Swift Chats in the Financial Services Industry

The 2026 T3 Technology Tools for Today Conference brought the buzz, the breakthroughs, and the big ideas to New Orleans, where financial advisors and fintech leaders gathered to cut through the noise and get practical about what's next in the financial services industry. From AI University to can't-miss conversations on the latest wealthtech trends, the Hot & Happening Podcast series captured the energy and insights from this year's conference. In part one of this three-part special series, Shawna Ohm of Content 151 sat down with Alex Ackermans, Vice President of Product & Engineering at Maximizer, who was the sponsor of the T3 Podcast Station at the 2026 T3 Conference. Their discussion explores how Maximizer's CRM and AI-powered IQ Boost tool are helping advisors streamline workflows, unify data, and strengthen client relationships in an increasingly AI-driven industry. They also discuss how advisors can use technology more effectively without losing the relationship-centered value that defines great advice. Stay tuned for Part 2 with even more great conversations!

John O'Connell of The Oasis Group and Marie Swift of Impact Communications dig into predictions for 2026 when it comes to AI and technology for wealth managers, investment advisors, and financial planners. They cover AI Meeting aids, Agentic AI, Brand Voice Guidelines and custom GPTs, prompt engineering, and so much more. John and Marie will both be at the 2026 T3 Technology Conference happening in New Orleans March 9-12, 2026. John will also be doing a live Agentic AI demonstration from the stage on Monday March 9 as a part of T3's AI University, a daylong experiential and engagement opportunity that will open your eyes to a wider array of AI and tech applications. John's BOGO, which runs until 11:59pm ET on January 31, 2026 + 2 other special discount codes are highlighted at the end of the conversation and can be found below. Learn more about John and his webinars, keynotes, CTO roundtables, AI Tech Map, white papers and more at www.TheOasisGrp.com. The Oasis Group's T3 Technology Conference discount codes: T3OASISAIU50T3OASIS26 T3OASIS26BOGO

In this Swift Chat conversation, Marie Swift speaks with renowned industry commentator and author Bob Veres to explore his sweeping new book, "A Behind the Scenes History of Financial Planning and the Profession: My 45-Year Journey as an Insider." Veres shares how he went from knowing almost nothing about financial planning in the early 1980s to chronicling the evolution of the profession from sales-driven roots to a true fiduciary calling, including vivid stories from the early IAFP days, the rise of NAPFA, and the ongoing tug-of-war between product pushers and client-centric planners. The conversation traces the profession's major inflection points, the collapse of limited partnerships, the tech wreck, the Great Recession, and the COVID pandemic, and how each crisis exposed weaknesses, tested advisor–client relationships, and ultimately elevated the value of real planning over pure asset management. Veres also offers candid views on regulatory capture, the SEC's treatment of fee-only advisors, and why higher, self-imposed standards remain the true engine of professionalism and public trust in advice. He reveals the "secret formula" he has observed among the most enduringly successful advisors: a willingness to think, read, and continuously adapt early to new realities, from fee-only models to modern planning standards and emerging technologies, rather than waiting until change becomes a threat. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or newer to financial planning, this conversation delivers a rich mix of history, hard truths, and hopeful direction for anyone who cares about where the profession has been and where it needs to go next. Get the book and learn more about Bob Veres at www.BobVeres.com.

