Previously, the only way advisers could open new accounts was by sending documents in the mail or scheduling an in-person meeting in their office.
Our investment in this new e-signature capability is indicative of our belief that service in our industry must be transformed to maximize a firms success and deliver a great experience for end clients, said Ed OBrien, senior vice president at Fidelity Institutional Wealth Services.
By freeing up their time from administrative duties, RIAs can devote more time to client service, OBrien said.
One firm that recently began piloting the software,
Fidelity plans to roll out the new service by the end of the year and in 2009, include it in the comprehensive electronic platform it is developing for RIAs, Fidelity WealthCentral, which includes portfolio management, customer relationship management and financial planning tools.
Like all of our technology-driven solutions, our investment in building an e-signature capability reflects Fidelitys ongoing commitment to offering advisers an open, scalable platform that helps simplify workflow, increase operational efficiencies and grow more profitable practices, OBrien said.