This initiative includes the combination of complementary functionality as well as global distribution of the joint offering.

Finantix's CRM tools and the recently released iPad and iPhone apps for wealth management will be offered together with NorthStar's SaaS solution for financial advisors. On the enterprise side, financial institutions will now have access to the broadest suite of advisory components, from single client view to integrated financial planning, from portfolio construction through compliance monitoring and client reporting.

"NorthStar's wealth management suite is highly regarded by its clients in North America and the company is a clear leader in the high net worth segment. By adding Web, phone and tablet delivery options, along with advisory tools for mass affluent clients, we can support wealth managers and banks in their multi-segment and multi-channel propositions." said Alessandro Tonchia, founder and director of Finantix.

"Finantix has successful implementations worldwide, including multi-country roll-outs of financial planning and wealth management solutions. With an extensive network of offices and partners. they will accelerate the international distribution of our SaaS platform. We are also excited that jointly we can cater to the global advisory needs of Tier 1 financial institutions." said Bob Skea, President, NorthStar Systems.

Separately, Finantix has launched applications for financial advisors and individual investors that will natively run on Apple iPads. The apps cover key elements of the advisory value chain: financial planning, portfolio analysis, order management, alerting, client reporting. They leverage the full power of the iPad: a highly visual and interactive experience, ease of use and the immense appeal of the device.

Alessandro Tonchia, founder and director of Finantix analyses the significant business impact of this technology. "Our advisory apps for the iPad and iPhone are a joy to use and offer dramatic benefits in terms of sales, quality of service and productivity. Client interactions become more collaborative, with clients and advisors able to share an engaging planning experience. Additionally, monitoring financial events on a device that is designed for immediate and high-quality communication will greatly increase the productivity of advisors and their ability to reach out to clients in timely and intelligent ways."

The iPad apps complement the Finantix wealth management suite, which is recognised by analysts as one of the leading solutions in both the mass affluent and high net worth segments.

Finantix software is explicitly architected for multi-channel delivery. It is used by advisors, clients, branch employees and call centre agents. In addition to the iPad, it supports the Web, Flash widgets and the iPhone.

The iPad and iPhone components can be deployed stand-alone or integrated with the systems currently used by a financial institution.

The new releases are currently being piloted by wealth managers who are acting as design partners, with general availability planned for the third quarter of this year.
Finantix will consider additional requests to join the early adopter program.