Advisor Community Gathers in San Diego to Explore AI and Tech Integration
Why are financial advisors feeling more fulfilled and optimistic about their careers? Orion, a premier provider of tech-enabled fiduciary solutions, kicked off its annual Ascent 2026 conference in San Diego, setting the tone with a “Relentless” theme. The event, running from February 24 to 27 at the San Diego Marriott Marquis, brings together the advisor community to share best practices and explore how AI and integrated workflows are reshaping the wealth management landscape. CEO Natalie Wolfsen highlighted the positive energy in the industry, noting that advisors are innovating and collaborating with a relentless focus on client outcomes.
According to Orion’s fourth annual Advisor Wealthtech Survey, 87% of advisors find meaning in their work, and 84% report genuine happiness. Over half see AI as the primary growth catalyst for 2026. Wolfsen stated, “The energy in our industry is unmistakably positive – advisors are innovating, collaborating, and executing with a relentless focus on client outcomes.” This sentiment sets the stage for a deep dive into the strategic priorities shaping the future of wealth management.
Key Insights at a Glance
- AI Adoption: 55% of advisors believe AI and automation will have the greatest impact on firm success in 2026.
- Tech Stack Utilization: Advisors are utilizing 60% of their tech stack, with 54% of it integrated.
- Alternative Investments: Allocation to alternatives increases with investor AUM, peaking at 9% in portfolios over $10 million.
- Third-Party Services: 70% of advisors use third-party tax optimization services, with 52% planning to adopt or expand usage.
Why Advisor Fulfillment and AI Adoption Matter
The survey reveals a remarkable sense of purpose and happiness among financial advisors. Nine in ten respondents say they are leveraging their strengths to improve client outcomes, with 87% finding purpose and meaning in their work. This purpose-driven focus positions advisors to help investors pursue their goals with confidence. However, the real game-changer is the growing adoption of AI. While 73% of advisory firms are already leveraging AI, only 6% utilize agentic workflows, and 5% have implemented cross-system AI integration. The potential for growth is significant, with 55% of advisors expecting AI and automation to have the greatest impact on firm success in 2026.
The Regulatory Clock Is Already Running for Advisors
Just as a marathon runner must pace themselves to finish strong, advisors must navigate the regulatory landscape while embracing AI. Concerns about accuracy and client trust (49%), uncertainty about compliance and regulation (42%), and limited internal expertise or training (37%) are key obstacles. Despite these challenges, the benefits are clear. For instance, Orion clients reported a 2025 organic asset growth rate that was approximately 40% higher than that of non-Orion clients. This underscores the importance of responsible AI adoption and integration to stay ahead of the competition.
Orion Unifies Data and Integrates the Tech Stack
Orion is taking concrete steps to address these challenges by unifying data and integrating the tech stack. The company’s CEO, Natalie Wolfsen, emphasized, “Orion is proud to be a growth partner to advisors – unifying data, integrating the stack, and bringing AI into everyday workflows so firms can do more of what matters.” Orion clients utilize 10% more of their tech stack compared to peers, and 61% are prioritizing better tech integration and data use in 2026. This focus on data unification and integration is crucial for streamlining operations and reducing manual work, enabling advisors to focus on high-value activities.
Future Outlook
The future of wealth management is poised to be shaped by the responsible integration of AI and advanced technology. By 2030, the advisor of the future will succeed by building enduring trust despite digital noise and synthetic content and by combining human judgment and empathy with AI-powered intelligence. Orion’s commitment to unifying data, integrating the tech stack, and advancing AI adoption positions the company as a key player in this evolving landscape. The Ascent 2026 conference is a testament to the industry’s readiness to embrace these changes and drive growth.
Conclusion
Orion’s Ascent 2026 conference highlights the positive momentum in the wealth management industry, driven by advisor fulfillment and strategic technology adoption. For financial advisors, the key to success lies in embracing AI and integrated workflows to enhance client outcomes. How is your firm preparing for this shift? Join the conversation in the comments below.
About Orion
Orion is a premier provider of the tech-enabled fiduciary process that transforms the advisor-client relationship by enabling financial advisors to Prospect, Plan, Invest, and Achieve within a single, connected, technology-driven experience. Combined, our brand entities, Orion Advisor Tech, Orion Portfolio Solutions, Brinker, Redtail Technology, and Orion OCIO create a complete offering that empowers firms to attract new clients seamlessly, connect goals more meaningfully to investment strategies and outcomes, and ultimately track progress toward each investor’s unique definition of financial success. Orion services $5.8 trillion in assets under administration and $133 billion of wealth management platform assets (as of December 31, 2025), supporting over 8 million technology accounts and thousands of independent advisory firms. Today, 17 out of the Top 20 Barron’s RIA firms2 rely on Orion’s technology to power their businesses and win for investors. Learn more at Orion.com.
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