The loose definition of a financial professional is someone that provides insight intended to lead to a better outcome for your financial future. The workings of their daily routine include everything from planning to building your portfolio and/or retirement plan.
While the basics of running a financial business didn’t change in 2020, it seems that more investors realized the value of having one comprehensive approach. The volatility of the markets and importance of having access to cash and other resources spiked in 2020.
Likely the loudest change was handed down by the Securities and Exchange Commission. On June 30, brokers and financial advisors must comply with Regulation Best Interest. This rule requires these professionals to put clients’ interest first when giving advice and to disclose conflicts of interest. Investors need to be on their guard and ask financial advisors whether they’re legally required to act as fiduciaries.
In terms of daily workflow, the most notable change centered around how advisors pivoted to support clients virtually throughout the pandemic. They adapted quickly to figure out how they could continue supporting clients through digital tools in a secure environment.
- Lockdowns pushed advisors to quickly adopt technologies like Zoom to communicate with clients virtually.
- Many removed the long-standing barriers to digital utilization and expanded their signature approval with software like DocuSign(DOCU).
- Opening accounts digitally also provided more efficiency and a secure way for financial professionals to access the platform.
- Webcasts, whitepapers, and other online resources have become commonplace to help advisors better support and educate their clients.
Spending time directly with clients and maintaining those connection points is critical to keeping strong relationships and providing support.
As financial professionals, we know the importance of keeping your investments on track even after this pandemic subsides, and changing the face of our business is part of that process. Call us today at (540) 720-5656 so we can show you how things have changed, and so you feel comfortable working in a new way.
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Megan Jones joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as marketing director. Megan and her husband live in Fredericksburg, VA with their German Short Haired Pointer, Gus. Megan is a graduate of Longwood University and holds a degree in communications. Megan is the oldest of Dave Lopez’s three children and not only enjoys working alongside her father, but also with her cousin, Chase, who joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. Megan is also a fully licensed Life, Health, and Annuity agent. When not at work, Megan enjoys sitting on the back porch with family and friends enjoying food and music.
Amy Anderson joined the ILG Financial team in 2023 as the client relations coordinator. Her responsibilities include scheduling of appointments, annual check-up notifications, and annuity and required minimum distribution assistance. She is a graduate of Harding University with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Amy and her husband have two children and she enjoys reading, crocheting, music and spending time with her family.
Terri Center joined the ILG Financial team in 2019 as client services manager. She handles client records, application processing, and gathering information to provide a professional and friendly experience with all of our clients. Terri is a graduate of Oakland University. She is married and has two children. She enjoys hiking, family time, and puzzle challenging video games. She also likes to share her creativity in her canvas paintings and sewing projects.
Jessica Carson joined the ILG Financial team in 2018 as an agent. Jessica and her husband have four children, two dogs, 3 barn cats, 5 chickens, and three parakeets. She indeed loves her children and pets! When not at work, Jessica enjoys playing the piano and cello as well as traveling and spending time outside with her family, hiking, fishing, and boating.
Chase Lopez joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor and obtained his