1. Market Volatility Is When Clients Switch—Here’s How to Stop It
When markets get choppy, financial advisors often shift into “defense” mode, focusing primarily on calming anxious clients and protecting existing relationships. And rightly so. While it’s crucial to provide reassurance during volatile times, focusing exclusively on damage control can cause advisors to overlook opportunities for growth through referrals and new client acquisition. — Bill Cates
2. Bitcoin’s Evolution: From Risk Asset to Portfolio Tool With Matt Hougan
Doug Heikkinen talks with Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise Asset Management, about Bitcoin’s rapid evolution into a more stable, institutionally accepted asset. Matt explains how improved custody, regulation, and ETF access have significantly de-risked Bitcoin over the last five years, making it a viable portfolio enhancer—especially at small allocations of 1–5%. — Power Your Advice
3. Making Sense of “Expect the Unexpected”
There is no precise count of the number of Wall Street strategists who make projections about where the stock market will go in the near term. It seems every day you hear a new name of a conflicting view. Investors who work with a financial advisor look to their advisor for advice. John Naisbett famously said “We are drowning in information but starved for knowledge.” It is fair to say no one can accurately predict the future on a consistent basis. (1) Investors who work with a financial advisor look to their advisor for advice. How might you advise them? — Bryce Sanders
4. Why Citi Thinks Stablecoins Will Skyrocket in 2025
So, what does the digital dollar mean? Citi’s view is that “2025 has the potential to be blockchain’s ‘ChatGPT moment’ for adoption in the financial and public sectors. A supportive US regulatory stance on blockchain is expected to be the driver of what could be a game changing year. This could lead to greater adoption of blockchain-based money and spur other use cases, financial and beyond, in the US private and public sector. Another potential catalyst is an ongoing focus on transparency and accountability in public spending.” — Chris Skinner
5. When Markets Shake, Advisors Steady the Ship
Market headlines may change daily, but the role of a financial advisor remains remarkably consistent: to be the calm in the storm, the strategist with a plan and—most importantly—the voice of reason when clients need it most. — WisdomTree
6. Before the Calm: Why This Market Storm Could Change Everything
Risk management is critical to wealth preservation, especially in today’s turbulent market storm. However, during such volatile times, we must also not consider what tomorrow may have in store. Are you prepared to adjust your portfolio in the coming months for the possibility that calm, tranquil markets and a resumption of the bullish trend emerge? — Michael Lebowitz
7. Your Clients Aren’t Focused on Returns—They’re Focused on You
Do you really think clients hire you for your model portfolios and fund selection? Because according to 2,568 online reviews from actual clients, they don’t. In a brilliant deep-dive study from Brian Thorp and the team at Wealthtender, we finally have the data to prove what many of us have long suspected: financial planning is personal, emotional, and deeply human. Investment returns may get headlines, but it’s trust, communication, and genuine care that steal the spotlight in client reviews. — Niki Clark
8. How to Translate Global Economic Shifts Into Stories That Move Investors
Did you know that by 2050, 70% of the global population will live in urban areas? What does this mean for your clients? Successful advisors go beyond reacting to short-term events such as market volatility and its impact on client portfolios. Instead, they proactively address long-term economic trends that shape their financial futures. As a financial advisor, you are tasked with helping clients navigate complex and ever-changing economic landscapes. While data and charts are helpful tools, they can sometimes overwhelm or confuse your clients rather than provide clarity. As we have emphasized in past posts, the key to effective communication lies in storytelling, turning global economic trends into compelling narratives to engage, educate, and inspire action. — Don Connelly
9. Crypto Main Street Case Gets a Lift With E*Trade News
Whatever the colloquialism – main street or mainstream – cryptocurrency is garnering more of it and that much was on display Thursday following another big announcement from another traditional brokerage firm. Morgan Stanley reportedly will roll out cryptocurrency trading services next year on its popular E*Trade platform. The bank hasn’t confirmed the rumor and it was initially reported by Bloomberg, citing unidentified sources with knowledge of the matter. — Todd Shriber
10. The Defense Disruption Americans Don’t See Yet
America is done playing world policeman. I often joke I’m de facto American. But as someone who (currently) lives in Europe and chats with many European investors, the Trump-Zelensky car crash meeting at the end of February was a watershed moment. Trump and JD Vance made it crystal clear: “Guys, you have a mess. And we don’t want to deal with your mess.” The demolition of a 75-year security arrangement was livestreamed around the world. It doesn’t matter whether you think this stance is right (for what it’s worth, I agree that America shouldn’t bankroll European security). What matters is the market’s reaction. Within days, Germany announced a €1 trillion stimulus plan, including €500 billion for defense. This is a bigger cash bazooka than the post-WWII Marshall Plan and German reunification in the early 1990s. The UK, Italy, and France are all ramping up defense spending. Japan is doubling its military budget for the first time since WWII. Europe is even building its own version of Starlink. This = trillions of dollars flowing into defense companies’ coffers. — Stephen McBride
11. How to Say 'There’s a Fee for That'—Without Sounding Pushy or Awkward
In this episode, we're tackling a challenge many financial advisors face: how to politely and confidently communicate that there’s a fee for your time, expertise, and services outside your core offerings. You’ll learn simple, professional phrases you can start using right away to set boundaries—without sounding cold or salesy. We’ll reframe the mindset around charging for “quick” advice and explore how to confidently show the value behind your experience. This episode is your reminder that quick doesn’t mean cheap, and your efficiency is a gift—one worth charging for. — Libby Greiwe