We covered the Jolt! Conference in person and heard a couple of phrases repeatedly. First, “Data is the new oil.” This is the new common knowledge for those implementing AI – without data, the best AI engine won’t run. The quality of your performance will highly correlate with the quality of your data. Second, AI can’t replicate the “human connection.” The human touch of advisors will be their premium asset in a future in which AI can do essentially everything else.
Jolt! Conference: AI Focus And Snappy Kraken’s Lead Toolkit Launch
Snappy Kraken’s Jolt! Conference began with an “AI Pre-Conference Workshop” featuring a presentation on the state of AI, multiple product demonstrations and a panel discussion. The next morning, Snappy Kraken announced its unified platform for marketing and lead conversion, Smart Growth Suite.
“The time is now to protect yourself against irrelevance,” said Abby Salameh of RFG Advisory, referring to the pressing need for AI adoption.
Jolt! Conference: Branding, Client Psychology And AI’s ‘Blistering’ Change
Also at the Jolt! Conference, we spoke with Robert Sofia of Snappy Kraken about his goals for the conference and the evolution of the advisor in the age of AI; Liz Fritz of F2 Strategy on AI and branding; and Brendan Frazier of RFG Advisory on how advisors address client behavior, including the emotional side.
All of these experts provided advice and insights that revolve around the human aspect of advisory work and its increasing value in a technological age.
Why Individual Bonds Are A Smart Move For Clients And Advisors In 2025
Oppenheimer’s Michael S. Gregson and John Morneau make the case for advisors to place individual bonds into client portfolios, especially with bond ladders.
The authors take a fresh look at the advantages of bond ladders over bond ETFs, SMAs and funds, especially for high net worth clients nearing retirement.
Deals & Recruiting Roundup
This week’s Deals & Recruiting Roundup covers multiple acquisitions by firms such as Bluespring, Lido, Carson and EdgeCo, and multiple recruitments including by Dynasty, Commonwealth and Sanctuary. Savant and Bahnsen both announced new CFOs.
Summer has arrived, but transactions, transitions and new C-suite appointments are moving forward at full speed.
Investments Roundup
This month’s Investments Roundup features news on many fronts, from gold to the blockchain. LPL is offering alts education, Ameriprise launched UMAs and hedge funds continued to gain.
AI isn’t the only technology making news. A couple of this roundup’s entries bring the word “onchain” into the advisor’s vocabulary.
F2 Report: AI Use Grew 23% Since 2023 Among Wealth Management Firms
AI adoption among wealth management firms grew 23% since 2023, driven largely by RIAs and large wealth management firms, according to F2 Strategy’s recent AI trends report. The report said 95% of RIAs are engaging with AI initiatives.
RIAs are quickly learning that AI can be used as a democratization tool to lower barriers to entry.
FINNY Launches Tool To Help Advisors Find High-Intent Prospects Faster
FINNY AI launched Intent Search, which the firm said enables advisors to identify and engage with prospective clients who are actively seeking financial guidance. It also launched Prospect Enrichment and AI Voicemails, capabilities designed to boost organic growth through prospecting.
In the same week Snappy Kraken announced its upgraded platform for lead engagement, FINNY AI made a similar announcement – evidence that lead generation and engagement technology is evolving rapidly.
Bluespring Wealth Partners Buys Kestra Firm SilverStar
Bluespring Wealth Partners announced the acquisition of Kestra Financial firm SilverStar Wealth Management, which it is merging into existing Bluespring firm LifeBridge Financial Group to form one advisory team overseeing $1.4 billion in AUM.
One advantage larger players like Kestra bring is multiple affiliation and acquisition platforms that can result in moves in which the advisor finds their next step while staying in the broader organization.
Sanctuary Recruits Advisor From Merrill Lynch
Sanctuary Wealth announced the recruitment of Mitch Benedon, who was previously at Merrill Lynch. Benedon joined Sanctuary affiliate Eclipse Private Wealth Management through Sanctuary’s Enterprise Partner Program.
The story here is more than the wirehouse breakaway – Sanctuary’s deploying capital to help its affiliates expand and formalized the qualification process with its new program.
Startup L1 Brings Hedge Fund Strategies ‘Onchain’
Wealth and asset management platform L1 announced that it launched a set of investment strategies managed by hedge funds available through partnerships with Fasanara Digital, FalconX and Bastion Trading. The strategies transact directly on the blockchain of a cryptocurrency.
The firm said it’s looking to “democratize” investment in hedge funds by bringing strategies on the blockchain, and also provide quick KYC and transaction execution.
Cetera Launches RIA And Branches Channel
Cetera launched an RIA and Branches Channel and hired Jen Hanau to lead the channel. The new channel will include Cetera’s independent, employee RIA and supported independence models.
This streamlining and structuring of current activities signals a resourced push by Cetera to grow in this channel.
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Larry Roth
CEO
Wealth Solutions Report
