Nicsa Talk: Recent Episodes
Nicsa
Nicsa Talk brings actionable solutions to the world of asset management. Each of our episodes tackles pressing issues in the financial business world and features the people working closely with these issues in their day-to-day roles.
Nicsa is an asset management trade association supporting asset managers and professional service providers.
Disclosure: May contain forward-looking statements subject to various uncertainties. Personal views of panelists are as of the date hereof and do not necessarily reflect the views of Nicsa itself. The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation of best practices.
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 shares
- How AI is changing cyber defense across financial services
- Emerging AI-driven threats that concern security leaders most
- The evolving balance between human expertise and automation
- The role of ethical hacking and bug bounty programs
- How firms can maintain client trust in an era of constant threats
- What organizations should do now to prepare for the next major shift in cybersecurity
This 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 pace
- What makes agentic AI fundamentally different from past technologies
- How learning agents reshape the economics of operations
- How agentic systems dramatically reduce false positives and operational noise
- What “human oversight” looks like as AI assumes more autonomous responsibilities
Bob 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.org
and
http://olmst.com
And check out these articles for more detailed insights from Anthony:
- Clients demand FASTIR outcomes from their Data Operating Model
https://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 Strategy
https://www.olmst.com/your-next-data-strategy-is-your-ai-strategy/ - SPARTAH: Your Firm’s Guard Against AI Risk
https://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 Dembro (MFS) puts political noise in perspective with a data-driven look at investing through election cycles
Joanne Kane (SS&C) delivers a plainspoken, no-nonsense breakdown of what firms need to know about managing AI risk
Timothy Pitney (TIAA) highlights why longevity literacy is just as essential as financial literacy when planning for retirement
These 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
Join us in a discussion with PwC's John Stadtler that includes lessons learned, career advice, and his take on some of the asset and wealth management industry’s most important topics.
For more, visit http://nicsa.org/podcasts
Gary Casagrande traces his path through the industry, highlighting the value of continued learning throughout your career, as well as the work you'd need to put into networking in order to get the best returns. Hear about all that and much more in this episode of NicsaTalk.
For more, visit http://nicsa.org/podcasts
Dr. Omar Aguilar, President, CEO, & CIO of Schwab Asset Management, reflects on his background and highlights the importance of being flexible about your career path. Recorded on-site at Nicsa Diversity Project North America’s Fearless Leadership Symposium 2024.
For more, visit http://nicsa.org/podcasts
**The Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry’s new CEO Serge Weyland shares some of the challenges he overcame and lessons he learned along the way. Recorded on-site at Nicsa’s Strategic Leadership Forum 2024.
For more, visit http://nicsa.org/podcasts**
Hear from MFS CFO Amrit Kanwal about his background, lessons learned, and advice. Recorded on-site just after he came offstage at Nicsa’s Strategic Leadership Forum 2024.
For more, visit http://nicsa.org/podcasts
Yie-Hsin Hung shares some of the defining moments of her career so far, and some of the lessons learned along her journey to be SSGA’s President & CEO. Recorded at Nicsa’s Strategic Leadership Forum 2024, where Yie-Hsin answered audience questions alongside Edward Jones’ Penny Pennington in our annual Face the Membership panel.
For more, visit http://nicsa.org/podcasts
In this Special Edition episode of NicsaTalk, Expect Miracles Foundation Director of Development Maggie Dombroski joins Nicsa's Justine Phoenix to talk about EMF's annual Distance Challenge, a global peer-to-peer fundraiser where participants can run, walk, bike, or do anything else that gets them moving in support of cancer research. How far will you go to leave cancer behind?
https://www.emfdistancechallenge.org/
http://nicsa.org
Listen in as the top leader at Edward Jones, Managing Partner Penny Pennington, shares moments that defined her career, ways her family guided her, and her vision for the future of the asset and wealth management industry. Recorded at Nicsa’s Strategic Leadership Forum 2024, where Penny answered audience questions alongside State Street’s Yie-Hsin Hung in our annual Face the Membership panel.
