Wealth management advisors are increasingly turning to niche strategies to differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace and deliver more specialized services to their clients. As the financial landscape grows more complex, the ability to focus on specific client segments or needs has become a valuable tool for building stronger client relationships and driving growth. However, the decision to concentrate on a niche comes with both opportunities and challenges, making it essential for wealth managers to navigate these complexities effectively.

Understanding how to identify and develop a profitable niche is critical to building a successful advisory practice. Wealth managers must weigh the pros and cons of specialization while keeping an eye on emerging markets and evolving client needs. This panel will explore how niche strategies can help advisors stand out, overcome real-world obstacles, and create lasting, client-focused businesses in an increasingly dynamic industry.

Join Columbia University’s Master of Professional Studies in Wealth Management program for an interactive panel discussion with industry-leading practitioners as they provide a behind the scenes look into “The Power of the Niche.” Following the conversation, the event will be opened for a question-and-answer period.

Topics of Discussion Include:

● What niche(s) do you focus on, and why?

● What real-life challenges do you encounter with respect to niching, and how do you overcome them?

● Strategies to identify and target growing niches

● Advice on how to build a successful niche-focused wealth management firm

Guests
Ann Garcia, CFP – Financial Advisor at Independent Progressive Advisors
Mary McDirmid, ChSNC – Chief Operating Officer and Special Needs Financial Planner at All Needs Planning
Kate Redden, CFP, ChFC, CKA – Regional Director and Partner at Merit Financial Advisors
Adam Cox – Chief Wealth Management Officer at The First National Bank in Sioux Falls

Moderated by
Philipp Hecker – Chief Executive Officer of Bento Engine and Advisor to Columbia’s Master’s in Wealth Management program

This event is brought to you by Columbia University’s Master of Professional Studies in Wealth Management program. Uniquely designed to educate working professionals, this 16-month part-time online program prepares experienced and aspiring wealth management professionals to meet the disruptive challenges of today’s industry. The innovative and rigorous curriculum connects advanced theory with practical applications through problem-based learning while providing students with the educational requirements for the CFP certification.

For questions, please contact sps-wealthmanagement@columbia.edu.

For additional information about program offerings at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, please contact an Admissions Counselor at 212-854-9666 or inquire@sps.columbia.edu.