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March 23, 2026

Portfolio Construction Is Changing: What Financial Advisors Need to Know

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“Our mission is to put the same investment infrastructure used by the largest asset managers into the hands of the RIA community.” – Patrick Shaddow

In this episode, Shannon Spotswood and Rick Wedell sit down with Patrick Shaddow, President and CEO of Syntax, to explore how portfolio construction is evolving for modern Financial Advisors.

The investment space has expanded dramatically. From mutual funds and ETFs to direct indexing, alternatives, and customized strategies, Advisors now have more tools than ever before, and with more choices comes more complexity to navigate.

Patrick unpacks how Advisors can move beyond product selection toward intentional portfolio architecture. Their conversation explores how institutional investment infrastructure, data-driven portfolio design, and scalable technology can allow Advisors to deliver more personalized portfolios while reclaiming time for client relationships and growth.

They also discuss the growing role of tax efficiency, rules-based portfolio construction, and operational scale, and how Advisors can leverage institutional resources without giving up control of the client experience.

For growth-minded Advisors building businesses designed for longevity and enterprise value, this episode offers a clear perspective on where portfolio construction is headed, and what it means for the future of independent advice.

Key Themes Covered

• The evolution of portfolio construction and the expanding universe of investment solutions
• How institutional investment infrastructure supports Advisor scalability
• The role of data and rules-based portfolio construction in enabling personalization at scale
• Why outsourcing portfolio operations can help Advisors reclaim time for growth and client relationships

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RFG Advisory

Shannon Spotswood

Rick Wedell

Patrick Shaddow



Disclosure:
Syntax, LLC., is a financial data and technology company that provides direct indexing strategies and rules-based equity models to RFG. Syntax, LLC., Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities.

About Our Guest

Patrick Shaddow is President and CEO of Syntax, where he leads strategy and the development of data-driven portfolio construction and indexing solutions. He has more than 15 years of experience in financial services and index development.

Prior to joining Syntax in 2021, Patrick served as Head of Index Operations at S-Network Global Indexes, where he oversaw the development and daily production of more than 350 indexes used as the basis for ETFs, mutual funds, SMAs, and other investment products representing over $30 billion in assets.

Patrick began his career at Dow Jones Indexes and holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Rutgers University School of Business.

Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy.

Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources.

The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.

Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.

RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

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Securities offered by Registered Representatives through Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory” or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.

RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

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