Guardian to use CFS Custom Solutions platform

Colonial First State’s (CFS’s) Custom Solutions business has entered into a white label agreement to provide a platform solution for Guardian Financial Planning.

“This development is a result of our ongoing commitment to platform innovation, and we’re looking forward to developing our relationship with Guardian,” said CFS Custom Solutions general manager Chris Stevens.

Guardian Financial Planning executive manager Steven Browning said the agreement would allow Guardian advisers to offer a more comprehensive product to their clients.

“This white label will be the lead offer for Guardian advisers wanting to provide a full service platform to their clients, incorporating a comprehensive retail risk solution using Asteron’s award-winning Lifeguard product. It will also form the cornerstone for Guardian advisers as they transition to a fee-for-service based value proposition,” Browning said.

“We have significant plans to grow Guardian’s adviser network, and this solution will be very attractive to mature practices whose customer advice offer is positioned in the family wealth protection, creation and transition markets,” he added.

Guardian currently has an approved list of platforms that it uses, including several provided by Suncorp. But Browning said the white label platform provided by CFS Custom Solutions fills the retail life risk offering, making it unique within Guardian’s approved list of platforms.

CFS Custom Solutions said it was expecting this agreement to be the first of many for 2010, with discussions currently taking place with other advisory groups.