Michelle Greive has spent more than 15 years helping shape SS&C Black Diamond® Wealth Solutions across implementation, client service, and product development. Now, as Senior Director of Product Management, she draws on her understanding of wealth management practices and close client relationships to guide product decisions.
In this edition of our Five Questions With series, Michelle shares how client feedback, thoughtful innovation, and emerging technologies influence Black Diamond’s evolution.
How has your experience working directly with advisors and clients influenced your approach to developing technology for wealth management firms?
Before joining Black Diamond, I worked in financial advisor offices, so I understand what wealth managers do day to day and how technology fits into their practices. That experience helps me to translate their needs into software solutions.
It also taught me that there’s rarely one right answer. Every firm has its own way of working, so it’s important to consider different perspectives and stay flexible.
What insights from direct client interactions have changed your perspective on technology and the advisor experience?
One thing that stands out is how firms approach new technology differently. AI is a good example. Some firms are eager to adopt it, while others are taking a more cautious approach.
We have to be thoughtful about where we invest and how we introduce new capabilities. By tracking adoption and monitoring client feedback, we can learn what’s working and where to go next.
How do you balance current client needs with future requirements as you shape the Black Diamond roadmap?
Innovation extends beyond launching new features. Much of our team’s work focuses on maintaining and enhancing the core platform, including application performance, incremental updates, and workflow improvements that simplify clients’ daily tasks.
Black Diamond’s roadmap balances continuous improvements with new product development. We ensure the platform remains reliable and responsive while exploring new capabilities to address our client’s evolving needs. Both are essential to delivering value now and in the future.
What changes in advisor expectations have most influenced technology’s evolution?
Technology preferences have come full circle. Firms initially prioritized integrating different products, then moved toward bundled technology stacks. Now, many seek solutions tailored to their business and expect data accessibility. In some ways, it’s a new take on open architecture.
AI adds another dimension. It’s faster and easier than ever to explore ideas and create new solutions, but deploying, maintaining, and monitoring presents a different challenge.
This is an exciting time for technology, and I’m looking forward to seeing how we continue to innovate for our clients.
As technology advances, what aspects of the human side of wealth management do you believe will remain uniquely important?
Technology cannot replace the value of having someone you trust to help you think through important financial decisions. AI can provide information and recommendations, but wealth management involves deeply personal decisions. People will keep seeking perspective and reassurance from someone who understands their circumstances.
I think the greatest value will come from finding ways for technology and human expertise to work together. Wealth managers can explore AI alongside their clients, using it to complement their experience and the personal guidance they provide.
For Michelle, product innovation begins with understanding both technology users and the clients they serve. This perspective will continue to shape solutions that support wealth managers and the relationships central to their work.
Ready to see how SS&C Black Diamond Wealth Solutions can help your firm scale smarter, serve clients better, and grow with confidence? Request a personalized demo, call 1-800-727-0605, or email info@sscblackdiamond.com today.
