Nymbus announced its partnership with Bud Financial to enhance its digital banking services. Bud will provide its financial management tools directly within the Nymbus platform.
With Bud’s widgets integrated, financial institutions can give customers a clearer view of their finances, deliver more relevant tools and content, and personalize experiences across digital channels. The goal is to help banks go beyond basic digital services and offer smarter, more engaging interactions.
This move supports Nymbus’ broader strategy following the launch of Nymbus Engage, a solution designed to help banks use customer data more effectively and build deeper relationships.
“Together, we’re enabling their clients to move beyond legacy data into a new era of intelligent, insight-driven banking,” said Edward Maslaveckas, CEO at Bud.
Bud, which has applied AI to financial data since 2015, helps institutions structure raw transaction data into actionable intelligence. The move positions Nymbus to serve community financial institutions better, looking to modernize their digital infrastructure and compete through smarter, data-led engagement strategies.
“This integration supports our mission of providing banks and credit unions with the tools they need to grow, differentiate and deliver modern, personalized banking experiences,” said Jeffery Kendall, CEO and Chairman at Nymbus.
CIM Group has appointed financial services veteran Paul Weisenfeld as Head of National Accounts, a move to grow its Private Wealth Group. Based in New York, Weisenfeld will lead efforts to expand CIM Group’s presence across the private wealth landscape, including wirehouses, broker-dealers, RIAs and independent financial advisors.
With over 30 years of experience in wealth and asset management, Weisenfeld is known for his success in scaling distribution strategies and developing innovative investment solutions in both traditional and alternative asset classes. In his new role, he will oversee the National Accounts team and spearhead strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing CIM’s distribution footprint and deepening key partnerships.
“I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive growth and provide innovative solutions across real estate, infrastructure and credit for our clients,” said Mr.Weisenfeld.
Weisenfeld brings experience from serving as Senior Relationship Manager at Allspring Global Investments, where he led distribution efforts for new ETFs and helped double sales for three consecutive years at a key wealth management partner.
Before that, he headed Key Accounts at Wells Fargo Asset Management and held senior roles at firms like Morgan Stanley and Citigroup Global Wealth Management. His early career began in law, with a focus on alternative investments at Smith Barney.
“His leadership as Head of National Accounts will be instrumental as we broaden our reach in delivering innovative solutions to our partners and clients,” said Barry Schanker, Managing Director, Head of Private Wealth at CIM Group.
The U.S. housing shortage surged to an all-time high of 4.7 million units, according to a new Zillow analysis of recently released Census data. Despite a boom in home construction, the deepening housing deficit remains the main driver of America’s housing affordability crisis. As a result, 8.1 million families are now “doubling up,” sharing homes with people they’re not related to, often due to financial necessity rather than choice.
While 1.4 million new homes were added to the housing supply last year, they fell short of keeping pace with the 1.8 million newly formed families, resulting in a 159,000-home increase in the housing deficit. Although this marks a slower increase compared to the 257,000-unit jump in 2022, it highlights the persistent gap between supply and demand.
“Construction has helped prevent the housing deficit from ballooning, but it hasn’t begun to close the gap,” said Orphe Divounguy, senior economist at Zillow. “We know what works: lower building restraints to allow for more density and less expensive housing.”
Millennials are most affected by this shortage, making up 38% of households doubling up with nonrelatives, the largest share among any generation. They’re followed by Gen Z (29%), Gen X (17%), and older generations (16%).
The housing crunch is especially severe in major urban centers. Among the 50 largest metro areas, New York, Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. have the largest housing deficits. Even though mortgage rates have dipped slightly compared to last year, a median-income family in 2024 would still need an additional $17,000 in income to afford a typical home, a significant jump from affordability levels in 2019.
Vacancy data suggests that available housing isn’t necessarily accessible. Census figures show that 3.4 million homes sat vacant and listed for rent or sale in 2023, yet affordability barriers continue to leave millions without independent living options.
Zillow researchers point to restrictive zoning and building regulations as key obstacles. In cities and states with fewer barriers to construction, developers were able to respond more rapidly to pandemic-era demand, helping to stabilize prices and rents faster. Builders completed 1.45 million units in 2023 and 1.63 million in 2024, the highest totals since 2007.
