Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, the company reported net income of $458 million and earnings per share of $2.29, with a return on average common equity of 14.8% [15] - Revenue increased by 6% year-over-year, while expenses rose by 4.7%, leading to a pre-tax margin expansion of 200 basis points [17] - The company returned nearly 100% of its earnings to shareholders, contributing to a 5% decrease in shares outstanding [4][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wealth Management assets under management reached $493 billion, up 11% year-over-year, with trust investment and servicing fees increasing by 5% [18] - Asset Servicing assets under custody and administration grew to $17 trillion, reflecting a 4% year-over-year increase, with Asset Servicing fees totaling $707 million, up 6% [19][20] - Asset Management launched 11 new ETF strategies, with liquidity remaining a standout area, reporting its 11th consecutive quarter of positive flows [10][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a 1% sequential increase in assets under custody and administration and a 4% increase in assets under management compared to the previous year [16] - Average deposits were $116.7 billion, down 5% compared to the second quarter, reflecting typical seasonal patterns [23] - The effective tax rate was 26.1%, up 70 basis points from the prior period due to higher tax impacts from international operations [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its "One Northern Trust" strategy, emphasizing organic growth and operational efficiency through AI and a client-centric operating model [4][5] - The Enterprise Growth Program is driving improvements in organic growth, particularly in private markets, with a focus on enhancing productivity and efficiency [5][6] - The company aims to deliver consistent financial performance and create enduring value for stakeholders, regardless of the broader economic environment [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate challenges in the investment product level and emphasized a focus on profitability over top-line growth [31][44] - The company anticipates continued gradual improvement in margins and overall growth, with a disciplined approach to managing expenses [13][40] - Looking ahead, management expects operating expense growth to remain below 5% for the full year and mid to high single-digit growth in net interest income [25] Other Important Information - The company has embedded AI in over 150 use cases, enhancing efficiency and client service across various business lines [6][67] - The introduction of a feeder fund structure by 50 South Capital provides Wealth clients direct access to top-tier alternative managers, reflecting ongoing innovation in investment offerings [9][78] - The company received recognition as the Best Administrator Overall Service Award and Custodian of the Year, validating its leadership in the industry [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: NII outlook and deposit trends - Management indicated that deposits performed in line with expectations and anticipated a slight pickup in Q4, with NII growth projected to be mid to high single digits [27][30] Question: Challenges at the investment product level - Management noted pressure on index products due to asset allocation and pricing, and emphasized a focus on improving product performance and pricing [31][32] Question: AUCA growth and outflows - Management explained that AUCA growth was driven by individual clients, with some outflows attributed to restructuring rather than client losses [35][36] Question: Expense growth and operating leverage - Management reaffirmed commitment to keeping expense growth below 5% and highlighted ongoing efforts to improve productivity and efficiency [39][40] Question: AI's impact across business lines - Management stated that AI is enhancing efficiency across all areas of the company, with specific applications in operations, technology, and client service [63][68] Question: Stablecoin and digital assets strategy - Management discussed the focus on tokenization rather than issuing a stablecoin, emphasizing the importance of interoperability and client demand in the digital asset space [70][71]