In the bustling offices of a mid-sized asset management firm, the day begins early. Advisors sift through emails, retrieve client documents, and prepare for meetings. The traditional methods of managing sensitive client information—scattered across emails, shared drives, and physical files—have long been a source of frustration. Key information needed to understand and personalize an investment strategy for or maintain compliance with their clients either doesn't get recorded or is recorded in insecure locations without an auditable access trail. Recognizing the inefficiencies and potential security risks, the firm sought a solution to streamline operations and enhance client interactions.
The asset management firm selected SideDrawer, a secure document management platform designed for professionals, as part of their overall digital strategy for exchange sensitive information and records with their institutional and retail investors. The firm decided to integrate this platform into their daily workflow, aiming to consolidate client documents, facilitate seamless collaboration and improve their ability as a team to provide high quality, personalized service.
As the workday commences, advisors and client service teams log into SideDrawer. The platform's intuitive interface displays a dashboard with recent client activities, newly submitted client information, and notifications of newly uploaded documents. Instead of sifting through countless emails, advisors now have a centralized hub where all client information is readily accessible. Some team members prefer to access this information from SalesForce directly and send out some additional information requests to newly added client accounts that they have created in the Client Relationship Management tool.
Preparing for client meetings has become more efficient. Advisors can quickly access a client's financial statements, investment portfolios, and correspondence history within SideDrawer. The platform's advanced search functionality allows for swift retrieval of specific documents, ensuring advisors are well-prepared to address client inquiries. The advisor notices that the Know Your Customer (KYC) information will be out-of-date two weeks after their meeting. They send the KYC information update request in advance of their meeting with a note to their client to bring any of their questions related to this information to their scheduled meeting.
Throughout the day, collaboration with clients and internal teams is streamlined. Clients can securely upload necessary documents directly into their designated folders within SideDrawer, eliminating the need for unsecured email exchanges. Advisors receive instant notifications of these uploads and any access changes, allowing them to review and act upon the information promptly. Their administrative teams are significantly freed of repetitive work and have a greater sense of control on the operations of their office, having integrated SideDrawer into their client service workflows. The teams feel clear and focused in their relationships with clients, confidently understanding the specific contexts of each client and comfortable that the sensitive information they have been entrusted with is safely stored.
Clients appreciate the transparency and security that SideDrawer offers. They have 24/7 access to their financial documents and can track the progress of their investment plans. This level of accessibility fosters trust and strengthens the advisor-client relationship. These clients have access to a digital service that they can extend to their families, colleagues and accountants without having the information leave a secured environment. This service helps them organize their financial lives and communicate more easily with their advisors and team, giving greater significance and context to these relationships.
As the day winds down, advisors reflect on the reduced administrative burden. The time once spent searching for documents and managing disparate communication channels is now redirected towards strategic planning and client engagement. The key information and records that have to be maintained and tracked are already taken care of.
The integration of SideDrawer has not only improved operational efficiency but also enhanced the overall client experience. In embracing a consolidated document management platform, the firm has transformed its daily operations. The advisors are empowered to focus on what truly matters—providing exceptional service and fostering lasting relationships with their clients.