Broadridge Starts Fi360 Remote Exams: Tech Roundup

The Broadridge Financial Solutions Fi360 fiduciary education training and technology business launched a remote proctoring exam program for advisors.

Advisors seeking nationally recognized fiduciary designations can take required exams online as part of the program through Partnering with ProctorU, an online 24/7 proctoring and identity management solution, Broadridge said.

Fi360 will administer remote proctoring exams for its Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) and Professional Plan Consultant (PPC) designations.

After the recent implementation of Regulation Best Interest by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Broadridge said it "identified the need for technology-based solutions for financial professionals looking to receive proper designations while abiding by stay-at-home and social distancing mandates."

The new remote proctoring solution "seamlessly interfaces with Fi360′s existing designation exam, creating an easy, intuitive user experience for each advisor," according to Broadridge.

Prior to the announcement, ProctorU had already administered more than 5 million proctor exams for over 1,000 clients via a "human-technology hybrid solution" that Broadridge said "combines live observation of the participant being proctored with sophisticated artificial intelligence capabilities and features."

Morningstar Conference to Feature Virtual Reality

Advisors and others viewing the upcoming online Morningstar Investment Conference, Sept. 16-17, will have the option to experience it using virtual reality.

Morningstar is working with VR/augmented reality tech firm Mesmerise Global to debut the VR option, Morningstar said. MIC VR pass holders "will be immersed in a VR experience, taking them to the 'front row' for live sessions, sponsor booths and on-demand content," it said.

VR pass holders will also be able to see the impact of investment decisions using environmental, social and corporate governance risk factors in the "Morningstar Sustainable City" VR game, as well as how to support the environment with the "Save the Bees" VR game, Morningstar said.

The VR pass costs $699 and includes one preloaded Quest headset from Facebook's Oculus VR division and access to the digital MIC desktop/mobile experience, Morningstar said. (A regular pass for the digital conference costs $149.)

HTK Introduces Envestnet Insurance Exchange

RIA/broker-dealer Hornor, Townsend & Kent launched the Envestnet Insurance Exchange, a platform the companies said delivers access to reputable insurance carriers and their annuity products alongside traditional managed account investments on the Envestnet platform.

The Envestnet Insurance Exchange allows HTK financial professionals registered as investment advisor representatives to now incorporate annuity solutions as part of their investment advisory (fee-based) businesses on the HTK Advisory Series powered by Envestnet. The IAR has to be insurance-licensed and appointed with the carrier, and must also take all applicable product trainings as required, the companies said.

With a variety of annuity products now available on the Envestnet platform that many HTK financial professionals were already using, HTK financial professionals "can benefit from time savings and a more efficient workflow to support their clients," the firms said. They can plan, research, generate proposals, open policies, manage in-force transactions and also create client reports within the exchange, the companies said.