GBST evolves tech platform to meet changing adviser needs

Advice technology firm GBST has upgraded its WealthConnect platform to meet the evolving needs of advisers.

This will help practices to “scale and streamline operations”, it said.

According to the company, the latest upgrade to the platform, which is built on Salesforce technology, includes a range of features such as advanced wizards, research tools, and comparison features that support both advisers and paraplanners.

The upgrade is designed to “streamline advice production, reduce operational costs, and help firms scale effectively amid growing regulatory demands and rising client expectations”.

GBST head of APAC, Jeff Hall, said the firm’s “primary focus” is to help advisory firms scale their operations through tech that drives efficiency.

“As regulatory demands continue to increase the administration and compliance burden on advisers, the need for advanced advice technology to improve efficiency, strengthen client engagement, and support consistent outcomes has never been greater,” Hall said.

“We’re committed to equipping advice firms with the tools to build, scale, and deliver exceptional service and value to their clients in an ever more competitive market.”

He added that there are more upgrades to WealthConnect in the pipeline for this year, including stochastic and goals-based modelling capabilities.

“We’re also working to leverage Salesforce’s generative AI tool, Agentforce, as its first certified independent software vendor partner for the wealth management industry. Pre-built support tools will help advice professionals harness AI drive further efficiencies, deliver personalised client support, and adapt to the evolving digital landscape,” Hall said.

“Our goal is for WealthConnect to eliminate the need for multiple systems across the advice process, allowing advice firms to replace existing tools with a single, advanced platform that combines CRM, compliance management, and financial planning to better support high-quality advice.”

GBST said the enhancements also improve visibility across compliance, resource management, and client engagement, making it easier for large firms and dealer groups to allocate resources effectively and stay ahead of evolving industry pressures.

Among the large firms utilising WealthConnect is Invest Blue, which moved across to the solution in November last year, with the platform serving as the primary hub for its client engagement, service management, delivery, and workflow.

Lexi Glover, head of operations at Invest Blue, said: “Our goal is to advance our technology and data management to improve quality and reduce overhead costs for advisers and clients.

“By lowering the cost to serve in this area, we can invest in others to enhance the quality of what we deliver to clients and increase the number of people we can serve.

“WealthConnect will help boost our service delivery and align with our commitment to our clients living their best possible life. We look forward to continuing to leverage and expand WealthConnect’s capability.”