Direct Indexing Channel

Many direct indexing platforms start with a standard benchmark and layer customization on top. Orion reverses that model. Andrew Rosenberger, Head of Custom Indexing at Orion, explains how the firm built technology flexible enough to support 2,200 different investment philosophies—from proprietary factor models to third-party strategist portfolios—while addressing the tax transition challenge too many platforms ignore.

Paul Riccardella from MSCI Wealth explains how the firm’s institutional-grade data, analytics, and portfolio management tools help advisors deliver personalized portfolios without sacrificing efficiency. From tax optimization that might yield benefits for a decade to screening capabilities that reflect client values, MSCI Wealth seeks to make customization scalable while positioning itself as a comprehensive solution provider.

Direct indexing promises customization, but delivering on that promise requires sophisticated technology and disciplined methodology. Alpha Vee Co-Founder and CEO Leigh Eichel explains how the firm built its platform around risk management first, investing nearly $15 million in proprietary technology to handle tax-loss harvesting, portfolio transitions, and complex client situations across thousands of accounts. From its roots as an ETF index provider to its current focus on separately managed accounts, Alpha Vee brings quantitative rigor to personalized portfolio solutions.

Direct indexing offers powerful capabilities—tax-loss harvesting, values-based screening, concentrated position management. But Zach Conway, CEO and Founder of Seeds, argues the conversation often stops at the advisor level. The client gets a pitch deck without clarity about how the solution fits their situation. Seeds aims to flip the script by starting with deep client understanding before determining which product solutions make sense. The framework helps advisors answer a simpler question: who should get direct indexing, and why?

Financial advisors utilizing the Envestnet platform will now have access to Northern Trust Asset Management’s more than 35 years of expertise in customizing tax-aware portfolios for the ultra-high-net-worth market.

Many advisors assume personalization at scale requires heavy lifting. Jerry Michael, President at Smartleaf and Smartleaf Asset Management, believes this premise is mistaken. True automation doesn’t just make portfolio management faster—it can take on any operational friction. From tax optimization to direct indexing and ESG screens, complexity should add zero incremental effort. Michael explains how automation reclaims advisor time for relationship building and why the industry should demand more from technology.