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Author

Urs Bolt

9 articles

Biography in German

35+ years experience in wealth management, investment banking and related technology businesses. My core expertise is to develop and roll out new digital business platforms.

My current focus is to help financial service providers and tech companies to review/refocus business strategies, advise on strategic projects, develop solutions and markets, and build business partnerships.

Active as a speaker, moderator, lecturer, micro-blogger, and author; recognised as a global opinion leader in wealth management, WealthTech, FinTech, digital banking, and ecosystems in digital/crypto assets and DeFi.

I am a member of advisory boards and jury panels: Boardowl (opens in a new tab), FT PWM WealthTech Awards (opens in a new tab), Global Wealth & Society, WealthBriefing Editorial Board and Swiss Awards, Blockchain Competition for Finance.

Latest

  • The Wealth Advisor: Pivotal for Growth in Wealth Management

    This white paper argues that Advisor Effectiveness Coaching (AEC) is a practical way to transition from product-push sales toward genuinely client-centric advice. Based on the GROW coaching model, it describes a structured programme spanning preparation, a senior-level kick-off, ongoing 1:1 and team coaching, and a “living phase” to sustain momentum. Team leaders serve as the key lever, acting as both coachee and coach to cascade change across the advisory organisation, while AI frees advisors for higher-value conversations. The paper concludes with a phased call to action – pilot, measure, and scale – with the goal of transforming advisors into trusted, augmented wealth partners.

    Banking & Financial ServicesUrs Bolt18 minutes

  • Strategic Transformation in Southeast Asian Wealth Management: The Case for Open Architecture

    Southeast Asia’s wealth pool is expanding at around 9% annually, creating strong momentum for regional Wealth Management and Private Banking players. Yet scale alone is no longer a competitive advantage. Many institutions remain constrained by legacy segmentation, product silos, and internally driven “One Bank” models, limiting Strategic Transformation and Digital Transformation efforts. Banks adopting genuine Open Architecture – enabling relationship managers to select best-in-class solutions regardless of origin – are gaining relevance with increasingly sophisticated clients. The evidence is clear: client segments are converging, balance-sheet integration does not automatically create client value, and technology partnerships only succeed when the end-to-end client journey takes precedence over internal politics and Corporate Culture barriers. Institutions pulling ahead combine clear positioning, credible WealthTech partnerships, and the willingness to redesign operating models. Growth is real; execution remains the differentiator.

    Banking & Financial ServicesUrs Bolt15 minutes

  • The State of WealthTech in Southeast Asia

    Throughout 2024, the WealthTech landscape in Southeast Asia has continued to evolve. However, there is a sizable gap between the developed financial centres and emerging economies in Southeast Asia. This article will provide a closer look at the current state and developments of WealthTech in Southeast Asia.

    Banking & Financial ServicesUrs Bolt10 minutes

  • 2024 Predictions for Wealth Management and Investment Trends

    As we venture into 2024, it's both enlightening and crucial to reflect on the predictions made for the wealth management sector in early 2023. These forecasts not only shed light on past foresight but also serve as a compass to navigate the unfolding realities shaping the industry today.

    Banking & Financial ServicesUrs Bolt7 minutes

  • Navigating Prosperity: Unveiling the Future of Wealth Management in the Philippines

    This article explores the growing wealth of Philippines' citizens, the demand for broader financial services, and the current state of the country's wealth management sector. The article delves into demographic challenges, the evolving wealth landscape, key players in wealth management, and the rise of new digital platforms. It also introduces the WealthTech landscape, emphasising the need for customer-centric solutions, new investment products, and the importance of a risk-based approach in long-term wealth creation. Lastly, it discusses the significance of user experience design in driving successful financial technology companies and concludes with a glimpse into the future of digital wealth management in the Philippines, focusing on technology-driven personalised services and the potential for growth in the mass affluent segment.

    Banking & Financial ServicesUrs Bolt15 minutes

  • Predictions for the wealth management sector in 2023

    2022 was a bad year in wealth management, in fact one of the worst years in investment performance across most asset classes ever. But despite the extraordinary market conditions and macro-economic challenges, underlying gigatrends remained the same: demographics, the generational wealth transfer, and evolution of client expectation regarding products and services. In 2023, the combination of expectations and demands will continue to be demanding for wealth professionals; they will need to find ways to provide the holistic advice so in demand, Accordingly, pressure on traditional wealth managers and private banks continues. The need for transformation has become evident.

    Banking & Financial ServicesUrs Bolt8 minutes

  • The Great Convergence ‒ The Institutionalisation of DeFi

    The institutionalisation of DeFi is progressing despite the depressed crypto markets. But is adopting DeFi concepts to CeFi systems with central governance the right approach? Regardless of the answer, applying DeFi-protocols to CeFi can help to innovate it. The institutionalisation of DeFi is driven by major international financial institutions and asset managers but also boutique size firms supported by regulators and industry associations. A case in point is the huge potential in private market assets. Alternative investing platforms that open access to non-traditional assets for retail investors will have a transformative impact on both retail and institutional investing.

    Banking & Financial ServicesUrs Bolt8 minutes