Experts and housing advocates, including Zillow, are calling for local and state governments to relax zoning laws and encourage higher-density development such as accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes and triplexes. These “middle middle” housing types could significantly increase supply and improve, especially in high-demand urban areas.
“More of these measures at the local level can help get more homes built and begin to ease this outsize financial burden for millions of Americans,” added Divounguy.
Dynasty Financial Partners has released its first-ever Investment Banking Primer. This educational guide, aims to provide RIAs with essential knowledge about investment banking practices-critical as the RIA space sees record levels of mergers, capital raising and succession planning.
“For those RIAs seeking to sell or grow, or secure a transformative investment, there is a lack of resources offering the level of guidance and education necessary to consider that first step,” said Sam Anderson, C-head of Dynasty Investment Bank.
The move comes amid a shift in the independent RIA channel, now one of the fastest-growing segments in the wealth management industry. According to Cerulli’s 2024 Industry Report, the combined hybrid and independent RIA space has expanded at a CAGR of nearly 9% over the past 10 years. Capital investments in RIAs have surged as well, growing at a 45% CAGR in the past five years.
With 37% of financial advisors planning to exit the business in the next decade, the potential transfer of an estimated $3 trillion in assets presents both a challenge and a massive opportunity.
“In addition to an advisor shortage, there is a human capital shortage to support advisors, which is why an M&A deal is many times not just about clients, but also about the talent that comes with it to help provide further scale and support buyers,” said Harris Baltch, co-head of Dynasty Investment Bank.
Launched in 2023, Dynasty Investment Bank specializes in M&A, valuations, capital, underwriting and succession planning for both wealth and asset management firms. The team has advised on 15 transactions, including cross-border deals, recapitalizations and private capital raises.
“The strength of our balance sheet gives us tremendous flexibility in facilitating transactions for our clients and our transition and RIA service team are often great resources to help with onboarding,” said Shirl Penney, Founder and CEO of Dynasty Financial Partners.
As of today, Dynasty’s network includes 55 partner firms with over 500 advisors managing more than $105 billion in assets. Its integrated RIA platform includes transition support, capital solutions, tech infrastructure and marketing services. These offer RIAs the ability to scale without sacrificing their independence.
The global economy is undergoing a structural transformation, driven by geopolitical tensions, shifts in trade policy, and the resurgence of tariffs as a strategic tool. This environment – marked by growing uncertainty and volatility – is also generating new opportunities for asset managers, who must adapt quickly to evolving market dynamics, according to FlexFunds.
Volatility is no longer an outlier; it’s become a defining feature of today’s investment landscape. In this context, agility and operational efficiency are key competitive advantages. For asset managers, managing risk is no longer just about responding to uncertainty – it’s about designing adaptive strategies that keep portfolios aligned with investment objectives.
Among the most valuable tools in this environment are exchange-traded products (ETPs), a category that includes exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and exchange-traded notes (ETNs). Since their debut in 1993, ETPs have evolved into versatile, efficient, and adaptive vehicles—suitable for both passive and active strategies.
Why have ETPs become essential for asset managers?
While the terms ETF and ETP are often used interchangeably, it’s worth clarifying: all ETFs are ETPs, but not all ETPs are ETFs. This article uses “ETP” as a broad term to refer to exchange-traded products that track the performance of an index, asset, or strategy.
ETPs are financial engineering products designed to repackage specific asset classes – such as stocks, bonds, commodities, or real estate. When structured around a large basket of stocks, bonds, or specific commodities, they are typically considered ETFs.
When the “basket” is smaller and includes special features like leverage or short exposure, they fall under the broader ETP category.
Strategic advantages of ETPs for asset managers
Operational simplicity and efficient execution
ETPs trade like stocks, meaning they can be bought and sold throughout regular market hours, allowing for intraday transactions and high liquidity. In periods of sudden market volatility, this flexibility enables portfolio managers to respond to market movements in real time – something traditional funds typically cannot offer.
Additionally, ETPs have operating costs that are, on average, less than half the cost of most other investment vehicles. This helps optimize assets under management (AUM) and supports more sustainable margins.
Agile rebalancing, access to alternatives, and diversification
In volatile markets, the ability to rebalance quickly is a competitive edge. However, according to a report by State Street Global Advisors Group Research Center, only 29% of investors regularly rebalance their portfolios – highlighting an opportunity for proactive managers.
