Key Takeaways from the Summit for Wealth Management

Navigating Volatility and Delivering Value

In this exclusive episode of FinTech Focus TV, recorded live at The Summit for Wealth Management 2025 in London, Toby welcomes Antonio Curia, Founder and Managing Director of MIELI Private Office (by MIELI CAPITAL Ltd). The episode offers an in-depth exploration into the current wealth management landscape, with topics spanning macroeconomic uncertainty, the importance of financial education, alternative investments, AI in financial services, and the ever-relevant human element of client service.

This powerful discussion underscores the traits and approaches shaping elite FinTech talent today. As a global FinTech recruitment firm, Harrington Starr champions forward-thinking conversations like this one, helping businesses hire the professionals who will drive transformation across the sector.

Mastering Financial Complexity with Expert Insight

From the outset, Toby identifies Antonio as one of the standout contributors at the summit, participating in three different panels and chairing a stream on global macro strategy. Despite the praise, Antonio downplays the accolades, instead emphasising the educational value he hopes to bring to attendees.

He shares that MIELI Private Office is a multifamily office based in London, dedicated to helping professional private clients navigate increasingly complex markets. Antonio and his team place a significant focus on the educational aspects of investment, guiding clients through the intricacies of wealth management so they can make informed, confident decisions. His firm's specialism lies in alternative investments, cultivated through over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry.

Global Macro Strategy and the Role of FinTech in Risk Mitigation

Antonio is quick to highlight the importance of macroeconomic context in today’s wealth management environment. As chair of the macro strategy panel at the summit, he discusses the current volatility and uncertainty facing investors. It's precisely in these moments, he explains, that clients appreciate the value of wealth advisors and multifamily offices.

Referencing discussions from earlier in the day, Antonio jokes that clients now understand "why they pay us the fees"—because navigating such a volatile landscape is not just difficult but essential for wealth preservation. For FinTech professionals, especially those working in data analytics, investment platforms, and infrastructure technology, this presents a unique opportunity to support advisors with tools that enhance visibility and decision-making in turbulent conditions.

As a FinTech recruitment firm, Harrington Starr recognises the growing demand for specialists who can not only interpret macroeconomic data but also translate it into actionable investment strategy. These roles are critical in helping firms mitigate risk and retain client trust in a high-stakes environment.

Building an Institutional Research Culture in Financial Services

MIELI Private Office’s strategy is rooted in rigorous research. Antonio describes how 90% of the firm’s daily activities are focused on macroeconomic research, assessing data, and exchanging knowledge with other professionals. This continuous learning approach ensures that the firm remains ahead of market developments and capable of providing meaningful insights to clients.

Antonio describes this commitment to learning as central to MIELI’s culture. His personal philosophy—summed up by a quote from Michelangelo: “I am still learning”—underpins their relentless drive to understand, question, and educate. He believes that in order to stay relevant, wealth managers must immerse themselves in learning and prioritise professional collaboration.

This approach is a clear reflection of what’s required in today’s FinTech jobs. Whether you’re hiring a Chief Investment Officer, a Quant Analyst, or a Product Manager for a financial technology platform, the ability to interpret complex data and engage in continual professional development is paramount.

Integrating AI with Human Expertise in Financial Advisory

The conversation shifts toward technology and artificial intelligence, both of which have become central topics at this year’s summit. Antonio acknowledges the growing influence of AI in the financial world, but he also warns against complete reliance on technology. Describing himself as “old school,” Antonio says that while he appreciates the importance of AI, especially in terms of infrastructure, he believes human judgement remains irreplaceable.

Antonio serves on the board of an AI company, though his focus is on the digital infrastructure side of innovation. For him, the goal is not to replace human advisors but to augment their work. Research still needs to be curated, data still needs to be assessed, and recommendations must be interpreted within the client’s context.

This viewpoint resonates strongly in FinTech recruitment. Today’s hiring managers are looking for candidates who can work symbiotically with technology—those who see AI as an accelerator, not a crutch. At Harrington Starr, we see this playing out across product, data, and compliance roles, with firms seeking hybrid thinkers who can integrate software tools into human-driven processes.

