MBA offers client valuations on the go
MBA Systems has launched a service to enable advisers to send client valuations and reports to portable hand-held devices.
The facility enables documents to be sent securely to devices such as an Apple iPhone, a Blackberry and a Motorola MilestoneTM.
The facility is an extension of MBA's existing Speedreport client reporting service, which produces client communications on a more detailed basis.
While Portreport will provide five pages of summary for example, Speedreport will provide 20 with more detail. With the new service, highlights from these reports can be sent and viewed in their original corporate format.
The information can be received regardless of time and place, with security assured by a user password needed to view the information.
Security and anonymity is further protected by the PDA report addressee, an alias of the client's choice.
Stephen Taylor, director of MBA Systems Limited, said: "We have been developing online applications and about three years ago we started to look at the client area to improve that even further.
"Whereas conventional client reporting was paper-based documents, we have provided a summary, so far, that is electronic either on a website or in PDF format. Now we have extended that further."
The recipient can receive reports regarding their investment portfolio, from a summary valuation or confirmation of a specific transaction to a report on portfolio performance.
Typically the Portreport summary will consist of a number of screen images containing text and graphics, such as pie or bar charts.
Mr Taylor said: "It is all about a way to improve client communications, and particularly providing the client with more information in a more readable, attractive format too."
Mark Loydall, director of Loughborough-based IFA Cambourne Financial Planning Limited, said: "It is interesting because we have had thoughts about introducing this type of facility.
"Some clients love it and some hate it. This is because some value the relationship with their adviser and they do not want to just get facts without some kind of story to go with it."
Mr Loydall added that the clients who benefit from it like the control and to regularly know the facts of what is going on.
With the two facilities, investors are able to receive summary reports on their PDA for convenience, and study a detailed Speedreport valuation when access to a computer is available, either on screen or printed out.
Mr Taylor said: "This is a new development to provide more communication and a better service to clients."
