Fintech: Robo-advisors developing a better value proposition

As robo-advisory platforms become more common around the world, the focus of these service providers has shifted to creating a robust investment framework rather than just providing a convenient and affordable way to invest, says Michele Ferrario, co-founder and CEO of Singapore-based robo-advisor StashAway. After all, robo-advisory platforms are already commonplace in some countries, with the bigger players in the US -- such as Wealthfront and Betterment -- managing billions of dollars. The first robo-advisor was established a decade ago. "Globally, robo-advisory models are maturing. The basic value proposition of a very nice user interface and low-cost investing is not enough anymore and the importance of the investment framework and asset allocation is gaining prominence. You will see that the new players in Europe have a very strong focus on risk management and asset allocation and you will see more established US players talk about how they manage money," says By comparison, robo-advisors are not as common in Southeast Asia.