In this Swift Chat conversation, Marie Swift speaks with Paul Gilbert, Marketing Manager at Myriad Advisor Solutions, a long-established, full-service business advisory firm, and Shawna Ohm, Founder of Content 151, a customized content and marketing solution for independent financial advisors, to discuss year-end insights for independent advisors navigating market volatility, AI trends, and business growth. The conversation explores practical steps such as crafting a one-page business plan, narrowing to ideal clients, and avoiding DIY pitfalls in branding, tech stacks, and compliance, while emphasizing the power of expert partners to scale efficiently.​​ Gilbert and Ohm also highlight that Myriad and Content 151 have partnered to launch a custom blog program tailored for independent financial advisors, delivering pieces of niche-focused, on-brand content from day one to fuel SEO, social media, and omnichannel marketing without the DIY overwhelm. This collaboration equips advisors transitioning to independence or scaling their practices with authentic pillar content that resonates with ideal clients, sidesteps AI pitfalls like copyright issues, and establishes a strong online presence ahead of generic canned material. Advisors can access the discounted starter package via www.Content151.com/Services/P/Starter-Blog or www.MyriadCBP.com, leveraging both firms' expertise in tech stacks, branding, and thought leadership to prioritize client advising over operational hassles. Myriad and Content 151 have also teamed up for a fireside chat on Wednesday, January 14 at 4 pm CT, exploring how modern search tools evaluate advisor content and why authentic insights matter more than ever. "Content Marketing in the Age of AI-Powered Search" will reveal how AI shapes advisor visibility and what helps firms stand out. You'll learn why authentic content builds trust and how advisors can strengthen their digital presence in 2026 and beyond. Learn more and register for the event at www.MyriadBlogStudio.com. Learn more about Paul Gilbert and Myriad Advisor Solutions at www.MyriadAS.com. Learn more about Shawna Ohm and Content 151 at www.Content151.com.

In this Swift Chat conversation, Marie Swift speaks with Mark Heynen, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Knapsack, an AI platform for financial advisors that automates meeting prep, note-taking, follow-ups, and CRM updates directly on-device, enabling compliance and workflow efficiency without compromising client data security, to discuss the evolving landscape of technology and productivity tools for financial advisors. Heynen shares how Knapsack positions itself as an "AI overlay," streamlining information flows for advisors by managing everything from CRM notes and meeting follow-ups to outreach emails, with a strong emphasis on privacy, compliance, and maintaining a human touch. He details how advisors can leverage Knapsack's "naps" (natural language agents), which enable users to automate and schedule tasks while still keeping them in control. The discussion also covers broader industry trends, such as the growing use of AI to synthesize complex information and the push to reduce digital clutter by consolidating workspace tabs. Heynen offers practical advice for advisors who feel overwhelmed by rapid technological changes, urging a thoughtful yet proactive approach to exploring new tools, always ensuring security standards are met. He also provides insights from his podcast, AI for Advisors, and discusses changes in user behavior, such as email management and the adoption of voice interfaces, hinting at a future where technology amplifies human connection and professional effectiveness rather than replacing them. Learn more about Mark Heynen and Knapsack at www.Knapsack.ai

In this Swift Chat conversation, Marie Swift speaks with Meaghan Dowd CAPI, CPRIA, PLCS, CLCS, Director of Insurance at Holistiplan, focusing on insurance planning and risk management for financial advisors, abut gaps in personal insurance coverage, such as issues with replacement cost, young drivers, and lifestyle factors like renovations or owning rental properties, that advisors often overlook when reviewing client needs. Dowd explains how Holistiplan's risk management and insurance review tool goes beyond typical tax planning, offering a thorough needs analysis for any client, from renters to high-net-worth individuals. The software streamlines policy reviews, helping advisors identify gaps and ensure coverage aligns with lifestyle changes and asset growth. She also touches on common misconceptions about home valuation and replacement costs, emphasizing the importance of reviewing policies in light of actual rebuilding expenses rather than market or land value. Drawing from her own broker experience, Dowd shares practical ways advisors can initiate insurance conversations, including using lifestyle questions and modular planning during client reviews. She also highlights her perspective on insurance as "wealth defense," underscoring how strategic insurance planning protects clients' financial plans from life's unexpected events. Learn more about Meaghan Dowd and Holistiplan's Insurance Planning tool at www.Holistiplan.com/Platform/Insurance-Planning

