Miami Beach hosts Future Proof Citywide, focuses on AI, crypto, and market swings

Miami Beach is packed, but this time, it’s not just tourists. 2,500 financial advisors, hedge funds, and crypto investors have taken over South Beach for Future Proof Citywide. The event, held for the first time in Miami, is bringing together the old guard of Wall Street, the fast-growing world of Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), and the ultra-high-net-worth crypto crowd.

Matt Middleton, CEO of Future Proof, reportedly explained to CNBC on Monday why this year’s event is bigger: “This isn’t just RIAs anymore. It’s the entire wealth and asset management ecosystem.” The conference, originally based in California, has moved to Miami to expand beyond RIAs and bring in family offices, hedge funds, and alternative investors.

Wealth managers, advisors, and crypto firms build connections

Networking is at the center of Future Proof. The conference is set up right on South Beach, making it easy for investment firms, advisors, and high-net-worth investors to meet and strike deals.

Jeff Corey and Lincoln Hurney from Claro Advisors in Boston were among the attendees. Corey laid out why they came: “We’re here to talk to other advisors, learn how to grow, and figure out how to use AI responsibly. And, of course, reconnect with people we’ve met at past Future Proof events.”

For many, the event is a chance to meet decision-makers face-to-face, according to CNBC. Alex Barned from Absolute Capital Management, who runs a turnkey asset management program (TAMP), said, “The biggest RIAs are here. Last year, we built two dozen new relationships. It helps with our clients and potential clients.”

Doug Gill from Castleview Partners in Dallas, who also runs a TAMP for asset managers, reportedly said that he had a clear goal: “If I meet just one boutique asset manager who needs our platform and one RIA managing $100 million, this trip is worth it.”

Bitcoin, AI, and market swings dominate discussions

Future Proof isn’t just about networking. The panels and interviews are filled with discussions about crypto, AI, and market volatility. Bitcoin is a major focus. Michael Saylor, head of Strategy, is speaking at the event—his firm owns 500,000 Bitcoin, and he’s expected to share his outlook on the future of crypto.

Market volatility is another big concern. Tom Lee, co-founder of Fundstrat, is set to discuss where the markets are heading next. Meanwhile, CNBC’s Dom Chu is hosting a panel with Brian Belski from BMO Capital, Emily Roland from John Hancock, and Gabriela Santos from J.P. Morgan to break down the macroeconomic outlook.

AI is another major topic. Dan Ives from Wedbush Securities is speaking about how AI is reshaping asset management. Advisors are increasingly using AI to analyze portfolios, automate trading, and improve risk management.

Speed networking fuels deal-making

Beyond the panels, Future Proof has a “speed dating” networking system. The platform matches investment professionals with sell-side providers for 15-minute one-on-one meetings.

At last year’s event, 32,000 meetings were arranged. This system is what makes Future Proof stand out—deals happen on the spot, and asset managers leave with new connections and potential partnerships.

Some of the quirky events from past conferences—like the “Fish Taco Frenzy” cooking class—didn’t make it to Miami. But Matt Middleton emphasized that the main focus remains: “We want people to reconnect with old contacts but, more importantly, expand their networks.”

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