Iress has introduced a two-way, real-time integration with CIExpert, combining price and quality research in one platform.
This integration, exclusive to Iress, can be accessed through its sourcing platforms, The Exchange and Xplan Mortgage, and can also be integrated into an advice firm’s own CRM on request.
CIExpert is known to help advisers streamline the comparison of critical illness policies based on cost and quality.
This integration builds on a previous one-way connection, which has already assisted advisers and brokers in making better decisions regarding critical illness cover.
Warren O’Connell (pictured), head of business development for sourcing at Iress, said: “Iress and CIExpert are both leaders in our respective fields of sourcing and product quality research.
“This new collaboration delivers a depth of integration that is the first of its kind in the market and has been described by broker firm LifeSearch as “game-changing”.
O’Connell added: “We wanted to go beyond everything else that we’d done previously or that already existed.
“To be able to deliver on that in just a little over 12 months is a great example of two research platforms not only listening to their customers but acting on what they say.
He said: “We know how vital the comparison process is in ensuring recommendations match the client’s individual requirements.
“We also know it’s important to speed up both the recommendation and associated compliance processes to help advisers and brokers spend more time on value-added tasks rather than admin.
“Thanks to great collaborative working and a shared vision, CIExpert and Iress have made this a reality, paving the way for even more innovation in this space.”
Alan Lakey, founder of CIExpert, said: “The FCA’s Consumer Duty has increased the pressure on advisers to demonstrate they are recommending “fair value”.
“However, poor integration between systems has long been a major frustration for advisers, making this task unnecessarily complex and time-consuming.
Lakey added: “This collaboration builds on years of Iress’ expertise in integrating not only their own platforms but also a wide range of disparate CRM systems.
“By doing so, this innovative solution creates a seamless connection between systems, enabling advisers to evaluate client options more efficiently while ensuring that compliance support is centralised in one place.
“This represents a significant milestone for both advisers and their clients.”
