In this episode of the ION Influencers Fireside Chat, host Giovanni Amodeo sat down with Brent Brodeski, Founder and CEO of Savant Wealth Management, to unpack the transformation of the wealth management industry — from its fiduciary roots to the data-driven, AI-powered platforms of the future.

1. The Rise of the Independent Fiduciary Model

Brodeski reflected on how the wealth management industry has evolved from a commission-based, wirehouse-dominated era to one led by independent fiduciary advisers.

“Thirty-three years ago, being a fiduciary adviser barely existed,” he said. “Today, independent wealth firms are not just mainstream—they’re leading the growth.”

This independence movement has reshaped the financial advisory space, giving rise to private equity-backed consolidators and large-scale RIAs competing on both organic and inorganic growth.

2. From Niche Firms to Scalable Platforms

As the industry consolidates, Brodeski identified two winning paths:

• Niche specialization for smaller firms serving specific client segments (e.g., athletes, pilots)

• Platform integration for larger firms building a one-stop shop model combining accounting, estate planning, tax, and investment services.

He emphasized that the future belongs to firms capable of building true platforms—akin to Apple’s iOS or Microsoft 365—that connect technology, people, data, and processes to create scalable value for clients and advisers alike.

3. Data: The Foundation of the Future Wealth Platform

Brodeski drew a parallel between wealth management and modern medicine: both are shifting from intuition to data-driven decisions.

“You can’t build the skyscraper without a solid foundation—and that foundation is data.”

Savant Wealth is investing in its own cloud-based data lake to unify disparate fintech tools and enable AI-powered insights. This “data-first” architecture will allow advisers to move from art to science—enhancing consistency, efficiency, and personalization in client advice.

4. Artificial Intelligence and the 80/20 Advisor Model

AI, Brodeski argued, will automate the “80% of low-value tasks,” freeing advisers to focus on the 20% that truly matters: relationships, empathy, and trust.
He envisions a future where AI-driven “agentic assistants” handle data analysis, documentation, and strategy recommendations—while human advisers focus on client connection and delivery.

5. The Advisor of the Future: Empathy Meets Analytics

Despite technological disruption, the human element remains irreplaceable.
Brodeski described future advisers as “financial confidants”—part strategist, part therapist—helping clients define their life goals and curate strategies aligned with their vision.
He revealed Savant’s new AI tool, “Owlwise”, designed to help advisers surface the most relevant wealth, tax, and estate strategies from a database of over 1,000 options.

6. Scaling Sustainably: Avoiding the “Frankenstein” Trap

With over 700 employees and presence in 20+ states, Savant has grown through disciplined M&A—but Brodeski warned against the “Frankenstein” approach of rapidly bolting together mismatched firms.

“We’re not chasing every deal. We’re curating partners who share our mission—improving a million lives.”

His philosophy prioritizes alignment, culture, and long-term compounding value over short-term private equity returns.

7. Preserving Identity Amid Private Equity Investment

Brodeski stressed the importance of choosing the right PE partners—those who play the long game and understand that wealth management is a people business. With minority backers Kelso and Cynosure, Savant ensures strategic autonomy and cultural continuity through careful structuring and value alignment.

Key Takeaways

• The wealth management industry is moving from commission-based selling to data-driven fiduciary advice.

• Platformization—integrating technology, people, and processes—is the next competitive frontier.

• AI and data science will define advisory scalability, but empathy and trust remain the human edge.

• Firms that grow with aligned partners and sustainable culture will lead the next decade of transformation.

Key timestamps:

00:07 Introduction to the Fireside Chat
02:24 Milestones in Wealth Management Evolution
04:37 The Importance of Platforms in Wealth Management
07:53 The Need for a Differentiating Platform
09:05 Data Utilization in Wealth Management
14:46 AI’s Role in Transforming Wealth Management
16:04 Characteristics of Future Wealth Managers
18:16 The Role of Advisors as Confidants
19:00 Strategies for Effective Client Advisory
20:23 Leveraging AI for Enhanced Advisory Services
22:49 Scaling Advisory Firms: Challenges and Strategies
24:50 The Long-Term Vision for Growth
26:50 Maintaining Identity in a Changing Landscape