In this Swift Chat conversation, Marie Swift speaks with Alan Thomson, Founder and Chief Architect of Intervallum Technologies, which specializes in innovative investment solutions, particularly through their flagship product, the CrestCast™ Macro-Aware US Factor Rotation Index, to discuss insights on the future of portfolio management, focusing on access, personalization, tax optimization, and systematic approaches that adapt to real-time macro risk. Thomson introduces CrestCast™, Intervallum's flagship innovation, representing the next evolution of investing – Passive 3.0 – which combines macro regime awareness with disciplined factor rotation to help advisors manage risk, enhance returns, and improve client outcomes. Throughout the conversation, he explains how CrestCast™ acts like a financial Doppler radar, identifying market conditions to adjust portfolios dynamically rather than relying on static strategies. Thomson discusses the challenges investors face with market drawdowns and narrative risk and how a rules-based, adaptive approach can help advisors and clients stay the course with confidence. The conversation also explores the broader evolution of fiduciary management, the role of technology and advanced analytics in investment strategy, and the upcoming availability of CrestCast™ through direct indexing and FMA platforms. Learn more about Alan Thomson and Intervallum Technologies at www.IntervallumTech.com

In this Swift Chat conversation, Marie Swift speaks with Michael Rose, CFP®, MST, Director, Wealth Management at Cerulli Associates, a leading global research, consulting, and analytics firm specializing in asset management, wealth management, and financial services, to discuss Cerulli’s 117-page 2025 study on U.S. wealth management technology, zeroing in on how digital tools are transforming the independent advisory space and service delivery for both clients and advisors. Rose dives deep into the evolving landscape of wealth management technology and its impact on financial advisors and shares insights from Cerulli’s extensive research, discussing how the rise of independent advisory channels is reshaping advisor technology needs. He explains the increasing responsibility advisors have in building and managing their own tech stacks outside of traditional broker-dealer infrastructures, while also dealing with the growing expectations investors have for personalized and comprehensive financial planning, which pressure advisors to do more with stable fees, making technology and productivity critical themes. Rose emphasizes practical solutions, such as all-in-one technology platforms, and the pivotal role of educational conferences, like the T3 Technology Conference, in helping advisors keep pace and build competitive tech stacks. The conversation strikes a balance between excitement about AI-driven innovation and recognition of the ongoing challenges advisors face in maximizing technology’s benefits to deliver better client outcomes, providing a nuanced perspective on the opportunities and hurdles in technology adoption within the wealth management industry today. Learn more about Michael Rose, CFP®, MST, and Cerulli Associates at www.Cerulli.com

In this Swift Chat conversation, Marie Swift speaks with Matt Morris, CEO and co-founder of EncorEstate Plans, a comprehensive, customizable estate planning and trust funding platform that empowers financial advisors to efficiently create, update, and fund estate plans for their clients, all backed by expert legal review and support—without requiring a subscription or direct-to-consumer access, for an in-depth conversation on how financial advisors can fundamentally elevate their client relationships through proactive, advisor-led estate planning. Drawing from personal experience, Morris shares how the lack of an estate plan caused turmoil for his own family, which inspired the creation of Encore's streamlined platform. He explains how Encore allows advisors to easily review, update, and fund estate plans – without crossing into legal practice – supported by attorney and paralegal review for every document. The conversation also explores how estate planning becomes a true differentiator for advisory firms, sparks referrals, and leads to more meaningful client discussions about legacy, family, and values. Morris shares insights on how Encore’s pay-as-you-go model lowers barriers for advisors and why this approach is quickly becoming an essential offering for growth-minded firms looking for ways to become the “trusted primary advisor” by solving a real pain point for today’s clients. Learn more about EncorEstate Plans at www.EncorEstatePlans.com

In this Swift Chat conversation, Marie Swift speaks with Claire Alexander, founder of The Arch’s Anvil, an operations and growth platform designed to help service-based businesses, particularly financial advisors, transform big visions into high-functioning businesses. Claire shares her journey from working in administrative roles to building and leading complex wealth management firms, culminating in the creation of her 10-week operational transformation program. Designed to help professionals, such as financial advisors, CPAs, attorneys, real estate agents, insurance professionals, and trusted consultants, The Arch’s Anvil offers a structured dashboard with video modules, templates, and weekly strategy sessions directly with Alexander. She emphasizes practical tools, accountability, and customization to help entrepreneurs gain time, reduce stress, and achieve clarity in their vision. Alexander’s approach is rooted in hands-on experience across financial services, insurance, real estate, and project management. The conversation highlights Alexander’s no-nonsense, high-impact style and her passion for helping others architect a better version of their business and life. Whether you're an independent advisor or a small professional team seeking operational excellence, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Learn more about Claire Alexander and The Arch’s Anvil at www.TheArchsAnvil.com

