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December 10, 2009

And Then There Were Ten

by Eric Daugherty

Firms are putting advisors' needs front and center as they upgrade their Web sites.

2009 marks the release of kasina's 11th annual Top 10 Web Sites for Financial Intermediaries report. It's amazing how far firms have come, and how much more vital and vibrant the Web is versus 11 years ago. Back then, firms were still contemplating whether (not how) the Web would become an important client service and marketing channel for them. Today, the notion of NOT having top-notch Web content, tools, and servicing is laughable.

This year's Top 10 Web Sites For Financial Intermediaries had few of the drastic site overhauls that characterized 2008. However, we did see firms striving to meet advisors' needs. In particular:

  • Firms are using sophisticated underlying technology to provide a simpler user experience - simplicity through complexity; most notably, this involves bringing content "up" to the users, instead of requiring them to drill "down"

  • There is an increasing focus on customization, allowing the advisor to personalize his/her experience and way of interacting with the Web site

  • There is a trend towards more interactivity and multimedia content

Specific firms of note this year include:

  • BlackRock ascending to the top spot, with a Tool Center that gives advisors everything they need to use the tools effectively with clients, and Conversation Starters that arm advisors with strategies to answer common and challenging client questions

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  • John Hancock continuing its run in the Top 10, with Dynamic Literature Ordering and a keen focus on its brand

  • JPMorgan jumping from #9 to #3 based largely on its simplified presentation of fund analysis via dynamic screening, as well as its Markets Insights program

At kasina, we're looking forward to discussing the insight gleaned from this year's report with all of our subscribers. To discuss these findings, or other aspects of the report, E-mail us with questions or thoughts. Or better yet, use the kasina forum to post thoughts and questions.

    
Posted by Eric Daugherty at 5:50 PM Comments (0)

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