New financial needs analysis system accredited by Astute
Astute, the financial services exchange used by advisers to integrate policy and investment data when undertaking financial planning for clients, has announced the certification of an additional financial needs analysis (FNA) programme, ECRM from Efficient Advise.
According to Peter Hewett, managing Director of Efficient Advise, “Our FNA system forms part of our client relationship manager software (ECRM). ECRM is a proprietary client relationship management and financial needs analysis tool, developed for the exclusive use of Efficient Advise accredited brokers.
“Through its seamless integration with Astute’s information technology systems, Efficient Advise is able to provide an end-to-end financial planning and management solution to our valued clients.”
Efficient Advise is a subsidiary of JSE-listed Efficient Financial Holdings. The company provides a comprehensive financial planning and advice service to the public via Efficient Advise branches and affiliates.
ECRM acts as a database allowing advisers to capture and store information on their clients. It uses this information to assist with the compilation of comprehensive needs analysis, detailing the client’s current circumstances and comparing these to future needs.This analysis illustrates the surplus or shortfall the client will experience on certain events including death, disability or retirement.
Efficient Advise is currently also developing an investment platform that will assist advisers with fund choices based on the risk profile established during the client’s FNA process. Available funds will be well researched and risk rated.
Said Hewett: “Our business entails the delivery of comprehensive financial planning and investment management expertise for the benefit of individuals and small to medium size businesses. This is achieved through the provision of an integrated financial planning solution to appropriately address a myriad of diverse needs.”
The range of personal financial services offered by Efficient Advise includes financial planning, trust and executorship services, life assurance, short-term insurance, healthcare, stock broking, cash management, investment management and asset finance. In terms of commercial financial services, employee benefits, business assurance, corporate healthcare, commercial short-term Insurance and investment management are amongst the services offered.
Said Biddie Biddulph, Managing Director of Astute: “The Astute system integrates with most of the FNA systems that are available in the South African market. These systems usually have different operating modules, such as a client management system, risk analyser tool and a quoting engine.
“All data delivery to FNA systems on Astute is direct and seamless. The advantages of this process to an adviser include lower administration costs and improved service to clients.”
