Navigating the Future of Wealth Management
In the latest episode of FinTech Focus TV, Toby Babb sits down with Amy Malkani, Director at Dovestone Media, and Stewart Sanderson, CEO at IM Asset Management Limited, for a timely discussion that previews The Summit for Wealth Management 2025. As Harrington Starr continues to champion thought leadership in FinTech recruitment, this episode highlights the major issues shaping the wealth management industry ahead of the event and explores how leaders are adapting in an era defined by volatility, technology, and the importance of client experience.
This discussion, designed as a lead-in to one of the most prominent events in the UK financial calendar, goes beyond surface-level talking points. It examines the global and regional economic challenges affecting wealth managers, the increasing importance of digital transformation, and the value of collaborative, in-person knowledge-sharing events like TSWM.
A Convergence of Wealth Management and FinTech Careers
As the episode opens, listeners are welcomed into a behind-the-scenes moment as the guests and host adjust lighting, virtual backgrounds, and microphones—a small yet symbolic nod to the hybrid, tech-driven world that both the event industry and wealth management now operate within.
Toby introduces the purpose of the conversation—to give audiences a detailed preview of what to expect at The Summit for Wealth Management 2025, taking place on 12th May—and invites Amy and Stewart to share their backgrounds.
Amy explains that she has spent over six years in the media and events space, working across industries such as pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, infrastructure, and financial services. In recent years, she has specialised in private banking, sustainable investing, and wealth management. Having joined Foxon Media three years ago, she helped launch and grow two key industry events: the Summit for ESG and the Summit for Wealth Management. As of January 2025, the latter has transitioned fully to Dovestone Media, where Amy now leads operations and content. It’s a strategic evolution, giving these summits a dedicated platform and identity as they mature into essential annual forums for financial professionals.
Stewart, meanwhile, introduces himself as the CEO of IM Asset Management Limited—clarifying that it should be referred to as "IM Asset Management" rather than "IM Management"—and outlines his shift from speaking at the summit last year to moderating one of its major content streams this year. A veteran of senior roles at well-known investment firms such as Brooks Macdonald and Seven Investment Management, Stewart brings a wealth of experience in client-centric wealth planning and a strong belief in the importance of collaborative improvement within the industry.
Financial Trends Shaping the Wealth Management Industry in 2025
As the conversation shifts into trends, Toby asks both guests to unpack what’s driving industry conversation in the lead-up to TSWM 2025. Amy draws on insights from her preparation with the event’s speakers and programme contributors, revealing a rich and varied landscape of concerns—from tax regime changes and client mobility to estate planning, technology adoption, and the ever-present macro-economic unpredictability.
One particularly topical issue Amy highlights is the impact of the UK’s Autumn Budget, especially for non-domiciled clients. Despite many participating firms being UK-based, their client bases often span multiple jurisdictions. With tightening global taxation rules and evolving regulatory regimes, the need for up-to-date, strategic planning has never been more critical.
The summit will also address enduring topics such as inheritance tax, retirement planning, and the intergenerational wealth transfer. Amy notes that what was once considered a buzzword—the "great wealth transfer"—has become a tangible trend shaping product development, marketing strategies, and hiring needs within FinTech. Wealth managers are reimagining how to engage a new generation of clients who expect personalised, digital-first experiences—a theme that aligns with the kinds of roles Harrington Starr is increasingly asked to fill across data, digital design, and regulatory transformation.
Global politics, particularly the US presidential election and geopolitical instability, also form part of the wealth management narrative in 2025. These factors inevitably influence investor confidence and strategy, fuelling a growing appetite for risk management expertise and real-time data analytics—two core skills in demand across FinTech staffing.
Client Experience and FinTech Innovation Go Hand in Hand
Stewart continues the theme by addressing how wealth management professionals are evolving their offering to remain competitive and client-focused. He references the resurgence of Trump-era tariff discussions and the increasing need to balance returns with volatility and drawdown risk. These topics, once relegated to back-office functions, are now front and centre in client conversations.
For Stewart, technology is a critical enabler of enhanced client service—not just in operational efficiency, but in improving the quality of interactions and advice. As firms seek to reduce costs while increasing personalisation, there’s growing investment in everything from automated reporting tools to digital onboarding platforms and AI-driven portfolio analysis. These advances are reshaping the skills needed in FinTech recruitment, with demand rising for professionals who can bridge traditional finance with innovation.
