Every January, the buzzwords start flying. AI, blockchain, metaverse... and for a moment, you wonder: Are we missing something? Then you look around your office and remember—you’re running an SEC-regulated advisory firm, not a tech startup.
Here’s a short list of what’s worth your attention in 2026, and what you can ignore.
Watch These Trends
1. Built-In AI, Not Add-On AI
AI is no longer a separate tool. It’s being woven directly into Microsoft 365, QuickBooks, and even your CRM.
What this means:
- Outlook drafts your replies
- Excel suggests trends in your AUM reports
- Redtail and Orion might start tagging client behaviors automatically
What to do:
- When these tools offer AI features, turn them on
- Test them for two weeks
Don’t worry about “learning AI”—just see if it saves your team time.
2. No-Code Automation
Repetitive work is still killing productivity. The good news? You no longer need a developer to automate basic workflows.
Example: When a prospect fills out your intake form, your system can:
- Add them to Redtail
- Create a secure ShareFile folder
- Schedule a welcome call in Outlook
No Zapier headaches. Just describe what you want, and tools like Microsoft Power Automate or AI assistants will handle the rest.
Try this: Pick one routine task your team repeats every week. Try building a no-code flow for it. You might reclaim 3–5 hours per week.
3. Cybersecurity Regulation Gets Teeth
This one’s not optional.
The SEC now expects you to:
- Report material breaches within four business days
- Prove you have a Written Information Security Program (WISP)
- Use multifactor authentication (MFA) and document enforcement
Insurance carriers are tightening too. If you don’t have basic protections in place, they may deny claims.
Minimum standard for 2026:
- MFA on every account
- Regular backups you can actually restore
- Written policies that match your real-world practices
Ignore These Trends (Unless You’re the Exception)
1. Metaverse Meetings
Your team doesn’t need avatars in a virtual office. Zoom works just fine.
Unless you’re in 3D design or real estate modeling, skip it.
2. Crypto Payments
Nobody wants to rebalance their billing because Bitcoin dropped 12% overnight. Crypto adds tax and compliance complexity for little real demand.
Unless international clients are requesting it, stick to ACH and cards.
Bottom Line
In 2026, keep your focus on what helps your team do their actual job:
- Build in security
- Automate the boring stuff
- Use the smarter versions of tools you already trust
Ignore the hype. Simplify where you can.
Need help vetting what’s worth your time in 2026? Book a consultation with our team—we’ll show you what helps, what doesn’t, and what protects your firm from both burnout and breaches.
