InvestmentNews has opened the submission process for its 5-Star Technology 2026 report, a curated showcase of technology solutions that have demonstrated tangible impact for financial advisors and their firms. Now in its second year, the report will focus exclusively on products launched within the past 12 months—those that help advisors streamline operations, deepen client relationships, and navigate an increasingly complex market environment.
The report covers a broad spectrum of technology categories, including financial planning software, customer relationship management systems, portfolio management tools, data and analytics platforms, and other specialized solutions. Participating vendors are asked to explain how their product works, identify its target users, and provide evidence of its performance in real-world advisory settings.
Submissions are open to all technology providers serving the U.S. wealth management industry. The final report, supported by the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), will be published on the InvestmentNews website in September 2026. NAIFA’s backing underscores the growing intersection of insurance and investment advice, a trend highlighted by recent moves such as Integrated Insurance Solutions’ acquisition of Appel Insurance Advisors to bolster RIA insurance offerings.
The 5-Star Technology designation is intended to help advisors cut through the noise of an increasingly crowded fintech landscape. With thousands of products vying for attention, the report aims to surface those that deliver measurable improvements in efficiency, client engagement, or compliance. For example, Vestmark Advisory Solutions recently surpassed $50 billion in AUM, driven by demand for tax-aware portfolio management—a category that could feature prominently in this year’s report.
Technology providers interested in participating must submit their products by a yet-to-be-announced deadline. InvestmentNews editors will evaluate each submission based on criteria such as functionality, ease of use, integration capabilities, and client outcomes. The final selection will be published as a digital report, providing advisors with a vetted resource for technology procurement decisions.
The report arrives at a time when advisors are under pressure to adopt technology that enhances productivity without adding complexity. A recent Nationwide survey found that 34% of women investors find advisors condescending, underscoring the need for tools that improve communication and personalization. Similarly, the rise of alternative assets and crypto—exemplified by the $900 million hard drive loss in crypto estate planning—creates demand for robust portfolio management and risk analytics.
For fintech firms, inclusion in the 5-Star Technology report offers a stamp of credibility in a competitive market. It also provides exposure to a readership of RIAs, broker-dealer advisors, wirehouse brokers, and retirement-plan specialists who are actively seeking solutions to improve their practices. As the wealth management industry continues to digitize, reports like this serve as a critical bridge between innovation and adoption.