He also makes a key point about the commoditisation of wealth management services, noting that as the core product becomes harder to differentiate, firms must compete on experience and service delivery. This mirrors the transformation across other sectors of financial services, where customer experience is now a leading priority and a significant driver of hiring decisions.
The Structure and Scope of The Summit for Wealth Management 2025
The conversation turns to the summit itself, with Amy giving a detailed overview of the event’s format. TSWM 2025 will be structured around three core content streams:
- Premium Client Services & Communication
- Technology & Innovation
- Global Macro Strategy, Performance & Risk
Each stream offers a mix of panels, interactive debates, and case study-led presentations designed to engage professionals from across the front, middle, and back office. Stewart will moderate the client services track, which he sees as an opportunity to surface best practices from across the industry.
What sets TSWM apart, Amy explains, is its diversity of perspectives. With speakers drawn from private banks, family offices, financial planners, and FinTech firms, the summit fosters cross-sector learning. Topics include AI in wealth management, the rise of digital advisory platforms, and what these developments mean for an industry that remains largely in-person and relationship-driven.
Amy points out that the event balances breadth and depth by including perspectives from technologists and traditional advisors alike—making it a prime destination for professionals looking to understand how FinTech is influencing wealth strategies and operations.
Collaborative Learning and Meaningful Networking Opportunities
For Stewart, the real value of the event comes from the interaction and learning that happens beyond the presentations. He sees TSWM as a forum for identifying new tools, technologies, and strategies—but also for sharing challenges and solutions in a transparent and constructive environment.
Often, he notes, it’s the off-mic conversations—questions from the floor, debates during panels, and informal chats over coffee—that provide the most actionable insights. This culture of openness is something he believes has improved significantly since the pandemic, as firms realise they share more common challenges than ever before.
This aligns with the recruitment trends Harrington Starr sees across the FinTech space. More companies are seeking candidates with collaborative mindsets and communication skills that go beyond technical expertise. Events like TSWM help surface those soft skills in real time, often sparking new partnerships, client engagements, and hiring opportunities.
A Post-Pandemic Reimagining of Events in Financial Services
Toby raises a key point about the transformation of events post-2020. Gone are the days of one-way presentations and generic slide decks. Attendees now expect interactive, curated experiences that create value from the moment they walk in.
Amy agrees, explaining how Dovestone Media has reimagined the format of its events. TSWM deliberately avoids PowerPoint-heavy presentations, favouring panel discussions, fireside chats, and structured networking. There’s also a one-to-one meeting programme to ensure attendees make valuable new connections.
The event will feature a media hub, where FinTech Focus TV will conduct live interviews with industry leaders. This content will be shared post-event to continue the conversation and give attendees more opportunities to engage with ideas.
Amy adds that the long-term vision for the summit includes a greater emphasis on experiential learning, including gamified content, social activities, and curated after-hours events. These elements reflect a broader trend across financial services, where professionals are looking for community, creativity, and real-world insights—not just information.
Why The Summit for Wealth Management 2025 Is a Must-Attend Event
As the episode nears its end, the trio reflects on who should be attending TSWM 2025 and why.
The event welcomes professionals from all parts of the industry—whether you're in client services, technology, operations, or compliance—and it promises actionable insight, meaningful networking, and a clear sense of where wealth management is heading next.
The event is expected to draw a strong crowd from London and across the UK. Registration remains open, with more information available via Dovestone Media’s website and LinkedIn page.
Harrington Starr at the Heart of FinTech and Wealth Management Talent
At Harrington Starr, we understand that events like The Summit for Wealth Management 2025 don’t just reflect the state of the industry—they help shape it. As a leading FinTech recruitment business, we see firsthand how the themes discussed at events like TSWM influence talent strategies, hiring priorities, and the skills needed to drive innovation.
We’ll be on-site on 12th May, capturing the best moments of the summit and continuing the dialogue on FinTech Focus TV. We look forward to engaging with clients, candidates, and partners, and to continuing to champion the conversations that are shaping the future of financial services.
