Sponsored By
The Daily Brief

Goldman's Robo Launch Is Around the CornerGoldman's Robo Launch Is Around the Corner

Goldman Sachs is continuing its push into the mass affluent market.

Samuel Steinberger, Senior Technology Editor

December 10, 2019

1 Min Read
Goldman Sachs

As soon as next month, Goldman Sachs will be offering digital wealth management services to individuals who meet account minimums of $5,000, according to a Financial Times’ report. The founder of United Capital, Joe Duran, told the publication that the automated advice platform, or so-called robo advisor, is “on track” for a 2020 launch and that the minimum investment is yet to be finalized.

More details will be revealed at Goldman’s investor day, January 29, but “demand is higher than I expected,” said Duran of clients wanting to utilize the robo advisor. By targeting clients with fewer assets, Goldman hopes to create a pipeline into the financial services provider. But it isn’t the only manner of bringing in new assets. Referrals from Goldman’s private banks are a “much bigger growth area than originally envisioned,” he added, according to the report. 

Initially the robo advisor will be available for both United Capital’s clients, as well as to advisors who use United Capital’s FinLife platform. The firm is considering a direct-to-consumer feature, as well, Duran confirmed to WealthManagement.com at the MarketCounsel Summit in Miami. 

Marcus could also deploy the robo advisor in the future, according to the report. Nutmeg, a British digital wealth advisor that has received investments from Goldman, will be launching under the Marcus brand in the U.K. next year.

Only six months have passed since Goldman Sachs acquired United Capital in May for $750 million in cash. 

Want The Daily Brief delivered directly to your inbox? Sign up for WealthManagement.com's Morning Memo newsletter.

About the Author

Samuel Steinberger

Senior Technology Editor, WealthManagement.com

Samuel Steinberger is Senior Technology Editor for Informa Connect’s WealthManagement.com. In his role, Mr. Steinberger provides the publication’s wealth and financial technology coverage. 

Mr. Steinberger’s editorial insight and familiarity with technology accelerates Informa’s growth within the financial advisor and wealth management communities, providing in-depth news for advisors and financial professionals. 

Before joining Informa Connect, Mr. Steinberger produced documentaries with former CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien at Soledad O’Brien Productions (formerly Starfish Media Group). He specialized in research, shooting and editing, as well as finding distinct voices to explain topics like mental health, poverty and racial divide. 

Prior to joining Soledad O’Brien Productions, Mr. Steinberger managed multi-departmental technology projects for global legal technology leader Transperfect Legal Solutions. After obtaining his graduate degree in journalism from Columbia University, he completed his transition from technology management to media. 

Mr. Steinberger is an award-winning journalist, author and researcher who has written, edited and reported for a number of publications, including The New York Times, Financial PlanningAmerican Banker and PBS. He is founder of beverages publication Give Me Weird Drinks

Mr. Steinberger’s technology analysis and insight has been featured in several books on virtual and augmented reality. Mr. Steinberger has received awards and recognition for his reporting and research, including the American Business Media's prestigious Jesse H. Neal Award for editorial excellence.

Follow on Twitter: @slsteinberger