RIA Edge Day 1 - PT (Pacific Time, GMT-08:00)
An exclusive event dedicated to fostering professional development and community among successful women in the industry, sponsored by Nationwide.
FAB isn’t just a breakfast or networking event—it’s a movement. We invite senior leaders and allies, including supportive men from RIA firms, to contribute to meaningful conversations on creating a thriving environment for women in wealth management.
- Kate Healy - CEO and Co Founder, AdvoKate IQ, LLC
- Erin Tyra - Director, RIA Distribution, Nationwide
- Rebecca Daves - Consultant, Advisor Growth Strategies LLC
- Abby Salameh - Chief Growth Officer, RFG Advisory
- Shannon Rosic - Director of WealthStack Content & Solutions, Informa Connect
- Jeffrey Coyle - Founder & CEO, Libretto
- Ashley Longabaugh - Head of Wealth Management & Principal Analyst, Celent
- Andree Mohr - President, Integrated Partners
- Taylor Matthews - Co-Founder & CEO, Farther
- Mark Gilbert - Co-Founder & CEO, Zocks Communications
- Rafael DeLeon - Senior Vice President of Industry Relations, Ncontracts
For today’s technology leaders, AI is both a catalyst and a challenge. In this session, CTOs from top RIAs will share how they are future-proofing their firms by embracing digital transformation in an AI-first world. From infrastructure modernization and vendor selection to data governance and internal adoption strategies, this discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at how firms are building scalable, secure, and intelligent tech stacks to drive long-term value.
- John O'Connell - Founder & CEO, The Oasis Group
- Channing Olson - Managing Director, Head of Advisory Technology and Integration, Wealthspire
- Vladimir Voyuts - Head of Engineering, Dynasty Financial Partners
- Vickie Lewin - Chief Growth Officer, Amplify Platform
- Era Jain - Co-founder & CEO, Zeplyn
AI is reshaping the investment process – from research and risk modeling to portfolio construction and personalization. CIOs from leading RIAs will take a deep dive into how they leverage AI to enhance decision-making, boost efficiency, and unlock new alpha-generating opportunities. Gain insights into the tools, strategies, and real-world applications that are redefining modern investment management.
- Tyler Resh - Chief Growth Officer, SteelPeak Wealth
- Seth Merrill - Investment Management Executive, Independent
- Dan Bjerke - President, Digital Wealth – Investcloud, Inc.
- Andy Stout - Chief Investment Officer, Allworth Financial
- Joe Anthony - President & Co-Owner, Gregory FCA
- Justin Barish - Chief Marketing Officer, Lido Advisors
- Michelle Winkles, MBA - Partner and Chief Marketing Officer, Mission Wealth
- Dan Gilmartin - CMO, Catchlight
- Michele Welsh - Chief Marketing Officer, Verdence Capital Advisors
Artificial intelligence is no longer a future promise, it’s reshaping investment management today. In this keynote, SoftPak Financial Systems CEO Naaz Scheik will explore the latest AI developments in portfolio management and how they are redefining the advisor client experience. From smarter portfolio construction and automated rebalancing to enhanced risk assessment, AI is unlocking new levels of efficiency and insight for RIAs. The session will also highlight how SoftPak is integrating AI into its solutions to help advisors scale their practices, deliver more personalized outcomes and stay competitive in an evolving marketplace. Join us to learn how embracing the AI revolution can position your firm at the forefront of innovation and growth.
- Naaz Scheik - Chief Executive Officer, SoftPak Financial Systems
- David Armstrong - Dir. of Editorial Strategy & Operations – Wealth Management Group, Wealthmanagement.com
- David Armstrong - Dir. of Editorial Strategy & Operations – Wealth Management Group, Wealthmanagement.com
- John Thiel - Founder, Executive Chairman, Indivisible Partners
- Alex Ortolani - Sr. Reporter, WealthManagement.com
- Matt Regan - President and CEO, Wealthcare Capital Management
- John Orisini - Director, MarshBerry
- James Fisher - VP Mergers and Acquisitions, Principal, FP Transitions
Roundtable discussions offer a unique forum for engaging conversations and collaborative problem-solving in small groups of your peers. Each roundtable discussion will be carefully curated to address a specific topic or challenge, ensuring that you can choose sessions aligned with your interests and professional goals.
Table 1: Finding the Right Buyer or Partner for Your Business: More Than Just the Highest Offer
Join us for a candid discussion on how to identify the ideal buyer or partner—one that aligns with your values, culture, and long-term goals. Discover why the right fit can lead to greater fulfillment, stronger client outcomes, and long-term financial success, even if it’s not the highest bid on paper.
Facilitator: Mike Wunderli, Managing Director, Head of M&A, CAPTRUST
Table 2: Talent & Recruitment Strategies: How to win the battle for top talent
Facilitator: Steven Clark, Senior Managing Director, President-Search, Gladstone Group Inc.
Table 3: Behavioral Finance and the Marketability Gap: Why Firms Struggle to Stand Out
Description: BeFi isn’t just about investing decisions—it explains why some firms naturally draw prospects in while others feel like a commodity. Many invest heavily in branding and marketing, yet still struggle to break through the noise. This roundtable explores how applying BeFi to brand and marketing strategy helps firms bridge the marketability gap—so they become the only option instead of just another option. What would it take for your firm to be chosen instinctively—before a prospect ever compares fees or performance?
Facilitator: Dr. Joshua Wilson, Founder, NeuBeFi
Table 4: AI in Portfolio Management: Beyond Operational Automation
Operational efficiency is just the beginning—the next frontier for AI in wealth management is portfolio construction and risk management.
- Discover why ChatGPT (LLMs) and market prediction models are fundamentally different probability engines, and how leading RIAs are leveraging this distinction for competitive advantage
- Gain insights from implementation experiences from peers who are actively deploying AI-powered investment strategies
- Leave with practical frameworks for evaluating AI capabilities that matter and avoiding costly missteps
This is your opportunity to explore what actually works in AI-powered active management—beyond the hype.
Facilitator: Dr Tal Schwarts, AI Funds
- Mike Wunderli - Managing Director | Head of M&A, CAPTRUST
- Steven Clark - Senior Managing Director, President-Search, Gladstone Group
- Joshua Wilson - Founder, NeuBeFi
- Dr Tal Schwartz - Founder & CEO, Ai Funds
The RIA world is changing fast, and the right partnerships can take your growth to the next level. In this session, we’ll explore how to spot, build, and nurture alliances that open new doors for your business and your clients. Hear real-world stories and practical tips from leaders who’ve made alignment their growth superpower.
- Diana Britton - Managing Editor, WealthManagement.com
- Eamon Verdone - M&A Director, Savant Wealth Management
- Derek Bruton - Senior Managing Director, Gladstone Group
- Brandon Kawal - Partner, Advisor Growth Strategies, LLC
The NIL era has created new financial opportunities—and challenges—for athletes at all levels, from high school prospects to seasoned professionals. This session explores how RIA firms can effectively guide athletes through wealth management, contract evaluation, brand strategy, and long-term financial planning. Learn how to build trust, navigate compliance, and deliver holistic advice that supports both short-term gains and lifelong financial well-being. Gain strategic insights to better serve athlete-clients and expand your firm’s impact in this evolving space.
- Shannon Rosic - Director of WealthStack Content & Solutions, Informa Connect
- Reza Zamani - Founding Partner and CEO, SteelPeak Wealth
- Allen Schreiber - Partner, TSG Wealth Management
- Joseph Cooper - Senior Wealth Advisor, Director, MAI Capital Management