Sharon Adarlo

The algorithms, which can speed up financial processes by making millions of calculations faster than any human ever could, are not infallible.

Digital-first firms gravitate toward a blogging website that has aired several heated industry debates, a markedly different approach from the cautious way traditional firms present themselves online.

Adam Nash’s pugilistic attitude has generated lots of industry buzz. But it remains to be seen whether his brash strategy will garner Wealthfront more clients.

Wealthfront says the move was prompted by a surge of young investors who asked for a lower minimum and to pressure other robo advisors to get rid of fees on small accounts.