Hardware and software

That's just one solution among several that will help prepare your firm for success now and in the future, columnist Bob Veres says.

Advisers will create strategies and communicate the advice. Software will handle the execution and maintenance of the strategies.

High-value targets include client names and account numbers. Protecting the information can also protect an advisory practice from regulatory penalties.

The expansion of hybrid platforms and bank digital advice promises big changes and fierce competition in automated wealth management.

Proprietary software allows one Bay Area firm to offer homebuyers loans and advice.

These programs can help advisers cut through the confusion to help clients.

A new hybrid robo from Schwab touches off debate about the level of advice delivered by phone and changes in the profession brought by digitization.

Advisers using the custodian's institutional robo platform say they have found ways to make it benefit their practice and helped them rethink the services they offer.

Advisers aren't being eliminated. But they should understand the trends transforming the industry.

From regulators to technology providers to CEOs, these are the players who will remake wealth management in 2017.