Episodios

  • When Success Isn’t Enough: Merrill Breakaways Make the Case for Independence

    When Success Isn’t Enough: Merrill Breakaways Make the Case for Independence
    Mar 19 2026
    With Todd Stankiewicz, President & CIO, and Joe Castiglie, COO & CIO – SYKON Capital Overview Todd Stankiewicz and Joe Castiglie of SYKON Capital join Jason Diamond to discuss redefining success after Merrill, launching their own RIA, and how independence allowed them to combine institutional-caliber investing with behavioral insights to deliver peace of mind to clients. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. Watch… https://youtu.be/EoWNsiS_-AA About this episode… For many advisors, success at a wirehouse is relatively easy to measure by assets, production, and growth. But what happens when those metrics don’t reflect what should come by way of success—that is, a sense of feeling fulfilled? This episode dives into the moment when two successful Merrill advisors realized that growth alone wasn’t the true measure of their success: it was delivering on their vision of providing real peace of mind to their clients. And that required a broader toolkit than the traditional model allowed. So, Todd Stankiewicz and Joe Castiglie decided to launch their own RIA, SYKON Capital, and build a firm grounded in full control from investment philosophy to client experience to culture. With Jason Diamond, Todd and Joe unpack their story, including: The turning point in their conversations—and when it shifted from “We’re building something successful here,” to “We might want to build something of our own.”Their definition of success—and how it evolved over time.Their introduction to the independent community—and why it changed their perspective.Their unique combination of institutional-caliber investment management and behavioral insight—and why they felt they could only achieve it in an independent model.The operational and leadership perspective—and what they found to be the biggest and most surprising challenges in launching an independent firm. For advisors who are successful where they are — but quietly wondering if there’s more on the other side — this conversation will challenge how you define control, growth, and impact. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Diamond Consultants Merrill Advisor Transition Report 2025 This annual “firm-focused report” takes a closer look at advisor movement to and from Merrill during the first half of 2025. Intentional Growth: How Top Advisors Build Businesses That Last Markets can be a tailwind, but building a durable business requires intention and a plan. Here are 5 core practices from the industry’s elite. Why So Many Successful Advisors Feel Stuck They’ve built thriving businesses. Strong production. Loyal clients. Growing teams. So why do so many successful advisors quietly wonder, “Why doesn’t this feel as good as I expected?” This episode tackles the psychology of success and what comes after it. Todd Stankiewicz President, CIO As President and Chief Investment Officer of SYKON Capital, I lead a firm built around one simple idea: it’s not just about the money, it’s about what your money enables you to do. We combine values-based financial planning with institutional-grade investment management, all grounded in behavioral insights. That means fewer cookie-cutter strategies and more tailored, actionable guidance that meets you where you are, and helps you get where you want to go. Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, looking to scale your wealth, or simply want more clarity and control, we’re here to simplify the complex and deliver advice that actually feels personal. Because at SYKON, we don’t just manage portfolios. We help people live better, more intentional lives. Joseph P. Castiglie III CFA As Chief Operating Officer and Chief Investment Officer of SYKON Capital, I am responsible for leading the firm’s investment strategy and overseeing day-to-day operational excellence — all with a singular focus: helping clients achieve meaningful, lasting financial outcomes. At SYKON, we work to ensure every element of the client experience is intentional, streamlined, and aligned with each individual’s goals and stage of life. From portfolio design to strategic planning and firm-wide processes, my approach reflects SYKON’s mission to meet clients where they are and guide them with clarity and care. By combining disciplined investment oversight with practical, real-world insight, I help deliver personalized financial strategies that support confident decision-making and long-term success.
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    49 m
  • Edward Jones to Independence: A $1.7B Post-Litigation Comeback Story

