Fact-find tool helps engage clients

A tool designed to raise clients' understanding of financial planning decisions has been unveiled in the UK.

The creator of Voyant Adviser says it helps IFA clients take a more active role in the fact-find process, adding this has become more important as a "broader approach" to finance is needed in today's turbulent market.

Voyant Adviser combines cashflow and goal planning, as well as needs analysis, into one interactive tool, web-based support firm Voyant says. It is product neutral but can used by an adviser or provider as a "call to action".

"Over the past 20 years, financial planning has tended to become a discussion about projected investment growth," Voyant chief executive David Kaufman says.

"Current market turmoil has provided a violent reminder that growth cannot be taken for granted and a broader approach to finance is necessary."

Voyant's UK-based vice president, Bob Freeman, adds: "Voyant encourages clients and advisers to address investment, debt planning and protection as equally important factors in their overall financial planning and to relate each of them to the life events and stages that will determine their financial needs.

"It drives them towards a broader discussion which is not only desirable for its own sake but also offers a clear structure which is very much in line with the principles of Treating Customers Fairly".

Freeman says the tool is not something that should be used in isolation: "It's a tool that they use to help engage with customers and involve them in their financial decisions and in understanding their financial plans - their key goals and how they are going to achieve them," he says.

"It means there is more opportunity for the client and the adviser to engage in a collaborative discussion."

For more information visit: www.planwithvoyant.co.uk