In the media
John regularly contributes his perspective and insight to the media, particularly regarding developments with implications for the financial services industry and its clients.
John Taft Named Executive in Residence
Baird Vice Chair John Taft has joined the Wake Forest University Center for the Study of Capitalism (CSC) as an Executive in Residence.
Podcast: Taft Discusses Being a DE&I Advocate with SIFMA
John Taft, Baird Vice Chair, was a recent guest on SIFMA's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Podcast Series. In an interview with Cheryl Crispen, EVP and Head of DE&I for SIFMA, he discusses what it takes to be a committed DE&I advocate and why having an emotional connection is critical. He also shares examples of some of the work Baird is doing to foster an inclusive, diverse environment for our clients and associates.
Taft Shares Perspective on SVB Aftermath, FA Obligations with Barron’s
John Taft, Baird Vice Chairman, recently penned an article for Barron’s Advisor. He weighs in about the obligation financial advisors have to their clients in the wake of the SVB collapse.
Taft Reinforces Value of Financial Advice in InvestmentNews Article
Baird Vice Chair John Taft sat down recently with InvestmentNews Senior Reporter Mark Schoeff to offer his perspective on remarks SEC Chairman Gary Gensler delivered at SIFMA’s Annual Meeting.
John Taft Questions Pace of SEC Regulatory Agenda in Barron’s Article
In a recent article he wrote for Barron's, John Taft, Baird Vice Chairman, questions the pace and scope of financial regulatory proposals from the SEC and the implications they could have on the stability and strength of our financial markets.
Video: John Taft Answers 3 Questions With InvestmentNews
John Taft, Baird Vice Chairman, recently sat down with Mark Schoeff, Senior Reporter at InvestmentNews, to discuss how Regulation Best Interest has shifted the way wealth managers advise clients. He also shares his perspective on SEC Chairman Gary Gensler’s regulatory agenda.
John Taft Quoted in Time Article on the SEC’s Proposed Transparency Regulations
John Taft, Baird Vice Chairman, commented on the SEC’s proposed transparency regulations for private companies and what the potential changes mean for investors in a January 14 Time article.
John Taft Offers Perspective on SEC Regulatory Agenda in Barron’s Article
John Taft, Baird Vice Chairman, recently wrote an article for Barron’s where he examines the implications of the SEC’s regulatory agenda on the wealth management industry’s growth and innovation.
Video: John Taft Offers Advice on Maneuvering Uncertainties with ‘MarketBrief’
In a “MarketBrief” segment hosted by Barron’s and MarketWatch, Baird Vice Chairman John Taft offers advice on how to maneuver ongoing uncertainties given the expectation of an eventful and unpredictable political environment this fall. He also shares insight on the impact the Fed’s future actions could have on stocks.
Podcast: John Taft Discusses Stewardship with Scholars of Finance
John Taft, Baird Vice Chairman, recently sat down with Ross Overline, co-founder and CEO of Scholars of Finance, an organization dedicated to inspiring character and integrity in the finance leaders of tomorrow. Taft serves on the Advisory Board for SOF and discussed using finance as a force for good on the organization’s new podcast, “Investing in Integrity.”
Bloomberg TV Interview: Taft Discusses Impact of Free Trade, Order Flow
John Taft, Baird Vice Chairman, shares his perspective on the stewardship of free trade and order flow with “Bloomberg Surveillance.”
Video: John Taft Moderates Impact Investing Webinar with CFA Society Minnesota
Watch John Taft discuss impact investing and new opportunities and challenges in addressing economic equality with Frank Altman, founder and CEO of Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF).
John Taft Reflects on Legacy of David Swensen in Bloomberg Article
Baird Vice Chairman John Taft reflects on the legacy of David Swensen, the chief investment officer at Yale University, in this Bloomberg article.
John Taft Discusses Gensler Confirmation with InvestmentNews
Baird Vice Chairman John Taft provided thoughts on Gary Gensler’s agenda as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission with InvestmentNews.
John Taft Discusses Career Path and Wealth Management Industry with Barron’s
Barron’s recently interviewed Baird Vice Chairman John Taft about his career path and role at Baird, as well as his views on current market events, the importance of financial literacy and the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulation Best Interest.
