Traditional financial advisors may feel threatened by the rise of robo-technology solutions, which can appear to remove the human factor from the advice process. However, we see these robo solutions as more of an opportunity than a threat, particularly as advisors look to attract the crucial next generation of tech-savvy investors.

Many robo solutions focus on investment management services, but we know advisors do so much more than that with the high-touch service they deliver. The human + digital approach provides advisors with a range of services—including models, investment management, client-facing portals and online client onboarding. Leveraging these digital capabilities, along with an algorithmic investment planning approach, can free up time to enrich human interactions with high-net-worth clients, many of whom still value face-to-face communication, and help expand an advisors’ reach to the next generation of investors.

Many “robo-tech” platforms have been developed to work with, not against, advisors—helping to create a better client experience and add signifi cant effi ciency and scale to their businesses.

Robo-tech solutions can help:

• Deliver a modern set of tools for clients of all wealth levels
• Deepen relationships with larger-net-worth households by providing services for the full family
• Monetize smaller account referrals that today may be turned away
• Segment high-net-worth and mass affl uent clients into appropriate channels
• Convert leads online with the ability to guide to offl ine resources

We’re seeing advisors leverage these applications in various ways. Some have chosen a full-on robo solution while others have taken a more customized approach, using free tools like our Veo Open Access® API and iRebal® to build their own robo solution with no added expense. These integrated platforms can help advisors deliver a modern set of tools for clients of all wealth levels and improve their services to remain competitive for years to come.

TD Ameritrade Institutional, Division of TD Ameritrade, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. TD Ameritrade is a trademark jointly owned by TD Ameritrade IP Company, Inc. and The Toronto-Dominion Bank.