Wealthfront and Betterment were the first stand-alone investment management companies to offer a complete on-line automated investment process (not counting Vanguard who has been offering it for 20 years). Both companies use first generation technology, meaning they offer only ETF portfolios and only one custodian because that was the limit of the software when they launched. Plus, these are tech people, not investment people.Today, the technology can include all other securities and can be applied to multiple custodians. This makes for a more robust second generation robo offering that can be used by any investment firm that wants to enter the business. It's not out yet, but it's coming!Rick Ferri
I liked the description of smart beta.
