Sponsored By: J.P. Morgan

Nicsa Chair: Clint Harris, Head of Wealth Management Platforms at Invesco US

Overview

With a powerful and authentic message, Morris Morrison helps individuals and organizations position themselves to be better, more prepared humans in the constantly-changing landscapes of our work and our lives. 

Morris Morrison is a world-class entertainer, futurist, and author who became obsessed with building stronger, kinder, more focused human beings after being orphaned in New York City, then, being orphaned a second time as a teen — before a doctor’s words changed his life forever.

Keynote Speaker:

Morris Morrison, Inspirational disruption and leadership expert, futurist, author, entrepreneur

Overview

As the industry undergoes rapid transformation driven by shifting investor demands, this high-level and strategic discussion will provide attendees with actionable takeaways to navigate the proliferation of ETFs, the rise of Tokenized Assets, and the growing popularity of Alternative Products (Alts), and the trend towards personalized investment solutions.

Speaker(s)

Moderator: Scott Smith, Director, Cerulli Associates

Cheri Belski, Executive Vice President and Head of Investment Management Solutions, LPL Financial

Brian Partridge, Managing Director, Head of Investment Solutions Specialists, Merrill Lynch

Jonathan Kingery, Senior Vice President and Head of US Wealth Management, Franklin Templeton

Overview

The financial and political landscape is setting the stage for an increasingly complex and dynamic regulatory environment. In this critical session, we will explore the implications for the asset and wealth management industry and provide industry executives the tools to stay ahead of the curve.

Speakers:

Moderator: Joanne Kane, Chief Compliance Officer, Global Investor and Distribution Services, US, SS&C

Julie Stoeckel, National Bank Examiner, Asset Management Policy, OCC

John Oliva, Managing Director, Global Head of Asset Management Compliance, JP Morgan

Overview

Get invaluable insights into how boards are thinking, the key issues, and what they expect from leadership. Learn how to align your strategies with board priorities, and position yourself as a trusted partner in driving your firm’s success. Equip yourself with the foresight needed to navigate board dynamics and influence decision-making at the highest level.

Speakers:

Moderator: Beth Savino, Registered Funds Leader, PwC

Amy Lancellotta, Independent Trustee, Nuveen Funds

Kathie Barr, Independent Trustee, William Blair Funds & Professionally Managed Portfolios

Sponsored by: Northern Trust 

Nicsa President & CEO Jim Fitzpatrick presents the prestigious Strategic Leadership - William T. Blackwell Award to Amrit Kanwal, Chief Financial Officer of MFS Investments 

Overview

The start of a new presidential term often signals significant economic shifts. Explore the macroeconomic trends and legislative agendas that could shape the asset and wealth management industry over the next four years. Topics include fiscal policy, global market dynamics, and potential changes to taxation and investment incentives. Gain strategic insights to prepare your organization for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Featured Speaker

Michael Dembro, Lead Investment Strategist, MFS Investment Management

Overview

The Longevity Economy is here. The challenges of funding longer lives is impacting wealth transfer dynamics, retirement planning, and investment product development. Join us to explore how the longevity economy is fueling holistic financial strategies that encompass both wealth accumulation and retirement income needs.

Speakers: 

Moderator: Judy Nelson, Chief Operating Officer, SS&C Technologies Retirement Services

Rupa Athreya, Chief Operating Officer, Income America, LLC

Timothy J. Pitney, Head of Lifetime Income Default Sales, TIAA

Connor Donovan, Vice President, Client Advisor, Principal, Simon Quick Advisors

Overview

As an increasingly Interconnected financial landscape continues to evolve, the industry is witnessing a significant shift in how wealth management firms are adapting their offerings to provide seamless, end-to-end solutions that address the full spectrum of clients' financial lives. 

This session will cover the integration of retirement income products into traditional wealth management portfolios, the growing demand for personalized retirement planning, and the role of technology in enabling more sophisticated, client-centric solutions. The session will also cover the strategic implications for firms, including how to effectively engage clients at different life stages and the opportunities to differentiate through comprehensive retirement and wealth planning services.

