A major broker/dealer recently asked if the convergence of wealth and retirement is real—and the answer is yes. But the real question is: Who’s equipped to succeed?
Convergence is like climbing Mount Everest—many see the opportunity, but few have the tools, talent, or access to retirement plan participants needed to make the climb. Declining fees are forcing firms to rethink how they deliver value, and tools like AI and managed accounts are becoming essential to scale advice and services efficiently.
While large firms like Morgan Stanley, Captrust, and JPMorgan are making progress, most wealth advisors and TPAs aren’t yet prepared for this shift. Success will require serious investment in people, partnerships, and technology. Those who adapt will rise—those who don’t risk being left behind.
Explore this further in Fred Barstein’s full column: “Is the Convergence of Wealth and Retirement at Work Insurmountable?”