ETPs make it easier to execute targeted hedging strategies, such as gaining exposure to Treasuries or gold – assets that have gained importance recently. As of March 2025, AUM in gold ETFs exceeded $345 billion, reflecting strong demand for inflation protection and geopolitical risk hedging.
Beyond traditional assets, ETPs are expanding access to alternative investments. According to State Street Global Advisors’ report “ETFs in Focus: Risk Management Attitudes & Behaviors”, advisors generally view ETFs favorably as vehicles for alternative exposure.
This allows asset managers to build more robust portfolios without resorting to illiquid or overly complex structures.
Transparency for investors
Transparency is a hallmark of ETPs. Holdings are typically disclosed daily, and operations are integrated into widely used platforms for institutional investors and financial advisors, streamlining onboarding and reducing operational friction.
According to a State Street report, 62% of investors believe ETPs offer an efficient, cost-effective, and accessible way to invest in alternatives such as real assets, private markets, or active strategies. This makes ETPs a compelling alternative to more traditional or less liquid structures.
Resilience and sustained growth
Since 2008, ETPs have achieved a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.1%, reaching $13.8 trillion in AUM by the end of 2024. In the first two months of 2025 alone, global ETF inflows surpassed $293 billion. This signals strong and growing adoption by institutional and professional investors seeking fast, diversified solutions.
Today, there’s an ETF for nearly everything – from traditional asset classes to cutting-edge themes like artificial intelligence and future security. Asset managers continue to turn to ETFs for their transparency, liquidity, and efficiency across core market segments – but they’re also increasingly seeking specialized solutions tailored to achieving specific outcomes for each investor.
Ultimately, ETPs do more than complement asset managers’ strategies – they enhance them. They enable managers to deliver solutions aligned with client goals, risk tolerance, and the operational efficiency today’s markets demand.
FlexFunds specializes in the design and launch of efficient, flexible investment vehicles (ETPs), tailored to each client’s unique needs. Our solutions are designed for asset managers looking to scale their strategies in international capital markets and broaden their investor base.
For more information, feel free to contact our specialists at info@flexfunds.com.
Bringing over 30 years of experience in wealth management and leadership, Stonepeak has appointed Lucinda (Cindy) Marrs as a Senior Advisor. Marrs will support the continued growth of Stonepeak+, the firm’s dedicated wealth solutions platform.
“We see a massive opportunity to bring private infrastructure – an asset class defined by its resilience and backed by meaningful global megatrends – to the wealth channel,” said Luke Taylor, Co-President of Stonepeak.
Marrs joins the firm after a career at Wellington Management, a $1.3 trillion asset manager. At Wellington, she served as Partner and Global Head of Wealth Management and was one of eight members on the firm’s executive committee.
Throughout her tenure, Marrs led key initiatives across regions, helping to launch the firm’s London office, managing its U.S. sub-advisory business, and building its Global Wealth Management division.
“The importance of private infrastructure investment is becoming increasingly apparent, given the tremendous amount of capital needed to sustain and improve the essential services that underpin our daily lives,” said Cindy Marrs.
One Rock Capital Partners has closed $3.97 billion in capital commitments across two new funds, its flagship Fund IV and the newly launched Emerald Fund, marking the largest raise in the firm’s history. The total surpasses its previous fund, which closed at $2.01 billion in 2021, and brings One Rock’s asset under management to more than $10 billion.
The Emerald Fund marks One Rock’s first vehicle focused on the lower middle market, while Fund IV continues the firm’s established strategy of pursuing complex buyouts across North America and Europe. One Rock specializes in four key sectors: chemicals, food and beverage manufacturing and distribution, specialty manufacturing and business and environmental services.
Founded in 2010 by Tony W. Lee and R. Scott Spielvogel, One Rock has completed 67 investments to date, including platform and add-on acquisitions. The firm attributes its success to a value-oriented and operationally focused approach that identifies opportunities often hidden.
“In a period of significant global uncertainty, we believe our track record of creating value by investing in complex situations in the industrial sectors of the economy continues to resonate within the institution investor community,” said R. Scott Spielvogel.
Santander US has announced a $25 million investment aimed at supporting education, employability and entrepreneurship. This funding includes over $10 million allocated for university grants and national scholarships through its Santander Universities program.
