, enriching experiences for both advisors and their clients. In this episode…A generational shift is underway in wealth management as established advisors prepare to pass the torch to a new wave of professionals. How is the industry responding to this transition, and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for emerging talent?According to Colleen Bell, a visionary in the wealth management space, the key to this transition is fostering an industry-wide focus on mentorship and community. She highlights the importance of providing younger advisors with environments where they can learn alongside experienced professionals, ensuring they gain the skills needed to lead in the future. This shift is especially timely, given the growing demand for technology-driven solutions that align with the digital expectations of today's clients. As more seasoned advisors contemplate succession, Colleen sees this focus on innovation and experience as crucial to sustaining the industry’s growth and relevance.In this episode of The Beacon Flash Podcast, Chip Kispert sits down with Colleen Bell, President of Innovation and Experience at Cambridge Investment Research, to discuss the evolving advisor-client relationship and how firms are preparing for a “succession tsunami.” They explore how technology reshapes advisor services, the importance of attracting younger talent, and the changing dynamics in client expectations.

No Such Thing as Free Financial Planning!

Alan Moore is the CEO and Co-founder of AdvicePay, a platform that facilitates compliant payment processing for financial advisors offering fee-for-service financial planning. Under his leadership, AdvicePay has revolutionized how financial planners are compensated, addressing the limitations of traditional commission-based models and enabling scalable solutions for larger firms. As an advocate for fee-for-service financial planning, Alan is dedicated to helping advisors move away from traditional asset management models. With a degree in financial planning from the University of Georgia, Alan has a background in running his own RIA firm, where he focused on serving next-generation clients.In this episode…Financial planning is often seen as an additional service bundled with wealth management, but what happens when clients don't meet asset minimums? Can younger clients, still building their wealth, access high-quality financial advice without massive portfolios? Is the industry missing a critical opportunity by overlooking these clients?According to Alan Moore, a pioneer in financial advising, the answer lies in rethinking how advisors get paid. He highlights that people are more than willing to pay for fiduciary financial advice — especially when they understand that “free” often means becoming the product. By offering subscription-based financial planning, advisors can reach younger, high-earning clients who might not have assets to manage but still need guidance. This shift not only opens new revenue streams but also democratizes access to financial advice, making it available to those who need it most.In this episode of The Beacon Flash Podcast, host Chip Kispert speaks with Alan Moore, CEO and Co-founder of AdvicePay, to discuss the evolving role of financial advisors and the growing demand for fee-for-service models. They dive into how compliance, technology, and niche specialization are driving this change. Alan also shares insights on the shift toward independent advisory models and the importance of building client trust through transparent pricing.

The Future of Wealth Management: Technology, Trends, and Tactics With Chip Kispert

Chip Kispert is the Founder and Managing Partner of Beacon Strategies, LLC, a consulting firm that helps wealth management companies streamline operations and integrate technology solutions. With decades of experience in the financial services industry, Chip specializes in bridging the gap between wealth management firms and solution providers. He has led numerous initiatives and is the creator of Beacon’s exclusive roundtable series, where industry leaders gather to discuss emerging trends and challenges in the field.In this episode…The wealth management industry is evolving rapidly. Advisors face new challenges, from managing complex client needs to integrating ever-changing technology. How are firms adapting to these pressures, and what strategies can help bridge the gap between advisors and the tools they need to succeed?According to Chip Kispert, a leading expert in the industry, the solution lies in becoming a bridge between wealth firms and solution providers. He highlights that advisors struggle with technology fatigue, trying to piece together various platforms while prioritizing client relationships. By streamlining processes and integrating technology more effectively, firms can alleviate this burden, allowing advisors to focus on their core mission: helping clients achieve financial success. Chip also underscores the need for thought leadership and collaboration, particularly through exclusive, invitation-only roundtables that foster innovation and shared learning.In this episode of The Beacon Flash Podcast, Chip Kispert is interviewed by Chad Franzen of Rise25 to discuss the future of wealth management. They explore key trends, including the impact of technology on advisor workloads, the importance of unbiased consulting, and how roundtable discussions are shaping industry leadership. Chip also shares valuable insights on how firms can stay ahead by maintaining strong, collaborative relationships between advisors and solution providers. 

The Advisor and AI

Todd Cooper is the Chief Revenue Officer at TIFIN AG, which leverages artificial intelligence to enhance wealth management outcomes by providing data-driven solutions for client acquisition, retention, and growth. With extensive experience in the wealth management technology sector, Todd has played pivotal roles in launching innovative financial platforms and services at companies like Prudential, Envestnet, and LPL Financial. At TIFIN AG, he focuses on helping wealth management enterprises adopt cutting-edge AI technologies to drive organic growth and improve client outcomes. In this episode…In an industry where technology is rapidly reshaping the landscape, financial advisors are facing a critical crossroads. As AI continues to evolve, how will it redefine the advisor-client relationship, and what does this mean for the future of wealth management?According to Todd Cooper, a seasoned expert in wealth management technology, AI is set to transform how advisors interact with their clients fundamentally. He highlights that while control is increasingly shifting to clients, AI provides a powerful tool for advisors to offer more personalized and timely insights. This shift enhances the advisor's ability to meet client expectations and ensures that the human element remains central in delivering value. As advisors are expected to do more for more clients, AI offers a pathway to maintaining relevance and efficiency in an increasingly complex environment.In this episode of The Beacon Flash Podcast, host Chip Kispert sits down with Todd Cooper, Chief Revenue Officer at TIFIN AG, to discuss the intersection of AI and wealth management. They explore how AI enables advisors to become holistic financial coaches, the critical role of actionable intelligence, and the importance of early adoption and experimentation in staying ahead of industry changes.

E-Signature - An Integral Component of Wealth Management

Pem Guerry is the Executive Vice President at SIGNiX, the largest provider of digital signatures in North America. He possesses a wide range of financial, marketing, and technology management experience in the private and public sectors. Previously, Pem served as Assistant Commissioner of finance and administration for Tennessee, where he managed the state’s overall technology resources. Before starting his career, he played on a professional tennis tour and traveled the world.In this episode…E-signatures are rapidly becoming a staple in our daily lives, revolutionizing how we handle documentation and transactions. As their adoption grows within the wealth management industry, what are the key benefits and potential risks that firms should be aware of?According to Pem Guerry, a seasoned expert in digital signatures,  e-signatures offer compelling benefits for companies and their customers, including transforming initial client onboarding and account opening experiences. He highlights that while e-signatures offer significant efficiency and convenience, they also come with associated risks like identity and document fraud if not managed properly. Pem discusses how integrating e-signatures into onboarding and account opening processes can enhance client experiences and long-term relationships. However, he emphasizes the importance of implementing robust security measures to mitigate potential fraud and ensure high assurance and convenience for users.In this episode of The Beacon Flash Podcast, host Chip Krispert sits down with Pem Guerry, Executive Vice President at SIGNiX, to discuss the pivotal role of e-signatures in wealth management. They explore how e-signatures streamline onboarding processes, the growing concerns around fraud, and the increasing regulatory scrutiny in the industry. Tune in to learn about the benefits, challenges, and future innovations in the world of digital signatures.