Prediction markets are booming, and one of those – Kalshi – chose to become fully registered and regulated rather than finding ways around it. Some say it’s just wagering, while others say it is healthy speculation tied to significant events, in the same vein as futures speculation or credit default swaps. Regardless of your views on the wisdom of this trend, John O’Connell explains why we can’t ignore it.
BondWave CEO Explores Tech Trends Shaping The Fixed Income Space
BondWave’s Michael Ruvo discusses AI, data and other tech innovations that are making the fixed income space more transparent and efficient.
Ruvo sees a push towards “equitization” of the fixed income markets, with better price discovery.
Kalshi And The Rise Of Regulated Event-Contract Trading
John O’Connell of The Oasis Group gives his views on Kalshi, the rapidly growing CFTC-registered prediction market platform. O’Connell says advisors must be aware of how Kalshi works and how it affects client outlooks and financial positions.
Even if prediction market trades never go into your client portfolios, O’Connell argues that these markets will affect your client’s outlook and off-portfolio financial position.
Deals & Recruiting Roundup
This week’s roundup includes acquisitions by Mercer, Wealth Enhancement, EP Wealth and MCF; Constellation staking DayMark; recruiting by Osaic, AmeriFlex and Prospera; and new leadership at SEI, Equity Services, Focus Financial and Osaic.
This week saw several notable top leadership changes including SEI’s founder stepping down as Executive Chairman and Shannon Reid joining Osaic.
iCapital: Investors Must Navigate ‘Blind Spots’ In 2026
U.S. economic growth in 2026 will be supported by AI investment, wealth effects and supportive monetary and fiscal policy, but investors will have to navigate “blind spots” including AI, continued inflation and tariffs, according to iCapital’s 2026 market forecast.
“There have been few times in the past decade when investors have been so divided about the future,” the firm’s Sonali Basak says.
Alex David Hired As President And CEO Of Equity Services
National Life Group announced that Alex David took the reins of its broker-dealer and RIA Equity Services as President and CEO, effective Dec. 16, as Ata Azarshahi stepped down from those roles into retirement after a four-decade career culminating in 13 years at National Life Group.
David gained a strong reputation at Stifel and Raymond James before this move.
Patent Perspectives: Top 10 Actions Financial Advisors Should Consider In 2026
In this month’s Patent Perspectives column, Pat Hynes lists 10 actions advisors should consider for a better 2026, including technology, client services and communications, alts, business strategy and new niches.
A fresh review of ways to improve current practices helps you reset for a new year.
Wealth Enhancement Adds Three RIAs Totaling Over $1.1 Billion In Assets
Wealth Enhancement announced three acquisitions this week: AEGIS Financial in Wisconsin, with over $468 million in client assets; Wealth Advocates in Utah, with more than $476 million in assets; and Spectrum Wealth Management and its affiliated CPA firm, Putman Group, in California, with over $182 million in assets.
A firm spokesperson said that Wealth Enhancement has closed 13 acquisitions so far this year and has a strong pipeline going into 2026.
Coldstream Posts Over 30% Growth In First Three Quarters Of 2025
Coldstream posted over 30% growth in the first three quarters of this year, reaching over $14 billion in client assets.
Instead of the well-trodden path of private equity-backed inorganic growth, Coldstream achieved this milestone while remaining owned by employees only.
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