Vanilla

Aug 04, 2026

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Vanilla Recognized for Digital Innovation and Emerging Technology at the 2026 MMI/Barron’s Industry Awards

BELLEVUE, WA — August 4, 2026 — Vanilla, the modern estate planning platform built for financial advisors, today announced it has been named a Finalist in two categories at the 2026 MMI/Barron’s Industry Awards.

Vanilla was recognized as a Finalist in the following categories:

Digital Innovation: Vanilla — V/AI, Vanilla’s Proprietary AI for Estate Planning
Technology/Solutions Provider of the Year – Emerging Technologies: Vanilla — Estate Planning Platform

The Digital Innovation recognition honors V/AI, Vanilla’s proprietary AI built specifically for estate planning. V/AI turns complex legal documents into clear, interactive visuals in minutes, giving advisors back the time to have the personal conversations that deepen client relationships.

In the Emerging Technologies category, Vanilla was recognized for the platform advisors use to bring legacy, wealth transfer, and generational planning into the heart of holistic financial advice.

“Estate planning is the most personal conversation an advisor has with a client, and the most comprehensive, because it means understanding their entire life,” said Gene Farrell, CEO of Vanilla. “That’s what makes it hard to do well at scale, and it’s what V/AI was built to change. To have MMI and Barron’s recognize both our AI and platform means a great deal.”

The recognition follows Vanilla’s recent momentum in the industry, including two finalist selections at the 2026 Wealth Management Industry Awards (the “Wealthies”) and a win for Best Technology Start-Up at the Thirteenth Family Wealth Report Awards 2026.

Now in their 18th year, the MMI/Barron’s Industry Awards honor firms driving innovation and leadership in the investment advisory solutions industry. Winners are chosen by a vote of MMI’s member firms, giving the recognition the weight of the industry’s own peers.

Winners will be announced during the 2026 MMI Annual Conference in October.

About Vanilla

Vanilla is the modern estate planning platform built for financial advisors. By transforming complex legal documents into clear, interactive visuals, Vanilla enables advisors to deliver more personal, impactful conversations around legacy, wealth transfer, and generational planning. With deep integrations, intuitive workflows, and expert support, Vanilla helps advisors bring estate planning into the heart of holistic financial advice. Learn more at justvanilla.com.

About the MMI/Barron’s Industry Awards Program

Nominations are reviewed and evaluated by the specially appointed MMI Industry Awards Steering Council. The Steering Council consists of representatives from all segments of the MMI membership.

The Steering Council looked for innovative, needle-moving programs and initiatives that measurably advance the investment advisory solutions industry and deliver improved outcomes for financial advisors and investors. After carefully reviewing the nominations submitted, the Steering Council determined a slate of finalists in each award category. The main contacts at each of MMI’s member firms are eligible to vote to determine the winners in each category.

Media Contact:
Rocco Aloe Gregory for Vanilla
vanilla@gregoryagency.com