Tag Archives: #Investing

Episode 234 – The Blueprint for Tomorrow’s Investors with Bob Santella



This episode dives into how BetaNXT’s new CEO, Bob Santella, is revolutionizing wealth management with cutting-edge data integration, personalization, and innovative tech solutions.

 

Topics also discussed:

  • Bob discusses his plans to drive innovation at BetaNXT, aiming to help clients grow their businesses by expanding product offerings and integrating advanced technology.
  • He highlights BetaNXT’s new DataXChange initiative with Snowflake, designed to unify data across platforms and enhance security in wealth management.
  • Major challenges in the wealth management industry, such as data modernization, the rise of AI, and evolving investor needs.
  • The conversation explores BetaNXT’s approach to personalization, allowing clients to customize and manage wealth data for a more tailored experience.
  • Looking to the future, Bob anticipates that AI, new investment options, and modular cloud platforms will significantly impact wealth management trends in the coming years.

 

Resources: 

BetaNXT


Episode 210 – The Bitcoin Surge & Investing in its Digital Realm with Chris Gannatti



WisdomTree works to create a better way to invest, offering a product range that offers access to a selection of unique and smart exposures.

Christopher Gannatti has been an integral part of the organization since 2010, currently holding the position of Global Head of Research. Chris has the responsibility for many communications pertaining to global investment strategies, with a focus on thematic equity.

In this episode, Chris unravels the enigma that is Bitcoin, a digital currency that ignites both fear and excitement in the hearts of investors.

Topics discussed:

  • An introduction to Wisdom Tree’s investment range and focus on Bitcoin.
  • Satoshi Nakamoto and the revolutionary nature of Bitcoin’s creation.
  • Investing in Bitcoin: weighing positives (high return potential) and negatives (volatility and risk).
  • Spot Bitcoin and the difference from Bitcoin futures.
  • Explanation of Bitcoin ETFs and how they are composed of actual Bitcoin assets.
  • WisdomTree’s Bitcoin ETF (BTCW) and its features, including cold storage and Coinbase custody.
  • Accessing WisdomTree’s research notes for more insights.

 

Resources: WisdomTree

 

Important Information:

This material must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus. Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund before investing. Investors should read the prospectus carefully before investing.

There are risks associated with investing, including possible loss of principal.

Bitcoin and, accordingly, the WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund, which holds bitcoin, are highly speculative and involve a high degree of risk, including the potential for loss of the entire investment. An investment in the WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund involves significant risks (including the potential for quick, large losses) and may not be suitable for all shareholders. You should carefully consider whether your financial condition permits you to invest in the WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund and you should be willing to accept more risk than may be involved with other exchange traded products or ETFs that do not hold bitcoin.

Extreme volatility of trading prices that many digital assets, including bitcoin, have experienced in recent periods and may continue to experience, could have a material adverse effect on in an investment in bitcoin and such investment could lose all or substantially all of its value. The value of the Shares is dependent on the acceptance of digital assets, such as bitcoin, which represent a new and rapidly evolving industry. Digital assets such as bitcoin were only introduced within the past two decades, and the medium-to-long term value is subject to a number of factors relating to the capabilities and development of blockchain technologies and to the fundamental investment characteristics of digital assets. Regulatory changes or actions may affect the value of bitcoin or restrict the use of bitcoin, mining activity or the operation of the Bitcoin Network or the Digital Asset Markets in a manner that adversely affects the value of bitcoin. Digital Asset Markets may experience fraud, business failures, security failures or operational problems, which may adversely affect the value of bitcoin.

There can be no assurance that the fund will achieve its investment objective.

The WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund is not a fund registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), and is not subject to regulation under the 1940, unlike most exchange traded products or ETFs. The WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund is also not a commodity pool for purposes of the Commodity Exchange Act of 1936, as amended, and the sponsor is not subject to regulations by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as a commodity pool operator or commodity trading advisor. The WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund’s shares are neither interests in nor obligations of the sponsor or the trustee or any of their affiliates.

Please read the Fund’s prospectus for specific details regarding the Fund’s risk profile.

Contango: A scenario when the futures price is above the spot price.

