GeoWealth has expanded its platform offerings through a new partnership with Halo Investing, allowing advisors to build and manage customizable structured note portfolios within a unified managed account (UMA). 

This collaboration gives advisors the ability to view, report, and bill at the individual sleeve level using GeoWealth’s proprietary sub-accounting system. Halo’s fintech platform, launched in 2015, has facilitated $12.5 billion in issuance, offering not just structured notes but market-linked CDs, buffered ETFs, and annuities, with robust tools for analysis, execution, and portfolio management. 

The partnership arrives on the heels of GeoWealth’s acquisition of First Ascent Asset Management, boosting its platform assets to $21 billion and reinforcing its tech-forward approach with half its workforce dedicated to product and engineering. As structured notes become more integrated into advisor strategies, this move positions GeoWealth to offer more diversification and income-generating opportunities for clients. 

Finsum: This timely expansion the growing demand for alternative fixed-income solutions amid shifting market conditions.

Asia’s hedge fund market is evolving, with diversification beyond long/short equity into multi-strategy and quantitative approaches, particularly in Japan. The adoption of separately managed accounts (SMAs) is rising, offering investors greater customization, risk control, and transparency. 

Allocators are increasingly partnering with emerging managers early, securing better terms and gaining specialized market insights. Transparency and authenticity are becoming crucial, as investors seek managers who openly share their strategies, risks, and past performance. 

Japan remains a key focus, while sectors like artificial intelligence and semiconductors present new investment opportunities. 

Finsum: Despite these trends, raising capital remains challenging for emerging managers, who must establish strong infrastructure and a compelling value proposition to attract investors.

Many financial advisors endure frustrations with their broker-dealers to avoid the challenges of switching firms, even when better opportunities exist. 

1. Declining service quality is a common issue, as both small and large broker-dealers struggle with staffing shortages and operational inefficiencies. 
2. High costs, including elevated advisory fees, platform charges, and insurance expenses, further add to the burden, often without delivering corresponding value. 
3. Financially struggling broker-dealers also fail to invest in technology, staffing, or advisor support, limiting growth potential. 

Advisors tied to outdated systems and inadequate resources risk falling behind competitors who embrace innovation. 

Finsum: Ultimately, remaining with an underperforming broker-dealer can stifle an advisor’s long-term success.

Financial advisors excel at general financial planning, but tax strategies, estate management, and insurance analysis often require specialized expertise. Many advisors lack the credentials to handle these areas comprehensively, creating gaps in client services. 

FP Alpha, an AI-driven platform, aims to bridge this divide by automating tax, estate, and insurance planning. Founded by Andrew Altfest and Luis Quiroz, the software analyzes client documents and generates actionable recommendations. 

To test its capabilities, a financial profile of a married couple was uploaded, revealing valuable insights on tax optimization, estate adjustments, and insurance coverage. With seamless integration into existing financial tools and cost-effective pricing, FP Alpha proves to be a game-changer for advisors.

Finsum: Financial advisors have many options to integrate AI into their practice and this is a great example to increase productivity. 

Donald Trump’s stance on renewable energy has created uncertainty, but investors are still finding opportunities in the sector. Federal permitting delays and funding pauses have caused disruptions, though legal challenges may curb their effects. 

Meanwhile, energy firms such as TotalEnergies see long-term potential in the U.S. market and continue to invest in clean power. Enphase Energy has defied expectations with solid earnings and an expanded domestic manufacturing footprint. 

While offshore wind faces setbacks, onshore projects are set to grow significantly this year. Companies like First Solar and Vestas Wind Systems, despite recent stock declines, could benefit from the ongoing transition to renewables.

Finsum: Renewables aren’t dead, but there is certainly going to be more attention on which firms can withstand the tightening that could come with the new administration.