6 Questions to Consider As You Evaluate Advisor Technology Platforms
Use these six questions to help zero in on the best investment management technology for your needs—today and tomorrow.
Considering adopting new technology designed to improve efficiency and enhance the client experience? Choosing the right tech for your advisory firm can be a matter of pure luck if you're not clear about what you're looking for.
1. Does this platform have the features that address my specific needs?
Before you begin evaluating different technology solutions, identify the specific capabilities you need, then prioritize them based on which have potential for the greatest impact on your business.
Some of the technology options available may include features you haven't identified as must-haves, but could contribute to overall efficiency improvements. Don't dismiss them offhand.
It's important to involve staff members in this part of the process. Survey potential users and other stakeholders to find out their pain points so you can understand which current features they want to maintain, and where they feel gaps exist.
2. Does this platform address tomorrow's needs?
Don't stop when you believe you have a solution that satisfies today's needs; look ahead to what you might need in the future.
Your goal should be to adopt a platform that will serve you well today and in the years to come. The advisory industry and client needs are constantly evolving, and your technology should constantly adapt and align with the shifting landscape.
3. What technology solutions are my peers using?
Another way to benchmark the technology solutions you may be considering is to check in with your financial advisor colleagues. Whether that's through informal conversations with peers during a conference, checking reviews in industry publications, or a forum question posed to an advisors-onlygroup you're involved in, you'll undoubtedly get some firsthand insights that can help inform your technology selection process.
4. How long before we're up and running?
Depending on the scope and functionality of the technology being implemented, it may be a few weeks before you can fully rely on it to function as intended. Many, though, take just days.
While your choice of platform should be primarily about its ability to deliver long-term value to you and your clients, finding one that starts improving productivity quickly can minimize distractions and optimize staff productivity.
5. How does the platform handle account opening and transitions?
Account opening and transitions can be a definite pain point given the myriad of forms and potential systems required.
When evaluating a tech solution, you'll want to understand how it might, or might not, ease this process. Will it make onboarding new clients more seamless and paperless though automated workflows? Or will multiple, time-consuming manual entries still be required?
6. How easy is the tool to use?
Consider not only how intuitive and painless the technology in question is for you and your staff, but also for your clients.
One study shows that 62% of millennials are getting their advice online or from social media. It's no secret that this generation, poised to inherit $68 trillion from the baby boomer generation, prefers more streamlined and intuitive user experiences. To better engage and reach clients in this younger set, you'll want to prioritize technologies that present an accessible interface and are enjoyable to use.
Technology is an investment that can have significant impact on your business growth and how you serve your clients. Choose wisely, keeping in mind that you and your staff aren't the only ones who will benefit from it. Your clients' needs and experiences with your technology are equally important, and they should be top of mind as you evaluate your options.
To learn more about Betterment for Advisors, get in touch with a member of our team.
To learn more about Betterment for Advisors' online platform, get in touch with a member of our team.