If the wealth management industry has a pulse, it was beating loud and clear in Tampa at the Advyzon Conference 2025. This year’s theme, “A Convergence of Technology, Innovation, and Partnership,” wasn’t just a tagline—it was the foundation of a conference that has quickly become a must-attend for RIAs and fintech professionals alike. With attendance doubling year-over-year, Advyzon has firmly established itself as a rising force in the wealthtech space.
Morningstar’s Big Move and the Scramble for RIAs
One of the biggest headlines of the event wasn’t on the official agenda. On February 13, Morningstar announced it will retire Morningstar Office, its web-based investment research and portfolio accounting platform, by early 2026. The move sent shockwaves through the industry, as thousands of RIAs who rely on the platform now find themselves searching for a new home. Morningstar’s solution? A deal with SS&C Technologies’ Black Diamond Wealth Platform, making it the first to integrate with Morningstar’s new Direct Advisory Suite.
But not everyone is willing to follow Morningstar’s lead. Advyzon, whose leadership team includes many former Morningstar employees, is positioning itself as a natural destination for RIAs seeking a more advisor-friendly alternative. Advyzon was founded in 2012 by Hailin Li – former vice president, Office Solutions at Morningstar. Li was the chief architect behind Morningstar Office from 2003 to 2010 when he broke away from Morningstar and started Advyzon.
Other major players are also actively courting these soon-to-be orphaned advisors. As Advyzon Chief Revenue Officer John Mackowiak put it, “They had to pick a dance partner, and they picked one. That doesn’t mean RIAs have to accept the invitation.”
Key Industry Themes: Where Wealth Management is Heading
Beyond the headlines, several themes emerged from the conference that reflect broader industry shifts.
The Rise of Unified Platforms
Advisors are increasingly seeking integrated technology stacks that simplify operations, enhance client engagement, and scale with their growth. Advyzon’s mission to be an all-in-one solution aligns with this trend. Advyzon also highlighted its ability to scale in the new partnership Advyzon Enterprise introduced with StoneX, which brings Advyzon’s fully integrated wealthtech platform to StoneX’s broker/dealers and financial institutions.
AI, Automation and Data-Driven Insights
From portfolio management to client communication, AI-driven solutions are becoming table stakes. RIAs are no longer just exploring these tools—they’re actively implementing them to drive efficiency and improve client outcomes.
Marketing That Matters
One of the standout panels, Marketing in 2025: Cutting Through the Hype and Getting Practical, featured leaders from Altruist, Future Proof, Impact Communications and Advyzon’s own Samantha Schwimmer sharing strategies and ideas to boost brand recognition and organic growth.
The Power of Partnership
The role of collaboration in financial services was front and center, with a highlight session featuring John Thiel, executive chairman of Indivisible Partners, who emphasized that technology should enhance—not replace—the human element of wealth management.
Thought Leaders on the Future of Wealthtech
Global Market Outlook
Jeffrey Kleintop, chief global investment strategist at Charles Schwab, provided a macroeconomic view on what advisors should expect in the coming year, touching on inflation, market volatility, and geopolitical risks.
Advyzon Executive Leadership Panel
CEO Hailin Li, Chief Revenue Officer John Mackowiak, Chief Operating Officer Dirk Pearson and other Advyzon executives shared insights on the company’s rapid growth, product roadmap and vision for the future.
Daymond John’s 5 Shark Points
The Shark Tank star and FUBU founder delivered a high-energy keynote on entrepreneurship, resilience and building lasting success in business and life.
Final Thoughts
With Morningstar Office set to disappear, advisors are at a crossroads. Some will take the path of least resistance and migrate to Black Diamond, but many will explore alternatives. Advyzon, Orion and others see this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to capture market share and prove that RIAs deserve better than a forced transition.
The Advyzon conference made one thing clear: The future of wealth management belongs to the platforms that offer advisors the most flexibility, the best client experience and the strongest partnerships. As firms navigate this shifting landscape, those that embrace innovation and put advisors first will emerge as the true winners.
For more insights, check out the Wealthtech coverage at WealthManagement.com or for more videos head to WMTV but stay tuned—because in wealthtech, the only constant is change.
