Technology needs to "do" something. It’s not about bells and whistles; it’s about tangible impact. Does it save time, expand your capabilities, enhance client experience or improve profitability? If not, it’s just noise.
Too often, wealth managers fall into the trap of building expansive tech stacks to cover every conceivable need. This approach can lead to a “franken-stack” — a convoluted mix of tools that don’t integrate well and fail to deliver clear results. “All-in-one” operating platforms, while appealing, are not without their risks and added cost to support. Instead, advisors should focus on technologies that directly support their goals and create meaningful outcomes.
A Strategic Approach: Core and Satellite
Simplifying your technology strategy starts with the core and satellite approach. The "core" tools are your foundational systems—those indispensable for daily operations, like CRMs, financial planning software or portfolio management platforms. These tools should be robust, well-integrated and central to your practice.
“Satellite” tools, on the other hand, are enhancements. They address specific needs, such as AI analytics, client engagement platforms or forecasting tools. By treating satellite tools as modular, you maintain flexibility while ensuring each tool serves a clear purpose aligned with your strategy.
Your Clients Care About Outcomes, Not Tools
Here’s the truth: your clients don’t care about the complexity of your tech stack. They care about the experience you deliver. Seamless, intuitive interactions are now table stakes. Clients expect user-friendly portals, real-time updates and clear reporting. Anything less, and they’re likely to look elsewhere.
For advisors, the value of technology lies in how it supports this client experience. Efficient, well-integrated systems reduce manual effort, save time, increase time-to-value, and enhance profitability. When technology simplifies your operations, you can focus on what truly matters: delivering exceptional service.
Technology as a Human Advice Multiplier
Relationships are the cornerstone of wealth management, but managing these relationships grows more complex as client expectations increase. Technology can amplify your ability to deliver personalized, high-value advice at scale. It’s not about replacing human advisors—it’s about empowering them.
During the GrowthTech Summit 2025: Using Tech to Explain Value Beyond Financial Planning, Shannon Rosic, director of WealthStack content and solutions, dissected the client’s point of view, stating, “Clients might not care about the tech itself, but they care about the outcomes. They want clear insights, proactive advice and ultimately simplified financial lives.”
Advisors, on the other hand, have to do all of the work on the backend, leveraging tools like AI-powered insights, data visualization, and real-time reporting to uncover hidden opportunities, ultimately tailor strategies to individual needs and engage clients holistically.
Avoiding the “Franken-Stack”
The temptation to adopt every promising tool is real, but it often leads to inefficiency and wasted resources. Instead, focus on:
- Tools that integrate seamlessly with your existing systems.
- Solutions that deliver measurable ROI.
- Technology aligned with your goals and client needs.
A streamlined, strategic tech stack sets you apart from typical tech-enabled advisors.
The Bottom Line
Technology isn’t about having the latest gadgets, it’s about what those tools can achieve. By adopting tech that aligns with your goals and simplifies client interactions, you can ensure technology becomes a true partner in your success. The future of wealth management lies in this integration of human expertise and smart technology—delivering more value, more efficiently.
The tech that you use doesn’t matter — it’s how you use it, why you use it, and how you explain that value proposition to your clients.
Matt Beecher is the Chief Revenue Officer at interVal
