American Portfolios Rolls Out E-Sign Functionality to Enhance Its Web-Based Business Workflow Process

HOLBROOK, NY--(Marketwired - December 29, 2015) - American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. (APFS), a privately-held, independent broker/dealer, continues to build on its robust technology platform with the recent deployment of the first phase of E-sign functionality within its Web-based business processing and workflow system, STARS. 

STARS is an intuitive proprietary technology platform developed by American Portfolios (AP), which serves as the hub through which all business, new accounts, and transactions are entered and recorded. First and foremost, advisors must establish client information within STARS by creating a digital New Account Form (NAF), which includes the basic background information, financial status and investment objectives used to open and maintain customer accounts. This process was significantly streamlined in August 2015 with the rollout of Unified Client Sign (one client signature page), eliminating client signatures on NAFs for each legal entity/registration. Through E-signature, the NAF completion process was further simplified, whereby clients can now electronically sign a SSN New Account Client Signature Page within STARS. Essentially, this innovative paperless function simplifies a once-complicated and time-consuming process, helping APFS' investment professionals to run their practices more efficiently. 

"The initial roll out of the E-signature functionality, starting with the SSN New Account Client Signature Page, is the first of many forms that will become E-sign-enabled as early as the first quarter of 2016," APFS COO Dean Bruno states of the process. "This will allow advisors to execute various paper-related transactions in a completely electronic way, dramatically raising the bar on an advisor's expedited service to his or her clients."

STARS software is made for and by financial advisors, functioning as a practical business aid from several perspectives, including operations, supervision and compliance. Effectively, it is an extension of an investment professional's back office and, through its ongoing enhancements, allows business to be processed quickly and efficiently so that more time can be spent generating new business and increasing client acquisitions. 

As outlined in its ambitious five-year growth plan, APFS will continue to deliver highly-valued services, programs and products to its affiliated financial advisors and their clientele. The firm looks forward to expanding and expounding on its brand promises and value proposition(s) as a leading industry service provider for independent financial professionals. 

About American Portfolios

Headquartered in Holbrook, N.Y., APFS is a full-service, independent broker/dealer and member firm of FINRA and SIPC, offering a complete range of financial services, including personal financial and retirement planning, securities trading, mutual funds, access to investment research, long-term care planning, insurance products and tax-free investing. Fee-based asset management is offered through its sister subsidiary, American Portfolios Advisors, Inc., (APA), an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Both entities, along with technology division American Outsources, LLC (AO,) collectively reside under the legal entity American Portfolios Holdings, Inc. (APH). Full-service securities brokerage is available through a clearing firm relationship with Pershing, LLC, a BNY Mellon firm, the securities of which are held on a fully disclosed basis. The company currently serves 806 independent investment professionals located in 367 branch locations throughout the nation, and was named Broker-Dealer of the Year* (Division III) by Investment Advisor magazine in 2015.

*Based on a poll of registered representatives conducted by Investment Advisor magazine. Broker/dealers rated highest by their representatives are awarded "Broker/Dealer (B/D) of the Year."