UBS worked with Framehawk to create a mobile enterprise application mash-up called UBS FA Mobile – a composite app built with several existing UBS wealth management Web-based tools – for the iPad.
UBS wanted to enable their Wealth Management Americas Financial Advisors to use iPads to work with their clients. To do this, UBS needed to create a consolidated-view iPad app that enabled access to multiple existing in-house Web-based investment tools. The app would need to use the intuitive, touch-based interface of the iPad while safely maintaining client data.
UBS wanted to enable Financial Advisors (FAs) to work with clients anywhere, anytime. The goal was to help FAs provide better client service, while reducing the need to print out documents in preparation for client calls and visits. UBS regards mobile technology as a way to differentiate the company and recruit top Financial Advisor talent.
It was immediately obvious that re-implementing the existing Web-based wealth management tools to combine them was impossible due to time-to-market and resource constraints. In addition, it was clear that the FAs would only accept the app if it was fast and had the genuine look and feel of a real iPad app.
UBS launched the initial pilot program 4 months after starting work with Framehawk. The success of the pilot program has led to plans to roll out to all 6,000 of the company’s Financial Advisors across the Americas.
UBS FA Mobile is the app UBS delivered for the iPad. The app allows the firm's Financial Advisors to work more collaboratively with clients by accessing proprietary UBS tools in real time, even while away from their offices. Specifically, the secure app extends WMA FAs' mobile access to proprietary research and client materials, including client account and contact data, market data, analyst research, full email capabilities and more. This allows FAs to have more frequent and more engaging sessions with valuable clients.
The project seamlessly weaves together multiple existing UBS tools into a single native iPad app for the FAs to use. The app provides an excellent user experience with intuitive navigation and native gestures on the iPad, while maintaining full functionality from the original wealth management tools and applications. The application development process allowed for very rapid development and made use of the existing in-house investment and Wed-based tools. The resulting architecture ensures that sensitive client financial data remains safely in the UBS data centers.
“We are working closely with our advisors and Framehawk to ensure each mobile solution meets our FAs’ expectations in terms of usability and functionality and provides a significant uplift in productivity.”
Anita Sands, COO, UBS Wealth Management Americas
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