Our Five Takeaways from Our Interview with Chip Roame
We usually share three takeaways from our Invest Well, Be Well podcast guests. But when you talk with Chip Roame, five just feels right.
Chip is the Managing Partner of Tiburon Strategic Advisors and one of the most respected and insightful voices in the asset management, wealth management, and fintech industries. Every spring and fall, he hosts the Tiburon CEO Summit, where hundreds of industry leaders gather to hear his research-driven keynote on the state (and future) of the business. If you have the ability to go, you should. The information and discussions are gold, but the networking is even better.
I’ve known Chip for nearly twenty years and for the last decade, we’ve also been hiking buddies on some of the most beautiful (and sometimes downright dangerous) trails in the country. He’s as sharp on the trail (he's a beast really) as he is on the stage.
Here are our five key takeaways from our conversation — plus one bonus insight about how Chip and other high performers stay energized and focused.
The Generational Wealth Transfer Is Overstated — and Misunderstood
Chip argues the “great wealth transfer” narrative is exaggerated. The real stories are horizontal transfers (spouse-to-spouse) and the liquidation of non-financial assets that occur before wealth is passed. The lesson: advisors need to focus less on hype and more on real, measurable transitions already happening today.
New Client Segments Are Redefining the Market
Gen X, Millennials, and even Gen Z are entering their prime earning and investing years. Women-led households and migrating consumers (especially to low-tax states like Texas and Florida) are reshaping where and how advisors need to show up. The opportunity? Serve the mass affluent and single-digit millionaires who are too often overlooked by firms chasing the ultra-wealthy.
The Product and Advice Models Are Blending — Fast
The line between investment products and advice is blurring. ETFs, direct indexing, and private markets are expanding personalization, while AI-driven tools and hybrid digital advice models are changing the client experience. The takeaway: the next decade belongs to firms that can blend low-cost beta with authentic human alpha. Let's call it personalization with empathy.
Organic Growth Is the New Alpha
In a world of mergers, consolidators, and platform convergence, organic growth is the true differentiator. Chip highlights the increasing importance of digital marketing, workplace programs, and even “finfluencers.” Advisors who combine strong processes with strong presence and deliver consistent client experiences will win.
Industry Convergence Is Accelerating
From asset managers and OCIOs to fintechs and recordkeepers, the entire ecosystem is merging into a broader wealth management continuum. Expect more consolidation, more capital (venture and private equity), and a few new power players. The future of wealth management is likely to be both more concentrated and more connected.
Bonus Takeaway: Strong Living Drives Strong Leadership
When it comes to high performance, Chip practices what he preaches. Between his global travels and his annual “Excellent Adventure” hikes, he knows that staying curious, fit, and connected is essential for good decision-making. Chip also credits fatherhood to pushing himself toward living life fully, not just for himself, but for his children.
He also shared that many of the top performers he studies — across asset and wealth management — share similar traits: they’re disciplined learners, energy managers, and purpose-driven leaders.
In other words, they invest in their well-being as deliberately as they invest in their portfolios.
Final Spark
Chip Roame’s research offers a roadmap for where our industry is headed — and his lifestyle offers a reminder of how to navigate it well.
In both wealth and life, success belongs to those who stay curious, connected, and climbing.
Invest well. Be well.