Family Wealth Report, a business intelligence publication covering North American family wealth, profiles Columbia's new Wealth Management program and Interim Director Tracy Schwartz.
Schwartz discusses the genesis of the program, the roster of faculty members with deep expertise from across the industry, and how the Wealth Management curriculum is designed to help students meet the educational requirements for CFP® certification.
The article notes the growing need for wealth management professionals, and highlights the curriculum's inclusion of foundational topics, including investment, tax, estate and financial planning; client management skills such as communication, psychology, decision-making and relationship management; and emerging areas such as fintech, sustainable investment, fee structures and the need to democratize financial advice.
At a time when a multi-trillion dollar transfer of wealth is taking place, and concerns that the average age of advisors is rising, the need to boost the talent pipeline is obvious.
Tom Burroughes, Family Wealth Report
The article backgrounds Schwartz's career, from chief operating officer and chief compliance officer at White Elm Capital, to her work as a mergers and acquisitions investment banker at Merrill Lynch.
Schwartz also discusses the program's advisory council, which is made up of senior figures in the wealth management sector. The council will provide strategic advice, give feedback on the curriculum, and serve an important role building community by engaging with lecturers and students.
We are developing relationships with wealth management firms through advisory council and guest lecturer participation, as well as potential research, event collaboration, and problem-based learning opportunities.
Tracy Schwartz, Interim Director, Wealth Management
Read the article in full in Family Wealth Report.
Learn more about Columbia University's Master of Professional Studies in Wealth Management.
