Digital transformation is driving change in the future of wealth and asset management. The combination of using modern technology solutions to manage wealth has sprouted the term ‘Wealthtech.” It is the new way of delivering wealth management services that is personalized, automated, and transparent.
This move towards digitalized functionality offers multiple benefits such as enhanced portfolio management, efficient customer service, and real-time understanding of asset liquidity. Wealth management firms can now incorporate cutting-edge innovations such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain for improved services.
The technology behind Wealthtech and its core uses
Artificial Intelligence
- The development of robo-advisors which can now interpret complex data and manage portfolios.
- Seamlessly create user profiles anytime using speech recognition software tools.
- Ability to make investment proposals and assess risks using simulation tools.
- Able to operate 24 hours and 7 days a week while providing lower costs resulting from automation.
Machine learning
- It offers personalized investment guidelines, analyzes clients’ financial goals, market trends, risk tolerance, and customer’s investment history for valuable insights.
- Identify and mitigate risks – ML can identify the risks in a client’s portfolio such as over-concentration in a particular asset.
- Automation of tasks – used for tasks such as data entry, portfolio rebalancing, and tax reporting.
Blockchain
This is distributed ledger technology utilized to keep information or transactions in an encrypted manner.
- Security – protects client’s data and assets as blockchain is a tamperproof ledger and cannot be altered.
- Ability to store wealth in cryptocurrency while utilizing smart contracts.
- Transparency – All transactions on the blockchain are visible to everyone. This will help to build trust between the clients and the wealth management firms.
- Efficiency – automation of tasks such as settlement and clearing.
Quantum computing
- Portfolio optimization – can optimize investment portfolios by considering a large number of variables.
- Fraud detection – used to detect fraudulent transactions by analyzing large amounts of data.
Though the wealthtech industry is still in its early stages of development, it has a transformative impact on the wealth management sector. It was valued at $4.8 Billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $18.6 billion by 2031. Technically, the industry is advancing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.8% from 2022 to 2031.
The proliferation of innovative tech in wealth management has prompted changes in customer preferences and demands, advanced data capabilities, operating models, and control over investment portfolios.
The digital evolution of wealth management
|
Traditional wealth management |
Wealthtech |
|
Human advisors talk and give recommendations at scheduled times. |
Automated algorithms are ready to give personalized recommendations 24/7. |
|
Paper-based processes that require storing on shelves etc. |
Implementation of cloud-based platforms and automated data analysis. |
|
Higher fees charged |
Lower fees |
|
More exclusive and typically for selected clients |
Accessible anytime to a wider range of investors. |
|
General advice in order to handle a large number of clients. |
Algorithms tailored to individuals' needs and goals. |
Investors and even small businesses can now easily gain access to stock market information and investment opportunities. Prior to wealthtech, most of the stock market information was only made available to certified brokers and large investors.
Wealthtech even has micro-investment apps that allow businesses to invest small amounts on a regular basis. Though it comes with a monthly subscription fee, the commission is usually removed. This feature makes it possible for new investors and smaller-scale businesses to invest and save over time without shelling out massive amounts of money.
With Wealthtech, organizations of all sizes have wealth management tools and information at their fingertips anytime, anywhere.
The risks that come with wealthtech
Indeed, wealthtech delivers technology and digital solutions that enable support, and scale wealth management organizations globally. However, there are also risks that need to be paid attention to. There is potential for technical glitches and errors in the operating systems causing disruptions to investment accounts and transactions. Therefore, companies need to invest in managing systems and training employees to handle these issues.
Aside from this, wealthtech firms gather and analyze massive amounts of sensitive customer data. Therefore, it is critical that data is safeguarded against cyber threats and other security risks. Of late, cyber security, spyware, and software vulnerabilities have become growing issues for organizations, with 8000 cyberattacks per year. Securing data with individual security measures like a secured VPN, turning on multiple-factor authentication, and requiring password updates after some time can ensure safe systems for all valuable members.
To use wealthtech, one needs to be well-versed with current technology trends. People often face an overwhelming amount of information and almost too many options for managing their wealth as technology can be complex to implement and manage. Simple to use or clear instructions on how to use the technology is useful for the customers.
The technology environment is continuously evolving so is the regulatory environment. Wealth tech firms need to keep up with the latest regulations in order to operate efficiently in any jurisdiction across the globe.
Conclusion
There is always the need to stay ahead of the curve by leveraging the power of technology. The move toward digitalized functionality reshapes operations, decision-making, and client journeys. Wealthtech is an integral part of the evolving future of wealth management. Due to its innovative nature, wealth management is becoming more accessible, inexpensive, and transparent as a result of the use of digital platforms and tools.
Eager to learn more about how wealthtech is transforming the wealth management industry? Read more about the latest enterprise technology, innovation, and sustainable industry practices at CXO Connect ME.
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Reference Links
https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmg/sg/pdf/2022/09/wealthtech-looking-ahead-report.pdf
https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/wealthtech-solutions-market-A31614
https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/the-wealthtech-book/9781119362159/
https://www.independent.co.uk/advisor/vpn/live-data-breaches-and-stats
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