The enhancements are set to simplify administrative tasks, allowing advisers to dedicate more time to client engagement. Steve Travis, Group Executive Member Growth at Aware Super, expressed enthusiasm about the new developments: "This upgrade and enhancement of a key platform used by financial advisers demonstrates our commitment to offering a great digital experience across all our touchpoints and acknowledges the important role advisers play in helping Australians reach their retirement goals."

The introduction of these new features comes in response to a 24% increase in advisers registered with Aware Super over the past year. The company is keen to support this growing community by making administrative processes more efficient. "Aware Super understands that advisers deliver the greatest value when they’re engaging with their clients, rather than dealing with paperwork and administrative tasks, so we’re striving to make administration as simple, quick and easy as possible," Travis added.

Among the newly introduced features, the direct data feeds to Xplan stand out as a significant improvement. This functionality allows advisers to receive a direct data feed from Aware Super into their Xplan financial planning platform, making it easier to view and track client accounts. This integration is expected to save considerable time and reduce the potential for errors in data entry.

Another key feature is the Member In-App Approval, which permits clients to authorise transactions initiated by their adviser through the Aware Super app. This feature not only adds a layer of convenience but also enhances the flexibility of managing financial transactions. Additionally, the Online Adviser Nomination feature allows registered advisers to initiate nomination requests via the Adviser Portal, which clients can approve online, thus eliminating the need for cumbersome paperwork.

Moreover, the Online Adviser Registration process has been simplified, making it quicker and more straightforward for advisers to register with Aware Super. This change is expected to attract more advisers to the platform, further expanding Aware Super’s reach and influence.

The upgrade also enhances existing features of the Adviser Portal, such as client dashboard access, investment option switching, management of client contributions, and tracking of action requests. Advisers can also benefit from withdrawal benefit quotes, non-lapsing binding beneficiary nominations, and the ability to view client Centrelink payment schedules.

Travis highlighted the ongoing commitment to improving the Adviser Portal: "We’re continually updating and enhancing the Adviser Portal as we engage with advisers and welcome feedback on ways we can help them increase efficiency and productivity." This proactive approach ensures that the platform evolves in line with the needs of its users.

In addition to these digital advancements, registered advisers have access to support from Aware Super’s national team of Business Development Managers, who provide guidance on products and services. The dedicated Adviser Engagement and Support Team also offers additional assistance, ensuring that advisers have the resources they need to succeed.

The Adviser Portal is part of Aware Super’s industry-leading digital platform, which has digitised approximately 95% of transactions and achieved straight-through processing for over 80% of tasks. This level of digital integration underscores Aware Super’s commitment to innovation and efficiency in the financial services sector.

Aware Super’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, as the company was recently awarded this year’s Best Fund: Advice Services award by Chant West. This accolade reflects the organisation’s dedication to providing top-notch services and support to financial advisers and their clients.

As Aware Super continues to enhance its digital offerings, the company reaffirms its commitment to supporting financial advisers in their mission to help Australians achieve their retirement goals. With these new tools at their disposal, advisers are better equipped than ever to provide high-quality financial advice and service.