Speakers:

Moderator: John Faustino, Head of Fi360

Scott Buffington, Vice President and General Manager of Retirement, Paychex

Anthony Bunnell, Co-founder & CEO, Peopled

Overview

Outsourcing has evolved from a simple cost-cutting strategy to a complex, high-stakes ecosystem. This session will explore the modern landscape of vendor selection and oversight, how to manage risks and communications to clients and partners, and the latest technologies empowering seamless management. Gain actionable insights into the strategies and tools reshaping outsourcing in asset and wealth management to stay ahead in an increasingly interconnected industry.

Speakers: 

Christine Waldron, Managing Director, Asset Servicing, Global Head of Fund Services, BNY Mellon

Brian Nelson, President, Managing Director, Harborside Group

Sponsored by: 

Alternative Investments Committee: 2pm-3pm

Board of Directors Meeting: 1pm-3pm

Fund Admin Committee: 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Next Gen Committee: 1pm-3pm

Product & Distribution Committee: 2pm-3pm

Rising Star Session: 1pm-3pm

SMA and Model Portfolio Committee: 1pm-2pm

REGISTER HERE FOR THE PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT

We are excited to announce that we will be hosting an inaugural Pickleball Tournament during the SLF. Join us for some friendly competition and fun during the Nicsa Gives Back afternoon:

When: Thursday, March 6 | 3:00pm - 5:00pm

Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand-new to the game, all attendees are welcome to participate. Spots are limited to just 45 players, so register now to secure your place. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and all equipment will be provided. No need to pack anything extra!

Don’t miss this exciting new way to connect with peers in sunny Florida! We look forward to seeing you on the court!

Sponsored by: 

Nicsa is excited to partner with Good360 for our 2025 Nicsa Gives Back Volunteer Event. Good360 has been working for 40 years to close the need gap by distributing critically needed products to communities in need. Attendees can support their mission by assembling hygiene kits that will be distributed to those impacted by the tragic fires in Los Angeles. All attendees are invited to participate in this event! 

Sponsored by: 

Join us for the exclusive Future of the Industry Networking Reception, a private gathering for Nicsa Rising Stars and Next Gen professionals to connect, collaborate, and enjoy a cocktail overlooking the ocean! 

Sponsored by: 

Everyone’s invited: celebrate a night of community and service under the stars (and overlooking the ocean) with old friends and new connections.

President’s Address: Jim Fitzpatrick, President & CEO, reflects on Nicsa’s successes and looks ahead to our future.

Volunteer of the Year Awards: Congratulate committee volunteers who have driven Nicsa’s mission forward in 2024.

Pickleball Awards: Cheer on the winners of our inaugural pickleball tournament. 

Sponsored by: 

Overview

Industry leaders exchange perspectives on the major themes shaping the future of the asset and wealth management industry in this candid fire-side chat exclusively for Nicsa members.

Speakers:

Moderator: Tyler Mathisen, Anchor/Correspondent/Program Host, CNBC

Daniel Gamba, President of Northern Trust Asset Management

Kevin Mahn, President & Chief Investment Officer, Hennion & Walsh Asset Management

Overview

Corporate culture emerges as a critical yet often overlooked factor that can make or break an organization's long-term success and sustainability. 

This session will explore the correlation between corporate culture and key performance indicators (KPIs), such as employee engagement, client retention, risk reduction, and innovation. Hear from thought leaders who have built resilient organizations that adapt seamlessly to market changes and industry evolution.

Speakers:

Moderator: Monica Smith, CEO & Founder, Tradewinds Career Consulting

Rhonda Dixon Gunner, Head of Global Transfer Agency, Invesco

Mark Leary, Senior Business Advisor, MFS

Overview

Regulatory policies are set to take center stage under the new administration. This session will delve into the evolving regulatory landscape, with a special focus on cryptocurrency oversight, ESG mandates, and compliance expectations. Discover how regulatory changes will impact operations, innovation, and investment strategies in the asset and wealth management sector, and learn what steps your firm can take to stay ahead of the curve.

Featured Speaker:

Eric Pan, President & CEO, ICI

Overview

Discover how AI is revolutionizing business operations and investor interactions. This session will delve into real-time pricing enablement and decision-making processes, with a special focus on the role of AI in investor and accounting experiences through real-time data from DTCC. Join us to understand how to leverage AI to remain competitive in an evolving industry landscape.

Featured Speaker:

Joseph Lo, Head of Enterprise Platforms, Broadridge