Sowell Management

06/02/2026

Alternatives are becoming a bigger part of the portfolio conversation, but thoughtful implementation still matters most.

In a new Alternatives Watch CIO perspective, Scott Dooley shares his outlook for the second half of 2026 and discusses the importance of discipline, education, manager selection, liquidity management and portfolio fit.

Read Scott’s full perspective here:
https://hubs.la/Q04jMLxz0

Alternatives Watch continues its CIO survey with Scott Dooley, CIO for Sowell Management, a wealth management firm based in North Little Rock, Ark.

06/01/2026

Inflation may not be as defeated as many investors believe.

In his latest commentary, Gregory Lai, CFA explores why oil prices, money supply growth, fiscal pressures, and shifting market expectations may point to a more complicated inflation story ahead.

Read more:
https://hubs.la/Q04jzl1n0

Greg Lai, CFA looks at the forces keeping inflation alive, from oil prices and money supply growth to fiscal expansion and a changing market regime.

05/19/2026

Great perspective from AdvisorHub on one of the biggest questions facing advisor marketing today: can AI help firms scale communication without sacrificing authenticity?

Erin McCarthy Taylor, SVP of Marketing at Sowell Management, shared our view: AI works best when it reinforces the advisor’s voice, message and value proposition — not when it replaces the human element.

For advisors, the future of client engagement is not simply more communication. It is more meaningful communication, delivered with consistency, intention and the right human oversight.

Read the full article from AdvisorHub:
https://www.advisorhub.com/resources/wealth-management-marketing-is-in-its-ai-era-will-authenticity-be-the-trade-off/

Helping advisors connect with clients at scale is AI’s forte. But can it be done without compromising an advisor’s voice?

05/18/2026

The Fed held rates steady, but Jay Powell’s final FOMC meeting as chair brought more drama than the rate decision itself.

Phil Wool, Ph.D., looks at Powell’s decision to remain on the Board of Governors, what it may mean for Fed independence, and the challenges awaiting Kevin Warsh as the Fed enters its next chapter.

Read more: https://hubs.la/Q04g-fyF0

Gregory Lai, CFA reflects on the NEXT25 Summit and the shift toward trusted partnerships, scalable infrastructure, OCIO support, and advisor growth.

05/14/2026

Some NEXT25 sessions stood out to Gary Taylor, Managing Director of Operations at Sowell Management, because they connected directly to his role. Others connected on a more personal level.

Gary highlighted “Powering Advisor Growth: The Next Evolution of FLEX and GeoWealth" with Jack Hannah, President and COO of GeoWealth, for its focus on the systems and platform support advisors need to grow.

He also pointed to “Navigating Cyber Risk in an Uncertain World” with Rachel Wilson, Managing Director & Chief Data Officer at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, as an important reminder that cyber risk touches operations, client trust, and business resilience.

And as a former athlete, Gary especially appreciated “The Business of Athletes & Artists: How It Works—and Where It’s Going” with Joe Corbett, Managing Member of Argentum Financial Collective.

NEXT25 brought together practical insight, strong partnerships, and meaningful conversations about what comes next for advisors and the industry.

05/13/2026

It was an awesome event and you played an important role in making it so. Thanks for sharing!

05/11/2026

At NEXT25, Gregory Lai, CFA helped lead a Shark Tank-style investment panel. It was entertaining, but it also revealed a bigger shift across wealth management.

Today’s advisors are not just looking for products. They are looking for partners who can help them simplify complexity, scale relationships, strengthen client trust, and build more valuable businesses.

Read Greg's latest Perspective:
https://hubs.la/Q04g5Lm10

Gregory Lai, CFA reflects on the NEXT25 Summit and the shift toward trusted partnerships, scalable infrastructure, OCIO support, and advisor growth.

05/06/2026

One of the most memorable moments from Day 2 of the Sowell Summit came during lunch, when former Navy SEAL David Rutherford from The David Rutherford Show took the stage.

His keynote, The Never Quit Mindset: Unlocking Your Reasons to March On, was a powerful reminder that resilience, purpose, and belief matter, not only in life but in the work advisors do every day for their clients and communities.

A special thank you to First Trust and Hank Nelson for sponsoring the keynote and lunch, and to Hank Nelson of First Trust for introducing David.

05/06/2026