Morgan Stanley-backed fintech firm CogniCor is now part of Schwab Advisor Services' Provider Listings program, a resource for registered investment advisors who are researching third-party technology solutions to leverage in their firms.
Using the Provider Listings, independent advisors can filter technology providers based on the kind of tool or service needed and can get information about the level of integration with Schwab. Each listing includes additional detailed information about the provider, including screenshots of the technology in action.
Sequoia Financial is the first customer as part of the new pact, CogniCor and Sequoia said Thursday in a joint announcement.
CogniCor operates an AI-powered business automation and learning platform for highly regulated industries.
Continued consolidation in the sector has driven RIA firm owners to pursue M&A-based growth, leading to a significant need for scalable solutions that allow for quick and efficient onboarding and education of new staff and advisors, new account openings and helping clients transition existing accounts to their advisors' new firms, the companies pointed out.
Once an RIA establishes a direct agreement with CogniCor, its digital assistant will "facilitate a seamless experience for advisors," the firms said. The RIA can then integrate these solutions into their day-to-day operations, boosting efficiencies and automating critical back-office functions, they noted.
Sequoia, one of Schwab's largest RIA customers, is working closely with CogniCor to test the latter's latest AI-enabled solution, the Meeting Assistant, on a large scale, the firms said.
Orion Updates Texas LoneStar 529 Plan
Orion Advisor Solutions and the Texas Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board announced new enhancements to the latter's LoneStar 529 Plan that is managed by Orion and administered by the board.
Among the updates, new class RIA units were introduced that Orion said Thursday were designed to be sold via fee-based advisors with no plan-level sales charges or distribution fees.
Other significant changes include reduced plan-level fees, replacing age-based portfolios with target enrollment year portfolios, and the reduction of sales charges from 5.75% to 2.75% for Class A units.
Individual asset class portfolio options were also significantly expanded with the addition of several new asset classes, including a Guaranteed Interest Account.
Investing in an IRC Section 529 college savings plan early has several benefits, including tax-advantaged investing, estate planning benefits control and flexibility, accessibility, and affordability, Orion pointed out.
With the LoneStar 529 Plan, advisors and their clients can now select from portfolios based on a target enrollment year or their specific risk tolerance and create custom portfolios from a wide range of individual asset class options, according to Orion.
The plan's shift to a target enrollment year structure was designed to make the "reduction of equity risk smoother along the investment glide path and mitigate the risk of large market movements on the portfolios," Orion added.
