Lifeplan takes funeral bonds online
Lifeplan Funds Management has launched a web-based client data system to enable funeral directors to access information on its funeral bonds.
The system, called FPM Online Services, is offered free of charge to Lifeplan’s Funeral Plan Management’s 400 funeral directors.
The directors will be able to access up-to-date information on their client’s funeral plans as well as their own business dealings with the fund manager.
Lifeplan general manager of strategic development Matt Walsh said the system was developed in consultation with the funeral industry.
“The functionality of the service is comprehensive and includes a unique graphical ‘dashboard’-style interface with full drilldown and search capability — providing a series of graphs which show various demographic profiles of the director’s client base,” he said.
“Directors need accurate and timely information in response to client queries following the death of a loved one.
“While person-to-person services have sufficed in the past, there was an opportunity to add to this with direct instant access to meet the demands placed on funeral directors.”
Walsh said funeral directors could now look online and see how much money the client has in the bond and whether additional funds would be needed to pay for a funeral of the deceased.
“The website will immediately indicate to the director how much money is available to meet that person’s particular wishes,” he said.
“This means they’ll be able to advise the deceased’s family straight away if additional funds are required to meet those wishes.”
Walsh said the site had been built with tight security to protect client data and can only be accessed through authorised persons.
“This is the same level of security people have become familiar with in their banking systems,” he said.
Lifeplan intends to develop the site further for directors.
“While this is the most comprehensive and tailored website offering in the market, we have some other things planned for the website that will make it an essential tool for all funeral directors,” he said.
Lifeplan has about $333 million of funds under management in its funeral bonds and has a market share of 30 per cent.
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