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INVESTING LISPs
31 October 2017
Glacier launches new Investment Hub
G
lacier by Sanlam, one of the leading investment providers in South Africa, has launched a new Investment Hub to improve efficiencies for its intermediaries. This new way of working means intermediaries can spend less time processing information, and more time getting results. “We’ve been on a big drive to look at how we can improve efficiencies for both the client and the intermediary because as an industry, we must continue to strive to bring down the costs of delivering benefits to our investors,” says Glacier’s Head of Product Management, Patrick Sheehy. “This adoption of this new technology is one way we can bring the cost down.” Glacier began work on the Investment Hub 20 months ago, intent on building a platform to deliver a system that avoids the need to have to sign or complete a piece of paper, “with the idea in mind that both intermediary and client should be able to engage electronically from the very initial point of contact to the final signing of an application form and then to its submission to the product provider.”
Sheehy says one of the key objectives of the Investment Hub is that the intermediary, holding information in digital format, “should never have to recapture that information, leaving less scope for errors.” The Glacier Investment Hub will enable intermediaries to spend more time with their clients, answering questions and allaying their fears, “particularly in the current economic conditions which remain challenging.” Sheehy explains that the Investment Hub has five key features: • Intermediaries can manage client information easily by creating and maintaining details from one central place. They can also import clients from their own client management system and store a variety of client documents • Intermediaries are able to create model portfolios by selecting funds, allocating percentages and defining the risk levels and benchmarks. They can also analyse and compare different portfolios and wrap funds as well as create customisable reports to present to clients • Intermediaries are able to prepare a
With Glacier’s new Investment Hub, doing less means you can do more.
GLACIER FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD AND SANLAM LIFE INSURANCE LTD ARE LICENSED FINANCIAL SERVICES PROVIDERS.
quick quote or customised proposal for the client’s new or current investment. The application form can be completed through an easy to use web-based front-end that will guide intermediaries through the steps • Intermediaries may submit investment proposals and applications with a straight-through, paperless process and allow clients to sign digitally. When filling in information, they won’t need to recapture data such as client details • An intuitive dashboard helps intermediaries manage their workflow and digitally track all cases, allowing them to view previous actions and alerting them to any tasks that are outstanding. What is important about the Investment Hub is that Glacier has developed what users want. “Often, technology is developed where there has been no consultation with the users.” Glacier has taken a very different approach. “We contracted 150 intermediaries informally around the country and
asked them to be part of our journey. That process allowed us to develop the new system with the knowledge that it would work for them. We like to think that while we conceived the system, many aspects are designed by our intermediaries.” So far, the take up has been very good, Sheehy says. “To date, we’ve received positive feedback about the functionality and ease of use. “I should make it clear, though, that we haven’t shut down the old systems and we’ve been very clear about this. We’ll keep the old system running for a while in order to allow time for the adoption of the new system.” Sheehy points out that Glacier, in terms of this technology, has embarked on a journey that has no ending. “Our view is that the technology should be constantly improved.”
Patrick Sheehy, Glacier’s Head of Product Management
Glacier’s Investment Hub has key features that enable financial advisers to: • • • • •
Manage client information easily Create and analyse model portfolios Generate customised investment proposals Enjoy a straight-through process for paperless applications Manage workflow with a helpful and intuitive dashboard
This new way of working has less paperwork and better data management – giving you the power to get things done on your own terms. Visit www.glacier.co.za for more information.