AI, Advisor Growth, and the Future of Wealth Management

TL;DR - Our industry is changing quickly. As with any transformation, there will be winners and losers in the future of wealth management.

The Future Proof Conference has quickly become one of the most important events in the wealth management calendar. This year, my partner J.B. O'Banion and I walked away more convinced than ever that we are standing at the crossroads of one of the biggest shifts our industry has ever seen.

I am not trying to be melodramatic. If you are paying attention, you know the seismic shifts that are happening in our industry.

From artificial intelligence reshaping advice to the urgent need for new advisor talent, the conversations at Future Proof 2025 were a masterclass in where our profession is headed.

In this post, I’ll share my top insights, backed by comments from some of the most innovative leaders in wealth management.

AI Is Moving from Buzzword to Business Driver

One of the highlights of my week was hearing Jason Wenk, CEO of Altruist, speak about how his firm is putting AI to work. For many firms, AI is still just a buzzword. For Altruist, it’s already a core driver of growth and efficiency.

“Our business is up 300%, but our headcount is down. That’s because of great people and AI.” – Jason Wenk

That statement captures the reality many firms are grappling with: the old equation of “growth = more employees” is breaking down. AI is making it possible to scale faster with leaner teams.

Wenk also reminded the audience that the AI tools we see today are only the starting point:

“If we are all doing our jobs well, this is the worst version of these tools you will ever see. They should get better daily.”

For advisors, this means two things:

1. Early adoption matters – the firms experimenting now will have a huge head start.

2. Continuous learning is critical – the tools won’t stand still, and neither can we.

Note: Titleist has recently entered into a custodial partnership with Altruist.

Some Of The Most Exciting Advisor Technology

The exhibit floor at Future Proof was buzzing with new fintech. The fintech 'Speed Demo' was exclusively focused on AI this year. From CRM enhancements to digital marketing automation and portfolio management innovation, it was clear that the advisor tech stack is evolving faster than ever.

What struck me most was how many of these tools are moving from “nice-to-have” to “must-have.” Advisors who resist upgrading their technology will quickly find themselves outpaced by firms that integrate smarter solutions.

The competitive edge is no longer just having access to technology—it’s about how well you integrate, automate, and actually use it to deliver client value.

The Productivity Paradox of Advisor Tech

Another fascinating theme was the paradox of productivity. Michael Kitces shared research showing that firms investing heavily in “time-saving” technology often become less productive. Why?

Because they reduce the human element that clients actually value most.

The best-performing RIAs aren’t the ones trying to minimize client contact—they’re the ones doubling down on relationship-driven service while using technology to streamline everything else.

Any advisor who has been through my coaching program is tired of hear this, but 'wealthy people hang out with wealthy people.' Relationships matter and Michael's data backs it up.

This is a reminder that AI and tech are tools, not replacements. The future belongs to firms that combine high-touch service with high-tech efficiency.

To download the full Kitces study: Text advisortech to 33777

Demand Isn’t the Problem—Capacity Is

A recurring theme at the conference: RIAs aren’t struggling to generate leads. In fact, many firms are overwhelmed with demand.

The real challenge is talent and capacity. Firms can’t hire and develop advisors fast enough to keep up with client demand.

For established firms, this should be a wake-up call: lead generation is no longer the bottleneck. Talent is.

From my perspective, because we work with advisors who are in high-growth mode, I am not sure this is always the case. I understand the need to make sure capacity is there, but we still want to focus on optimizing growth.

Why Your Business Exists Matters More Than Ever

Another powerful conversation was about purpose. Advisors were challenged to answer a simple, but profound, question:

Why does your firm exist?

The firms that stand out in today’s competitive market aren’t just competing on fees or investment strategies.

They stand out because they clearly articulate their “why.”

Clients want more than an advisor—they want a partner aligned with their goals, values, and vision.

Brad Johnson from Triad Partners asked a great question that I encourage you to answer: "Why does your business exist?"

The Talent Crisis Is Real

The most urgent theme at Future Proof was talent. Retaining and developing advisors is quickly becoming the defining challenge of our profession.

The big takeaway: it’s not enough to offer competitive pay. Firms need to invest in career paths, mentorship, and culture to keep their best people.

If technology and AI help advisors scale, then talent ensures firms remain human, client-centric, and trusted.

Final Reflections

Walking away from Future Proof, I felt energized about the future of our profession. The convergence of AI, advisor technology, and client demand creates incredible opportunity—but only for firms willing to adapt. 

Titleist Asset Management is well-positioned to adapt to this rapidly changing environment.

The advisors who thrive in the next decade will be those who:

• Embrace AI and automation.

• Double down on human connection.

• Build teams and talent pipelines that can scale.

• Anchor their firms with a clear purpose.

• Build intentionally for scale.

At Titleist, we’re committed to helping advisors meet this moment—combining the best of technology, coaching, and community to fuel growth and resilience.

Learn More about how we can help you build your business, your way: http://www.jointitleist.com/

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Titleist Asset Management, LLC (“TAM”) is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser. TAM’s affiliate, Titleist Capital, LLC (“Titleist Capital”), is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as a Broker-Dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation. TAM does not offer or provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your attorney and/or tax advisor for such services

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