TD Ameritrade’s Veo Integrated With 7 CRM Technologies
TD Ameritrade’s account management and trading platform, Veo, is now integrated with seven customer-relationship management systems. The Pareto Platform, Tamarac’s Advisor CRM, Junxure CRM and Advisors Assistant technology platforms now work with Veo, while Salesforce, Ebix and Redtail are already integrated.
These firms join the Veo network of more than 60 third-party technology providers working to improve integration of the applications advisors use in their back offices.
In addition to client data, these latest CRM integrations give advisors access to workflows designed to streamline everyday tasks, such as new account opening and data management functions. TD Ameritrade Institutional’s library of more than 40 workflows helps advisors create and implement repeatable customer service and business processes that can save time. These workflows can be customized to automate a firm’s day-to-day tasks and enable an advisor to proactively address opportunities and possible gaps in client service.
“Before, advisors were forced to toggle between applications and deal with inefficient workflows,” said Greg Friedman, president of Junxure. “Now, advisors have access to a tremendous amount of incorporated client data, which can save them time and improve the quality of their client service and response.”
Private College 529 Plan Launches New Web Site
Private College 529 Plan, a prepaid college tuition plan owned and operated by more than 270 private colleges and universities, has launched a new Web site called TomorrowsTuitionToday.org.
The Web site offers tools and guidance to help families achieve their college savings goals. Information regarding savings options is in one location, allowing users to decide what mix of investments and savings plans best fits their families’ needs.
TomorrowsTuitionToday.org features profiles from member schools, an interactive blog focused on college savings strategies and topics, as well as stories from member families that have successfully used the program.
Pioneer’s Class K Low-Cost Shares
Pioneer Investments, based in Boston, has a new low-cost share class program for group retirement plans. The new Class K shares have no 12b-1 fees, which are annual marketing or distribution fees included in a fund’s expense ratio.
Primarily for 401(k) and other qualified group retirement plans, Class K shares will also be available to certain direct institutional investors with an initial investment of at least $5 million.
Pentegra Introduces New Web Tool
White Plains, N.Y.-based Pentegra Retirement Services has a new Web-based tool, Talk to a Retirement Specialist. It features Q&As for plan sponsors and advisors with Pentegra specialists that cover a wide range of topics, such as retirement plan design and technical issues.
“We created it based on the most common questions that we have seen clients and advisors ask over time. We believe it is a great way to share our expertise and insights,” says Rich Rausser, Pentegra senior vice president of client services. For more information, visit www.pentegra.com/expertise/talk-to-a-specialist.
Nationwide Funds Acquires UBS Mutual Funds
Philadelphia-based Nationwide Funds Group has acquired two mutual funds from UBS. The two funds, UBS High Yield Fund and UBS Global Equity Fund, have been merged and reorganized into the Nationwide High Yield Bond Fund and the Nationwide Global Equity Fund. The merger gives Nationwide approximately $183 million in new assets, and enables Nationwide advisors to offer additional long-term strategies to help their clients save for retirement. UBS will remain affiliated with the funds as their sub-advisor.
“This latest effort to broaden our investment offerings involves partnering with an established sub-advisor to grow our business, while providing investors with the potential for higher yields and greater diversification in a market where investors are hungry for both,” says Michael Spangler, president of Nationwide Funds Group.
Envestnet|Tamarac Integrates With Salentica Advisor Desk
Salentica Advisor Desk has been integrated with Envestnet|Tamarac’s Advisor Rebalancing, which provides rebalancing, reporting and practice management software. As a result, advisors using Salentica Advisor Desk will be able to respond immediately to cash requests and other client inquiries using the integrated function. Advisors can also adjust their clients’ portfolios and account settings and access other advanced rebalancing features from within the CRM platform.