    Edward Jones to Independence: A $1.7B Post-Litigation Comeback Story
    Mar 12 2026
    With Dylan Ripley & Todd Vincent – Managing Partners and Financial Planners, Cedarwood Financial Partners Overview Todd Vincent and Dylan Ripley join Mindy Diamond to share the reality of leaving Edward Jones, defending a two-year lawsuit, and still nearly doubling their business. A candid look at resilience, and what really happens when the firm pushes back. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. Watch… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHOmBV4js_E About this episode… For many advisors considering change, the concern about legal retaliation from their firm often lingers in the background. But what if you move and that fear comes to fruition? What will it do to your business? And what if – instead of derailing you – it ultimately becomes a catalyst for growth? Every transition comes with some risk and uncertainty—even when you dot every “i” and cross every “t.” And a non-Protocol move adds an extra layer of complexity. This episode’s guests, Todd Vincent and Dylan Ripley, learned all that firsthand. Todd spent nearly 30 years at Edward Jones, and Dylan built his career there over more than a decade, eventually partnering with Todd in a multi-office practice overseeing close to $1B in assets. Over time, they realized they could do more for their clients – and grow the business faster – if they stepped outside the traditional firm model. In exploration, they liked the idea of having a support partner rather than building their own RIA and ultimately opted for Commonwealth Financial Network to launch Cedarwood Financial Partners. The transition itself went smoothly—that is, until they found themselves navigating a lawsuit from Edward Jones that lasted nearly two years. In one of our most candid episodes yet, Todd and Dylan walk through that experience with Mindy Diamond, sharing: The choice to leave Edward Jones—and what specifically motivated them to consider change.The initial transition—and when they learned they had “poked the bear.”The reality of defending a lawsuit—and how they worked through it.The value of messaging—and how partnering with a marketing firm was a gamechanger.Nearly doubling their assets under management, despite the lawsuit—and what key traits drove their success. It’s an episode that answers the question on every advisor’s mind, “What happens if the firm sues me?” and does so with candor and grace. Listen in to learn how resilience drives what comes next: how advisors can steady themselves, rebuild momentum, and grow on the other side of a challenge. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Top Tips for Setting Your Business Up for Success Years Before a MoveWhether you’re just exploring what’s out there or actively conducting due diligence, these insights will help you position your business and team for success, whenever the time is right. How to Avoid the Dreaded TRO: Legal Strategies for Advisors in TransitionAs TROs and lawsuits make headlines, two top attorneys who represented Merrill breakaways OpenArc, share how advisors can minimize risk, protect client relationships, and make a clean move with confidence. Dylan RipleyCEO / Financial Planner After serving his clients at Edward Jones for almost ten years, Dylan Ripley co-founded Cedarwood Financial Partners in 2022 following a tabletop discussion on how he and his partner could better serve their clients, scratching out their vision on a napkin. From that initial napkin chat, he began diligently working to make this vision a reality through extensive research and sweat equity. Dylan holds a Bachelor of Business Management from the Carlos Alvarez School of Business at The University of Texas–San Antonio. After joining Edward Jones, he earned the Accredited Asset Management Specialist certification through the College of Financial Planning. He has a passion to serve others and does so through his service to clients and his community involvement. He is a current member of the Rotary Club of Temple, serving on the board for two years. He’s also a small group leader at his church and active in local Chamber of Commerce events. Most recently he was asked to serve on the advisory board for the Salvation Army of Bell County. Dylan and his wife, Cayleigh, have three children. When he’s not serving his clients or community, he can be found experiencing the world with his family, chasing kiddos around a ball field, golfing, or attending any live concert he can. Todd VincentChairman / Financial Planner Todd Vincent co-founded Cedarwood Financial Partners after serving his clients at Edward Jones ...
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    55 m
  • Private Equity, Scale, and Strategy: Inside Kestra with Its CEO, President, and Private Equity Partner

