The Wire Fraud Epidemic and How to Protect Your Firm

The Wire Fraud Epidemic and How to Protect Your Firm

Wire fraud is no longer an obvious, easy-to-spot scam. The reality today is much more sophisticated.  In this episode of the Advisor Turntable Podcast, Brendan Ryan talks with Michael Brice, founder of BW Cyber, about the growing epidemic of wire fraud targeting financial firms, advisors, and even individual investors. In addition to working with advisors and asset managers through BW Cyber, Michael works with the FBI and other government agencies on cybersecurity investigations and has seen it all. He shares real-world examples ranging from compromised email threads to AI-generated voice cloning and deepfake video calls being used to manipulate wiring instructions.  One of the more reassuring takeaways from the conversation: most wire fraud is not really a technology problem — it’s a human one. And in many cases, relatively simple verification procedures and operational controls can dramatically reduce risk. As AI continues making digital communication harder to trust, this is becoming an increasingly important operational issue for advisors and firms to understand. The cost of improving these processes is often insignificant compared to the financial and reputational damage one successful scam can cause. Learn more about BW Cyber: https://www.bwcyberservices.com/about-us/

Breaking the AUM Mold: Separating Planning From Investment

The traditional AUM model isn’t going away—but it may not be enough anymore. In this episode, Brendan sits down with financial advisor and former colleague, Adam Wojtkowski of Copper Beach Wealth Management, to discuss his decision to separate financial planning from investment management into two distinct offerings—and why that shift may better align with how different generations value advice. They cover  * the growing role of standalone planning,  * why younger clients aren’t wired for the traditional model,  * whether the 1% fee is truly future-proof,  * how AI is starting to shape the investment process, and  * why paid lead generation can still drive growth. If you’re thinking about how to evolve your business model—or questioning whether the “default” approach still makes sense—this episode offers a practical perspective. Copper Beach Wealth [https://www.copperbeechwealth.com/about] The views and opinions expressed throughout this presentation are those of the presenter as of date the podcast is episode is published. The opinions or outlooks may change over time with changing market conditions or other relevant variables.

Leaving on Your Terms: Planning Your Exit

Your advisory practice may be the most valuable asset you ever own. So why do so many advisors wait so long to plan how they’ll exit?  In this episode, Brendan Ryan talks with Ryan Alessio, National Consultant at AssetMark, who has worked with hundreds of advisors on succession planning. He shares what he’s learned about when to start, how to increase the value of your practice, and why finding the right successor is often the hardest part.  They cover:  * When to start planning your exit • How to optimize your practice for a transition * The role of recurring revenue and client segmentation • How to find (and trust) the right successor * Why many advisors delay succession planning  If you want to leave on your terms — both financially and personally — its never to early to start having these conversations.

Easy Ways Advisors Can Start Using AI Today

In this episode of the Advisor Turntable Podcast, Brendan Ryan sits down with financial advisor and long-time friend, Gerald Gugger, to discuss why AI isn’t replacing financial advisors, but is quickly becoming a competitive advantage for those who choose to use it. They walk through how Gerald is already incorporating AI into his day-to-day practice — from simple prompts you can go use right now to an advisor-focused AI assistant integrated directly into his client workflow. The conversation focuses on practical adoption, time savings, and how AI can enhance the human side of advice rather than replace it. He’s not selling anything — just sharing what he’s learned for advisors who want an easy place to start and don’t want to fall behind their competitors. Disclosures:  The Decathlon strategies utilize artificial intelligence (AI) in the decision-making process, introducing inherent risks. The AI’s lack of predictability, reliance on historical data, and sensitivity to market volatility may impact investment outcomes. Technology-related risks and the dynamic nature of market conditions further contribute to potential uncertainties. Ongoing monitoring and adjustments to the AI model are essential. Investors should recognize the limitations of AI, seek professional advice, and carefully assess their risk tolerance and financial situation before making investment decisions.  The information presented in this report is based on data obtained from third party sources. Although it is believed to be accurate, no representation or warranty is made as to its accuracy or completeness. The charts and infographics contained in this blog are typically based on data obtained from third parties and are believed to be accurate. The commentary included is the opinion of the author and subject to change at any time. There is no guarantee that the investment objectives will be achieved. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Certain information contained herein constitutes “forward-looking statements,” which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue,” or “believe,” or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual events, results or actual performance may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Nothing contained herein may be relied upon as a guarantee, promise, assurance or a representation as to the future. This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not in any sense constitute a solicitation or offer for the purchase or sale of a specific security or other investment options, nor does it constitute investment advice for any person.

Using a Subscription Model as a Gateway to More (and Next Generation) Clients

In this episode, host Brendan Ryan, AIM Partner and Portfolio Manager, talks with Daniel Friedman of WMGNA about how a subscription model experiment they started more than 30 years ago ended up shaping their entire business. By using taxes as the starting point, they’ve been able to build trust early, attract younger clients, and form real relationships with the children and grandchildren of existing clients. Something that feels increasingly important as the Great Wealth Transfer approaches. We live in a subscription-based world, and for many clients this model can feel more intuitive and easier to plan around a monthly budget than traditional advisory fee structures. More importantly, it can be a practical way to start building trust with clients’ families before assets move. All of this is discussed in this episode. If you’re thinking about how to stay relevant and capture the attention of the next generation, this episode may resonate. WMGNA works with other financial advisors to provide this subscription service. To learn more from WMGNA, visit: https://www.wmgna.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/wmgna/ This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not in any sense constitute a solicitation or offer for the purchase or sale of securities nor does it constitute investment advice for any person or a recommendation to take any action. Investment themes and individual securities mentioned may or may not be held in any or all client accounts. The material may contain forward or backward-looking statements regarding intent, beliefs regarding current or past expectations. The views expressed are subject to change based on market and other conditions. The information presented in this report is based on data obtained from third party sources. Although it is believed to be accurate, no representation or warranty is made as to its accuracy or completeness. The views and opinions expressed throughout this presentation are those of the presenter as of date the podcast is episode is published. The opinions or outlooks may change over time with changing market conditions or other relevant variables. Some of our podcast guests may be clients. There was no compensation exchanged for their participation.