Origo unveils one-stop agency request tool ahead of RDR

A free online service enabling advisers to log and track agency requests across all the major providers from one place has been launched.

Origo says the Agency Administration Service allows advisers to request a wide range of changes, including transfer of business, change of bank account and request for agency closure, via a single system.

They can log the same request to as many providers as they wish as well as track its progress. The tool will launch in late July.

Aegon Scottish Equitable, Friends Provident, Norwich Union and Standard Life are among nine big-name firms that helped Origo devise the system.

Origo says the service will streamline the administration process and improve the "often inconsistent, insecure and paper-based" communications between advisers and providers.

It adds the changes proposed in the FSA's Retail Distribution Review (RDR) will likely increase the administrative burden on firms in the build up to 2012 and inspired its development of the tool.

"Consolidation in the adviser sector is driving more and more agency requests, which we also expect to markedly increase as a result of the RDR," Origo managing director Paul Pettitt says.

"This service is well placed to deliver savings through improved co-ordination and efficiency of core administrative tasks. This is vital during such widespread, structural change."

Advisers can access the service, which will be launched in late July, by logging on to www.adviserwise.com and registering their details. For more information, visit www.origoservices.com

scott.sinclair@incisivemedia.com