Former Generate man taps into new service for advisers

The Adviser Platform (TAP) is described as an "industry-first administration and CRM support" group which currently has 50 advisers either under TAP or using its CRM.

TAP is 75% owned by the Haven Group, which is run by Craig and Geoff Baldwin and Edwards owns 25% of the new group. Haven also owns a business Deployed which offers administration services.

"Deployed is a full-service offshore staffing agency with a team that has been given high quality, professional training so that they are able to provide the best admin support across multiple sectors including small business and IT.".

Edwards says TAP is a completely stand-alone business. "Whilst it has taken the best learnings from working with advisers via Haven, and the best practice of admin team development via Deployed, TAP's sole aim is to improve, strengthen and grow the entire adviser market. Haven is simply another business supported by The Adviser Platform."

Haven says it "has become established as one of the largest financial advisories in New Zealand." It has an experienced team of accountants, claims specialists, customer care staff and over 30 financial advisers, it says on its website.

Edwards says TAP has a team of dedicated administration people to help advisers keep their administration in check and ensure the workflow process is kept smooth and concise.

TAP has no lock in contracts or commission splits.

"You own your data 100% and you can work with us regardless of what group you choose to align yourself with. Every adviser has a standalone database so you can rest assured that your information will be as secure as possible too.

Edwards says under the proposed new regulations an adviser's workload will go up, rather than down, and will require more support than ever.

"If you can demonstrate a consistent and well-documented process, you’re going to be well-placed to navigate the changing environment successfully," he says.

“I’ve spent nearly five years talking to hundreds of advisers who were all doing their best to provide great advice to their clients. But the vast majority kept running into the same headaches and capacity constraints. We wanted to help advisers do what they do best by offering real value from a platform of admin specialists and a dedicated CRM that have been proven over several years."

"With a major regulatory upheaval in the future, an adviser’s workload is only going to increase. We’ve got a cost effective model that works with advisers from any group. TAP can materially change the way advisers run their businesses - so they can focus on the client, and not the computer!”

Edwards says by outsourcing administration advisers can spend more time building those all-important relationships with clients.

TAP is primarily focused on the insurance, mortgage and KiwiSaver adviser space.