In this Swift Chats episode, Marie Swift speaks with Any Wang, Managing Partner at Runnymede Capital Management, host of the Inspired Money podcast, and a LinkedIn Top Voice, to explore how he has strategically leveraged LinkedIn to grow his following, build authentic connections, and generate business opportunities, all while staying grounded in his mission of helping others. Wang shares the evolution of his LinkedIn presence, from posting blog links in 2016 to becoming an early participant in LinkedIn's Creator Program and Accelerator. With over 18,000 followers and millions of video views, he explains how short-form, vertical video has become his secret weapon for visibility and engagement. While Wang utilizes AI tools to aid in brainstorming and structuring posts, he cautions against relying too heavily on them, emphasizing the need to infuse personal voice and storytelling to avoid generic content. He emphasizes the importance of consistency, storytelling, and humanizing content, often filming candid 60-second tips in real-life settings, such as track meets or beach vacations. Throughout the conversation, Wang underscores the opportunity LinkedIn presents for advisors: fewer than 1% of users post weekly, creating a powerful opening for those who do. His advice to peers is clear: be yourself, show up consistently, and let your content do the connecting. Learn more about Andy Wang and Runnymede Capital Management at Runnymede.com

If there’s one thing that rings true year after year, it’s this: the T3 Technology Tools for Today Conference is the destination for discovering what’s shaping the future of financial advice. Held in Dallas this year, the 2025 T3 Conference buzzed with excitement, insight, and innovation, and we were there to capture it all on the Hot & Happening podcast series, recorded live at the bustling T3 Podcast Station. In this special three-part podcast, hosted by Derrick Kinney of Success for Advisors and guest host Jonny Swift of Impact Communications, listeners are treated to front-row access to the conversations that matter most in wealthtech today. From major fintech rollouts to forward-thinking advisor strategies, the series showcases interviews with some of the #T32025 attendees, including: [0:58 – 7:24] Kartik Srinivasan of Advyzon [7:25 – 13:24] Danielle White of Myriad Advisor Solutions [13:25 – 20:59] John O’Connell of The Oasis Group [ 21:00 – 28:22] Jeff Coyle of Libretto [ 28:23 – 35:52] Sharon Rodriguez of High Peak AI [ 35:53 – 41:25] Henry Zelikovsky of Softlab360 [41:26 – 47:54] Christophe Gauthron of Kwanti [47:55 – 53:46] Christopher Hensley of Houston First Financial Group

If there’s one thing that rings true year after year, it’s this: the T3 Technology Tools for Today Conference is the destination for discovering what’s shaping the future of financial advice. Held in Dallas this year, the 2025 T3 Conference buzzed with excitement, insight, and innovation, and we were there to capture it all on the Hot & Happening podcast series, recorded live at the bustling T3 Podcast Station. In this special three-part podcast, hosted by Derrick Kinney of Success for Advisors and guest host Jonny Swift of Impact Communications, listeners are treated to front-row access to the conversations that matter most in wealthtech today. From major fintech rollouts to forward-thinking advisor strategies, the series showcases interviews with some of the #T32025 attendees, including: [0:58 – 12:02] Bob Veres of Inside Information [12:03 – 21:32] Ned Dane of AdvisorEngine [12:33 – 29:40] Kevin Knull of TaxStatus [29:41 – 36:46] Dave Goes of Advyzon Enterprise [36:47 – 45:09] Peter Stanton of GetWyz [45:10 – 51:19] Craig Cintron of Goldman Sachs [51:20 – 59:26] Laura Jordan (Barger) of BetaNXT [59:27 – 1:06:12] Rob Bandy of FINIAT [1:06:13 – 1:13:44] Bridget Grimes of Equita Financial Network

