FT Partners explores how robo advisors and digital wealth platforms are reshaping traditional asset management through automation, ETFs, and lower fees. The paper argues Millennials and a projected $30 trillion wealth transfer could accelerate adoption, even as incumbents race to acquire and digitize advisory models.
Are the Robots Taking Over? The Emergence of Automated Digital Wealth Management Solutions
FT Partners
Steve McLaughlin
Research
137 Pages
Key Takeaways
Millennial Asset Shift: Millennials are projected to inherit $30 trillion, while 60% distrust financial markets, creating demand for lower cost, automated investment platforms.
Tiny Market Share: Digital wealth firms controlled just 0.01% of the $30+ trillion industry in 2016, suggesting disruption narratives may have outpaced actual asset penetration.
Mass Affluent Opportunity: The mass affluent held roughly $7 trillion in assets, yet only 21% used financial advisors, leaving a sizable market open to digital platforms.