{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Vanguard Acquires Altruist: Why Fidelity & Schwab Better Look Out! | Barry Ritholtz | Bonus","description":"What happens when one of investing's original disruptors buys one of the industry's newest disruptors? Barry Ritholtz thinks investors may be the biggest winners and Bill and Jackie dig into why. This special breaking-news is an excerpt from an upcoming Catching Up to FI episode, recorded on 8\/26\/26. Barry reacts to Vanguard's newly announced agreement to acquire Altruist, the fast-growing technology and custody platform built for independent financial advisors. Barry also gives an important disclosure: he's an Altruist investor, so yes, he has a dog in this fight. From there, he explains why combining Vanguard's enormous scale with Altruist's technology could quickly reshape the custody business, put fresh pressure on Fidelity and Schwab, and potentially extend the famous "Vanguard Effect" into another corner of financial services. Bill calls it "disruptor squared." Barry sees an industry that never stands still. And if competition drives prices lower again, investors may ultimately be the ones cashing the biggest check. This episode covers Barry's immediate reaction to Vanguard's agreement to acquire Altruist His disclosure that he is an Altruist investor and financially benefits from the deal Why Altruist's clean-sheet technology made it an attractive challenger to legacy custodians How Vanguard's scale could immediately change Altruist's competitive position Why Fidelity and Schwab may suddenly have a much larger third competitor The "Vanguard Effect" and how competition can push fees lower across an industry Why Barry believes investors could be the biggest winners from the acquisition How Schwab and Robinhood previously disrupted investing through lower-cost and free trading Why Vanguard was a logical potential acquirer given its earlier relationship with Altruist Barry's larger lesson that financial technology never stands still   \u200aThe Full Episode with Barry Ritholtz will be coming out soon! Be sure to follow the show or subscribe to the channel on YouTube, so you don't miss it!"   === SUPPORT  THE  SHOW === \ud83d\udce9 Sign up for our newsletter \ud83c\udf10 Visit Catching Up to FI website  \ud83d\udd17Connect with us \u2615 Like what you hear on Catching Up to FI? Support the show at "Buy Me a Coffee"  \ud83c\udf99\ufe0fWe love hearing from you! Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question   . ===DEALS & DISCOUNTS FROM OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS=== F.I.R.E. For Dummies Did you know that co-host Jackie Cummings Koski, CFP\u00ae, AFC\u00ae is also author of \u201cF.I.R.E. For Dummies\u201d? This is the perfect guide for anyone looking to move from the basics of their finances to reaching F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence, Retire Early) and enjoying the time freedom it creates. Even if you feel behind on your finances, the steps in this book will help you catch up sooner than you ever imagined.  Learn from someone who actually achieved F.I.R.E. in her 40s even after getting a late start  Covers everything from basics to advanced strategies in one guide  Practical solutions for early retirement obstacles like health insurance and early withdrawal penalties  \ud83d\udcd5 Get Your Copy  (currently 40% off on Amazon) For a full list of current deals and discounts from our partners, sponsors and affiliates, click here: catchinguptofi.com\/our-partners   . RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THE SHOW Official Vanguard announcement \u2013 Vanguard to Acquire Altruist, Expanding the Reach and Impact of Financial Advice View the August 26, 2026 Vanguard announcement Vanguard FAQ \u2013 Vanguard to Acquire Altruist Read Vanguard's acquisition FAQ Altruist's official acquisition announcement Read the Altruist announcement Ritholtz Wealth https:\/\/ritholtzwealth.com\/ How Not to Invest https:\/\/a.co\/d\/07ZHXM8h  . \ud83d\udcccDisclaimer: Our content is for general education and information purposes only. We are not providing financial, legal, or tax advice. Always do your own research or consult a professional before making important decisions.   ","author_name":"Catching Up to FI: Financial Independence for Late Starters","author_url":"http:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/451611\/site","html":"