7 Worries for Ultra-Wealthy Investors in 2024

After more than 15 years as a trust specialist at Merrill Lynch, Ben Voelker made the jump to Mariner Wealth Advisors in April 2022 to deploy his specialized planning skillset in partnership with the firm's ultra-high-net-worth advisory teams from across the United States. In the more than 18 months since, Voelker recently told ThinkAdvisor, he has had time to get to know the ins and outs of the firm's UHNW client segment, and he has formed close relationships with the advisor teams who specialize in serving the space. According to Voelker, this client segment represents one of the firm's (and the industry's) most dynamic areas, as there are both big challenges and big opportunities facing affluent investors and their families. This, in turn, means that Mariner and its competition need to continue to elevate the game to ensure that they are meeting these key clients' expectations. Multigenerational wealth transfers and philanthropic strategies are just two of the many concerns facing affluent investors, Voelker said. Also included on the list are major potential tax policy changes and questions about where markets are heading, as well as more fundamental considerations about the meaning of wealth and how to transfer the right "money values" to the next generation. See the accompanying gallery for a review of seven key topics that, in Voelker's experience, are taking up the bulk of UHNW advisors' time and attention as they look ahead to their clients' needs in 2024.