Nicsatalk

In this episode of The Nine, we speak with Chris Bailey, Director of Retirement at Cerulli Associates, about the continued growth and evolution of Collective Investment Trusts (CITs) and their expanding role in the retirement marketplace.Chris shares perspective on the forces reshaping defined contribution plans and how CITs are influencing product strategy, pricing, and innovation across the asset and wealth management industry. In nine minutes, we cover key DC industry trends, the drivers behind CIT adoption, innovation in retirement income and private markets, and what asset managers should expect as CITs continue to gain traction.

In this episode of The Nine, we speak with Mike Dembro, Lead Investment Strategist at MFS Investment Management, about the forces that have truly been shaping markets over the past year.Amid persistent headlines around policy shifts, rate volatility, and renewed inflation concerns, Mike shares perspective on the signals that actually mattered—and the ones that proved to be distractions. In nine minutes, we cover the biggest surprises in market behavior, the implications of upcoming midterm elections, where opportunities are emerging across equities, fixed income, and private markets, and the key lesson investors should take away from the past year of market dynamics across the asset and wealth management industry.

In this episode of The Nine, Sarah Walter of Nicsa speaks with Jorge Rodriguez, Head of Sales & Marketing at Monterey Insight, in collaboration with ALFI, about the continued growth of Luxembourg as a leading global fund hub.Jorge shares perspective on what’s driving growth and which segments are shaping the next phase of expansion in the asset and wealth management industry. In nine minutes, we cover private market growth, ETFs, shifting global demand, and where global capital is flowing next.

In this episode of The Nine, we turn to an urgent industry challenge: cybersecurity in the age of artificial intelligence.We sat down with Judith Pinto, Managing Director and U.S. Banking and Capital Markets Security Lead at Accenture, fresh off the stage at Nicsa’s Asset & Wealth Management Summit where she presented “The Next Era of Defense.”In just nine minutes, Judith sharesHow AI is changing cyber defense across financial servicesEmerging AI-driven threats that concern security leaders mostThe evolving balance between human expertise and automationThe role of ethical hacking and bug bounty programsHow firms can maintain client trust in an era of constant threatsWhat organizations should do now to prepare for the next major shift in cybersecurityThis episode offers clear, forward-looking perspective for firms navigating an increasingly complex digital risk environment.

David Breakstone, Global Head of Wealth & Asset Management Go-to-Market at ServiceNow helps us unpack how artificial intelligence is redefining client engagement across the industry.In just nine minutes, David shares:·       How to balance automation with authenticity, trust, and human judgment.·       How to overcome operational barriers to scaling personalized service; and·       Where firms should begin their AI journey to drive measurable impact.Listen for pragmatic insights on modernizing engagement while strengthening relationships in an increasingly digital environment.

In this episode of The Nine, we sit down with Bob Suh, Founder and CEO of OnCorps AI, to unpack the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence across financial operations. Trading volumes have surged across the industry, but operational capacity hasn’t kept pace. Bob explains why a new wave of agentic AI is changing that trajectory.In just nine minutes, we explore:Why traditional outsourcing and automation haven’t kept paceWhat makes agentic AI fundamentally different from past technologiesHow learning agents reshape the economics of operationsHow agentic systems dramatically reduce false positives and operational noiseWhat “human oversight” looks like as AI assumes more autonomous responsibilitiesBob offers pragmatic, experience-driven insight from more than a decade of building production-grade AI systems for financial institutions. If you’re navigating the future of operational efficiency, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Olmstead's Head of Data, AI, and Technology Practice, Anthony Whitford, shares the secrets of successful AI adoption strategy ahead of his panel at Nicsa's Asset & Wealth Management Summit November 11+12 in Boston.For more, visit:http://nicsa.organdhttp://olmst.comAnd check out these articles for more detailed insights from Anthony:Clients demand FASTIR outcomes from their Data Operating Modelhttps://www.olmst.com/fastir-data-outcomes/The Race Is On: Do You Have an AI Strategy?https://www.olmst.com/the-race-is-on-do-you-have-an-ai-strategy/Your Next Data Strategy Is Your AI Strategyhttps://www.olmst.com/your-next-data-strategy-is-your-ai-strategy/SPARTAH: Your Firm’s Guard Against AI Riskhttps://www.olmst.com/spartah-your-firms-guard-against-ai-risk/

Fidelity Digital Assets’ Ramine Bigdeliazari joins The Nine to discuss how digital assets and tokenization are reshaping asset & wealth management. From stablecoins to tokenized funds, he explores the opportunities, challenges, and future impact of this rapidly evolving space. Hear more at https://www.fidelitydigitalassets.com and http:// http://nicsa.org/podcasts

​In this special compilation episode of The Nine, we’re bringing you bite-sized insights from live Nicsa events, featuring expert voices on three of the industry’s most talked-about topics.Mike De​m​bro (MFS) puts political noise in perspective with a data-driven look at investing through election cyclesJoanne Kane (​S​S&C) delivers a plainspoken, no-nonsense breakdown of what firms need to know about managing AI riskTimothy Pitney (TIAA) highlights why longevity literacy is just as essential as financial literacy when planning for retirementThese clips are pulled directly from Nicsa’s marquee forums and webinars—bringing real-time intelligence to your headphones in nine minutes or less.More at http://nicsa.org/podcasts

