Every month, the Kitces Fintech Map grows bigger—an impressive visualization of the countless tools available to financial advisors. From CRM platforms like Redtail and Wealthbox, to performance reporting tools like Orion, to financial planning systems like eMoney or MoneyGuidePro, the sheer variety of software is staggering.

But here’s the catch: while this map showcases the incredible potential of fintech, it also highlights the industry’s biggest problem—swivel chair syndrome.

What is Swivel Chair Syndrome?

Swivel chair syndrome happens when advisors are forced to juggle multiple disconnected systems, bouncing between tools for everything from client onboarding to performance reporting to compliance.

• You’re using Orion for portfolio accounting but exporting data into Excel for custom reports.

• Your client notes are logged in Redtail, but your task management lives in Asana or a standalone workflow system.

• Compliance data might live in Schwab Advisor Center while your marketing team toggles between HubSpot and a separate email platform.

This disjointed workflow doesn’t just slow advisors down—it creates data silos, inefficiencies, and unnecessary friction that ultimately impacts client experience.

The Case for a Single Pane of Glass

A single pane of glass eliminates the chaos by integrating these systems into one unified platform. Imagine logging into a single dashboard where CRM, portfolio management, compliance, financial planning, and reporting all work seamlessly together.

Benefits include:

• Improved efficiency: No more logging into 5+ tools to gather basic information.

• Accurate insights: Real-time data syncing eliminates the need for manual updates.

• Scalable growth: Unified systems allow RIAs and IBDs to scale without adding operational drag.

Why the Kitces Fintech Map Reflects the Swivel Chair Problem

The Kitces Fintech Map is both a blessing and a curse. It shows the breadth of technology available to advisors but also underscores a harsh reality: most firms haven’t solved integration.

• An RIA might adopt Orion Risk for risk tolerance and pair it with Snappy Kraken for prospecting, but without integration, those tools function in silos.

• A hybrid IBD might rely on Addepar for client reporting and Salesforce Financial Services Cloud for CRM, but with no bridge between them, advisors are stuck toggling.

• Even advisor platforms like Black Diamond or Tamarac often struggle with fully integrating data from custodians or third-party planning tools like RightCapital.

Advisors are left swiveling between systems, manually entering data, and relying on workarounds to bridge gaps that shouldn’t exist.

How to Transition to a Single Pane of Glass

Here’s how RIAs, IBDs, and advisor platforms can break free from swivel chair workflows:

1. Audit Your Tech Stack: Use the Kitces Fintech Map as a guide to map out your current tools. Identify where inefficiencies and redundancies exist.

2. Define Key Workflows: Focus on high-impact processes like client onboarding, portfolio updates, and compliance reporting. Where is swivel chair syndrome costing you time or accuracy?

3. Adopt Integration-First Solutions: Look for platforms that prioritize integration, such as Milemarker, which offers seamless data pipelines for tools like Wealthbox, Orion, eMoney, and more.

4. Leverage Automation: Automate repetitive tasks, such as syncing CRM data with custodial platforms like Pershing NetX360 or compliance tracking via ComplySci.

The ROI of Integration

Moving to a single pane of glass isn’t just about cutting down on frustrations—it’s about unlocking exponential growth:

• Better Advisor Efficiency: Advisors can focus on clients, not admin work.

• Stronger Data Accuracy: Integrated systems reduce manual errors and provide real-time insights.

• Enhanced Client Experience: Faster reporting, more personalized planning, and consistent communication create happier clients.

Are You Swiveling or Scaling?

The Kitces Fintech Map is a wake-up call. If your tech stack has turned into a cluttered mess of disconnected systems, you’re not alone—but you can’t afford to stay there. Swivel chair syndrome isn’t just inconvenient; it’s a barrier to growth, efficiency, and profitability.

The future of wealth management belongs to firms that can break free from fragmented tools and embrace true integration. It’s time to stop spinning and start scaling.

Key takeaway: Own your data. Own your workflows. Own your growth.