LPL announces new tech platform

LPL Financial is rolling out a new platform for its adviser force called ClientWorks that aims to digitize account opening, make trading easier and improve client management, according to the nation's biggest independent broker-dealer. LPL is touting ClientWorks as a tool to help their advisers run more efficient businesses by improving their access to account data and other tools from mobile technologies. It's also slated to better integrate workflows, including easier performance reporting. (Adviser Sheryl Rowling shares her thoughts and questions on the new LPL tech platform in a guest blog.) A select group of advisers already are taking the new platform, which will replace the current adviser workstation BranchNet, for a trial run. Their feedback will lead to improvements before the spring 2015 full product release, according to the firm. Jamie Cox, an LPL Financial adviser with Harris Financial Group who is part of that beta test, said the new client management capabilities give advisers “the reporting we need immediately, with the click of a button.” LPL Financial's executives said the goal is to make it easier for advisers to cultivate strong client relationships. “ClientWorks will significantly improve productivity, allowing advisers and staff to focus more on what matters most to their clients and less on technology,” said Victor Fetter, LPL Financial's chief information officer. LPL Financial President Robert Moore said the platform is designed to be simple for advisers to use. “We are engaging every segment of our client base to ensure ClientWorks is intuitively designed to promote their efficiency and to enhance their support of their clients,” Mr. Moore said.