Independent financial advisors see business growth as their top challenge for 2024, but according to a survey by Interactive Brokers, robust technology and multiple custodial relationships will drive this growth. The survey revealed that 79% of advisors believe automation can free up time for client relationships, while 60% think it helps new team members get up to speed faster.

Additionally, 58% said automation reduces overhead costs. Advisors are increasingly seeking more automation in client account management and onboarding processes. The multi-custodial model is gaining traction, with 64% of advisors using at least two custodians. 

The survey also noted a growing focus on high-interest rate accounts for cash balances. To spur firm growth, advisors are prioritizing marketing, client referrals, and industry networking, with some planning to recruit and train young talent as part of their long-term succession strategies.

Finsum: We see advisors leaning on this combination of technology and personal relationships benefiting the most.

WisdomTree has partnered with Trading 212 to introduce six ETF model portfolios, allowing UK and European retail investors to access pre-built core and thematic portfolios through the Trading 212 app. 

The three core portfolios—Conservative, Moderate, and Aggressive—offer diversified exposure to equities, bonds, and commodities. Additionally, investors can choose from Multi-Thematic, Tech, and Environmental thematic portfolios. 

This collaboration aims to simplify portfolio building for retail investors by leveraging WisdomTree's institutional expertise to help meet long-term investment goals. Trading 212 manages £4bn in client assets with 3 million funded accounts.

Finsum: Thematic models might be a way to get into technology as it’s poised to rally with interest rates settled or about to be cut. 

According to a Ficomm Partners survey, today's retirees are the last generation to rely heavily on referrals for choosing financial advisors. Over the next five to ten years, digital marketing will become increasingly crucial for attracting clients.

While 60% of those over 60 prefer referrals, only 17% of those under 44 feel the same. Instead, 57% of younger investors hired advisors based on digital marketing, compared to 20% of older respondents. 

This shift indicates that advisors must adopt a multi-tactic digital marketing strategy to stay competitive, as younger clients prefer researching and making purchases digitally. Additionally, the survey found that no single digital channel was superior; a mix of channels was necessary for effective marketing.

Finsum: Social media literacy is a must to staying in touch with this new generation of investors. 

Goldman Sachs exceeded profit and revenue estimates with $8.62 earnings per share and $12.73 billion in revenue, driven by strong fixed income results and reduced loan loss provisions. The bank’s Q2 profit surged 150% to $3.04 billion compared to the previous year. 

Fixed income revenue rose 17% to $3.18 billion, while provisions for credit losses fell significantly. The asset and wealth management division saw a 27% revenue increase, and platform solutions revenue rose 2%.

However, investment banking fees were slightly below expectations, unlike rivals JPMorgan and Citigroup. Shares of Goldman Sachs increased by more than 1% in midday trading.

Finsum: This is evidence of the good climate for fixed income markets during extreme economic stress. 

Young, wealthy investors (ages 21-43) are gravitating towards alternative assets like hedge funds, private equity, and crypto, with nearly one-third of their portfolios in these categories. 

They allocate less than half of their portfolios to traditional stocks and bonds, contrasting with older investors who prefer these conventional investments. This younger generation's investment preferences are shaped by greater access to diverse asset classes and experiences like the financial crisis.

 They also hold higher cash allocations for liquidity, despite the potential risks of underinvesting. Diversifying into alternatives comes with unique costs and risks, including higher management fees and illiquidity.

Finsum: The introduction of crypto and many web 3.0 products have really spurned the growth of alts for younger investors.