Ascentric the fundsdirect wrap service - moving value and control to the IFA and the client
 
Ascentric the fundsdirect wrap service - moving value and control to the IFA and the client
 

Technology


Having carried out extensive research into the options available over the period November 2003 to May 2004 inclusive the company has identified a relatively new Microsoft based wealth management system originally developed for the stockbroking market, but ideally suited to provide the core requirements of a Wrap platform - blue-button WM, from Investment Sciences Limited.

The blue-button WM system offers an advanced and comprehensive wealth management system for the UK market. It has been engineered to be cost effective, deliver integrated online trading and deliver a very high degree of automation so as to keep back office administration costs low and efficiently handle large volumes.

IFA access:

No special local software is required to use the Ascentric service as any PC with a browser can access the platform. This will allows IFAs to use the Ascentric service in their office, at home or on the road.

Client access:

No direct access for clients is permitted through the Ascentric site. Individuals attempting to access the platform direct will be offered the contact details of participating Ascentric IFAs in their area.

To support client access, Ascentric offers all IFA users the ability to have branded wrap screens embedded into their own website for direct client access to the Ascentric service. The IFA branded web access service will enhance the IFA’s own brand to its clients. This service is provided in conjunction with Investment Sciences and a small charge is made for this facility. A preliminary arrangement has also been agreed with the UK's largest IFA website provider, IFA Systems Limited, to offer and support this service to the many IFA website users they host. This IFA branded client access service to clients is unique to the current wrap market.

Flow diagram of the workings of the Ascentric IFA wrap platform

Connectivity

Extensive interfaces provide the automation necessary to achieve a high level of efficiency and low operational costs.

These include:

Trading - Funds & Securities Trading - Funds & Securities
Settlement Settlement
Money Laundering Money Laundering
Bank and BACS Bank & BACS
Address look-up Address look-up
Credit Referencing Credit Referencing
Debit Card Processing Debit Card Processing
Prices and Securities Information Prices & Securities Information
Corporate Actions Corporate Actions

 

© Ascentric/ Investment Funds Direct Ltd 2004 - 2008
Ascentric is a trading division of Investment Funds Direct Limited which is part of the Royal London Group and authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered Office: 9 Palace Yard Mews, BATH, BA1 2NH, telephone 0871 423 6100. Registered in England with Company Registration number 1610781. We may record and/or monitor telephone calls or other communications between us. This is to protect both of us and for training purposes.