Vancouver, BC – Credential Financial Inc. (Credential) announces that its Wealth Desktop technology has been launched, providing participating Canadian credit unions and their financial advisors a holistic view of a member, leading to a more consistent client-centric experience and greater share of wallet.

The Wealth Desktop is a robust technology platform that forms an integral part of the Credential Wealth Management (CWM) service delivery model. The CWM program distinguishes credit unions and their advisors as experts in wealth management, while the Wealth Desktop specifically:

• Offers advisors a comprehensive, 360° view of a client
• Provides a consistent, disciplined and repeatable process
• Allows advisors to demonstrate their expertise in financial planning and analysis
• Serves as a single home for client and account data across business lines

“The Credential Wealth Desktop represents a monumental step forward for both credit union members and advisors,” said Doce Tomic, President and CEO of Credential. “With the Wealth Desktop, advisors can provide a consistently high level of member service, which strengthens the client relationship. Also, because it gives advisors a better understanding of the client’s needs, it reveals significantly more information about the client, their other relationships and assets, creating both multi-generational client retention and referral opportunities.”

Two Canadian credit unions, Synergy Credit Union, in Lloydminster, SK, and Innovation Credit Union in Swift Current, SK, are the first to implement the Wealth Desktop within their wealth management divisions.

“We see the Wealth Desktop as a leading edge tool for credit unions to provide comprehensive financial advice that meets the evolving needs of our membership,” said Les Messmer, CEO, of Synergy Credit Union. “Its data aggregation capabilities make it the technology platform our advisors need to provide members a more thorough understanding of all their financial matters. When members understand their options better, it makes possible the effective delivery of financial planning, from insurance, to retirement and succession planning, followed by aligned investment strategies.”

“The Wealth Desktop enables credit unions and their advisors to move beyond banking and loans – popularly viewed as the traditional domain of credit unions – to become the trusted source of financial guidance for individual investors.” said Tim Sletton, EVP, Strategic Solutions, of Innovation Credit Union. “We are always looking for ways to provide our members with financial advice custom tailored to their unique needs, and the Wealth Desktop facilitates precisely that.”

Credential is currently scheduling implementation of the Wealth Desktop with its partner credit unions across Canada over the summer.

Credential Wealth Management, or CWM, is a comprehensive service delivery model that distinguishes credit unions and their advisors as experts in wealth management. Designed to improve wealth management penetration among existing members and attract a greater share of wallet, CWM delivers the tools and resources to position advisors as experts through an enhanced advisory process, business and practice management support, and a robust technology platform called the Wealth Desktop, available later this month. To find out more, contact clientrelations@credential.com.

About Credential Financial Inc. – Credential Financial is the national wealth management distribution company of the Canadian credit union system. Offering a full suite of wealth management products, services and strategies, Credential and its member companies (Credential Asset Management, Credential Securities, Credential Direct, and Credential Insurance Services) provide superior service to credit unions and their members.

For more information, please contact:
Carolyn Lefebvre, Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Credential Financial Inc.
604.714.3960  
mediarelations@credential.com