Kyle Van Pelt on Fueling Tech and Connection in Wealth Management

“Milemarker is the gasoline.”

That’s how Kyle Van Pelt describes his company’s role within the wealth management tech ecosystem.

In a quick interview at the 2025 RIA Edge conference in Nashville, the Milemarker co-founder and CEO sat down with Three Crowns CEO Johnny Sandquist to talk tech, data, and why the real promise of AI lies in enabling more human connection.

The future of financial technology isn’t more software. It’s fewer clicks, and more conversations.

Connecting the Dots: Data, AI, and Client Experience

At its core, Milemarker helps RIAs and WealthTech platforms integrate their data across systems. That might not sound groundbreaking on its face, but you get it if you’re a financial advisor.

The average advisor today often has to log into five tools (at minimum) just to answer one client question.

Milemarker’s goal is to change that.

“We bring all your data into one place, so you can just ask a question and get an answer. No clicks, no spreadsheets, no switching tabs,” Kyle says.

That seamless access unlocks something bigger: space to be more human.

When AI removes the repetitive work—like paperwork, prep, and admin tasks—advisors get to focus on what matters most: the client sitting in front of them.

Connection Is Every RIA’s Differentiator

Kyle believes we’re entering a new phase in FinTech. But lest you think AI is the story, think again. The hero here is human connection.

“As AI gets more efficient, people are going to crave what’s real. They’ll want advisors who feel human, who show up with empathy, who know how to create trust.”

Instead of clicking through menus, advisors will soon be able to chat with their tech and ask natural language questions and receive direct answers. Kyle isn’t just talking theory. Milemarker is already rolling out these kinds of tools.

This isn’t just an upgrade to UX. It’s a complete rethinking of the advisor experience.

The 3 Questions Every RIA Must Answer

As firms plan for the future, Kyle says it comes down to three key questions:

1. How do I grow organically?
   The industry average of 2% won’t cut it long-term (and it isn’t cutting it short-term, either).

2. How do I create operating leverage?
   Efficiency can’t just mean “work more.” It has to mean “work smarter.”

3. How do I increase enterprise value?
   Scalable tech and clean data pipelines aren’t optional anymore. They’re a prerequisite for a high valuation.

The Bottom Line

Kyle is bullish on the future of wealth advisors in the age of AI. And his vision is one where data and AI don’t replace the human element. Instead, they come together to amplify it.

Watch the full interview with Kyle Van Pelt of Milemarker here: