Bringing Protective Equity Investing to Retail Wealth with Joanna Kanakis

Technology has been changing the way we do business for years, and its impact will continue to affect our business outcomes as tech gets smarter. Still, no matter how good tech gets, human connectivity is irreplaceable in building a strong business. The combination of tech and human connectivity can be doubly powerful when executed properly. 

Enter Halo Investing, a platform that provides access to protective investment solutions that sits at the intersection of human connectivity and tech. Jack talks with Joanna Kanakis, Executive Vice President and Head of Institutional Business Development at Halo Investing. Joanna recounts her experience joining Halo as one of their earliest hires and leaving her investment banking job to transform the way Americans can invest. She speaks about the benefits that financial advisors experience using Halo’s platform, strategic partnership initiatives that have expanded the business, and the role of field engagement in building trusting relationships.

In this episode, Joanna talks with Jack about what drew her to Halo Investing’s team, how to embrace the power of technology, and where Halo Investing is going in the future. 

Key Takeaways

• [01:10] - An introduction to Halo Investing.
• [04:39] - Joanna’s origin story.
• [09:37] - How Halo Investing entered the annuity product space.
• [14:14] - How Halo Investing is applied in portfolio construction.
• [15:59] - How financial advisors get the most out of Halo Investing.
• [16:56] - How field engagement propels Halo’s success and conversion rate.
• [17:35] - Halo Investing’s strategic partnership strategy.
• [19:30] - Where Halo Investing is going next.
• [22:03] - Joanna’s key takeaways. 
• [24:49] - Joanna’s hobbies outside of work.

Quotes

[22:49] - “I truly believe that the wealth firms that survive this explosion of innovation in the wealth management ecosystem will be those that have solved the tech Rubik's cube the most efficiently.” ~ Joanna Kanakis

[23:21] - “There are solutions that are available and out in the ecosystem where you can be managing your client fears, still exposed to equities, but have that level of protection and safety on the downside.” ~ Joanna Kanakis

[24:13] - “This is an absolutely critical time of rejuvenation, rebirth, and innovation in this space, and it is thrilling to be here.” ~ Joanna Kanakis

Links 

• Joanna Kanakis on LinkedIn
• Biju Kulathakal on LinkedIn
• Halo Investing
• Halo Investing on LinkedIn
• Future Proof
• Riskalyze
• Wealth Management Edge
• Societe Generale
• Charles Schwab
• Citi
• J.P. Morgan
• Morgan Stanley
• Global Atlantic

Connect with our hosts

• LifeYield
• Jack Sharry on LinkedIn