For nearly a decade, Derek Landi has driven Black Diamond’s growth in product, CRM, and business operations. As the head of business operations and marketing for SS&C Black Diamond® Wealth Solutions, he now combines disciplined execution and market insight to meet the evolving needs of wealth managers.
In this edition of our Five Questions With series, Derek shares how his wealth, retirement, and CRM technology background shape the platform’s growth, innovation, and value for advisors.
You’ve led both CRM and core wealth platform businesses inside Black Diamond. What advantages have you seen when CRM and portfolio reporting innovation are developed in tighter alignment?
For me, CRM provides advisors with a comprehensive client view, enabling them to understand each person's needs. Portfolio reporting then turns those insights into actionable steps that help address those needs. Together, these tools empower advisors to serve clients more effectively. When these tools work together, advisors deliver stronger results. Aligning them ensures the right actions are taken quickly and with the relevant data, improving the client experience.
You joined SS&C through the Advent acquisition in 2015. What has been the most pivotal evolution from then to now in how we operate and serve advisors?
What stands out most to me is how much broader our impact has become. We started by solving a very specific need in performance reporting. Over the years, we’ve expanded into a much wider range of tools that support the diverse needs of many investors.
That expansion enables us to have a more lasting impact across the industry. As wealth management becomes more complex, advisors rely on integrated technology supported by deep expertise. That’s exactly where we’ve focused our evolution.
As SVP of Business Operations, how do you balance the short-term execution rigor required to run the business with the longer-term strategic bets needed to continue expanding Black Diamond’s leadership?
Balance requires constant evaluation. We regularly review product health, service quality, employee experience, and performance. We plan for the long term but act quickly when needed.
Strong communication keeps teams aligned so we know what’s working, what needs to change, and where to focus resources.
Black Diamond has seen steady leadership continuity through transformational tech cycles. In your view, what is the unique benefit advisors receive from that continuity?
Leadership continuity provides stability not only internally but also for the advisors we serve. When leaders stay connected to the business over many years, they develop deeper relationships, sharper communication practices, and a clearer understanding of what advisors truly need.
That consistency translates directly into a better client experience. Advisors benefit from predictable service, faster decision-making, and a long-term vision that doesn’t shift with every market trend. They know they can rely on us to provide not only the technology they need but also steady guidance as their businesses evolve.
Looking ahead 2–3 years, which emerging advisor needs do you think will most reshape how we design and market the platform?
I see two forces shaping the next era of advisor technology. First, enterprise wealth management continues to grow and evolve. These larger, more complex firms require flexible solutions that can accommodate different operating models. Our breadth of tools and the deepening integration across them position us well to support these organizations.
Second, AI-powered automation will fundamentally change how advisors allocate their time. Advisors want to focus more on client relationships and less on repetitive operational tasks. Automation helps bridge that gap. For example, automated workflows can surface accounts that require attention, streamline routine portfolio actions, or highlight planning opportunities based on client data. These capabilities allow advisors to deliver a higher level of service while scaling efficiently.
Derek’s vantage point across product, CRM, operations, and strategy gives him a unique appreciation for how advisors' needs evolve and how Black Diamond must adapt to meet them. His focus on communication, disciplined execution, and scalable innovation continues to play a key role in shaping the platform’s next chapter.
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.