For more, visit http://nicsa.org/podcasts
**Our guest Marty Flanagan served as a director, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Invesco, one of the world’s leading investment management firms, for nearly twenty years. Join us for a frank conversation about his career and lessons learned in his long and high-reaching leadership journey. Recorded at Nicsa’s Strategic Leadership Forum 2024, at which Marty received Nicsa’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
For more, visit http://nicsa.org/podcasts**
FS's Chief US Economist, Lara Rhame, joins Justine Phoenix on the NicsaTalk Podcast, recorded in person at Nicsa's General Membership Meeting in November 2023. Tune in to hear a bit about her outlook on the economy, but stay to learn how she manages work/life balance and other lessons she's learned in her career. For more episodes, visit http://nicsa.org/podcasts.
John Hancock's Head of Alternative Products, York Lo, shares insights from his career, and his unique perspective. This episode was recorded live on the floor of Nicsa’s annual General Membership Meeting in November 2023.
For more, visit http://nicsa.org/podcasts
Recorded live on the floor of Nicsa’s annual General Membership Meeting in November 2023, in this episode, Bank of America’s Lorna Sabbia shares her perspective and some of the key experiences and lessons that shaped her career.
For more, visit http://nicsa.org/podcasts
Recorded live on the floor of Nicsa’s annual General Membership Meeting in November 2023, this episode features American Century’s Joe Schultz. In it, he delves into his background, and shares one big networking strategy that he would have done even more of if he could go back in time.
For more, visit http://nicsa.org/podcasts
Franklin Templeton's Co-Head of Retail Sales Mark Lavan joins Nicsa's Justine Phoenix to talk about his career path, how he found the right role for himself, and lessons learned along the way.
http://nicsa.org/podcasts
Steve Rueschoff of Edward Jones shares his path to the upper reaches of the asset and wealth management industry, and how events that seem less than ideal at the time can turn out to be the best things to happen in your career.
More at http://nicsa.org/podcasts
Michelle Thompson-Dolberry of MFS shares her unique journey in the asset and wealth management industry, and what she’s learned about the importance and value of bringing one’s authentic self to the job.
More at http://nicsa.org/podcasts
Stacy Bernstein, Vice Chair of the Nicsa Board of Directors and Head of Financial Intermediaries at American Century Investments, shares how she turned challenges - such as 11 bosses in 10 years, and taking on a new leadership role fresh out of maternity leave - into growth and success.
More at http://nicsa.org/podcasts
**This month’s guest is Clint Harris, CFA, EVP, Head of Wealth Management Platforms and Invesco Global Consulting at Invesco US, and Member of Nicsa’s Board of Directors. He shares lessons learned about leadership, and his take on where asset and wealth management is heading.
For more, visit nicsa.org**
In this episode, recorded live on the event floor of Nicsa's 2023 Strategic Leadership Forum during a networking breakfast, Ameriprise's Sandy Bolton shares the unexpected path of her career and how success is not always a straight line upward.
Meet Sibil Sebastian Patri, CFA, CAIA: VP of Strategy and Corporate Development at American Century Investments, and host of the CFA Institute's podcast series My CFA Charter Story. In this episode of NicsaTalk, she chats with Nicsa's Justine Phoenix about her background, what she's learned in her career, and how to foster a successful organizational culture.
Listen to My CFA Charter Story here: https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/events/podcasts
Visit http://nicsa.org/podcasts for more episodes
Justine chats with Kevin Mahn, President & CIO at Hennion & Walsh Asset Management. He shares how surviving the 9/11 terrorist attack changed the trajectory of his career and his life, alongside sharing some career advice and industry insights.
Let us know what you think at https://www.linkedin.com/company/nicsa/ and visit nicsa.org to learn more.
Justine chats with Nicsa's Board Chairman and Head of Product Development and Strategy at Columbia Threadneedle, Scott Brady. They touch on hot product trends in the financial industry, career advice, and "Workplace Karma".
Let us know what you think at https://www.linkedin.com/company/nicsa/ and visit nicsa.org to learn more.
NicsaTalk is relaunching with a whole new format! Every month, we'll share a 15-minute conversation with one of the global asset management industry's best and brightest. They will share stories of their personal and professional journeys, and give you access to important lessons they've learned, for both business success and professional development.
In this series premiere, NICSA CEO Jim Fitzpatrick will introduce the host of the new NicsaTalk, Justine Phoenix. She's Nicsa's Vice President of Distribution & Broker Dealer Engagement, and Head of Nicsa's Diversity Project North America.
Let us know what you think at https://www.linkedin.com/company/nicsa/ and visit nicsa.org to learn more.
