AMP’s Ascend SMSF enables AMP aligned planners to deliver a better customer experience at a lower cost to the customer as a result of improved technology and usability, through the fund’s administration service and investment options.

The Ascend SMSF service is being rolled out to SMSF accredited planners in AMP’s aligned advice network in the second half of 2012 starting with AMP Financial Planning and Hillross. 

The enhancements and new features include a significantly improved online service, powered by Super IQ technology, with an easy to use web portal, better reporting, instant online access to fund information and the ability for planners to complete a new SMSF application in minutes rather than hours. 

At the same time, administration and audit fees have been reduced and additional investment options added, including AMP’s North platform and PortfolioCare, and The Australian Money Market term deposit service.  

AMP SMSF Managing Director Paul Sainsbury said the new Ascend SMSF service, which is exclusive to AMP’s aligned financial planning network, is a key component of AMP’s new SMSF business strategy. 

“Ascend SMSF recognises the growing role of financial planners in the SMSF sector by providing a high level of support to deliver high quality solutions to SMSF customers. 

“We have taken significant steps to enhance Ascend SMSF and to make it even more competitive.   The new service offers more features at a lower price and improves the automation of management reporting and compliance obligations so planners and advisers can spend more time with their clients,” Mr Sainsbury said.

The original Ascend service launched in 2009 was only available to AMP Financial Planning and Hillross financial planners and advisers.

 Options

There are two options within Ascend:

Essentials – A package of SMSF-aligned products and services, including platforms, within the administration service.  This provides an easy transition into SMSFs for planners and clients new to SMSFs. 

Platinum – A more flexible service with a broader range of products and services suitable for more sophisticated clients with the same benefits around online services, compliance and reporting. 

AMP Financial Services’ aligned financial planning network comprises AMP Financial Planning, Charter Financial Planning, Hillross, Genesys Wealth Advisers and ipac.

27 July 2012

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