WealthTech Today Ep. 306: Planning Software Evolution: Why AI Can Take Notes But Can’t Build Trust, with Susan McKenna, eMoney
Sep 18, 2025
Susan McKenna, CEO of eMoney Advisor, discusses the challenges of modernizing a leading financial planning software without losing its core clients. She highlights the importance of maintaining a careful balance between innovation and user trust. McKenna shares insights on AI's role in enhancing efficiency without compromising the human touch in financial advice. The conversation also covers the company's integration strategies and the launch of a new Premium Client Portal designed for mobile collaboration. A deep dive into the future of financial technology unfolds!
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Episode notes
Dual Mandate Drives Modernization
- eMoney pursued a 'dual mandate' to modernize its tech stack while adding new planner-focused features.
- They prioritize fixing tech debt while focusing development on what advisors actually need.
From CMO To CEO: Broader Worries
- Susan describes how her daily concerns expanded dramatically moving from CMO to CEO.
- She now juggles culture, benefits, competition, and tech modernization across the company.
Fidelity Ownership With Operational Autonomy
- Being owned by Fidelity gave eMoney resources while allowing it to stay agnostic across custodians.
- That balance let eMoney leverage support without losing its mission or client neutrality.