Orion, RFG moves take aim at onboarding and transition speed

Wealth management firms are facing intense pressure to reduce the time it takes to onboard clients. Two recent announcements highlight how technology is shortening the path between signing an advisor and getting their client accounts live. Orion Advisor Solutions introduced its Dynamic New Account Opening tool, which allows advisors to open accounts directly within their portal. This feature launched with Goldman Sachs Custody Solutions as its first partner. By using direct custodian API connections, the tool automates workflows and cuts down on redundant data entry. This update aims to eliminate common friction points that often slow down the transition period for firms.

Meanwhile, RFG Advisory has taken a different approach to solve similar issues. The firm reported that it doubled its speed for form generation during client transitions by implementing an AI platform from Feathery. Previously, moving assets was a manual process involving spreadsheets and constant data entry. RFG now uses the software to flag inconsistent client information and automatically pre-fill documents. This change allows the firm to prepare transition workflows before the move even occurs, reducing the chaos often associated with switching platforms.

These developments address a major concern for advisors who contemplate moving to an independent model. Research indicates that many advisors worry about losing clients during the transition process. By making the switch more predictable, firms hope to lower the anxiety associated with moving assets. As custodians and tech providers continue to build tighter integrations, the industry moves toward a standard where same-day account openings are expected rather than an exception. Advisors now have access to tools that prioritize operational speed without sacrificing the quality of the client experience.