Creating a Financial Intelligence Ecosystem

Antonio introduces one of the standout innovations at MIELI Private Office: a web-based financial intelligence platform. This in-house initiative, running for over six years, brings together eight top-tier advisors, each contributing insights based on their niche expertise. The platform is not a mass-market solution; it is tailored specifically to support MIELI’s client base.

This ecosystem of curated insights helps the firm stay aligned with market changes, while also empowering their clients to understand the reasoning behind investment decisions. It’s a powerful mix of education, transparency, and service delivery.

For hiring managers building similar ecosystems—whether in asset management platforms, client portals, or internal analytics teams—the need for exceptional talent is clear. You need individuals who not only understand markets but can also communicate insights in a digestible, valuable manner.

Fee Pressure and the Rising Standard of Client Service

Toby brings up a common industry challenge: increasing pressure on fees. In response, Antonio shares a compelling philosophy—when clients are asking for more value, firms need to deliver more value. That means increasing service quality, enhancing expertise, and focusing on bespoke experiences for every client.

Antonio places strong emphasis on the educational component of wealth management. Rather than giving instructions, his team delivers recommendations built on thoughtful analysis and invites clients into the decision-making process. It's a collaborative model, where trust is built through education, not imposition.

This theme is mirrored across many FinTech recruitment discussions. Today’s most successful firms are those with relationship-driven cultures, where clients and providers are co-creators in the service journey. The ability to hire and develop emotionally intelligent staff who can foster those relationships is now a non-negotiable in modern financial services hiring.

Insights from The Summit for Wealth Management 2025

Reflecting on the summit, Antonio praises the calibre of speakers and content. Although only partway through the day, he has already engaged in deep discussions around macro trends, private markets, and the evolving wealth management model.

In his moderated panels, he expects conversations to centre on fee reduction, the role of artificial intelligence in portfolio optimisation, and the shift toward tailored advisory services. Importantly, he sees the summit not only as a place to share knowledge but as an opportunity to learn—a sentiment echoed by many FinTech leaders.

Summits like these underscore the need for FinTech talent that can sit across both technical and strategic domains. Employers aren’t just looking for coders or investment strategists—they need professionals who can participate in panels, present to clients, write thought leadership, and contribute to ecosystem learning.

Human Relationships in the Age of Technology

As the podcast draws to a close, Toby and Antonio return to a foundational theme: the importance of the human element in financial advisory. Despite AI, automation, and the proliferation of data tools, the strongest client relationships are still built on communication, context, and understanding.

Antonio stresses that his firm’s value lies not just in the services it offers, but in how it delivers them—with empathy, focus, and clarity. Their approach is consultative, never prescriptive, and it’s this tone that earns client loyalty.

At Harrington Starr, we see this play out in the hiring trends across wealth management and FinTech. As tools become more powerful, firms are differentiating on client experience—and that comes down to hiring professionals who are not only technically capable but also ethically driven and emotionally aware.

Conclusion: What the Future of Wealth Management Demands from FinTech Talent

This episode of FinTech Focus TV  is more than a conversation—it’s a blueprint for navigating change in wealth management. Through the lens of Antonio Curia’s leadership at MIELI Private Office, we see what it takes to thrive in a world of complexity: constant learning, meaningful research, judicious use of technology, and most of all, authentic human connection.

Whether you’re building a FinTech platform, hiring your next wealth advisor, or expanding a team of data specialists, this episode offers invaluable perspective. Antonio’s insights highlight the need for a new breed of professional—one that blends intellectual curiosity, emotional intelligence, and a deep respect for client education.

Harrington Starr is a global leader in FinTech recruitment, with offices in London, Belfast, and New York. Since 2010, we’ve partnered with the world’s most innovative financial technology firms to connect them with outstanding talent across Quantitative Finance, Software Engineering, Infrastructure Support, Data, Cyber Security, DevOps, Product Management, Sales, and Marketing. Whether you’re scaling a FinTech startup or hiring senior leaders to drive transformation, our team understands the complexity of financial services and the pace of technological change. Through industry-leading podcasts, salary surveys, workplace awards, and content that drives engagement, we don’t just recruit—we champion the entire FinTech ecosystem. As a FinTech recruitment business with global reach, Harrington Starr is proud to support firms like MIELI and beyond. We partner with clients across the UK, Europe, and North America to find the talent that will define the next chapter in financial services.