John Taft Offers Perspective on GameStop Phenomenon in WealthManagement.com Article
Baird Vice Chairman John Taft recently wrote an article for WealthManagement.com in which he laments that the GameStop short squeeze represents one of the worst reputational moments for finance. He also notes that it comes at a time when we should be enabling our financial services sector to do more, not less, to help the global economy recover from the COVID lockdown.
John Taft Makes a Case for Preserving Reg BI in InvestmentNews Article
Baird Vice Chairman John Taft recently penned an article for InvestmentNews, in which he shares his perspective on why the SEC’s Regulation Best Interest Rule should be preserved as written and is the best approach for individual investors.
John Taft Shares Perspective on What to Watch in 2021 with Financial Planning
Baird Vice Chairman John Taft recently wrote an article for Financial Planning, in which he reflects on 2020 and outlines potential changes the financial industry may face in 2021.
John Taft, Katie Schoen Weigh in on Expanded Definition of 'Accredited Investor' in InvestmentNews
Baird Vice Chairman John Taft and Baird Capital Vice President Katie Schoen penned a recent column for InvestmentNews, where they examine the implications of the SEC expanded definition of an 'accredited investor' for private equity investors and the advisers who serve them.
Bloomberg TV Interview: Taft Discusses the SEC’s Expansion of “Accredited Investor” Definition
John Taft, Baird Vice Chairman, discusses with Bloomberg Surveillance how the SEC’s decision to expand the definition of “accredited investor” has new implications for individual investors looking to invest in the private market.
John Taft and Ryan Burwell Discuss Accelerating Digital Success in InvestmentNews Column
John Taft, Vice Chairman at Baird, and Ryan Burwell, Director of Technology Strategy for Baird’s Private Wealth Management business, recently reflected on how the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated years of digital transformation in the wealth management industry. In their column in InvestmentNews, they share what has worked for Baird and how firms can maximize the opportunities created during this transformative time.
John Taft Pens On Wall Street Column About the Resiliency of the Financial Markets
Baird Vice Chairman John Taft penned a recent column for On Wall Street in which he discusses the resiliency of the financial markets in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
Bloomberg TV Interview: Taft Discusses COVID-19’s Impact on the Financial Markets
John Taft, Baird Vice Chairman, shares his perspective on how the financial markets are weathering the Coronavirus pandemic with "Bloomberg Surveillance."
VIDEO: John Taft Hosts Putting Investors First Month Webinar with CFA Society Minnesota
On April 7, John Taft joined CFA Society Minnesota to host a webinar in honor of Putting Investors First Month. See the recording of the discussion.
"Ethics, Finance and Family Legacy" - Q&A with the University of St. Thomas
In honor of National Ethics Awareness Month, John Taft sat down with the University of St. Thomas Newsroom to discuss the financial services industry, the importance of stewardship values and how growing up in an influential family shaped his purpose in his career and life.
John Taft Pens InvestmentNews Opinion Piece on Regulation Best Interest Ruling
Baird Vice Chairman John Taft penned a recent opinion piece for InvestmentNews focusing on Regulation Best Interest and the new industry-sweeping standards that are emerging from the decision.
John Taft Speaks to Minnesota, Milwaukee CFAs About Putting Investors First
In April, John Taft spoke to the CFA Societies of Minnesota and Milwaukee about “Principled Leadership” and the importance of putting investors first.
John Taft Discusses "Finance for the Greater Good" at Wake Forest University
Baird Vice Chairman John Taft spoke at the Wake Forest University School of Business on April 2 about the role that finance should play in advancing the goals of society. Taft noted how ethics, stewardship, and inclusion and diversity are essential ingredients in order for finance to advance society.
John Taft Appears on Bloomberg Surveillance
Baird Vice Chairman John Taft appeared on “Bloomberg Surveillance” while in New York on March 4 to join Baird’s leadership team in ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange in celebration of the firm’s 100th anniversary. He discussed Baird’s unique business model and the future of global Wall Street.
