Financial advisers turn to video calling to enhance the client experience
Voice chat software such as Skype allows financial advisers to add more value to the service they offer to A and B clients, according to Zurich Financial Services.
While the take-up of such technology has been slow due to a lack of knowledge, Zurich national manager, sales strategies and research life risk Marc Fabris said Internet voice and video calls can enrich the advice experience with high-value clients at a fraction of the cost and time of traditional client meetings or communication.
"While it makes sense to use Skype for regional customers, we take the view that if you're seeing someone a significant number of times through the year, some of those contacts could get replaced by a phone call or a video call," Fabris said.
Looking forward, the real benefits of web-based communication will come when applications allow an adviser to communicate with a client while simultaneously helping a client to complete a fact find or other related form, he said.
He said, however, that it was important for a financial adviser to survey their client base in order to determine what means of communication works best for the business.
"We're at a point where there are bits and pieces of software that will come together in more centralised portals which will make it much better for everyone for efficiency," Fabris added.
"I think we're pretty close to having better technology options in the next 6 to 12 months."
Recommended for you
Adviser losses this week are quadruple the same period a year ago, with the industry falling into negative territory for the last 12 months.
Colonial First State has announced the latest manager to join its Edge managed accounts menu, focusing on providing investors with a strategic income.
Rising advice fees has prompted Radar Results to increase its price guide to a minimum of $3,000 per client to reflect the changing shape of the adviser landscape.
Investment consultancy Ascalon Capital has appointed a new partner, who joins from 20 years at Zenith Investment Partners, as well as a new chief executive amid a “bold new chapter” for the firm.
