Raymond James Financial (RJF) introduced a new desktop-software system to its U.S. advisors on Monday during its annual independent-advisor conference in Orlando.
The launch took place after retiring independent-channel CEO Dick Averitt passed the baton to his replacement, Scott Curtis (left) before an emotional audience of about 1,600 advisors and 1,100 other guests. (Averitt remains chairman of the organization but has given up day-to-day management responsibilities).
“I get it—you need better technology, and some things don’t work as you think they should,” said private-client CEO Chet Helck, alluding to some of the firm’s past challenges. “The world of technology moves fast; it’s expensive to keep up, and we’re commited to addressing it.”
Helck then gave the stage to Vincent Campagnoli, senior vice president of technology, who was hired in October with 27 years of industry experience, including several years at Morgan Stanley (MS) and UBS (UBS).
“Like in sports, when you’re challenged, it’s best to simplify things—get a game plan and execute,” Campagnoli said in his speech. “The new desktop is simple and easy to use. It’s been built with the FA in mind, so that everything is pretty much one click away.”
The new desktop, which presents data based on client relationships rather than accounts, has been in the pilot stage with some 250 advisors across Raymond James’ multiple channels for several months. It will be shared with roughly 4,500 U.S.-based reps in June and July, not including those coming over via the Morgan Keegan acquisition; these reps should gain access to the new desktop software by early 2013 as part of their IT conversion.