John Taft Pens Barron’s Opinion Piece, Reflecting on the Fall of Bernie Madoff
Baird Vice Chairman John Taft penned a recent opinion piece for Barron’s reflecting on the 10-year anniversary of Bernie Madoff’s arrest and the lasting ethical implications and lessons for the industry that followed.
John Taft Pens "On Wall Street" Column
Baird Vice Chairman John Taft penned a recent column for On Wall Street reflecting on the 10-year anniversary of Bernie Madoff’s arrest for securities fraud and the lasting impact that followed as thousands of investors learned they were victims of one of the largest investment frauds and Ponzi schemes in U.S. history.
John Taft Discusses “An Industry in Transition” at Recent Events
Baird Vice Chairman John Taft spoke at two recent industry conferences on current and developing trends in the wealth Management industry. Taft noted significant challenges – fee compression, digital disrupters, passive investing, ETFs, aging client and advisor demographics – but suggested they are outshone by opportunities to provide clients with value-added holistic life advice, helping them navigate increased longevity and improving their chances of achieving long term goals.
Podcast Interview: Taft Discusses the State of the Financial System with American Banker
John Taft, Baird Vice Chairman, discusses ethics and restoring consumer trust 10 years post the financial crisis with American Banker.
InvestmentNews: Baird’s Taft on the Importance of Diversity and Inclusion
Baird Vice Chairman John Taft shares his views on why the financial services industry needs to make investing in diversity a priority.
John Taft Discusses Navigating a Career Transition With Investor’s Business Daily
Baird Vice Chairman John Taft reflects on lessons learned during his own career journey with Investor's Business Daily in the article, "How to Navigate a Seamless Career Transition."
Radio Interview: Taft Discusses America 10 Years after the Financial Crisis with Bloomberg Radio
John Taft, Baird Vice Chairman, discusses America 10 years after the financial crisis and reflects on lessons learned with Bloomberg Radio hosts Tom Keene and Jon Ferro.
John Taft Discusses Lessons Learned From the Financial Crisis With Oregon Business
Baird Vice Chairman John Taft discusses lessons learned from the financial collapse of 2008 with Oregon Business in the article, "The legacy of the financial crisis 10 years on."
Baird Vice Chair Discusses “Service as Purpose” at AT&T Event
John Taft presents to the AT&T Future Now Conference Partnership Academy on the topic of enhancing client engagement.
Baird Vice Chair Calls For 'Realignment' Of Financial Industry To Restore Trust
John Taft reflects on the 10th anniversary of the Great Recession and discusses next steps with Financial Advisor in the article, “Baird Vice Chair Calls For 'Realignment' Of Financial Industry To Restore Trust.”
TV Interview: Taft Offers Commentary as Guest on "Bloomberg Surveillance"
John Taft, Baird Vice Chairman, shares insights on a wide range of topics including his family legacy, general market and sector commentary, and the future of Wall Street.
Radio Interview: Taft Shares Perspective on Financial Deregulation with Bloomberg
John Taft, Baird Vice Chairman, shares his perspective on financial deregulation with “Bloomberg Surveillance.”
Why the SEC Proposal Is a Victory for Clients (As Seen in On Wall Street)
John Taft, Baird Vice Chairman, explains why he believes the SEC’s proposed advice rules represent a constructive step forward.
Video: Baird's John Taft Shares Insights on Fox Business
John Taft, Baird Vice Chairman, shares his perspective on the state of the markets, financial industry deregulation and investor sentiment on Fox Business’s “Varney & Co.”
John Taft Receives Leadership Honor
The Center for Ethical Organizations recently honored John Taft with a Principled Leadership Spotlight Award.
A Fiduciary Rule Wealth Managers Can Get Behind
John Taft comments on the Department of Labor’s fiduciary rule and what the industry might actually support in On Wall Street.
It’s Time for a Reset on the Fiduciary Rule
John Taft says shares his perspective on the limitations of the Department of Labor’s fiduciary rule in this On Wall Street article.
Will Trump’s Ayn Rand Capitalism Work?
In this Barron’s article, John Taft shares his perspective on President Trump’s Economic Policy.
Want to Change Banking Culture? Stop Talking About Cross-Selling
John Taft shares his perspective on the practice and its impact on the industry in this New York Times article.