The Future of Wealth Management Is Built, Not Bought, with Rick Wedell

Most investment products are built to be sold. Very few are built to serve. That tension sits at the center of this special anniversary episode of Disruption Blueprint, where Shannon Spotswood sits down with Rick Wedell, CIO of RFG Advisory, to unpack the thinking behind the Bluemonte ETF suite one year after launch. What started as a frustration with legacy portfolio construction evolved into a fundamentally different approach to investment management for Financial Advisors. One built around usability, potential tax efficiency, institutional-caliber execution, and Advisor time optimization. Rick breaks down why traditional asset management structures may create friction for Advisors and clients alike, and why the next generation of portfolio management must align directly with financial planning, enterprise value creation, and operational scalability. The conversation goes deep into the architecture of the Bluemonte ETFs, including the sleeve-based design, strategic portfolio positioning, and why “products designed to serve” may outperform products designed to sell. From concierge trading support to AI-enabled workflow automation, Shannon and Rick challenge the industry’s obsession with complexity and make the case for a simpler, more aligned future. Build your business without compromise. Schedule a conversation with RFG Advisory: https://rfgadvisory.com/schedule-a-call/ Connect with RFG Advisory Website: https://rfgadvisory.com/ LinkedIn:   / rfg-advisory   Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy. Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither Guest nor RFG Advisory guarantees the accuracy of third-party sources. The views expressed here are those of the guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by Guest or RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services, Guest, and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place. RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. For a prospectus or summary prospectus with this and other information about the Funds, please visit http://www.bluemontefunds.com/investo.... Read the prospectus or summary prospectus carefully before investing. The Funds are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co. (SIDCO, 1 Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456). Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC serves as the investment adviser to the Funds and RFG Advisory, LLC serves as the investment sub-adviser to the Funds. SEI is not affiliated with Bluemonte Investment Management, RFG Advisory, LLC, or Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC or any of their affiliates. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee the Funds will achieve their stated investment objectives. The Funds may trade securities actively, which could increase transaction costs (and lower performance) and could increase taxable short-term gains. To the extent the Funds focus on one or more sectors, the Funds may be subject to increased volatility and risk of loss if adverse developments occur. Because the Funds are non-diversified, they may invest in a smaller number of issuers and may be more exposed to risks and volatility than a more broadly diversified fund. RFG Advisory’s Chief Investment Officer, Rick Wedell, was recognized on the 2025 InvestmentNews Hot List. This recognition was provided on November 11, 2025, by InvestmentNews. It covers the period of August 1, 2024, to August 1, 2025. There was no compensation exchanged in consideration for this recognition. For more information, visit: https://www.investmentnews.com/best-i...