With a new Version (3.3) of CCD due for launch soon. Roland continues

"We are accelerating the rate of development so that we can bring to market some of the most exciting solutions we have created. Version 3.3 has extended our scheduled batch contract enquiry service to include an increased number of product providers and fund supermarkets. Automatic electronic commission reconciliation is live with a number of our larger clients, with many reporting up to 85% of all commission receipts being reconciled entirely electronically.

We have introduced an array of new integration partners extending the capability of CCD dramatically. For example, as well as developing our own document management tool, we have now integrated CCD with INVU, Alchemy and Watermark, affording our clients a broad choice in document management solutions.

Our unique compliance module has been further enhanced to take account of the changing FSA reporting requirements. Pundits agree that the compliance module is rapidly becoming the definitive compliance management tool for all directly regulated firms."

As well as focussing a great deal of attention in developing the back office capability of CCD, Version 3.3 sees the launch of Adviser Desktop. This allows advisers to break free of the constraints of a wholly "online" service to carry their client data with them wherever they go. Data is downloaded from and uploaded to CCD every time an adviser connects to their head office via a local area network or the Internet.

"For too long advisers have contended with carrying client files with them everywhere they go. Adviser Desktop has changed this forever. As well as being able to have a complete copy of the client file (using Quay's document management system), advisers also have access to an array of tools designed to support the advisory process."

Adviser Desktop offers all-new fact finding tools, a comprehensive selection of calculators, lifetime cash flow forecasting and full personal financial review reports. It also integrates with a wide range of research and quotes platforms.

"Our aim is to liberate advisers so that they can benefit from the rich user interface afforded by an offline system but with the flexibility of updating the data on the move by going online."

As well as developing CCD, the Quay Modular Website has also been enhanced to better support the changing IFA business model. Roland explains...

"Increasingly our clients are changing their business model from a turnover based, sales driven business to a profit based, service led business. This transition brings with it a whole new set of challenges. How does one go about charging for services that used to be "free"?

The Internet offers some fabulous ways of allowing clients to self serve. The Online Client Service Centre has been extended to include full policy valuations, schedules and fund fact sheets. "What If" scenario modelling and now fact find data is available. Clients can view and edit this data in preparation for a review meeting and message back changes to their IFA in advance, so that changes can be read into the firms Client Care Desktop system, avoiding the need for manual data entry. Shortly, clients will also be able to self assess needs by using some highly sophisticated planning tools. This will include stochastic modelling, risk profiling and asset allocation, all available to the IFAs clients via their website at their convenience, but watch this space."

“As well as the major enhancement, there are a plethora of small developments, each designed to make for a better user experience. Importantly, most of these developments are as a consequence of user feedback. Indeed, Quay's entire development agenda is driven from client input. Firms use our systems everyday. Each has different requirements, as no business is the same. By listening to our clients, our systems evolve to meet their changing needs, ensuring that the system remains relevant to this demanding and dynamic business sector. It is only as a direct result of client feedback that CCD has become the system of choice for an increasing number of firms and has gained the recognition of the industry we serve through this excellent award. For this we thank you.”