Aware Super’s new portal enables independent financial advisers (IFAs) to more efficiently manage clients’ investment options and be less reliant on call centres.
In line with the fund’s digital transformation project, the portal aims to set a new standard for profit-to-member funds in providing a suite of features to help advisers deliver a more optimised service to their clients.
The functions available to advisers include viewing their client dashboards, changing investment options for clients, managing client contributions, tracking actions requested on behalf of clients, requesting a withdrawal benefit quote and viewing clients’ Centrelink payment schedules.
In August, Aware Super also launched a ‘My Activities’ feature on its app where members can track the progress of their transactions in real time. The fund expects the new feature to save up to 200,000 phone calls from members over the next 12 months.
Natalie Jarvis, head of business development at Aware Super, explained that the launch of the adviser portal will change the way advisers can interact with profit-to-member funds.
“This has changed the proposition for IFAs, simplifying transactions, communication processes and other tasks, and putting invaluable information at their fingertips to help them provide that outstanding service,” she said.
“IFAs play such a critical role in the advice ecosystem, so we’re delighted to have rolled out the portal to support them and help with the crucial service they provide. The portal is testament to our commitment to support IFAs for the long term.”
Additionally, the launch will allow advisers to set up new accounts for clients, creating a greater focus on digital methods rather than relying on call centres.
Jarvis continued: “For those who want extra help, Aware Super has a dedicated business development team and call centre support team specifically for registered IFAs.”
The announcement was driven by the growing demand for advice, underpinned by changing demographic, employment and retirement trends as well as rising living costs.
“Given these dynamics, there’s a critical need for financial advice to be more readily available in Australia.
“We see time and again how the right advice at the right time has a life-changing effect on our members, and we’re doing everything in our power to ensure that advice is as accessible as it can be, and to support those who provide it,” the head of business development added.