In honor of Black History Month, Nicsa’s Diversity Project North America asked three of our members to share their perspectives and personal stories as black women in the asset management industry They outline their career journeys, recount stories of how allies and mentors helped them along the way, provide tips for how colleagues can be effective allies, and impart advice for those just starting their careers in asset management.
For more from them, watch our video at www.nicsa.org/BHM
As part of its Listen, Learn & Lead series, Nicsa hosts an important discussion with Latinx professionals in the asset management industry about their personal journeys, including career growth opportunities, business relationships, entry into finance.
Join us for an important discussion about race in the asset management industry. Hear from a range of generational perspectives about what it means to be a Black senior leader, mid-level manager, or new entrant in the industry.
Join Delta Data and a panel of industry experts for a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities related to market modeling programs. Nicsa.org, DeltaData.com
This panel from the Women in Asset Management Virtual Summit in September 2020 goes in-depth on how to make the asset management industry more inclusive in this era of digital and remote work. It featured panelists from Nicsa and Nicsa's Diversity Project North America members.
Panelists:
Justine Phoenix, Nicsa
Niamh Fitzgerald, BMO Global Asset Management
Paul Olschwanger, Aon
Producer: Jeff Lamoreaux
A conversation about how allies can promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and a candid look at the obstacles impacting black people in the asset management industry.
Featuring: Steve Duncan (BNY Mellon), India Gary-Martin (Leadership for Life), Maurice Tsuro (BlackRock), and Jason Tyler (Northern Trust)
Hosts: Allison Lovett and Justine Phoenix
Producer: Jeff Lamoreaux
FIS and other industry thought leaders discuss lessons learned from COVID19 and how to enhance immunity of the transfer agency in the event of future crises.
Invesco's Nate Dierklingon the evolving FA practice,
relationships, and model structures
American Century’s Chris Lahna on why collaboration is so important when tackling diversity and inclusion issues
Merrill Lynch’s Sandy Bolton on leading trends in product and distribution business models
BlackRock’s Eve Cout on the use of model portfolios to manage client investment strategies
DST Systems’ Lead Data Science Manager Lyndsay Noble on the restructuring of operating models based on data analytics.
PIMCO's Mary Hoppe on what asset managers can do to build better business relationships with the industry's top advisors.
Technologists and operations executives from leading asset management firms discuss the integration of these distinct yet inter-dependent business lines.
Camille Thommes from ALFI talks about challenges facing asset managers with regard to MiFID II regulation.
Hear Brinker Capital's CEO and Columbia Threadneedle's National Sales Manager discuss product rationalization, fee pressures and other hot topics in the product distribution arena.
Experts review what it takes to prepare for the upcoming Liquidity Rule deadline.
http://www.nicsa.org
Experts weigh in on how to choose the right fund structure for alternative asset classes.
Hear about top trends for alternative investment products and why non-correlated asset classes are becoming more mainstream.
Looking to maximize the effectiveness of your data analytical models? From RFM segmentation to K-Means segmentation, learn how asset managers are sourcing data and measuring success.
Detailed insight into new SSAE-18 standards and how they will impact your next SOC report and review.
Get first-hand knowledge about best practices in fraud situation response, including staff training and reporting from our panel of seasoned experts in this episode of NICSAtalk.
Asset managers looking to spend less time managing data streams and more time analyzing them should tune in to this episode of NICSAtalk, where we tackle how financial institutions can best position themselves for data consumption.
Moderator: Jackie Noblett, Senior Reporter, Ignites. Speakers: Bradley Moore, Director of Product Development at Albridge Analytics; Lyndsay Noble, Lead Analytics Consultant at DST Systems; Greg Piaseki, Head of Sales at SalesPage Technologies; and Deep Srivastav, Head of Client Strategies and Analytics at Franklin Templeton.
How can asset managers jump start data analytics with data they already have? This episode of NICSAtalk addresses the use of internal versus external data, and how financial professionals can identify key sources of data streams to best inform their business decisions.
Moderator: Jackie Noblett, Senior Reporter, Ignites. Speakers: Bradley Moore, Director of Product Development at Albridge Analytics; Lyndsay Noble, Lead Analytics Consultant at DST Systems; Greg Piaseki, Head of Sales at SalesPage Technologies; and Deep Srivastav, Head of Client Strategies and Analytics at Franklin Templeton.