Ken Stern Talks Growth Strategy and AI with Barron’s Advisor
Ken Stern recently sat down with Barron’s Advisor to discuss his new role as co-CEO of Lido Advisors and to unpack the strategy behind the firm’s growth into a $42 billion RIA. Stern was direct about how that growth has come together: the vast majority of it is organic, not the result of acquisitions.
Stern explained Lido’s “think small to grow big” approach, targeting underserved niches, like business owners and entrepreneurs, that come with unique needs but limited competition. He also pointed to a broader industry puzzle: with strong client retention and a robust platform already in place, he’s surprised more advisors aren’t growing faster. As he put it, the tools are already there for firms willing to use them.
The conversation also covered how Lido is building AI capabilities in-house, starting with its own data warehouse, to support advisors rather than replace the human judgment and behavioral coaching that Stern sees as increasingly central to the job. He also weighed in on what makes an acquisition successful at Lido, pointing to talent, cultural fit, and measurable value creation over simply adding assets.
On why more advisors aren’t growing faster, Stern didn’t hold back:
“If the platform is robust you do a lot of work with those clients, and as a result of that, it’s amazing to me that more advisors aren’t growing at a faster rate.”
Read the full interview at Barron’s Advisor: https://www.barrons.com/advisor/articles/lido-advisors-ken-stern-wealth-management-growth-2a34ea90