    Private Equity, Scale, and Strategy: Inside Kestra with Its CEO, President, and Private Equity Partner
    Mar 5 2026
    With James Poer, CEO Kestra Holdings, John Amore, President Kestra Financial and Fayez Muhtadie, Co-Head of Private Equity at Stone Point Capital Overview Louis Diamond sits down with James Poer (Kestra Holdings), John Amore (Kestra Financial), and Fayez Muhtadie (Stone Point Capital), who share unique vantage points of how scale, private equity, and alignment shape enterprise value in today’s wealth management landscape. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. Watch… https://youtu.be/jqE5vfTRewc About this episode… As advisory practices grow larger and more sophisticated, the definition of success is shifting. For many advisors, it’s no longer just about income or payout. It’s about ownership, alignment, and building something that carries real enterprise value. That shift raises important questions, such as: What does scale actually enable?How should advisors think about capital?And what does alignment really look like between firm leadership, capital providers, and the advisors they serve? To explore that, we invited three guests who see this from unique vantage points. James Poer, who leads Kestra Holdings, John Amore, who oversees the strategy and execution behind Kestra Financial’s growth, and Fayez Muhtadie, who represents Stone Point Capital, Kestra’s private equity partner. Kestra today operates one of the larger independent wealth management ecosystems in the country, supporting roughly 1,450 advisors and overseeing more than $160B in assets across its broker dealer and RIA platforms. Stone Point, for its part, is a financial services-focused private equity firm with decades of experience investing in banks, asset managers, insurers, and wealth platforms. Together, they represent a scaled, privately backed model that has become increasingly common in our industry. In this episode with Louis Diamond, they unpack what they describe as “multiple ways to win” actually means inside a platform of this size, including: The Kestra ecosystem—and how the firm has evolved from its founding to spin-off from NPF.The value of private equity ownership—and how common misconceptions impact the positive potential.The importance of cultural alignment—and how it can be preserved as firms grow.Growth and scale—and why James believes this business is not an income game, but a wealth game.Plus, the questions advisors should be asking when assessing their current firm or platform. If you’re evaluating scale, ownership, or long-term enterprise value in your business, this is a conversation worth hearing. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Is Scale a Necessary Evil in Wealth Management?Scale can provide a competitive advantage. Yet there might be scenarios in which bigger isn’t always better. Wealth Management Landscape at a GlanceThe wealth management industry offers more options than ever, making it challenging to identify and compare the various models. We created this “at a glance” continuum infographic—to help you navigate the different models and understand how their features stack up. How to Set Up Your Business to Maximize Enterprise ValueJason and Louis Diamond explore strategies for maximizing enterprise value, whether or not an advisor plans to move. Learn actionable insights, key business practices, short-term vs. long-term tactics, and real-world examples. James PoerChief Executive Officer of Kestra Holdings James Poer is Chief Executive Officer of Kestra Holdings, an ecosystem of companies empowering high-performing financial advisors to achieve lasting independence. Together, Kestra’s businesses deliver a full end-to-end suite of wealth management solutions for success driven and entrepreneurial-focused financial professionals, including investment solutions, technology services, succession and monetization, insurance and planning services, trust services, and back-office support. James most recently chaired the Financial Services Institute (FSI) Board of Directors after serving for several years on the board. He currently sits on the Board of Advisors for the Langston Wealth Management Center at The University of Texas at Austin’s McComb’s School of Business, serves as Chair of Arden Trust Company’s Board of Directors, and is a member of the Board of Kestra Holdings. A true native Texan and alum of Texas Christian University, James currently resides in Austin, Texas. John AmorePresident of Kestra Financial As the President of industry-leading wealth management company Kestra Financial, John is committed to building out capabilities that empower the success of Kestra’s ...
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    55 m
  • The Elevation of Independence: Jim Dickson on Building Real Enterprise Value

