OasisLMS

NAPFA members have long championed transparency, objectivity, and client-first planning. In today’s environment—where clients expect more personalization and lower costs—fiduciary advisors have a powerful opportunity to further differentiate their value by rethinking portfolio construction itself.

This session explores how moving beyond traditional investment wrappers—like mutual funds and ETFs—can reduce embedded fees, improve tax efficiency, and allow for a more precise alignment between each client’s values, goals, and financial strategy. Direct indexing and other personalized portfolio approaches give advisors the flexibility to tailor investment solutions at scale—without sacrificing efficiency or performance.

1. Identify strategies to reduce or eliminate product costs that can negatively impact client outcomes.
2. Enhance trust and engagement by incorporating values-based personalization into portfolio design.
3. Apply scalable customization techniques to serve a broad and diverse client base effectively.
4. Demonstrate how thoughtful portfolio construction can reinforce the principles of fiduciary advice.

Patrick Shaddow

Patrick Shaddow is the Chief Index Officer at Syntax, where he leads the development of innovative index solutions that support personalized, cost-efficient investing. With over 15 years of experience in index design, portfolio construction, and systematic investment strategies, Patrick has deep expertise in creating transparent, scalable tools for advisors and institutions. Prior to joining Syntax, he held senior roles at S&P Dow Jones Indices and ICE Data Services, where he focused on strategy, factor-based indexing, and client implementation. Patrick is a CFA®️ charterholder and a frequent speaker on topics related to direct indexing, index methodology, and the evolving role of personalization in wealth management. He is passionate about helping fiduciary advisors translate investment innovation into meaningful outcomes for their clients. 

Sarah Grieco

As Director of National Accounts, Sarah Grieco is responsible for the strategic implementation of Syntax indices and direct indexing solutions across multiple client segments including RIAs, asset managers, asset owners and institutions. She oversees both sales and marketing teams on the development and maintenance of client relationships including content initiatives and ongoing product support. Her expertise covers the general indexing landscape, index construction, and distribution planning and oversight. Grieco holds an MFA in Communication Arts from the New York Institute of Technology. An award-winner at the 2024 T3 Technology Tools for Today conference, Syntax Data provides direct indexing solutions to RIAs through its comprehensive platform, Syntax Direct℠.