At IFGS 2025, the panel discussion titled ‘The Great Wealth Transfer: Wealthtech’s Time to Shine’ examined the evolving landscape of wealth management, emphasizing the importance of digitalization, personalization, and innovative partnerships for advancing wealthtech.
Speakers included Marine Augé, Vice President at FISV; Shri Krishnansen, CCO of WealthOS; Lesley Li, CEO of U Impact; and Carolina Minio-Paluello, Founder and CEO of Vitruvya, with moderation by Adam French, Partner at Antler. They explored recent solutions in wealth management.
French emphasized the value of simplicity while acknowledging that personalization is vital. Augé suggested finding a balance to prevent overwhelming users with options while maintaining a tailored approach.
Krishnansen noted that wealth management is lagging in digital transformation compared to other sectors in fintech. He stated, “We are the last part of financial services to really undergo digital transformation. Banking, payments, and regtech have all progressed ahead of us. We need to integrate new technologies across the value chain.”
He identified legacy technology and a lack of understanding as major barriers but suggested that new tech could act as connective tissue between existing systems. He called for a broader integration of AI beyond isolated use cases, promoting a complete value chain approach.
Krishnansen also highlighted the role of embedded finance in delivering services when customers need them most. He pointed to the rise of superapps in Southeast Asia and the potential of distributing products through non-traditional platforms.
Minio-Paluello argued that blockchain, rather than crypto, is essential for digital transformation, likening blockchain to the infrastructure that supports innovation. She noted that blockchain can enhance transparency and align with the values of the next generation.
When asked about potential leaders in the wealthtech space, Auge asserted that those who collaborate with top technology providers will thrive.
Li emphasized that “human centricity is not just a buzzword,” stressing that new technology should enhance the human experience. She pointed out that seamless technology like AI should be viewed as a means to achieve broader business goals.
In closing, Krishnansen advised firms to identify what sets them apart for customers and invest in those differentiators, while Minio-Paluello cautioned that challengers in the market should not be underestimated, urging wealth managers to consider the influence of neobanks.