    The Elevation of Independence: Jim Dickson on Building Real Enterprise Value
    Feb 26 2026
    With Jim Dickson — Founding Partner and CEO, Elevation Point Overview Louis Diamond speaks with the founder and CEO of Elevation Point about building a next-generation independent platform focused on ownership, minority capital, data strategy, and scalable, durable advisory firms. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. Watch… https://youtu.be/D0-y8Q-DYvg About this episode… For decades, advisors operated under the assumption that there was a single path to success—a defined route dominated by the largest and most prominent firms. Over time, the landscape of options expanded, and the independent space matured. With it came a new set of challenges: how to turn the pursuit of freedom and control into something durable, scalable, and ultimately into a true enterprise. Jim Dickson has been thinking through that challenge for most of his career. After two decades at Merrill, Jim went on to found Sanctuary Wealth (a story we shared earlier in this series), where he played a central role in shaping what supportive independence could look like for growing advisory teams. Today, his own journey has entered a new chapter with Elevation Point—a next-generation independent platform focused on helping advisors take business ownership to a new level, with alignment, scalability, and long-term value at the core. In this episode, Jim and Louis Diamond talk about what led Jim to this new chapter, including: Elevation Point’s unique value proposition—and how it fills a gap in the landscape.The value of capital—and how Elevation Point adds value along the way.Increasing enterprise value—and what advisors can do to grow without sacrificing control.Ownership and alignment—and why “how much of the pie you actually own” becomes more important as firms grow.Growth and partnership—and what it really means to build a firm intentionally over time.AI, data, and technology—and how each can support better decision-making. This is a story about yet another evolution in the landscape of options available to advisors—and why the future of independence is less about exits and more about elevation. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources The Right Way to Build a TeamThree strategies to create a foundation designed to foster long-term alignment and growth—and, ultimately, a legacy. MaxCeV™: How to Maximize Your Career Enterprise ValueThis tool breaks down four key factors that contribute to career enterprise value, offering a framework for advisors to conceptualize and achieve their full potential. An Advisor’s Guide to 2026: What 2025 Set in Motion and What Comes NextAs 2026 comes into focus, advisors face a new set of strategic questions. This Industry Update explores the forces reshaping growth, deal structures, and enterprise value—and what those shifts may signal for the new year and beyond. JIM DICKSON FOUNDING PARTNER AND CEO Jim Dickson is a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, private investor, and innovator in wealth management with over four decades of experience in the financial services industry. Renowned for his advocacy for independent financial advisors, Jim is a visionary leader with experience in designing and implementing high-growth strategies for advisory firms. Jim’s deep understanding of the industry landscape positions him as a driving force behind transformative change, empowering advisors and firms to thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace. His growth mindset for RIAs and independence-seeking advisors prioritizes an “advisor-first” approach, tailored to an advisor’s values and long-term vision. Jim co-founded Elevation Point with Mark Penske in 2024 to serve as a value-aligned growth partner to independence-focused advisors and RIAs. Jim previously founded and built nationally recognized wealth management firm Sanctuary Wealth, which he launched in 2018. He was the visionary behind Sanctuary Wealth’s Partnered IndependenceSM platform, providing elite advisors with all of the tools, services, and resources needed to fully and effectively serve their clients. Under Jim’s leadership, it grew rapidly into one of the industry’s top RIA firms, with more than $25 billion in assets and 76 partner firms in 28 states by 2023, when he left the firm. Prior to Sanctuary Wealth, Jim spent 20 years as a senior divisional executive building and leading strategy for Merrill Lynch in Indianapolis and Chicago. He began his career as an accountant at Ernst & Young in Indianapolis. Jim received his bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Butler University, where he later served ...
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    48 m
  • Why So Many Successful Advisors Feel Stuck

    Why So Many Successful Advisors Feel Stuck
    Feb 19 2026
    With Louis Diamond and Mindy Diamond Overview

    They’ve built thriving businesses. Strong production. Loyal clients. Growing teams.
    So why do so many successful advisors quietly wonder, “Why doesn’t this feel as good as I expected?” This episode tackles the psychology of success and what comes after it.

    Listen in…

    > Download a transcript of this episode…

    NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation.

    Watch…

    https://youtu.be/nrmtRBlJJVs

    About this episode…

    We often speak with advisors who, by every external measure, are exceptionally well-performing. They’ve built real businesses, with strong production, loyal clients, and teams that continue to grow.

