Wealth Management
The 401(k) industry has played a critical role in improving retirement security, yet challenges remain, including access gaps, rising costs, and demographic shifts. Defined contribution (DC) plans are evolving to address these issues, with major trends shaping the future of retirement savings.
Affordability is increasingly strained as rising costs for essentials make it harder to prioritize retirement, especially for mid- and lower-income earners. Legislative changes, such as SECURE 2.0 implementation and potential tax policy shifts, could impact retirement savings strategies in the coming years.
Meanwhile, industry consolidation and integration are reshaping financial services, enhancing efficiency and expanding participant-focused solutions. Innovations in AI, private assets, and fiduciary services are driving new approaches to personalized retirement planning, making financial security more accessible and adaptable.
Finsum: We should be very weary of policy changes to 401(k) plans, while it’s unlikely that Trump makes any changes, the sheer number of policy changes make it worth monitoring.
Someone who meticulously plans every vacation can be surprised to find their stay at an all-inclusive resort to be some of their easiest and least stressful trips. Traveling with a group can be challenging, but resorts offer a wide range of activities—yoga, bingo, and salsa lessons— and ensure there was something for everyone.
Resorts can make dining effortless, with multiple on-site restaurants eliminating the need for reservations or extensive research. Budgeting can also be simplified, as meals, drinks, and activities were included in the upfront cost, preventing unexpected expenses.
While some usually preferred exploring new places, all-in-one resorts show the value of slowing down and simply enjoying time with friends. Instead of stressing over your next big vacation with hundreds of details and people to coordinate, consider simplifying with all-in-one style vacations.
Finsum: I find the best hybrid of this type of a vacation style to be utilizing a new experience to get the most out of someone planning for me, cruises to unconventional destinations are a great example.
Apollo has introduced a tokenized private credit fund, partnering with Securitize to offer on-chain access to corporate lending and structured credit. The fund, available on Solana, Ink, Ethereum, Aptos, Avalanche, and Polygon, marks Securitize’s first integration with Solana and Kraken’s layer-2 network, Ink.
Apollo Diversified Credit Fund, managing over $1.2 billion, delivered an 11.7% return in 2024, significantly outperforming U.S. Treasuries. Christine Moy of Apollo highlighted its role as a stable, high-yield complement to crypto assets and tokenized treasuries.
Private credit tokenization is gaining traction, with Securitize CEO Carlos Domingo noting its potential alongside falling interest rates. Apollo sees this initiative as a stepping stone toward decentralized finance innovations, including automated portfolio rebalancing and smart contract-driven collateral management.
Finsum: This is an interesting crossover and perhaps crypto is a natural path to get more alt exposure.
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Total annuity sales reached a record $432.4 billion in 2024, marking a 12% increase from the previous year and the third consecutive year of growth. Despite strong overall performance, declining interest rates in late 2024 led to a 13% drop in fixed-rate deferred and income annuities, as investors shifted toward products with higher growth potential.
Traditional variable annuities saw their first annual increase in three years, rising 19% to $61.2 billion, fueled by strong equity markets and product innovation. Experts anticipate continued strength in annuity sales for 2025, and variable annuities could have another positive year’s annuities.
LIMRA attributes this sustained demand to growing consumer interest in investment protection and guaranteed retirement income. Final industry rankings for 2024 will be released in March after earnings reports are completed.
Finsum: This could be the play for income investors worried about rising rates but need some upside exposure in 2025.
Retirement is often the most significant financial commitment for American households, with many needing over $1 million to sustain their post-work years. A Prudential survey of 198 financial advisors found that 80% use specialized portfolios for retirees, particularly those well-versed in retirement income planning.
Around half of retiree clients prefer living off portfolio income, necessitating investment strategies distinct from traditional total return approaches. Advisors showed the strongest interest in long-term bonds, U.S. large-cap equities, and Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) for retiree portfolios.
Knowledgeable advisors were significantly more inclined to increase allocations to TIPS and long-term bonds compared to those less experienced in retirement planning. Overall, there is considerable interest in income-focused investment strategies and multi-asset portfolio solutions tailored to retirees' needs.
Finsum: Thinking of how strategies and portfolio solutions can be dynamic to suit clients shifting needs is critical to making clients feel supported
The neo and challenger bank market is undergoing rapid expansion, driven by advancements in fintech, increased digital adoption, and evolving consumer expectations. These digital-first banks, operating without physical branches, are reshaping financial services by offering personalized, low-cost solutions.
Market growth is fueled by smartphone penetration, regulatory support, and innovations in AI, blockchain, and open banking. Despite challenges like cybersecurity risks and compliance complexities, investments in security and transparency are building consumer trust.
Leading players such as Revolut, Monzo, and Chime continue to expand through strategic innovations and global outreach. As digital banking gains traction worldwide, emerging markets in Asia, Latin America, and Africa present significant growth opportunities.
Finsum: This presents an opportunity as an investor as well as consumers, these services can improve client options and opportunities.