LATEST PANEL: Distribution in the ETF Era: Getting on the Radar

T. Neil Bathon founded FUSE Research Network (FUSE) in 2008 to provide investment firms with tactical guidance that enhances the effectiveness of intermediary distribution. FUSE specializes in the four critical areas that drive distribution success—product management, sales management, marketing, and national accounts—delivering personalized, fact- based insights that lead to measurable improvements. With a team of 21 professionals, FUSE leverages a unique business intelligence model that integrates competitor analysis, financial advisor feedback, distributor platform insights, industry-leading data sources, and direct input from a carefully curated network of experts. This powerful intelligence ecosystem enables FUSE to provide ongoing decision support to nearly 50 investment firms of all sizes — covering all product structures, and distribution channels.

Prior to FUSE, Neil founded Financial Research Corporation (FRC) in 1987 and led it to become a premier provider of market research and competitive intelligence for the asset management industry. Under his leadership, FRC served over 100 investment firms and pioneered an engagement model centered on active client collaboration and tactical support—an approach that has been further refined in the service mindset in place at FUSE today. A common characteristic in all of work completed for clients at both FRC and FUSE is a heightened level of candor – FUSE will tell you what you need to know not what you want to hear.

A recognized industry thought leader, Neil is a frequent speaker at top investment conferences, including ICI, IDC, MFDF, MMI, I&WI, FCS, and Institutional Investor. His insights have been featured in Bloomberg, CNBC, The Wall Street Journal, Ignites, FundFire, and WealthManagement.com, among other leading publications. Neil has also played a key role in revitalizing the Investment Management Education Alliance (IMEA), which has the extra benefit of expanding FUSE’s industry network and increasing awareness of evolving trends. His extensive governance experience includes serving as an independent director for multiple fund boards, and FUSE’s board Services division supports nearly 100 boards overseeing more than 1,000 funds.

His educational background includes a BS in Finance from Marquette University, an MBA in Finance from DePaul University, and executive education work in business intelligence at Harvard Business School.