Marianne Caswell, President, Park Avenue Securities won Excellence in Wealth Management at Markets Media Group’s 2023 Women in Finance (U.S.) Awards.
What was your reaction to winning the award?
As I’m sure everyone said, I was incredibly honored to be recognized by Markets Media. Coupled with the company of all the extraordinary women also recognized in other categories, it was an incredibly humbling experience. But, while the award was given in my name, the recognition really is a testament to the broader team at Park Avenue Securities. It speaks to the incredible work of our financial professionals and the value they provide to our clients.
What makes you proud to work at your company?
Guardian’s mission is to inspire well-being. Our experience and research tell us that well-being is rooted in having strong financial confidence, and that having such confidence subsequently plays an outsized role in influencing mental and physical health.
In pursuit of that mission, and as Guardian’s broker-dealer, our work at Park Avenue Securities is to provide holistic wealth management resources, services, and products to help our clients build financial confidence. Of course, that includes traditional wealth management investment strategies, from college planning to retirement savings. However, it also includes having the right mix of protections in place—including life insurance.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all wealth management strategy. I am proud to work for a company that puts our clients’ individual well-being–mind, body, and wallet–at the center of what we do in order to help them achieve their financial goals.
What are the current trends in wealth management?
It’s an exciting time to be in the wealth management industry, and so many individuals and firms are pushing the boundaries and innovating in order to deliver for our clients.
If I had to pick one trend, however, it would be an increased focus on retirement planning for decumulation, which is just a technical way of saying helping clients invest and save today to live their best post-retirement lives. Especially as we live longer and more active lives, yesterday’s retirement planning strategies aren’t sufficient. In addition to building strategies that both last longer and support richer lives, my team is really focused on building relationships with beneficiaries and the next generation. Too often, that’s an overlooked aspect of decumulation planning.
What’s your advice to the next generation of women in finance?
Each generation of women open new opportunities for the next. So, make the most of any opportunity you’re pursuing by putting in the hard work. It always pays off–and you’ll be paying it forward for the next generation to come.
This award is not issued or endorsed by Park Avenue Securities or its subsidiaries. The award is based on criteria developed and obtained by the entity issuing the award. No compensation has been provided in connection with obtaining the award.
