Wealth/Stack Wrap

A few thoughts on the inaugural Wealth/Stack from the perspective of an #ETF nerd.

Dubbed by some a #FinTwit conference, the power of social media - and content creation more broadly - was on full display.  I don’t have a crystal ball, but if I had to guess… we’re still super early stages in the importance of this theme. Bravo to all who are skating to where the puck is going, not where it has been (double-bravo to my hockey fans out there who know where this came from).

Sunday’s panel, hosted by Douglas Boneparth and featuring Justin Castelli, Nina O'neal, Tyrone Ross Jr., and Dasarte Yarnway helped kick-off the conference with this theme in mind. (Justin - this recap is me not letting perfect be the enemy of good!)

I lost track of the number of times I either said or heard “it’s so great to finally meet you IRL”, or some variation thereof.  Social media is important, but it’s only a part of relationship building. Thanks W/S for getting everyone in the same place!

On a related note - I spend a lot of time thinking about the compliance implications of using social media to discuss financial products/services. Engaging 99% of people on this topic is challenging, to say the least. 

W/S was a good reminder that (a) I’m not the only one thinking about it and (b) that a better solution is needed. If this is something you think about - whether specific to ETFs, other products, or the advisory business… I (can’t believe I’m saying this) love talking about it and would love to hear your thoughts.

Speaking of challenges, deciding which #ETF is a fit for their clients is but a fraction of the challenges that advisors face.  #ETFs may be what I spend my time thinking about, but that doesn’t mean it’s top priority to everyone else. While not central to my business, it’s helpful to understand the other challenges (and possible solutions) that people are looking at.  Things change, and it’s better to be in the know than not.

On #ETFs - thank you to everyone who made time to chat about Roundhill. If you are reading this, you know where to find me with any questions! 

Also on #ETFs, loved the #ETF pundit panel, nice job host Tom Lydon and panelists Eric Balchunas, Matt Hougan, Ben Johnson, Elisabeth Kashner, Dave Nadig, and Todd Rosenbluth!

At Roundhill, we use the term “the next generation” often, while acknowledging that it’s not a “demographic” that can be easily defined.  W/S was a good reminder that this “next generation” is not just the end asset owners, but the advisors, too. A realization like this is important, and can impact our messaging. 

Speaking of “next-gen”, #crypto is a thing. Much like Tyrone Ross Jr., I’ve followed the space closely out of personal interest for some time.  I don’t have a ton of W/S-like conferences under my belt, but it was pretty clear at this one that institutional investors are taking note.

“W/S-like conferences” - are there any? Felt like a disruptive event in the conference circuit, but figured I’d ask.  Open to suggestions!

Big thanks to W/S organizers, InsideETFs, Matt Middleton and the team at Ritholtz for putting this together. If you are reading this, thanks for making it this far, and nice to meet / see you!