Sun Life Financial has launched a new tool that will help its advisors assess the financial needs and priorities of their clients, the company announced on Tuesday.

In partnership with Emerging Information Systems Inc., Sun Life has released the SunVision Financial Analyzer, which offers simplified, interactive, client-facing presentations. The tool will change how Sun Life Financial Career Sales Force advisors provide service to clients, according to the company.

The tool conducts a financial needs analysis, and provides options to address the identified needs. The presentations are designed to help to direct the conversation between client and advisor, and to place the clients’ needs at the heart of every discussion.

Advisors can use it to look at one or more pieces of a client’s overall plan, such as RRSPs and health insurance, or their entire financial plan. Ultimately, Sun Life says, the tool simplifies the planning experience.

“SunVision Financial Analyzer will further strengthen the relationship between advisors and clients,” said Vic Kazazian, senior vice-president of career sales force at Sun Life Financial Canada. “It will help our advisors have conversations with clients designed to help the client achieve lifetime financial security.”

The program produces easy-to-read visual reports that are customized and client-specific. Sun Life says the tool is beneficial to clients because it’s highly interactive, allowing the client to be involved in the planning process. It helps educate clients so they understand the products they are buying, and are able to make informed decisions.

By taking a holistic approach to financial planning, Sun Life says clients can see all of their needs in one place so that gaps can be highlighted and addressed. It also encourages ongoing maintenance of the client’s plan to reflect their changing needs as they move through various life stages.

“For most clients, a financial plan is like a puzzle. If a piece of a puzzle is missing, then the picture’s not complete,” said Paula MacMillan, a Sun Life Financial advisor in Winnipeg. “SunVision Financial Analyzer helps determine what pieces are missing, and helps clients see, very clearly, the areas where they need to focus. This makes it an invaluable resource.”

Emerging Information Systems’ NaviPlan program serves as the basis for SunVision Financial Analyzer. The two companies worked together to create a tool that allows Sun Life Financial advisors and clients to collaboratively explore solutions, build rapport and initiate discussion, and gain understanding of needs and priorities.

“Through our strong partnership with Sun Life Financial, we were able to create a highly innovative software program to strengthen the advisor business,” said Dr. Mark Evans, president and CEO of
Emerging Information Systems Inc. “We believe this has set an industry standard, and will undoubtedly enhance the advisor-client relationship.”

IE