    Yet behind closed doors, many of these same advisors are quietly asking a different set of questions. Not “How do I fix what’s broken?” but “Why doesn’t this feel as good as I expected?”

    That tension is showing up more often than it did five or ten years ago. It’s not because advisors are failing. In many cases, it’s because they’ve won and now face another 15 or 20 years of “more of the same,” unsure whether comfort has replaced energy.

    This Industry Update is about that moment.

    Louis and Mindy Diamond unpack what we’re hearing from successful advisors across the industry:

    • What feels different for successful advisors vs. five or ten years ago.
    • Why success itself can become a constraint.
    • How fear of change competes with fear of standing still.
    • What the reality is regarding freedom and control.
    • Why record valuations, longer careers, and the maturity of the independent space are changing the psychology of decision-making.

    They also discuss the right questions to ask before considering a move – questions about control, enterprise value, legacy, and time horizon – and how all advisors can create clarity without forcing a decision.

    Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002.

    Related Resources

    How to Free Yourself from the “If Only” Mindset
    Here are the 5 most common self-limiting statements that advisors share—and ways to reframe your thinking.

    Limitless Growth: Building the Business You Want and the Life to Match
    Stephanie Bogan, founder of Limitless Advisor, offers a glimpse into the advice and perspective she shares with advisors and business leaders in the wealth management world, focusing on mindset and methods, and their relationship to achieving one’s best business life.
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    47 m
  • Rise and Reinvent: Joe Duran on Building and Rebuilding World-Class Firms – Best of Replay

    Rise and Reinvent: Joe Duran on Building and Rebuilding World-Class Firms – Best of Replay
    Feb 12 2026
    With Joe Duran – Managing Partner, Rise Growth Partners Overview He’s built and rebuilt some of the industry’s most successful firms and now he’s helping others do the same. In this episode, Joe Duran, the founder of Rise Growth Partners shares lessons from building, selling, and starting again, and how staying curious and adaptable fuels lasting success. Watch… Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Joe Duran’s career has always been about reaching new heights—and then helping others climb on their own. A proverbial mountain climber himself, Joe built and sold two of the most successful firms in the RIA space: Centurion Capital and United Capital. Today, Joe sees himself as a sherpa—guiding the next generation of entrepreneurs through his latest venture, Rise Growth Partners. His story is one of constant reinvention, relentless curiosity, and the humility to keep asking one simple question: “What if I’m wrong?” Joe first joined us on the show back in 2020, shortly after the sale of United Capital to Goldman Sachs. Now, with the benefit of both hindsight and foresight, Joe revisits that experience and explores the mindset behind building truly world-class firms, including: The Goldman experience—and what he learned from the sale of United Capital.The development of Rise—and how he sees it helping to shift the narrative in the industry.Learning from your clients instead of your competitors—and why that’s the real key to building a world-class firm.Finding an investor that can “really help you—and why you need to look beyond “financiers.”Adding services without adding staff—and when you shouldn’t look in-house for solutions.Challenging your assumptions—and how to stay relevant in an industry that never stops changing.And why being great doesn’t necessarily mean being the biggest. Joe also reflects on how the industry can avoid the risk of mega-RIAs repeating the mistakes of the wirehouses. It’s a candid and thought-provoking conversation about reinvention, leadership, value creation, and what it means to evolve from mountain climber to sherpa from one of the industry’s trailblazers. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Why Settle for “Good Enough” When Great is Possible? In a vastly expanded industry landscape with more high-quality options than ever before, some advisors settle for “good enough” when the potential for “great” is often within reach. What’s holding them back? Limitless Growth: Building the Business You Want and the Life to Match Stephanie Bogan, founder of Limitless Advisor, offers a glimpse into the advice and perspective she shares with advisors and business leaders in the wealth management world, focusing on mindset and methods, and their relationship to achieving one’s best business life. Wealth Management Landscape at a Glance The wealth management industry offers more options than ever, making it challenging to identify and compare the various models. We created this “at a glance” continuum infographic—to help you navigate the different models and understand how their features stack up. Joe Duran Managing Partner Joe Duran is a serial entrepreneur and an industry visionary in wealth management and wealthtech. Early in 2024, Joe and his team launched Rise Growth Partners (‘Rise’), the industry’s first harmonious financial partner. With firsthand experience in building nationally recognized registered investment advisers (RIAs), Rise’s team partners with middle-market RIAs, providing capital and strategic expertise. Previously, Joe was a Partner at Goldman Sachs, serving as Co-Head of the Workplace and Personal Wealth business. He founded and served as CEO of United Capital, one of the nation’s largest independent wealth management firms, which Goldman Sachs acquired in July 2019. Prior to that, he built and sold Centurion Capital–one of the first turnkey asset management platforms–to General Electric, where he served as President of GE Private Asset Management (now listed as NYSE: AMK). Joe is the author of three bestselling books on investing and entrepreneurship. He is a sought-after conference and podcast speaker and appears frequently on a broad spectrum of media, ranging from CNBC to Goop. Joe has MBAs from Columbia University and UC Berkeley, as well as an undergraduate degree from Saint Louis University. He is a CFA Charterholder and a member of the Young President’s Organization (YPO), the world’s largest leadership community of chief ...
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    1 h y 3 m
  • Building for Continuity: Leadership Lessons from the Battlefield to the Firm

