The Power of Data and Analytics in Financial Services with Laura Varas

Markets thrive on the pulse of data, relying on its flow to maintain balance and informed choices. As data and analytics are catalysts driving the transformation and innovation of the financial landscape, companies that leverage comprehensive research and analysis are better positioned to drive growth and deliver exceptional value to their clients.

In this episode, Jack talks with Laura Varas, Founder and CEO of Hearts & Wallets, an independent research and benchmarking firm specializing in saving, investing, and financial advice. At Hearts & Wallets, Laura applies her experiences participating in markets worldwide to create stronger connections between financial solutions and consumer needs. She bridges the investing and marketing worlds with over 25 years of experience in retail finance, consumer packaged goods, and strategy consulting.

A thought leader who combines an in-depth knowledge of financial services with a proven ability to predict future trends, Laura talks with Jack about the importance of high-quality research in wealth management and how Hearts & Wallets' data has helped their clients achieve growth and success. Moreover, Laura describes their framework for identifying different financial advice options and how workplace and wealth intersect in the industry.

Key Takeaways

• [01:07] - What Hearts & Wallets is all about.
• [02:11] - Examples of how Hearts & Wallets has helped clients.
• [05:08] - What high-quality research looks like in wealth management.
• [08:00] - How Hearts & Wallets turns research findings into actionable insights.
• [10:05] - A shift toward a solution-oriented approach in wealth management.
• [14:49] - How clients use the Hearts & Wallets framework to understand financial advice options.
•  [20:09] - The convergence of workplace and wealth.
• [21:56] - Laura's three key takeaways from the conversation.
• [22:59] - Laura's passions and interests outside of work.

Quotes

[08:24] - "You've got to make things that solve actual problems in the ways that the people you're trying to help want them to be solved." ~ Laura Varas 

[09:02] - "Being able to frame your solutions in terms of actual problems and position and price them in a way that makes sense enables people to buy them and your distribution partners to sell them more effectively." ~ Laura Varas

[22:05] - "Market information works. Markets need information to function. And when people and their firms have more information, it works better for them. And when consumers have more information, it works better for them." ~ Laura Varas

Links 

• Laura Varas on LinkedIn
• Hearts & Wallets
• Nielsen
• Fidelity Investments
• Citi
• Morningstar

Connect with our hosts

• LifeYield
• Jack Sharry on LinkedIn
• Jack Sharry on Twitter

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