What I Learned at My First Wealth Management EDGE

As someone who spends every day helping RIAs strengthen their cybersecurity and IT infrastructure, I went into my first Wealth Management EDGE conference with a lot of curiosity—and came away with something even better: connection, insight, and optimism.

The energy at EDGE was contagious. For a first-time attendee like me, it was encouraging to meet so many forward-thinking professionals who weren’t just open to talking—they were eager to share ideas, frustrations, and breakthroughs. What stood out wasn’t just the high-quality content, but the honest and collaborative tone of the conversations. Advisors weren’t there just to learn—they were there to transform.

Advisors Are Becoming Tech Drivers—Not Just Tech Adopters

One of the biggest surprises was just how tech-savvy many of the advisors I met were. They’re not waiting for solutions—they’re actively exploring tools like AI-powered note-taking, automated scheduling, and advanced CRM integrations. It’s clear they want more than efficiency—they want scalability. That mindset fits exactly with what we focus on at Visory: helping advisors think beyond fixing issues and start building secure, future-ready infrastructure.

What impressed me most was the number of conversations where advisors asked nuanced questions about implementation, security, and compliance—not just product features. They’re not chasing shiny objects. They’re thinking critically.

What small tech upgrade could remove friction in your client experience today?

Cybersecurity Is a Growth Enabler, Not a Back-Office Burden

While technology and AI were hot topics, cybersecurity had a steady and serious presence throughout the conference. In my one-on-one conversations, I heard a wide spectrum of readiness. Some firms have robust policies and vendor protocols. Others—especially smaller or fast-growing RIAs—are just starting to realize how vulnerable they are.

Cyber threats are no longer limited to obvious scams. I heard several concerns around AI-enhanced phishing, business email compromise, and the increased use of public data to profile and exploit advisory firms. As threats evolve, so must our defenses.

At Visory, we’re not just monitoring threats—we’re helping firms build a framework that aligns security with growth. A breach can cost you more than money—it can damage trust, destroy momentum, and put your firm’s reputation at risk.

What would a single day of downtime cost your firm—in productivity, client trust, and compliance?

The Value of Being There in Person

EDGE gave me a chance to compare what we do at Visory to what others in the space are offering—and it made me even more confident in how we show up for our clients. I had conversations with technology firms and advisors alike, and it was clear that while many vendors offer tools, not all offer true partnerships. That’s the difference we bring: personalized, end-to-end support that goes beyond just solving problems to preventing them altogether.

One highlight was connecting with a podcast team that wanted to help spread cybersecurity awareness to advisors. It reminded me that our work isn’t just about behind-the-scenes protection—it’s about education and community-building, too.

What’s one thing your team should better understand about cyber risk today—not next quarter?

3 Actionable Takeaways for RIAs

Prioritize Cybersecurity Conversations – Don’t wait until an incident occurs to review your firm’s security posture. Proactive assessments, phishing simulations, and updated policies can go a long way in protecting your clients and your brand.

Invest in Integration, Not Just Innovation – New tools are exciting, but seamless integration across your tech stack—along with secure, compliant configuration—is what drives true operational efficiency.

Use Conferences to Benchmark and Learn – Attending events like EDGE offers more than education; it’s an opportunity to test your thinking, compare vendors, and have candid conversations with peers facing the same challenges.

Final Thoughts

Walking into EDGE, I expected to learn. Walking out, I felt a deeper sense of purpose. This community is filled with professionals who care deeply about doing things right. I left with new connections, fresh ideas, and a stronger understanding of how we at Visory can support advisors through the next wave of industry evolution.

Whether you’re a solo advisor wearing multiple hats, or a fast-scaling firm building out your tech stack, the message is clear: cybersecurity and IT aren’t side issues—they’re strategic growth drivers. If you haven’t reviewed your tech stack or cyber readiness this year, now’s the time.