    Building for Continuity: Leadership Lessons from the Battlefield to the Firm
    Feb 5 2026
    With Dennis Morton, Founder and Senior Wealth Advisor at Morton Brown Family Wealth Overview For Dennis Morton, succession isn’t a future problem, it’s a leadership obligation. Drawing on his experience as an Army platoon leader and co-founder of an independent firm, he shares how technical competence, accountability, and bold goals drive culture, next-gen leadership, and a business that can thrive beyond any one person. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… In wealth management, success is often measured by assets, growth, or longevity. But there’s another measure that’s harder to quantify and far more revealing: whether the business you’ve built can thrive without you at its center. For Dennis Morton, succession isn’t a future problem to solve. It’s a leadership obligation. Before co-founding Morton Brown Family Wealth with his partner Katie Brown, Dennis served as a platoon leader in the U.S. Army, including a deployment during the Iraq War. That experience shapes how he approaches leadership today: you have to be technically and tactically competent—but just as important, you have to be accountable to the people you lead. Without this combination, execution breaks down. In this conversation with Jason Diamond, Dennis discusses how that mindset directly informs how Dennis has built his firm, as well as: The road to financial advice—and how a poor experience with an advisor led him to consider joining a training program at Smith Barney.Finding the right partner—and how the ability to be “authentic” drives collaboration.The value of independence—and how it gave them the freedom to communicate openly, market authentically, and simplify complexity for clients.Setting bold, audacious goals—and how that creates clarity for leadership and teams.Cultivating next-generation leaders—and how it became central to his success strategy, not as a contingency plan.His leadership philosophy—and why he feels “you’re not a success without a successor.” This is an episode about stewardship, leadership, and building something that lasts beyond any one person—with important messages for individual advisors and business owners alike. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Advisors Late in Their Careers: Making Decisions Based on What Matters Most How clarity, legacy, and clients – not just simplicity – should guide your final career choices. Wealth Management Landscape at a Glance We created this “at a glance” continuum infographic—to help you navigate the different models and understand how their features stack up. An Advisor’s Guide to 2026: What 2025 Set in Motion and What Comes Next As 2026 comes into focus, advisors face a new set of strategic questions. This Industry Update explores the forces reshaping growth, deal structures, and enterprise value—and what those shifts may signal for the new year and beyond. Dennis Morton Co-Founder & Senior Wealth Advisor Dennis Morton is the Co-Founder of Morton Brown Family Wealth, a boutique Registered Investment Adviser headquartered in Eastern Pennsylvania, serving individuals and families nationwide. He is a speaker, podcast host, and industry thought leader known for his human-first approach to leadership, culture, and client experience. Founded with a vision to transform the way people experience financial advice, the firm has grown steadily through a relationship-driven model and a strong emphasis on developing people and building meaningful relationships. Dennis leads with a unique blend of strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and long-term perspective. His advisory relationships are built on trust, deep connection, and a belief that financial planning should serve the whole person, not just the numbers. He is passionate about developing people, building sustainable teams, and creating an environment where both clients and professionals can thrive. A U.S. Army veteran, Dennis was awarded a Bronze Star for his service during Operation Iraqi Freedom. His military experience shaped his leadership style, instilling discipline, accountability, and a strong sense of responsibility. He brings authenticity and integrity into every aspect of his work, with a constant focus on doing what’s right for clients, colleagues, and the community. Dennis’s path to financial advising is unconventional. After earning a degree in history, completing four years of military service, and working in corporate management, he felt called to pursue financial advising. His early experience at a Wall ...
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    43 m
  • Custody Reimagined: How Jason Wenk and Altruist Are Disrupting the Status Quo

