Firms are striving to equip advisors with the right tech and data insights to expand planning relationships with new and existing clients in a scalable way. Achieving this requires a tech stack that empowers advisors to engage clients effectively, plan efficiently, and leverage the full power of available data. For firms that rely on their own proprietary financial planning technology, this is easier said than done. Maintaining proprietary financial planning technology can quickly become a costly drain on a firm’s resources, especially when ongoing maintenance and updates compete with the firm’s revenue-generating priorities.

The Hidden Costs of Relying on Homegrown Technology

Utilizing your own proprietary technology might seem like a way to keep control and customize your systems, but it comes with significant challenges that can slow your firm down. From innovation roadblocks to mounting integration costs, these internal solutions often struggle to keep pace with the demands of today’s wealth management landscape. Understanding these key hurdles is the first step to making informed decisions about how technology can truly empower your team without draining your resources.

1. Innovation Limitations

A fundamental challenge facing enterprises that attempt to maintain their own proprietary systems is the inability to develop solutions that can compete with the products of specialized technology companies. Financial services firms are not primarily software development organizations, making it nearly impossible for them to out-innovate dedicated technology companies that are entirely focused on improving efficiency and driving value.

2. Integration and Maintenance Costs

Another significant challenge is the complexity and cost associated with integrating bolt-on applications to homegrown technology systems. Each integration must be built and maintained individually, creating substantial ongoing expenses for organizations. This becomes particularly problematic for all but the most massive organizations, as the costs can quickly become prohibitive.

3. Competitive Positioning

Relying on homegrown technology, spreadsheets, and manual processes can put firms at a disadvantage in today’s competitive wealth management landscape. These methods can limit their ability to deliver the seamless service and high-quality digital experiences that high-net-worth clients expect. This makes it difficult for firms to compete with those that have already upgraded to modern, integrated platforms, which provide best-in-class digital experiences for both their advisors and clients.

Is It Time to Bring In External Tech Expertise?

Many firms need to have a candid internal discussion about the state of their legacy tech stack. Ask yourself: Is it supporting your growth? Is it helping your team work efficiently? If it isn’t, then what steps do you need to take to support ongoing growth and boost operational efficiency? For many firms, the answer to that question lies in partnering with a third-party technology provider that can deliver modern, customized experiences for both advisors and clients.

Partnering with a third-party technology provider can give your enterprise access to cutting-edge innovations without the constant drain on your internal development teams. These modern platforms are designed to be flexible—you can customize and white-label them to ensure your brand stays front and center. Your clients will experience a seamless, consistent interface that feels native to your firm, all while benefiting from advanced financial planning tools that keep you competitive.

Beyond innovation, third-party providers bring a unique advantage: industry intelligence at scale. Because they serve hundreds or even thousands of firms, they gather and analyze a vast range of market needs and challenges. This aggregation lets them anticipate trends and develop solutions that are not just tailored to one firm’s needs, but that address common hurdles across the entire financial services space. By working with a technology provider who can tap into this industry intel, you stay ahead of the curve and free up your resources to focus on what really matters—building stronger client relationships and growing your business.

Choosing a Third-party Technology Provider

Not all firms have the same needs, so it’s crucial to choose a provider that gives you flexibility. Whether you need an out-of-the-box financial planning platform that’s ready to go or prefer to build on your existing system using APIs and modular components, the right partner lets you use their technology your way. APIs and components will give you the power to integrate advanced planning capabilities directly into your proprietary digital experience. Depending on your firm’s needs, that could include back-end planning calculations, front-end visualizations and navigations, or both.

This flexibility means you can craft a truly differentiated experience that speaks to your clients and prospects, setting you apart in a competitive wealth management market. But customization isn’t the only thing to consider. Your tech partner should be an active innovator, committed to evolving their platform alongside industry trends and regulatory changes. Look for a provider that honors its commitments and offers a clear, stable product roadmap aligned with your firm’s long-term goals. In today’s landscape, that roadmap could include artificial intelligence (AI) or other intelligent technology. Make sure your provider’s solutions not only save time and help produce better outcomes, but also protect the advisor-client experience and don’t compromise regulatory requirements.

Transform Your Firm with Strategic Tech Partnerships

Relying on legacy, homegrown technology can hold your firm back—both in innovation and cost-effectiveness—while limiting your ability to deliver the seamless, high-quality experiences your clients expect. By thoughtfully partnering with a flexible, forward-thinking third-party technology provider, you gain access to cutting-edge tools, industry-wide insights, and the customization options needed to build a digital experience that truly reflects your firm’s strengths. This empowers your team to work smarter, serve clients better, and position your firm for sustainable success in today’s competitive wealth management landscape.

Download Collaborative Wealth Planning at Scale: An Enterprise Guide to the Latest Advancements to get more leadership insights on the key challenges that enterprise firms are facing—and how to solve them.

DISCLAIMER: The eMoney Advisor Blog is meant as an educational and informative resource for financial professionals and individuals alike. It is not meant to be, and should not be taken as financial, legal, tax or other professional advice. Those seeking professional advice may do so by consulting with a professional advisor. eMoney Advisor will not be liable for any actions you may take based on the content of this blog.

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