Alan Zafran, Founder and Managing Partner of IEQ Capital, joined RIA Channel at Morgan Stanley’s Second Annual “Integrated Firm Summit” to discuss how advances in technology are enabling advisors to deliver more holistic wealth management for ultra-high-net-worth families.
Zafran explains that new software and portfolio management tools have made it easier to integrate investment, tax, estate, and financial planning into a single, holistic view. He notes that advisors can now efficiently deliver more comprehensive, fiduciary-driven advice while offering clients access to a broader range of tax-aware investment strategies, from fixed income solutions to more aggressive tax-efficient growth oriented strategies.
Drawing on more than 36 years of industry experience, Zafran highlights three key trends among ultra-high-net-worth clients. First, he is seeing an increased emphasis on after-tax investment returns, particularly among California residents facing high state tax rates. Second, clients are increasingly valuing technology that provides a complete view of their financial lives, including assets held outside their advisory relationship. Finally, as enthusiasm surrounding AI continues to accelerate, more clients are seeking ways to participate in long-term technological innovation while mitigating risk. Zafran emphasizes the importance of balancing access to compelling investment opportunities with appropriate diversification, risk tolerance, and long-term financial objectives. He adds that IEQ Capital’s partnership with Morgan Stanley enhances the firm’s ability to access differentiated investment opportunities and industry expertise.
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