Sentry Group centralises back office


Non-aligned dealer group, Sentry Group, has announced a joint venture arrangement with fintech group, Intiger Asset Management, to provide Sentry a framework for the development and delivery of a centralised back office administration and para planning solution.
Sentry Group chief executive and chairman, Murray Hills, said it was vital for advice practices and licensees to upgrade their operational models to adopt their practices to the requirements of the Future of Financial Advice (FOFA) and the Life Insurance Framework (LIF).
"Over the next few years, many advisers and licensees will exit the advice sector unable or unwilling to adapt as the era of professionalism gains momentum," Hills said.
"In this environment, the advice practice that will benefit the most will be characterised by non-institutional alignment utilising modern processes, technology and resources to ensure positive client engagement and service outcomes."
Under stage one of the arrangement, Intiger would set up a para planning service designed to dovetail into the operational frameworks of advisers, according to Sentry Group executive director and head of business solutions, David Newman.
"This will be followed by a pilot program with a number of key practices to develop and fine tune the back office administration processes," Newman said.
"All these new processes and work flows will be integrated into the overarching IRESS customised technology solution that was developed specifically for Sentry and branded SENTRAK."
Newman expected the pilot program to be completed by early New Year with the roll out to the entire Sentry adviser network to begin thereafter.
Recommended for you
Sequoia Financial Group has declined by five financial advisers in the past week, four of whom have opened up a new AFSL, according to Wealth Data.
Insignia Financial chief executive Scott Hartley has detailed whether the firm will be selecting an exclusive bidder for the second phase of due diligence as it awaits revised bids from three private equity players.
Insignia Financial has reported a statutory net loss after tax of $17 million in its first half results, although the firm has noted cost optimisation means this is an improvement from a $50 million loss last year.
With alternative funds being described as “impossible” for fund managers to target towards advisers without the support of BDMs for education, Money Management explores the evolving nature of the distribution role.