The Art of Wealth Management: Alyssa Quinlan at Northern Trust

Alyssa Quinlan has recently stepped into a pivotal role at Northern Trust Wealth Management, assuming the position of head of Advisor Relationships & Strategic Partnerships. This new, elevated role is particularly significant given its focus at the intersection of private banking, estate planning, and the thrilling market for “passion” assets, including fine art and collectibles.

Background and Experience

Quinlan brings a remarkable 25-year record of professional achievement, combining expertise in wealth management with a unique background in fine art. She has honed her skills at prestigious firms such as JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup, where she received her comprehensive Wall Street training. Most recently, she served as the CEO of Freeman’s Auctions & Appraisals, where she managed operations, embarked on growth initiatives, and successfully integrated major mergers. Prior to that, she launched and ran the Chicago office of Gurr Johns, a well-respected art advisory and appraisal group.

Role at Northern Trust

As the head of advisor relationships and strategic partnerships, Quinlan will oversee an important aspect of Northern Trust’s client servicing. Reporting to David Albright, the global head of sales, her responsibilities include fostering relationships with outside professionals, including law firms, accounting firms, business advisory shops, and investment consultants. This collaborative network allows Northern Trust to remain attuned to the increasingly intricate needs of its wealthy clientele, particularly as many seek to integrate fine art and collectibles into their overall wealth, tax, and estate planning strategies.

Client-Centric Approach

The emphasis on trusted advisory relationships is central to Northern Trust’s service delivery. Albright emphasizes that “our clients rely on a network of trusted advisors,” which makes Quinlan’s role not just significant but essential. Her leadership is expected to enhance the firm’s engagement strategy with advisors, facilitating the integration of unique asset classes into client portfolios. This includes support on valuation, liquidity planning, and strategies for estate and legacy considerations.

Addressing Evolving Demands

Quinlan’s appointment comes as Northern Trust aims to build an innovative platform dedicated to collectors and families with substantial art holdings. The firm recognizes the sophisticated demands surrounding collection management, intergenerational transfers, and asset sales, which are increasingly relevant in today’s market. By addressing these needs, Quinlan aims to position Northern Trust as an authority in the management of nontraditional assets, especially as the art and collectibles market demonstrates signs of resurgence after recent fluctuations.

Community and Civic Engagement

Beyond her professional endeavors, Quinlan actively participates in various Chicago civic and business organizations, including YPO, The Economic Club of Chicago, The Chicago Network, and the Chicago Estate Planning Council. Moreover, she is a strong supporter of local arts institutions, contributing her time and resources to organizations such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Luminarts Cultural Foundation. Her involvement underscores her commitment not only to her profession but also to her community and culture.

The Art Market’s Rebound

Quinlan’s appointment aligns with a noteworthy revival in the upper tier of the art and collectibles market. Recent reports indicate a surge in auction sales at major houses, with a 23% increase to $3.17 billion in 2025. This upturn can largely be attributed to significant estates and high-value works returning to the market, signaling renewed interest from collectors.

Drew Watson, head of art services at Bank of America, remarked that 2025 reflects “a return to discipline” in the art market, as collectors increasingly focus on quality, provenance, and the long-term significance of their acquisitions. Auction sales have demonstrated robust growth, with reports indicating that top London sales reached $550 million, highlighting a hungry buyer class eager for premier assets.

Insights from Industry Leaders

Industry leaders, including Oliver Barker from Sotheby’s, have observed a remarkable depth of bidding and a thriving market for quality material. This context frames Quinlan’s role at Northern Trust, as she positions the firm to capitalize on these shifts in the art market. The integration of wealth management and fine arts under her guidance could redefine how Northern Trust engages with affluent clients in the realm of collectibles.

Alyssa Quinlan’s role marks a transformative moment for Northern Trust Wealth Management, as the firm prepares to navigate the complexities of wealth and asset management in an evolving landscape. With her extensive experience and network, Quinlan stands poised to make significant contributions to the future of both wealth management and the fine art sector.