David Thompson, md of AXA Wealth
AXA Wealth has introduced a number of enhancements to its Elevate platform which it says are driven by demand from advisers keen to improve their efficiency and client service.
David Thompson, managing director, AXA Wealth Elevate, said: "As the platform market matures, technology and service are increasingly important battlegrounds for platform providers. We are determined to stay ahead of the game and respond to the needs of advisers who rightly want platforms to help them better service their clients."
The changes to the Elevate platform will make navigation of the system easier and more intuitive with improved use of icons, colours and crisper screen layouts. The new design will be supported on a broader range of browsers, including the latest versions of Safari, Firefox, Google Chrome and Internet Explorer. There will also be greater compatibility for users accessing the platform from tablets and mobile devices.
The improved stockbroking service, supported by new provider Winterflood Business Services, offers greater functionality and reduced costs through a new aggregated trading service. Using a tiered structure, aggregated trading prices start at £5.50 for ETFs and £7.50 for non-ETF trades.
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There is also new integration with technology software provider IRESS. This development is the first step towards deeper integration and two-way communication with the back office systems used by advisers, which will ultimately allow the pre-population of client data onto Elevate, where it is already held in an advice firm's back office system or planning tool. It will also allow information held on Elevate, such as values and holdings information, to be downloaded to the systems used in an adviser business.
Mr Thompson added: "The overriding objective of wraps and platforms must be to help advisers work more efficiently. The changes are designed to modernise the look and feel of the platform, improve its compatibility with different internet browsers and new mobile devices and tablets. That will make an adviser's job easier, save time for them and other staff in the business, and ultimately reduce the costs of advising clients.
"The improved stockbroking service is in response to adviser demand for enhanced and more cost effective options to trade ETFs, investment trusts and equities. The introduction of aggregated trading for the first time will provide lower trading costs."
AXA Wealth is a corporate member of the IFP.
