In the rapidly evolving financial industry, it is imperative for wealth management firms to proactively anticipate and adapt to future developments. The forthcoming years are expected to bring significant transformations in the operational landscape of these companies, driven by advancements in technology and shifts in consumer preferences.
This article will delve into four critical trends that warrant the undivided attention of wealth management entities in 2024. Wealth management companies will possess the ability to thrive in 2024 and beyond by gaining knowledge of significant movements such as heightened digitalization of wealth management services, escalating demand for customized solutions, mounting desire for sustainable investments, and the rising need to improve cybersecurity, while also closely monitoring how various industries are addressing them.
4 Trends Wealth Management Companies Must Not Ignore in 2024
- Increasing Need for Digitalization of Wealth Management Services
Digitalization had commenced well before the onset of COVID-19. However, the previous year, we witnessed an unprecedented upsurge in digital integration as individuals globally grappled with economic instability and evolving market circumstances. This transformation has resulted in a growing need for digitalized wealth management solutions. The increasing demand for automated financial planning, portfolio management, and real-time data accessibility necessitates developing and providing cutting-edge digital services by wealth management firms to satisfy client expectations.
Wealth management corporations must also embrace cutting-edge technology to match the swift pace of the digital realm. This entails implementing cloud-based solutions, harnessing data science and analytics for enhanced decision-making capabilities, and utilizing AI and machine learning to streamline repetitive manual tasks. Appropriately investing in advanced technology can enable wealth managers to effectively keep up with the digital revolution while gaining a notable advantage in the highly competitive market.
- Escalating Demand for Personalized Solutions
Personalized solutions provide numerous benefits to both investors and wealth management firms. For investors, the option of a customized solution empowers them to define their objectives with greater precision and devise a suitable course of action for their investments. This ultimately enhances the performance of their investment portfolio and enables them to attain their desired goals. Furthermore, customized solutions not only enable wealth management firms to construct robust and enduring connections with their clients but also showcase a profound understanding of their individual goals and objectives.
Wealth management companies can satisfy the increasing demand for customized solutions by utilizing a variety of technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. These tools enable them to gain comprehensive insights into their client’s requirements, resulting in tailored recommendations with greater precision.
- Growing Interest in Sustainable Investing
A Morgan Stanley Institute for Sustainable Investing survey indicates that 85% of individual investors are considering sustainable investing. As we approach 2024, wealth management firms need to be aware of this significant change.
As investor interest in sustainable investing grows, wealth management companies will need to evolve to meet this increasing demand. They will need to cultivate a deep understanding of ESG criteria and how it can be integrated into their investment portfolios. Companies should look for ways to incorporate ESG criteria into their investment process, such as screening out companies with poor environmental or governance records. By simply avoiding investments that are not sustainable, wealth management companies can show that they are taking the necessary steps to be responsible stewards of their client’s capital.
We must also prioritize for wealth management firms the obligation to offer clients unambiguous and open communication regarding their sustainable investments. Investors are progressively seeking companies that offer transparent and concise data about the sustainability of their investments. These firms must be willing to provide clients with performance metrics, as well as clarify the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards employed in their investment process.
- Rising Need to Improve Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT problem, but a multi-faceted challenge that impacts multiple departments within a company. Wealth management companies must take a holistic approach to cybersecurity and focus on implementing policies and procedures that protect all areas of the business, from customer data to internal communications.
Wealth management firms must proactively comprehend and address the dangers posed against them to accomplish this task. The cyber threat sphere undergoes continuous transformation, making it imperative for firms to consistently appraise and oversee their networks for any susceptibilities or vulnerabilities. Furthermore, implementing a thorough and regularly updated cybersecurity protocol is crucial in mitigating risks in the face of emerging threats.
Wealth management firms must give serious thought to investing in technologies that can further fortify their cybersecurity stance. These advanced tools offer the capabilities to identify and thwart malicious actions, as well as detect and block incoming attacks. Furthermore, it is imperative for these firms to regularly update and patch their systems to safeguard their networks against the latest threats.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
In conclusion, the wealth management landscape is undergoing significant transformations driven by digitalization, the demand for personalized solutions, sustainable investing, and the escalating need for robust cybersecurity measures. As we delve into 2024, wealth management companies cannot afford to ignore these trends if they aim to stay competitive and meet the evolving expectations of their clients.
In navigating these trends, wealth management firms can find a valuable ally in Xceltrait, a ServiceNow Services Partner specializing in ServiceNow Financial Services Operations (FSO). With a proven track record of helping clients across various industries maximize their ServiceNow investments, Xceltrait stands ready to assist wealth management companies in embracing these trends. Talk with our specialist today.