UK advice network Corbel Partners has launched its new in-house tech platform after years of dissatisfaction with pre-existing technology solutions.
After polling adviser members on their tech needs, founders Paul Heath and David O’Hara began to explore the option of building something unique.
The platform is now being rolled out and is in use by Corbel’s growing bank of 145 adviser members.
Corbel’s adviser tool comprises several unique dashboards that allow advisers to complete CPD, create comprehensive client profiles, measure risk and vulnerability, and send protected messages.
Its most recent update includes the integration of Aixigo cashflow modelling software.
The network heads say their biggest bugbear with pre-existing tech solutions was that the modernisation of advice often comes at the expense of client relationships.
Heath said: “Tech is put in place to make advisers’ lives easier – but in many cases, this means talking to their clients less. But our members didn’t want to spend less time with their clients. They wanted tech that freed up client-facing time and gave them total flexibility within that relationship.”
Corbel Partners set out to create an adviser tool that suits every generation of IFA, not just the youngest in the profession. The platform allows advisers to pick and choose how much they engage with its comprehensive suite of features.
O’Hara said: “Some advisers still like doing things old-school – and who are we to stop them? Our purpose as a network is to let IFAs run their business in the way they see fit.”
“For example, some may just use this tool for CPD and fact finding. That’s no problem to us. If they want to keep using paper documents and maintain client contact on the phone or using email, our platform allows that total flexibility.”
On the other hand, for younger IFAs who wish to fully digitise their operation, Corbel Partners’ new tool has the scope to do just that.
One adviser said: “Although this tool has only just launched, it has already made life so much easier for us. All my CPD information is in one place, and my clients have a secure location to track their financial plan – we couldn’t really ask for anything more.”
Heath added: “The world of fintech is changing so quickly, so we wanted a tool we had full control over, one that can adapt to our changing profession and help advisers do their jobs no matter what comes,”
O’Hara further said: “This has been an extremely time-consuming, expensive process, but we are so happy that it has come to fruition and that our advisers are loving it. We’re in this for the long haul, and are pleased that our tech solution can finally support client outcomes in the way it should.”
Corbel Partners is an independent financial advice network with 145 members under its supervision. The firm was founded in 2005 by Chartered Financial Planners, Paul Heath and David O’Hara.
