Schwab Advisor Services Hosts Second Technology Forum for Third-Party Technology Providers Serving Independent Advisors

Rhea-AI Summary

Schwab Advisor Services recently hosted a two-day virtual Technology Forum for over 150 independent advisor technology professionals, focusing on the integration of Schwab and TD Ameritrade's custody platforms ahead of a planned conversion in 2023. Key updates included advancements in third-party technology integrations, with Schwab currently partnering with over 180 technology products. The forum highlighted the importance of these integrations for financial planning and compliance as API usage by advisors grew over 30% since 2020. Schwab emphasizes its commitment to supporting technology partners during the transition.

Positive

• Hosted a successful Technology Forum with over 150 attendees from more than 70 firms.
• Partnership with over 180 technology providers enhances service offerings to independent advisors.
• API usage increased by over 30% since 2020, indicating strong adoption of technology solutions.

Negative

• None.

Two-day event shared Schwab/TD Ameritrade Institutional custody integration roadmap and outlined support for technology integration partners ahead of 2023 conversion

WESTLAKE, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Schwab Advisor Services held its second virtual Technology Forum this week for third-party advisor technology providers who work with Schwab and TD Ameritrade Institutional’s custody platforms. Over the course of two days, the forum virtually hosted more than 150 of the independent advisor industry’s top technology professionals across more than 70 firms, from start-ups to established players. They came to hear key updates about Schwab’s third-party technology integration efforts, as well as details on steps they can take and support Schwab can provide them, as the custody platforms continue to move towards planned conversion in 2023.

Third-party providers on both the Schwab and TD Ameritrade Institutional technology platforms offer RIAs a broad array of business-critical solutions, including financial planning, CRM, portfolio management, research and analytics, cybersecurity and compliance, among others. For several years, Schwab has been consistently expanding the number and type of integrations that are available to advisors. It currently integrates with over 180 technology products that provide solutions for independent advisors, delivered via a broad range of integrations including direct data feeds, single sign-on, trading integration and API integration.

“The third-party technology ecosystem that serves independent advisors is vibrant and growing and it continues to be a top priority for our team at Schwab. As we work to integrate the two custody platforms, we are capitalizing on the exciting opportunity to reflect the strengths of both firms on this front,” said Kartik Srinivasan, director, third-party integrations, Digital Advisor Solutions. “Equally important, our roadmap post-consolidation is shaped by our commitment to providing industry-leading support for third-party technology well into the future.”

API usage by advisors continues to see strong growth on Schwab’s platform, with a more than 30% increase compared to 2020 across over more than 3,000 active firm users. Schwab is adding new APIs for standing instructions, which will be available in the second half of 2022. It is also adding APIs for trading and iRebal® which will be available to technology integration partners mid-2022 and to advisors around conversion in 2023. Status API, which allows advisors to get the latest status of transactions like account open, TOA and move money directly in third-party tools, is currently in pilot and will be available by the end of Q1, 2022. This API complements the Status view advisors currently have via Schwab Advisor Center.

“As we now look ahead towards conversion in 2023, we know it is critical for the third-party ecosystem to be ready and so we have invested in people and resources, and have mapped out actionable steps, to help technology providers prepare for the transition to the combined platform well ahead of advisors’ day one,” Srinivasan added.

The Schwab and TD Ameritrade teams supporting third-party technology providers have been working together since early this year and since then have been expanded to meet the growing needs of this key business priority. The team currently encompasses product managers, third-party relationship managers, integration specialists and contract managers.

“We are committed to working hand-in-hand with our third-party technology partners to make sure they continue providing what advisors need today but are also ready for the steps they need to take as we bring the platforms together,” said Srinivasan. “This is an exciting time as we work to establish a new standard for what advisor custody can look like and we know third-party integration partners are critical to how we serve advisors going forward.”

About Charles Schwab

At Charles Schwab we believe in the power of investing to help individuals create a better tomorrow. We have a history of challenging the status quo in our industry, innovating in ways that benefit investors and the advisors and employers who serve them, and championing our clients’ goals with passion and integrity.

More information is available at www.aboutschwab.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Disclosures

Through its operating subsidiaries, The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE: SCHW) provides a full range of securities brokerage, banking, money management and financial advisory services to individual investors and independent investment advisors. Its broker-dealer subsidiary, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (member SIPC, www.sipc.org), and affiliates offer a complete range of investment services and products including an extensive selection of mutual funds; financial planning and investment advice; retirement plan and equity compensation plan services; compliance and trade monitoring solutions; referrals to independent fee-based investment advisors; and custodial, operational and trading support for independent, fee-based investment advisors through Schwab Advisor Services. Its banking subsidiary, Charles Schwab Bank (member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender), provides banking and lending services and products. More information is available at www.schwab.com and www.aboutschwab.com.

TD Ameritrade Institutional, Division of TD Ameritrade, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, a subsidiary of The Charles Schwab Corporation. TD Ameritrade is a trademark jointly owned by TD Ameritrade IP Company, Inc. and The Toronto-Dominion Bank.

iRebal on Veo is a technology offering of TD Ameritrade Institutional and is powered by iRebal. iRebal products and services property of ThinkTech, Inc., an affiliate of TD Ameritrade, Inc.

Schwab Advisor Services™ serves independent investment advisors and includes the custody, trading, and support of Schwab.

Independent investment advisors are not owned by, affiliated with, or supervised by Schwab. For informational purposes only.

©2021 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”) All rights reserved. Member SIPC.

(1121-14MY)

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211104005264/en/

Lexy Siegel

The Neibart Group

201-448-5835

sas@neibartgroup.com

Source: The Charles Schwab Corporation

FAQ

What was discussed at the Schwab Technology Forum in 2023?

The Technology Forum covered integration updates for Schwab and TD Ameritrade's custody platforms and support for technology partners.

How many technology providers are integrated with Schwab?

Schwab currently integrates with over 180 technology products that support independent advisors.

What is the significance of the API growth mentioned in the press release?

API usage by advisors on Schwab's platform increased by over 30% since 2020, indicating a strong trend towards utilizing technology solutions.

When is the planned conversion of Schwab and TD Ameritrade's custody platforms?

The planned conversion is scheduled for 2023.

What support is Schwab providing to technology partners ahead of the conversion?

Schwab has invested in resources and outlined steps to assist technology providers in preparing for the transition to the combined platform.