The scholarship applications will be accessible later this year via Santander Open Academy, a global platform that offers free educational resources and professional development tools to learners worldwide.
“Continuous learning is imperative to keep up with the pace of change, and we believe that businesses must be a partner in equipping people with the educational tools and resources they need to thrive in today’s society,” said Christiana Riley, Chief Executive Officer and President of Santader US.
Santander’s latest global workforce report, Tomorrow’s Skills, surveyed 15,000 people across 15 countries and emphasized that while college graduates generally feel prepared for the workforce, many Americans express concerns about keeping pace with changing job market demands.
Nearly 80% of respondents believe lifelong learning is essential, yet cost remains the primary obstacle lifelong learning is essential, yet cost remains the primary obstacle to ongoing education. Over half of those surveyed feel companies should take responsibility for providing continuous education opportunities.
With a 28-year history of supporting education and entrepreneurship, Santander has provided access to learning and job opportunities for more than 2 million students and professionals in 2024 alone.
A change of location and position for Santiago Mata, who until now served as Sales Manager Latin America & US Offshore at Jupiter AM. As confirmed by Funds Society, Mata has taken on a new role as Director of Business Development for Latam and US Offshore. He will be based in Jupiter AM’s offices in Madrid (Spain) and will continue to report to William López, Head of the asset manager for Europe and LATAM.
According to the firm, “Sales Manager Santiago Mata has relocated to Madrid, from where he will continue serving the Latin American and US Offshore regions. This proximity will provide added value and better service for clients operating on both sides of the Atlantic.” They also emphasize that “Latin America and the US Offshore region are fundamental to Jupiter’s international growth strategy. Our team structure continues to evolve under the leadership of William Lopez, Director of Europe and Latin America, with the goal of delivering the best service to our clients in the region and providing them timely and efficient access to Jupiter’s high-conviction active investment strategies.”
Mata joined the firm in November 2023 as part of the team led by William López, Head of Jupiter AM for Europe and LATAM, and works alongside Andrea Gerardi covering the Latam & US Offshore region. Mata previously spent three years at DAVINCI Trusted Partner, where he held the roles of Sales Director and Sales Manager. Prior to that, he served as Sales Manager at Jupiter AM for Aiva, as well as Asset Management Specialist.
In Madrid, Jupiter AM’s Iberia team is based, led by Francisco Amorim, Head of Business Development for Iberia since fall 2024. The team is composed of Susana García, Sales Director, and Adela Cervera, Business Development Manager. “The Jupiter team in the Iberian region works very closely with William to drive business growth in this market, aiming to optimize sales capacity and foster commercial momentum,” the firm explains.
Aiming to strengthen its investment offering in emerging markets, LV Distribution — the subsidiary LarrainVial founded in 2023 to focus on third-party distribution and asset management in the United States — has announced a strategic alliance with global investment manager Ashmore Group.
According to a press release from the Chilean financial group, the collaboration seeks to broaden access for LV Distribution’s clients — including RIAs, family offices, and institutional investors — to emerging market investments through Ashmore’s wide range of European investment products.
Founded in 1992 and headquartered in London, the European-origin asset manager closed March of this year with $46.2 billion in AUM, distributed among mutual funds, segregated accounts, and structured products. At the time, Ashmore was a pioneer in offering direct access to emerging market assets. Since then, it has expanded into a broad spectrum of strategies, including external debt, local currency, corporate debt, blended debt, equities, and alternatives.
LarrainVial highlights that this move reinforces the range of international asset managers available through its offshore distribution platform, which has raised more than $28 billion in third-party assets over the past two decades.
In addition, LV Distribution already has a robust network of strategic partners to enhance its investment offering, including managers such as Advisory Research, Crossmark Global Investments, Poplar Forest Capital, Pacific Income Advisers, CFM, and NewVest.
“We are very pleased to partner with Ashmore, a globally recognized leader in emerging market investing. Their vast experience, strong research capabilities, and innovative approach align perfectly with our mission to offer differentiated and high-quality investment solutions to our clients,” said Edward Soltys, Director of LV Distribution, in the press release.
George Grunebaum, Global Head of Distribution at Ashmore Group, added: “We are excited to collaborate with LV Distribution as we expand our reach in the U.S. market. This partnership will allow us to bring our deep expertise in emerging markets to a broader audience, providing investors access to some of the most compelling growth opportunities globally.”
