Connectus Wealth Advisers, an arm of Focus Financial Partners that has a shared services model, has launched a business development program for its partner firms, according to an announcement. The Excelerate program, which will be customized for firms in the U.K. and Australia, will also be available to all Focus partner firms.
A proprietary marketing program will provide digital resources, coaching and referral programs to help advisors grow their businesses. Another element will focus on improving clients’ digital engagement via online onboarding, customized reporting and personalized client portals. Advisors can also access family office and specialized services, including trusts and estates planning, cash management and credit, and valuation and insurance. They can also tap into back- and middle-office capabilities, such as talent management, compliance, finance, IT, operations and cybersecurity.
Focus will modify the program according to the regulations of each country and said it chose certain vendors that could fit into its global goals.
“Many vendors are certainly going to be consistent providers, globally. Some of them will only be country specific because in the end it’s all about a comprehensive client experience, operating efficiency, and making the advisor’s life easy,” said Rajini Kodialam, co-founder and chief operating officer of Focus.
The program was piloted with Connectus’ first acquired firm, Horan Capital Management, a month ago, and will eventually be rolled out to all other firms.
Publicly traded Focus launched Connectus, its own in-house registered investment advisor, in December 2020, with the goal of building a consortium of RIA founders and teams that want to focus on client relationships, while taking advantage of shared services and operations.
“As a consortium, Connectus offers integrated technology, investment support and centralized services, including compliance, accounting and talent management,” the firm said.