IRESS continued to be the market leader with its XPLAN and VisiPlan planning software, with 37% of Australian planners using XPLAN and 5% using VisiPlan as their main planning software, according to a new report from leading wealth researcher Investment Trends released in May.
When its legacy software (VisiPlan and ProPlanner) and white label relationships are taken into account, IRESS is the main planning software supplier for 45% of planners. COIN is the second-most widely used with 23% of planners using it as their main planning software.
The April 2012 Planner Technology Report is an in-depth study of Australian financial planners and their technology needs. The study is based on a survey of 1,412 financial planners concluded in April 2012.
AdviserNETgain takes the lead in overall satisfaction as industry level satisfaction hits a four year high
55% of planners now rate their main planning software as ‘good’ or ‘very good’, up from 52% in 2011 and the highest level seen in four years.
“As an industry, planning software providers increased satisfaction fastest with integration with platforms, the production of comprehensive financial plans, and ease of use and improved user interface design playing major roles,” said Investment Trends Senior Analyst Recep Peker.
“This is reflective of the development work undertaken in these areas over the last 12-18 months.”
Among primary users of software (independent of relative size):
- AdviserNETgain received the highest average overall satisfaction rating, achieving particularly strong ratings for user interface, integration with platforms and production of client review reports. AdviserNETgain also received the highest rating for ‘value for money’.
- COIN saw the fastest increase in overall satisfaction from 2011, with notable gains to satisfaction with the production of comprehensive financial plans, ease of use and integration with platforms.