Modernizing Legacy Wealth Firms with John Yackel

This week, Jack Sharry talks with John Yackel, Executive Vice President and Head of Wealth Management at Janney Montgomery Scott. With more than three decades of experience across wealth management, financial services, and fintech, John has built a career focused on helping firms modernize their technology, scale advisor platforms, and deliver comprehensive advice to clients.

John joins Jack to discuss how long-established wealth firms can innovate while preserving the culture that defines them. He explores how Janney is investing in technology modernization, advisor productivity, and strategic expansion while maintaining its ownership-driven culture. John also shares how the firm’s “supported independence” model helps advisors grow their practices, unlock capacity, and build sustainable businesses for the future.

In this episode:

(00:00) - Intro

(01:13) - John’s career path across wealth management and fintech

(05:30) - How Janney’s ownership model shapes modernization and advisor focus

(08:01) - Expansion strategy: balancing growth, infrastructure, and culture

(10:16) - The “supported independence” model for financial advisors