White papers could guide advisers on going paperless and other technology topics

The paperless office is more appealing to financial advisers than ever — at least if the amount of e-mail I receive on the subject is any indication. But finding quality information about it, without marketing hype, can be a challenge. I’ve tried to do my share on the subject of going paperless, but there is plenty more to be said. That’s why it was a very pleasant surprise to find a series of free, easy-to-follow, relatively short white papers available from Cabinet NG Inc. a provider of document management systems. Of course, they are part of the Madison, Ala., company’s marketing efforts, but they are without a sales agenda. They do provide sound advice on the basics of going paperless and a few other related topics. For instance, advisers who want to get up to speed on the paperless office can read “The Challenge of Document Imaging — Where to Begin,” or they can review “Document Management Return on Investment Analysis,” designed to help them decide if the cost of the technology is justified. To check out the white papers visit Cabinet NG (for links to the other titles mentioned look to the lower left of the Cabinet NG web page). Oversight system ensures compliance for subadvised platforms UAT Inc. has unveiled its Unified Compliance and Control System to help sponsor firms monitor compliance and pretrade activities of subadvisers. “Today’s subadvised industry touches millions of Americans who invest in mutual funds, pension plans, bank trusts, 401(k), and insurance products,” said Tom Warren, president of UAT, a Denver-based technology and consulting organization. The system is designed to help sponsor firms both address compliance and regulatory challenges, and at the same time, reduce brokerage expenses. The system was based on proprietary patent-pending technology including what the company calls its HiLo Engine, along with a trading and order management system that lowers trading costs by executing certain transactions through a low-cost brokerage network. “We estimate a sponsor firm that manages $20 billion in active equity assets could save as much as $15 million annually using UCCS,” said Mr.Warren. Along with the product introduction, UAT also launched a website designed to help educate asset management executives who have fiduciary responsibility for subadvised accounts. Visit the new website for more information, UATinc.com.