In this Swift Chat episode, Marie Swift speaks with Jeff Coyle, Founder and CEO of Libretto, about how his wealthtech platform is transforming the financial planning landscape by utilizing a 'total wealth' approach to lifecycle planning and investing. Coyle explains how Libretto enables advisors to move beyond traditional tools like risk questionnaires and Monte Carlo simulations by offering a unified, holistic approach to wealth management. The conversation explores Libretto’s origins in serving ultra-affluent families and its mission to democratize advanced planning techniques for clients at all wealth levels. Coyle details how the platform integrates all aspects of a client’s financial life—including human capital, social security, real estate, and business interests—into a comprehensive strategy, using institutional-grade, liability-driven methodologies. The discussion also highlights Libretto’s scalability, its potential to drive organic growth for advisory firms, and the competitive advantages of delivering more robust, personalized client experiences in today’s market.

In this Swift Chat conversation, Marie Swift welcomes Leigh White, CEPA® Founder and CTO of Myriad Advisor Solutions, which provides comprehensive business consulting and operational support services to financial advisors and entrepreneurs, for a candid conversation about the realities of succession planning for business owners and financial advisors. ​ White shares her personal journey, marked by profound loss, health challenges, and a cancer diagnosis, all of which accelerated her own succession process and tested her business’s resilience. She describes the emotional and practical steps she took to transition leadership to her daughter, Danielle, and how this process enabled her to focus on her passions while ensuring the business could thrive in her absence. The conversation highlights the importance of preparing your business before a crisis strikes, emphasizing that succession planning is more than just legal documents—it’s about building value, documenting processes, and preparing both your team and yourself for a smooth transition. White discusses the importance of business owners planning for their own lives after stepping back, the value of having a baseline business valuation, and the challenges of relinquishing control. Learn more about Leigh White and Myriad Advisor Solutions at https://MyriadAS.com

If there’s one thing that rings true year after year, it’s this: the T3 Technology Tools for Today Conference is the destination for discovering what’s shaping the future of financial advice. Held in Dallas this year, the 2025 T3 Conference buzzed with excitement, insight, and innovation, and we were there to capture it all on the Hot & Happening podcast series, recorded live at the bustling T3 Podcast Station. In this special three-part podcast, hosted by Derrick Kinney of Success for Advisors and guest host Jonny Swift of Impact Communications, listeners are treated to front-row access to the conversations that matter most in wealthtech today. From major fintech rollouts to forward-thinking advisor strategies, the series showcases interviews with some of the #T32025 attendees, including: Joel BruckensteinT3 Technology Tools for TodayAmy DeTollaAureus AdvantagePatrick ShaddowSyntax DataBrian EdelmanFCIRon KeuschInvestall GroupGerry MichaelSmartleafAdam Scully-PowerNebo WealthRobert LevittLevitt Capital Management Stay tuned for Part 2 with even more great conversations!

In this Swift Chat episode, Marie Swift speaks with Kevin Knull, CFP®, President of TaxStatus, a cutting-edge IRS account monitoring and tax data platform designed for financial professionals and the clients they serve, about how this innovative fintech solution is helping financial advisors enhance client services through seamless integration with IRS data. Knull shares how TaxStatus enables continuous monitoring of client activities, providing real-time notifications on new filings and offering advanced analysis capabilities that help advisors prevent tax fraud and improve the financial advice they provide. The conversation delves into how TaxStatus streamlines the client onboarding process by simplifying data collection and offering easy access to historical tax data. This not only enhances financial planning but also empowers advisors to make more strategic, data-driven decisions on behalf of their clients. Knull also shares how financial advisors can use TaxStatus as a tool for prospecting new clients by offering a unique value proposition rooted in tax efficiency and compliance monitoring. Looking ahead, Swift and Knull explore future developments, such as integrating AI capabilities to automate further and enhance the system’s functionality. Knull also outlines a trial process available to financial advisors, allowing them to experience firsthand the efficiencies and benefits of the platform. Learn more about Kevin Knull and TaxStatus at https://www.taxstatus.com

