The 2020 Planner Technology Report shed some valuable insights on how the COVID-19 lockdown had transformed the way advisers communicated and engaged with their clients, which had accelerated their adoption of digital-based tools.

“Since the start of the lockdown in early March, advisers have significantly expanded their use of online meetings, email campaigns, digital signature tools and social media management systems,” Peker said. “Whether by choice or circumstance, advisers are adapting their technology stack during these unprecedented times.”

While the report found that most advisers (82 per cent) believed the core of their technology stack – the platforms and advice software they use – were strategically important for the success of their business, not all advisers were convinced they were using their tech stack to its full potential. Across the industry, one-third of advisers did not believe their platforms and planning software effectively helped them demonstrate value to clients, while 38 per cent did not believe they helped boost business efficiency.

“Advisers trust their technology providers to help them improve the quality of their advice delivery, and providers can do more to satisfy their high expectations,” said Peker.

“A key first step is improving the online client-facing capabilities available to advisers and their clients. For instance, advisers currently give just 40 per cent of their total client base access to an online portal, but they want to expand this capability to more clients, with 44 per cent preferring all their clients to have online portal access.”

Amanda Munro CFA is Chair of the IMAP Portfolio Management Group. She has over 15 years experience as a fund manager focused on Australian Equities. Amanda has a background in funds management, being a founding partner of Arnhem Investment Management, after spending several years working as an Australian equities analyst at ABN AMRO Asset Management. Her experience also includes Australian equities and foreign exchange dealing and performance reporting for ABN AMRO's funds. Amanda has also worked as an analyst, researching investment products in a range of asset classes for AMP as well as an account manager for dealer groups and platforms for Morningstar. Amanda is a Certified Financial Analyst, has an MBA and has an undergraduate degree in Veterinary Science

Brad Matthews has over 30 years experience in the finance industry and is a highly regarded investment strategist. After working in the money and foreign exchange markets in the mid-1980s, Brad held various economist roles at St. George Bank.  He then moved into executive management positions at St. George, including being the Head of the Cards and ATMs division. Prior to establishing his own investment consultancy business in 2015, Brad worked in investment research at the AMP Group for 12 years, which included roles as Head of Research and Head of Investment Strategy for AMP Group financial planning licensees.

For the past 24 years, Brad has been editor of a newsletter known as “Plain English Economics”, which is read by secondary students studying economics.

Brad’s formal qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce with merit from the University of NSW, a Certificate in Financial Planning and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment.

Dominic McCormick has worked in financial services and investment management for 33 years.  He co-founded multi-asset and alternatives manager Select Asset Management in 2002 which was sold to OveVue Limited in 2014.  He is the Portfolio Manager of the Select Listed Investments Fund and the Select Real Return Fund.  He also provides investment consulting services with a focus on portfolio construction, real return investing and listed funds.

Dragana Timotijevic is an experienced researcher with a background in fund manager research focusing on alternatives and complex investments. She has a strong interest in ESG oriented investing and is the founder of Sustainability in Action, dedicated to developing ESG approaches for portfolio construction and investment strategies.

Nigel Douglas is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Douglas Funds Consulting Pty Ltd which is an independent research firm that undertakes customised fund and client specific research projects as well as investment committee and non-executive director roles.

 Mr Douglas has over 30 years financial markets experience with high level expertise in investment manager research, asset allocation and macroeconomics.

Toby Potter is Chair of IMAP and has worked in developing managed accounts programs since 2004.