Please refer to the Fund detail page for BTCW for the most recent holdings: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments/etfs/crypto/btcw

This information is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, accounting, investment or financial planning advice by WisdomTree, nor should it be considered or relied upon as investment advice or as a recommendation from WisdomTree, including regarding the use or suitability of bitcoin in a portfolio. In providing information, WisdomTree is not acting and has not agreed to act in an investment advisory, fiduciary or quasifiduciary capacity to any advisor or end client, and has no responsibility in connection therewith, and is not BTCW WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund 8 WisdomTree.com/investments providing individualized investment advice to any advisor or end client, including based on or tailored to the circumstance of any advisor or end client. WisdomTree is not responsible for determining bitcoin to be purchased, held and/or sold for any advisor or end client accounts, nor is WisdomTree responsible for determining the suitability or appropriateness of bitcoin for any third party, including end clients. Advisors are solely responsible for making investment recommendations and/or decisions with respect to an end client, and should consider the end client’s individual financial circumstances, investment time frame, risk tolerance level and investment goals in determining the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy, without input from WisdomTree.

Foreside Funds Services, LLC, is the Marketing Agent for the WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund (BTCW). Foreside Fund Services, LLC, is not affiliated with WisdomTree, Inc. nor any other entities mentioned.


Episode 205 – Beyond Tomorrow: Investing in AI Innovations with Chris Gannatti



WisdomTree works to create a better way to invest, offering a product range that offers access to a selection of unique and smart exposures.

Christopher Gannatti has been an integral part of the organization since 2010, currently holding the position of Global Head of Research. Chris has the responsibility for many communications pertaining to global investment strategies, with a focus on thematic equity.

 

In this episode, Chris introduces us to the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) and its investment implications, offering insights into the past, present, and future of this groundbreaking technology.

Topics also discussed:

  • WisdomTree and its mission in investing.
  • The historical background of artificial intelligence (AI) from its inception to recent advancements as well as comparing AI with past technological revolutions.
  • Impacts of AI on daily life and the degree of transparency in technology dissemination.
  • The widening adoption of AI in various sectors such as search engines, entertainment platforms, and virtual assistants.
  • Potential fears surrounding the rapid growth and widespread adoption of AI.
  • Market perception of AI as an investment, with examples like Nvidia’s exponential revenue growth.
  • Investment options for accessing AI, including Wisdom Tree’s AI and innovation fund (WTAI) and US quality growth strategy (QGRW).
  • Benefits of investing in AI through ETFs, such as transparency and tax efficiency.
  • Distinctive features of WisdomTree’s approach to AI investing, emphasizing diversified exposure and risk management.
  • Christopher Gannatti’s podcast, “The Next Big Thing,” covering various thematic topics including AI, available on multiple podcast platforms.

 

Resources: 

WisdomTree


Episode 181 – Data-Driven Wealth Management with Stephen Daffron



Stephen Daffron is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BetaNXT, the next wave in wealth management technology and outsourcing solutions. Join Stephen as he introduces BetaNXT, its offerings, and the challenges they are helping wealth advisors and investors address.

Topics also discussed:

  • Stephen’s diverse background and his journey and role in co-founding BetaNXT.
  • The evolving wealth management landscape, emphasizing the need for better tools and real-time data to meet changing client demands.
  • The challenges faced by wealth advisors, such as time spent on data gathering, are highlighted, along with the potential benefits of real-time data processing.
  • The acquisition of Mediant, emphasizing its role in enhancing data curation and delivery, ultimately improving the advisor-client experience.
  • The BetaNXT commitment to investing in firms that align with its mission of elevating the wealth management ecosystem.

 

Resources: 

BetaNXT


Episode 164 – CRE: The Big Picture Perspective with Ian Formigle



Ian Formigle is the Chief Investment Officer at CrowdStreet. CrowdStreet advisors give clients assets access to investments that are different from their traditional real estate holdings while helping them achieve their financial goals. Ian is a real estate professional and serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in real estate, private equity startups, and options trading at CrowdStreet and serves as the key decision maker for all investments on its marketplace.

In this podcast, Doug and Ian discuss how CrowdStreet is helping advisors cut through the data, offering valuable insights for potential commercial real estate (CRE) investment opportunities. 

They also discussed:

  • If the outlook for investing in real estate has changed 
  • Why there are some commercial real estate headwinds yet no large pullback on some of the prices across the sectors that many people expected
  • The sectors Formigle sees as bullish and bearish
  • The bankruptcies of some major retail chains and if they hurt the general perception of the CRE industry or offer an opportunity
  • The motivators to get people off the sidelines and investing

 

Resources: 

CrowdStreet


Episode 159 – There is Always an Opportunity for Real Estate Development with Bernie Wasserman



Bernie Wasserman is the President of Participant Capital, a company that provides individual investors access to Class A real estate development opportunities through a suite of investment vehicles and through their affiliation with Royal Palm Companies.

