The Acceleration of Digital Transformation: Q&A with AssetMark’s Matt Matrisian 

WealthTech encompasses far more than the mere incorporation of technology into financial planning. It represents a fundamental transformation that is significantly altering the landscape of wealth management. 

The transformation is successfully managing to bridge existing gaps, personalize services, enhance efficiencies, and provide comprehensive insights. This tech-centric approach has substantially elevated the experience for investors, advisors, and back-office operations. 

Matt Matrisian, SVP and head of client growth at AssetMark, a turnkey asset management platform for financial advisors, shared his views with Connect Money on the types of technologies advisors are seeking, what wealth management firms can do to speed up digital adoption, what’s holding back some wealth managers from using new technologies, and more. 

CM: The market for financial advisor- and firm-specific technologies and software is becoming more saturated. What does AssetMark add that does not already exist?  

MM: AssetMark differentiates itself in a saturated market by providing a holistic platform that doesn’t just support transaction or data management but guides advisors through every phase of their professional lifecycle, from entry-level to succession. The platform is designed with a human-centered approach, combining advanced wealth management technology with hands-on consulting and community support to empower advisors at every career stage.  

Programs like AssetMark Ascent ensure that new advisors have structured learning paths, while established advisors receive tools and resources to plan seamless client transitions. This continuum of support, alongside our robust, customizable platform, makes AssetMark an indispensable service partner for advisors. 

CM: What wealth technologies are advisors looking for the most? 

MM: Advisors today are prioritizing solutions that increase efficiency, improve client engagement, and facilitate more in-depth insights. Specifically, they seek technology that offers streamlined reporting, advanced analytics, and integration capabilities with their existing tools. Our Tax Management Services (TMS), for instance, directly addresses these needs by delivering tax-efficient strategies that can help enhance after-tax returns—a crucial factor as more clients prioritize tax efficiency. Advisors also look for automation in areas like rebalancing and client communications, which are increasingly essential for delivering consistent, high-quality service as their client bases grow. 

CM: How can wealth management firms accelerate digital adoption now? 

MM: Accelerating digital adoption requires a combination of user-friendly, adaptable technology and continuous education. Firms can lead the way by offering training and resources that make new tools intuitive for advisors, reducing the learning curve and increasing adoption rates.  

At AssetMark, we support this with tailored onboarding programs and ongoing support. Providing access to consultants who understand both the technology and the business challenges advisors face allows for a more seamless integration into their workflows. We also encourage firms to incorporate feedback loops, so advisors feel heard and supported, fostering a culture of continuous improvement around digital tools. 

CM: What are some of the common reservations from financial advisors about embracing wealthtech? 

MM: Some of the most common reservations include concerns about complexity, time investment, and potential disruptions to client relationships. Advisors often worry that implementing new technology will be complex and time-consuming, requiring substantial effort to learn and integrate into their workflows. Many fear that a steep learning curve could take them away from client-facing activities, which are central to their business. 

There’s also a concern about data security and privacy—advisors want assurance that the platforms they adopt will protect sensitive client information and comply with regulatory standards. Furthermore, some advisors feel that technology might depersonalize client interactions, distancing them from the relational aspect that many clients value.  

At AssetMark, we address these concerns by designing intuitive, user-friendly technology that integrates seamlessly with advisors’ existing workflows and prioritizing data security at every level. Our platform also combines tech solutions with human support, offering consulting and training to ensure advisors feel confident using new tools to enhance, not replace, their client relationships. 

CM: What are your most important platform features that matter to advisors? 

MM: Some of the most valued features are comprehensive reporting tools, tax management solutions, and an intuitive client engagement interface. Advisors appreciate the ability to generate detailed, client-facing reports that articulate the tangible value of their services, such as through tax savings and investment performance analysis. Our TMS provides solutions for tax-efficient investing, which is highly valued among advisors serving high-net-worth clients with complex financial needs. The platform’s flexibility and open architecture are also critical, allowing advisors to tailor their technology stack to fit their specific business models. 

CM: What are some recent challenges you’ve seen in the financial advisory landscape, and how can AssetMark help to overcome them?  

MM: One of the significant challenges today is managing succession and preparing the next generation of advisors to take on leadership roles. The industry faces an aging advisor population and a limited pool of young professionals ready to step in. AssetMark addresses this with programs like EMBARK for new advisors and ADVANCE for successors, ensuring structured learning and skill development. These programs not only help secure the future of individual practices but also sustain client trust by providing a clear, well-supported path for ownership transition. 

CM: Can you discuss the importance of data analytics, modeling, and scenario planning as it relates to wealth management services? 

MM: They are critical in wealth management services because they enable advisors to provide more tailored, strategic, and proactive guidance to clients. In an environment where clients increasingly expect personalized, data-driven insights, these tools allow advisors to go beyond traditional portfolio management and deliver comprehensive, forward-looking strategies. 

Analytics provide advisors with valuable insights into client behaviors, preferences, and risk profiles, enabling them to recommend more precise financial strategies. Modeling tools allow advisors to simulate various financial scenarios, helping clients understand the potential impact of different investment decisions, market conditions, or life events on their long-term financial goals. For example, scenario planning can reveal how a market downturn might impact a client’s retirement timeline, or how changes in tax policy could affect after-tax returns. 

By incorporating these advanced tools, advisors can engage in more meaningful conversations with clients, make data-backed recommendations, and demonstrate the value of proactive, informed planning. AssetMark’s platform, for instance, includes robust analytics and modeling capabilities, allowing advisors to quantify their impact and adapt strategies to evolving client needs and market conditions. This empowers advisors to deepen client relationships and differentiate their services, helping to drive stronger financial outcomes for clients. 

CM: What excites you about the future of wealthtech? 

MM: The future of wealthtech holds exciting potential for increasingly personalized and proactive advisory services. Innovations in data analytics and artificial intelligence will enable advisors to provide even more tailored financial strategies, allowing them to anticipate client needs and improve outcomes in a meaningful way.  

As wealthtech continues to evolve, we look forward to empowering advisors with tools that make their work more efficient and impactful, solidifying their role as essential partners in their clients’ financial lives. AssetMark remains committed to pushing these advancements forward, providing the tools that help advisors build resilient, client-centered practices.