In this Swift Chat conversation, Marie Swift speaks with John O'Connell, founder of The Oasis Group, a leading consultancy for the wealth management industry. Their leadership position includes identifying, reviewing, and discussing new technologies and capabilities for the wealth management industry. The Oasis Group offers award-winning consulting services, industry-leading research, and compelling on-demand training for wealth management firms and the service providers who serve the wealth management industry. Wealth management firms can unlock new levels of efficiency, personalization, and client engagement by adopting AI. John strongly recommends that firms begin to leverage AI to gain familiarity with its capabilities and concerns, to learn new skills like prompt engineering, and to clearly identify how they plan to leverage AI in projects. Leveraging AI now enables firms to discuss their compliance posture and to develop their AI policies. Check out this AI WealthTech Map, which can serve as a handy reference tool: The Oasis Group also recently launched a new research series called Vantage Point Peaks, which provides in-depth reports and competitive analysis on a range of service providers in the wealth management industry. The reports are designed to help wealth management firms become more informed buyers when breaking away or looking for new wealthtech solutions. The first study of the research series, available now, is the Vantage Point Peaks for Custodian Platforms, which focuses on the registered investment adviser and broker-dealer custodian market and is available to RIA and BD executives, as well as family offices and private wealth firms, interested in new custodian relationships. If you are going independent, looking to add another custodian, or just interested in the RIA ecosystem and how the various custodians compare and contrast, check out The Oasis Group research on custodians. As cybersecurity risks grow more complex and the SEC introduces additional cybersecurity regulations for financial services firms, it’s critical to ensure that financial advisorys teams are well equipped to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities while maintaining compliance. O'Connell, who is an industry veteran and cybersecurity expert, talks about the issues and refers people to his comprehensive course aimed at helping them gain an understanding of the evolving cybersecurity landscape in financial services, as well actionable strategies for protecting their financial advisory firm and their clients. Click here to learn more about the cybersecurity training course. Learn more about John O'Connell and his award-winning team at https://www.TheOasisGrp.com

In this Swift Chat conversation, Jonny Swift speaks with Alex Khassa, founder of Clients Blackbox, a marketing partner to some of the fastest-growing financial advisory and retirement planning firms in the USA, about transforming financial advisor marketing through precision-engineered video ads. Khassa explains his approach to helping advisors capture more clients by creating highly targeted, short video ads on Facebook and Instagram that replace the traditional, slower webinar funnels. By focusing on the "speed to lead" principle, his strategy significantly reduces lead loss, offering clients immediate access to educational content and fast-tracked appointments. This method enables rapid scaling, delivering a superior return on investment. He shares success stories of advisors who have grown their businesses through his system, including one client who closed a $13 million virtual deal. Khassa also highlights a new partner program for smaller advisors that allows them to leverage the systems of larger, successful advisors without creating their own video content or virtual sales process. Learn more about Alex Khassa and Clients Blackbox at www.ClientsBlackbox.com

In this Swift Chat conversation, Marie Swift speaks with Meir Statman, Professor of Finance at the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University, to discuss the field of behavioral finance. Renowned for his research, Meir Statman has recently authored a new book called "A Wealth of Well-Being: A Holistic Approach to Behavioral Finance," which offers profound insights into the psychological underpinnings of financial decisions and their broader implications for personal well-being. Statman delves into the core themes of the book, unraveling how our emotions and cognitive biases shape our financial behaviors in ways that often defy traditional economic theories. He also shares practical strategies for making more informed and rational financial choices, emphasizing the importance of understanding the human elements that drive our decisions. Whether you're a finance professional looking to enhance your understanding of behavioral economics or simply interested in the interplay between money and human behavior, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and thoughtful insights. Tune in to discover how to navigate the complex financial landscape with greater wisdom and clarity. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the leading voices in behavioral finance. A Wealth of Well-Being is available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retailers.