Case Studies

Leading financial service provider needs quick-to-market solution for the Canadian debut of new product.

Challenge

The first of its kind in Canada, this new product – by being tied to market rates – helps reduce risk to the manufacturer by limiting exposure. Due to these unique and highly desirable features, the client was eager to launch in a very timely manner.

Solution

In February, the client was still defining product requirements to IFDS. In October, the product was successfully launched – making it a mere eight months that IFDS was able to work with its client to bring a new product to the Canadian marketplace.

Collaboration, commitment, and agility were the hallmarks of this successful partnership. IFDS leveraged its industry-leading technology and flexible support offering, as well as its existing client partnership and understanding of the product’s specifications, to produce a solution that was customized to the client’s needs.

The IFDS tailor-made solution left the client wondering if a Canadian record had been broken for the quickest time to market for a new product launch.

Results

Canadian debut of a new segregated fund product
Eight month time period from product specification to launch
An IFDS tailor-made solution
Enhanced experience for industry leader in retirement product innovation.

Overview

A leading financial services provider, with principal operations in Canada, U.S.A., and Asia, approached IFDS with a need to launch a highly complex and configurable segregated fund product – a first for the Canadian marketplace. They needed an efficient, quick-to-market solution.

IFDS Solution

Equipped with a dedicated and collaborative team, a sound project plan, and an in-depth understanding of the client’s business needs, IFDS was able to launch the product to market in a manner that far exceeded the client’s expectations.

IFDS helps global leader in investment management break into Canadian marketplace.

Challenge

The client developed a series of seven innovative funds, designed specifically to meet the unique and evolving needs of Canadian investors, and required a strong partner to place them on the shelves of dealers, and ultimately, in the portfolios of clients.

Solution

Providing a wide range of services, which also included 24 hour/365 day access to customized data, business intelligence, as well as a dedicated contact centre, IFDS was able to create a tailor-made solu- tion for the client.

IFDS’ solid reputation and experience in the Canadian market allowed the client to develop dealer relationships that would otherwise have been difficult.

IFDS helped the client share its story with Canadians – a story that includes representation in 30 countries, and a comprehensive range of products and services across asset classes, geographies and investment strategies.

Results

Canadian debut of global leader in investment management, risk management, and advisory services
Full service support – technology, transfer agency, back office, record keeping, and dealer relations
An IFDS tailor-made solution
The clients first foray into a new country was a highly successful one due to IFDS.

Overview

IFDS Solution

With its functionality-rich proprietary technology, and its transfer agency, record-keeping, back office support, and dealer relations expertise, IFDS offered the right solution to help its client introduce itself to Canada for the first time.

IFDS brings award-winning account application to advisors in under a year.

Challenge

In its previous design, iFast™ Web was useful, but limited. It was menu, rather than dashboard-driven, and was inconsistently accessible across multiple devices and browsers. Advisors needed a much more robust solution – one that would allow them to access content and create reports on on their entire book of business, including accounts, assets, and compensation, in one secure online environment.

Solution

IFDS began the overhaul process in May 2014. Furnished with a deep understanding of the unique needs of advisors – and working closely with an external vendor – the newly designed, highly configurable iFast Web was launched to clients the following March to much acclaim from clients and advisors alike.

The speed of the delivery was matched by the quality of the product. Users lauded the new functionality, ease of use, customization, and reporting capabilities – frequently claiming the new iFast Web to be among the best on the street. The application also captured a Bronze American Business Award for 2015.

IFDS partnered with clients to create solutions tailor-made to their unique needs. One client even amended its iFast Web customization request based on IFDS’ recommendations. For IFDS, it’s not just about building quality products; it’s also about using our expertise to build solid partnerships.

Results

10 month time period from product spec to launch
An IFDS tailor-made solution
Enhanced advisor experience for several key IFDS clients – among them, one of the world’s largest insurance companies.

Overview

IFDS clients needed a better way for advisors to access advisor and account information. They wanted an application that was more mobile-friendly, functionality-rich, efficient, and secure. The goal at IFDS was to make iFast™ Web the solution of choice for both clients and advisors.

IFDS Solution

IFDS put together a collaborative team to build a new web-based account application, using core data from the IFDS proprietary technology iFast™. The result was a responsive design, intuitive functionality, and a greatly enhanced advisor experience – and it was delivered in 10 months.