In this episode of The Nine, Mike Mastroianni—Nicsa Board member and industry operations veteran—joins host Sarah Walter to unpack the forces reshaping the asset and wealth management landscape. With experience across service providers, asset managers, and client channels, Mike offers a unique lens on how firms can lead through change. This conversation blends strategic foresight with grounded leadership—and is a must-listen for anyone helping to shape the future of fund operations, distribution, or innovation. Find more episodes at nicsa.org/podcasts

In this timely episode of The Nine, we explore the growing interest in dual share class ETFs—a product structure that could significantly reshape the investment landscape. Host Sarah Walter is joined by Christopher Swansey and Daniil Shapiro of Cerulli Associates, who offer expert insights into why asset managers are filing for SEC exemptive relief, how this structure works, and what it will take for it to succeed.From operational complexities and intermediary concerns to fiduciary implications and platform readiness, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating product innovation in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.

In this episode of The Nine, Sarah Walter welcomes Cheri Belski, Head of Investment Management Solutions at LPL Financial, for a dynamic conversation on leadership, adaptability, and the evolving future of asset and wealth management.Cheri shares how an unconventional path—from politics to portfolio strategy—fueled her growth and helped her develop a mosaic view of the industry. From betting on herself in pivotal career moments to leveraging curiosity as a strategic tool, her story is a masterclass in career agility. She also offers powerful insights on how firms can blend technology and human connection to create client experiences that truly stand out.More at nicsa.org/podcasts

In this inspiring episode of The Nine, host Sarah Walter is joined by Frank Heavey, Executive Director of the Expect Miracles Foundation (EMF). Frank shares the mission behind EMF—from raising over $23 million for cancer research to supporting young adult survivors—and offers a look into the Foundation’s most powerful initiative: the 2025 Distance Challenge.Learn how this global, virtual movement brings the financial services industry and beyond together to raise funds, build community, and most importantly—spread hope. Whether you're logging miles, fundraising, or simply showing up, Frank reminds us that everyone can go the distance in the fight against cancer. Learn more at emfdistancechallenge.org

In this episode of The Nine, we're joined by Eric Pan, President and CEO of the Investment Company Institute (ICI), for a timely and insightful conversation on the evolving landscape of asset and wealth management. Fresh off the stage at Nicsa’s Strategic Leadership Forum, Eric shares his thoughts on how political shifts, technological innovation, and generational preferences are reshaping the investment world. From navigating regulatory change to embracing uncertainty in his own career path, Eric offers practical wisdom for both seasoned professionals and rising leaders.Tune in for a forward-looking discussion on what it means to serve the end investor—and how our industry can rise to the challenge.

​In this special episode, we sit down with five exceptional professionals from Nicsa’s Rising Stars program to discuss their transformative experiences at the 2025 Strategic Leadership Forum. From building powerful networks to embracing authenticity in the workplace, these future industry leaders share key takeaways that are shaping their careers. Tune in to gain insights on leadership, mentorship, and the evolving landscape of asset and wealth management. 

In this episode of The Nine, Mike Dembro, Lead Investment Strategist at MFS Investment Management, shares his journey from early investing lessons to navigating major financial crises. Fresh off the stage at Nicsa’s Strategic Leadership Forum, he discusses the importance of resilience, industry shifts, and why staying the course matters in volatile times. More at http://nicsa.org/podcasts

In this episode of The Nine, we sit down with Rob Kane, Director of Alternative Investments at Commonwealth Financial Network, to explore his unconventional path into asset & wealth management. Rob shares how his background in sports shaped his path to this industry, the pivotal moments that defined his leadership, and why he gravitated toward alternative investments.He also dives into the future of the industry, from the rise of younger investors to the growing impact of AI and innovation. Plus, his advice to newcomers: embrace failure, stay adaptable, and find your niche.More episodes at http://nicsa.org/podcasts

In this bonus episode of The Nine, host Justine Phoenix sits down with Sarah Walter, Nicsa's new Head of Asset & Wealth Management Relationships. Sarah shares her unconventional journey from studying agricultural economics in Montana to becoming a leader in the financial services industry. She reflects on pivotal moments in her career, including the power of mentorship, navigating industry challenges, and adapting to constant change. Sarah also offers her perspective on the future of asset and wealth management, from blockchain to alternatives, and leaves listeners with empowering advice for career growth.  A must-listen for anyone navigating the dynamic world of asset & wealth management!For more, visit http://nicsa.org/podcasts

We chat with David Wu, Head of Generative AI at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. From his unconventional path inspired by the film "Wall Street" to leading in AI without a tech degree, David shares pivotal career moments, the importance of mentorship, and lessons in leadership. Discover how he envisions AI empowering human connection in wealth management and his advice for navigating an ever-evolving industry.For more, visit http://nicsa.org/podcasts

Fresh from leaving a leadership role at John Hancock to accelerate growth in her family’s auto business, Michelle Fuller talks to us in person at Nicsa's 2024 Asset and Wealth Management Summit, reflecting on the people and circumstances she encountered along the way. You won’t want to miss the extraordinary story of how she turned a family challenge that initially seemed career-ending into a net positive for her work trajectory - a real testament to how shifting our expectations can pay off.For more, visit http://nicsa.org/podcasts