Investment platforms are playing an increasingly supportive role in the financial advice industry. They can give advisers an edge when it comes to planning, analysis, and keeping clients invested through the cycle and aligned to their long-term goals. This panel of experts will explore how technology is helping advice firms grow.

Key themes

  1. Consumer transparency and value chain: There’s a clear emphasis on the need for enhanced consumer disclosures. It’s not just about stating costs but substantiating them across the value chain. This theme reflects a broader shift in the UK market towards greater transparency and accountability.
  2. Allocation of spending: Platforms are grappling with the challenge of determining how much of their spending benefits the end client compared to the financial advice business. The discussion recognises the global nature of this challenge, especially in comparison to the scale advantage of providers in the US.
  3. Technology development strategy: The ongoing debate on whether to outsource or insource technology development is prevalent. The consensus is that aspects touching the adviser and client should be owned (insourced), while back-end processes can be outsourced for efficiency. The focus is on finding the right balance and leveraging external expertise where necessary.

These takeaways collectively highlight the evolving landscape of financial services, emphasising transparency, strategic spending, and a thoughtful approach to technology development.

Panelists

Daniel van Andel

Head of Adviser Proposition, Allan Gray
Daniel van Andel joined Allan Gray in 2009. He has previously held positions in operations, IT and Product Development, and is currently responsible for Allan Gray’s proposition to advice businesses. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Economics, as well as a Master of Business Administration from Warwick Business School, and has passed the three levels of the CFA® examinations.

Daryll Welsh

Head of Product, Ninety One Investment Platform
Daryll is head of product for Ninety One’s platform business – Ninety One Investment Platform and is responsible for the overall platform proposition. Daryll joined the firm in September 1999 as a multi-manager research analyst and later went on to become portfolio manager on Ninety One’s multi-manager portfolios. Prior to joining the platform on a full time basis in 2010, he was a member of the global product development team at Ninety One. Daryll graduated from the University of the Free State with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree in Money and Banking and in 2018 completed the PLD at Harvard Business School.

Elton James

Head of Corporate Business, Glacier
In his portfolio as head of Corporate Business, Elton is responsible for overseeing all corporate accounts, asset manager relationships and the Glacier Retirement Fund Solution. In 2004, Elton began his career in financial services at Metropolitan Odyssey after returning from a four-year stint in the UK. He joined Sanlam in 2005, before moving to Glacier’s Investment Distribution Channel in April 2006, as an investment account manager. In 2010, Elton relocated to Johannesburg to head up the Glacier Investment Channel.

Moderator

Caroline Naylor-Renn

Chief Operating Officer, 10X Investments
Combining a geography degree with a passion for innovative technology, Caroline Naylor-Renn found herself exploring uncharted territory when she entered the financial services industry in London. In the more than 20 years since, Caroline has worked in 10 countries around the globe, building and running digital investment platforms. Prior to joining 10X, Caroline led global teams in several leading financial institutions, including INN8, HSBC Bank, Skandia and Old Mutual, working on both customer and adviser-led propositions. In 2019, Caroline was named as one of the International Adviser Top 100 most influential people in the global wealth management industry.

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