The wealth management industry is undergoing a seismic transformation. Once the exclusive realm of private bankers and elite financial advisors, the sector is being reshaped by the rise of WealthTech—powered by artificial intelligence, blockchain, and a growing emphasis on financial inclusion. These technologies are not only democratizing access to investment tools but also redefining how financial wellbeing is delivered at scale.
Jurgen Vandenbroucke, Managing Director at EveryoneINVESTED, emphasizes that technology holds the key to enhancing financial wellbeing on a societal level. “Scalability is critical,” he says, “and digital innovation allows us to reach and empower more people than ever before.”
Vandenbroucke points to Europe’s retail investment strategy as a strong example of this shift. The initiative aims to preserve investor protection while encouraging broader financial participation. A recent European Commission survey revealed that roughly 25% of citizens across surveyed countries are currently investing, ranging from 19% in Greece to 44% in Sweden. Meanwhile, Belgium’s FSMA regulator has signaled a clear expectation that retail investment activity will continue to rise.
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs), both passive and active, are often promoted for their cost-efficiency and trading simplicity. But Vandenbroucke argues that the real value lies in how investments are presented: “Our priority is to ensure that investment information is accessible and meaningful. It must support informed decisions, fit a smartphone screen, and align with clients’ risk-reward preferences—all while complying with evolving regulations.”
One of the key regulatory movements Vandenbroucke highlights is the UK’s Advice Guidance Boundary Review. While much attention has been placed on the Consumer Duty—focused on protecting current investors—the Boundary Review aims to expand financial participation, echoing the goals of the European Retail Investment Strategy.
He also references a recent consultation by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which closed on March 20, regarding a “New Product Information Framework.” This initiative, he says, is promising: “The FCA’s push for more digital, customer-centric investment product information is music to our ears.”
Despite the progress, Vandenbroucke sees further room for growth—particularly in how the industry engages with clients.
“To drive lasting impact, financial technology must address the emotional dimensions of investing,” says Vandenbroucke. “That means complementing traditional risk-based models with behavioral finance insights—understanding how people actually weigh risk versus reward in real-world decisions.”
EveryoneINVESTED is integrating decision science and behavioral finance to design tools that align more closely with how people think and act. This approach not only supports smarter investing but does so without increasing operational overhead. “It’s a win-win,” he says. “We can boost financial participation while enhancing investor protection and ensuring regulatory compliance.”
Fredrik Daveus, CEO and co-founder of Kidbrooke, echoes these sentiments and identifies three major forces that will shape the future of WealthTech: hyper-personalized advice powered by AI, a resurgence in sustainable investing as climate change effects intensify, and ongoing democratization of wealth services.
“The proliferation of intuitive digital solutions, bolstered by generative AI, will bring wealth management to more people,” Daveus explains. “At the same time, rising global inequality will create a larger pool of high-net-worth individuals seeking advanced financial services.”
Still, the path forward won’t be without obstacles. Daveus warns that issues such as data security, regulatory fragmentation, and market saturation must be addressed to unlock WealthTech’s full potential.
Looking ahead, he believes that certain technologies will become industry standards within a decade: robust AI personalization engines, blockchain for secure and transparent transactions, and intelligent robo-advisors. “Firms that embrace these tools early will enjoy significant competitive advantages,” he predicts.