    Custody Reimagined: How Jason Wenk and Altruist Are Disrupting the Status Quo
    Jan 29 2026
    With Jason Wenk—Founder and CEO, Altruist Overview A candid conversation on rethinking custody from the ground up—and why simplification, aligned economics, and integrated technology are becoming critical for advisors building modern, scalable firms. Watch… Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… For decades, advisors have built their businesses on custodial infrastructure that was never designed to support how modern firms actually operate. In many cases, fragmented technology stacks, paper-heavy processes, and economic factors often benefit the platform more than the advisor or client. Jason Wenk saw that firsthand. Before launching Altruist, Jason built and scaled FormulaFolios from zero to over $4B in assets—giving him a front-row seat to what works, what breaks, and where traditional custody and technology create friction as firms grow. Rather than layering another tool on top of an already complex system, Jason made a far more ambitious bet: to rebuild custody, technology, and economics from the ground up as a single, fully integrated platform. In this conversation with host Louis Diamond, Jason pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a next-generation custodian, including: The myths around custody and brand—and why the next wave of growth may belong to firms willing to rethink the infrastructure they build on.Challenging long-standing assumptions around custody—and why Altruist built a vertically integrated solution from the ground up.The advantages of vertical integration—and why simplification, automation, and aligned economics are becoming essential to advisor growth.The real cost of complexity—and why so many advisors and business owners underestimate it.The value of AI and automation—and how Jason sees it will reshape the next-generation RIA. It’s a thoughtful, candid look at the future of custody and what it means for advisors who want to build scalable, modern businesses. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources The Future of Prospecting: How AI Is Powering the Next Era of Advisor Growth FINNY Co-Founder Eden Ovadia shares how AI is transforming advisor prospecting: automating outreach, matching advisors with ideal clients, and freeing time for deeper human connection. A forward-looking conversation on what growth will look like in the next era of wealth management. The Four Horsemen of the Independent Apocalypse Model or partner misalignment is often the driver of these four common frustrations independent advisors encounter. Wealth Management Landscape at a Glance We created this “at a glance” continuum infographic—to help you navigate the different models and understand how their features stack up. Jason Wenk Founder and CEO Jason Wenk is the Founder and CEO of Altruist, the only modern custodian that’s fully digital, vertically integrated, and built exclusively for RIAs. Jason has lived and breathed the financial services industry over the last 25 years as a financial advisor, investment systems developer, analyst, and founder of his previous company, FormulaFolios. With Jason as CEO, FormulaFolios achieved a 13,927% 3-year growth rate and managed over $3.2 billion. This rapid growth ranked the firm as a fastest-growing private company in the country by Inc. magazine 4 years in a row, reaching as high as #10. Jason was also recently named a national EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2018. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites
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    59 m