In this podcast, Doug and Bernie discuss real estate investments, their main drivers, and how Participant Capital positioned itself to serve a plethora of wealth advisors across the globe. 

They also discussed:

  • The kind of advisors Participant Capital serves and the type of funds the firm offers
  • Participant Capital’s relationship with Royal Palm Companies
  • Strategies within private real estate that are positioned to perform well in this high-interest-rate market
  • The considerations when investing in private real estate and how to examine location versus strategy and sector
  • The areas of risk advisors should be more careful in
  • What advisors should consider when selecting managers and funds for their clients
  • The challenges advisors have when accessing real estate investment opportunities today and the evolution of its solutions

 

Resources: 

Participant Capital


Episode 157 – The Right Toolkit for the Right Client with Andrew Krei



Andrew Krei is the Co-Chief Investment Officer at Crescent Grove Advisors, based near their Milwaukee office with other offices in Lake Forest and Atlanta. Crescent Grove provides quality investment and financial guidance and solutions to individuals and their families, institutions, endowments, and foundations. 

In this podcast, Doug and Andrew discuss how Crescent Grove Advisors differentiates itself from other firms in the advisory space, offering different business lines for different clients.

They also discussed:

  • The formation of Crescent Grove and the core values and experience the firm provides for their clients
  • How Crescent Grove meets the financial needs of the specialized client base of ultra-high net worth individuals and families, top executives, and first-generation wealth builders
  • Building an investment platform for a diverse group of clients
  • Crescent Grove’s approach to alternatives and how they fit into a client’s asset allocation
  • The investment strategies the firm is steering clients towards and the methodology used to identify managers that offer them
  • The biggest challenges for investors in 2023 and how Crescent Grove is counseling clients
  • The biggest mistake investors are making right now

 

Resources: 

Crescent Grove Advisors

 


Episode 156 – Packaging Client Solutions to Deliver Efficiency with Lincoln Ross



Lincoln Ross is the CEO and President of CircleBlack. CircleBlack provides financial advisors with technology that aggregates data, seamlessly integrates other financial applications, manages data from multiple custodians, and delivers actionable intelligence about client portfolios, and more.

In this podcast, Doug and Lincoln look into the inefficiencies in advisor practice from CircleBlack’s standpoint, and the solutions their all-in-one platform provides.

They also discussed:

  • The demand for convenience in the financial services industry and why the transformation is needed
  • The advisor and client exchanges that can and should be offloaded to technology rather than be face to face
  • CircleBlack’s all-in-one platform, including all of the capabilities that an advisor needs to deliver advice to their clients
  • Client retention and communication

 

Resources: 

CircleBlack, Inc.


Episode 150 – The Evolution of Investors, Advisors, and the Client – With Gerald Graves



Gerald Graves is a Managing Partner at Filigree Wealth Advisors, LLC, an independent RIA located in various areas of the West Coast but managing clients nationwide. 

In this podcast, Doug and Gerald dive into the journey of Graves through the financial services industry and the takeaways he recommends to current investors and advisors.

They also discussed:

  • Advice for younger individuals building a career and the importance of knowing who exactly you’re working for
  • Seeing the history of corporate America unravel in real-time, developing an understanding of which business structures work and which do not
  • The freedom to information clients now have with the internet and technology pulling back the curtain on the industry
  • Charles Schwab’s influence on the industry as a trailblazer, focusing on technology and the client
  • How advisors can navigate the way they want their business to look and which resources they should utilize for their business structure
  • Focusing on the end investor

 

Resources: 

Filigree Wealth Advisors


Episode 147 – Sanctuary Wealth Oasis: Believing in the Independent Advisor – With Massimo Guiati



Massimo Guiati is the CEO of the Azimut Group, and is responsible for the development and distribution of business globally. Azimut is a leading Italian independent asset manager. The group specializes in wealth management and offers financial advisory services for investors, primarily through its advisory networks.

Live from the Sanctuary Oasis Conference in Las Vegas, Massimo shares his global perspective on investing in both the alternative space as well as wealth management.

They also discussed:

  • The Azimut Group and its significant expansion in the United States over these past few years
  • The investments they have done to date being present in both the alternative space as well as wealth management
  • Their transaction with Sanctuary Wealth and thoughts on the investment right now
  • Massimo’s view of the financial advisory market in the US and the growth opportunities it provides 

 

Resources: 

Sanctuary Wealth

Azimut Group