The Future of Wealth Management A conversation with the CEO of Hubbis

In a recent conversation with Michael Stanhope, CEO of Hubbis, we explored the shifting wealth management landscape through his lens, drawing on his unique vantage point as a key access point to the decision makers, management, and front office personnel shaping a significant segment of the private wealth industry.

Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:  

Global Wealth Trends

1. AI in Wealth Management (00:18 – 00:26)  
   While artificial intelligence offers clear efficiency gains, it also raises questions for
   individual advisors about their evolving role and value proposition.
   

2. The Rise of Optionality (00:29- 00:45)
   Against a backdrop of global political uncertainty, high-net-worth individuals increasingly want flexibility, around residency, where they book their assets, and tax planning.
   

3. The Next Generation Challenge (00:47 -1:18)
   As advisors and their clients age, many next-generation family members show limited interest in continuing with their parents' chosen firms, putting long-standing advisory relationships at risk if not proactively managed.

Why specialist advice matter for global families?

1. A More Complex World (1:39 – 1:58)
   For globally mobile families it is increasingly important to have advisors in multiple countries, and with a deeper specialization in areas such as legal advice, financial advice, and tax advice.
   

2. Beyond investment Advice (1:59 – 2:29)  
   Engaging a high-quality independent financial advisor, citing Melbourne Capital Group as an example, is increasingly essential. Investment advice alone is no longer the differentiator, as portfolio management has become commoditised; deeper and more specialised guidance for the family and life plan closely is what adds real value.

AI and the Human Adviser

1. Self Service Has Its Place (2:50- 3:05)

On the rise of self-service and AI-driven platforms, the view was that client preference will continue to vary; some will always prefer self-direct via platforms like Interactive Brokers or Saxo.  

2. The Human Relationship Still Matters (3:07 – 3:25)
   However, direct human relationships are arguably more important now than ever.
   

3. AI as an Advisers Advantage (3:27 - 3:50)
   AI is expected to enhance advisors' efficiency and portfolio curation rather than replace the empathy and trust built through human relationships.
   

Hubbis Looks Ahead

1. Returning to Kuala Lumpur (4:13 – 4:26)
   Reflecting on a relationship with Malaysia that stretches back to 1992, Michael shares what 17 years of building industry connections in the region means to him.
   

2. Expanding Across Asia (4:27 – 4:38)
   From Kuala Lumpur to Manila and Bangkok, Hubbis continues to deepen its presence across Asia's most dynamic financial markets.
   

3. Commercial Growth and Partnership (4:39 – 4:53)
   With over 340 commercial partnerships and a growing team, Hubbis has seen meaningful organisational expansion over the past year.
   

4. Key Industry Focus Area (4:54 – 5:09)
   Digital assets, wealth structuring, and high-net-worth insurance are among the verticals Hubbis is doubling down on as the industry evolves.
   

5. Deeper Investment Connectivity (5:10 – 5:25)  
   Hubbis is focused on delivering more granular connectivity between investment funds, product manufacturers, and gatekeepers at private banks and independent wealth management firms.  
   

6. Building the Next Phase of Connectivity (5:32 – 6:28)  
   On a personal note, Michael reflects on the next chapter, with all three of his children now joining the business, taking on roles across content, digital assets, and regional leadership in Dubai and Hong Kong.

Closing Perspective: Reuben van Dijk on AI and the Human Element

Reuben van Dijk, Director at Melbourne Capital Group, offered the following reflection on AI's role in the industry:

AI is reshaping every form of work built on language and numbers, and its impact on financial services is even more pronounced. But it's worth remembering that financial services is really two things in one: the "financial" and the "service." Technology will continue to transform the finance side of the equation, but it will never replace human trust, empathy, care, and patience. That's why there's a real reason for optimism about the industry's future. As AI takes on the tedious, repetitive work, it frees up more time for genuine connection and relationship-building.

At the same time, standards will rise. Just as calculators and smartphones once reset expectations around speed and capability, AI will push the industry to move faster, deliver higher quality, and take on bigger ambitions than before.