Product & Service Launches – 11/7/24

Pontera Offers Access to Envestnet’s BillFin Solution

Pontera Solutions Inc., the fintech company helping retirement savers receive 401(k) account management from their financial adviser, has announced the availability of Envestnet’s BillFin solution to make 401(k) account billing more efficient and seamless for financial advisers.

BillFin improves how advisers and planners bill their clients, enabling them to calculate fees, create invoices and calculate payouts for fee-splitting. The platform offers flexible billing setup, standardized billing templates and an intuitive user experience, according to the announcement.

“By adding BillFin capabilities, we’re empowering financial advisers to deliver even greater value and a more comprehensive wealth management service to their clients,” David Goldman, Pontera’s chief business officer, said in a statement. “Pontera’s growing technology partner community enables us to meet advisers where they live by linking our secure 401(k) management platform with the technology tools they’re already using, helping them deliver the best possible client experience.”

Axos Clearing, Envestnet Partner to Deliver Managed Account Solutions

Axos Clearing, a subsidiary of Axos Financial Inc., announced a strategic partnership with Envestnet Financial Technologies Inc., a provider of integrated technology, data intelligence and wealth solutions.

The partnership will integrate Envestnet’s managed account solutions into Axos Clearing’s Axos Complete portal, allowing hybrid broker/dealers and registered investment advisers to enhance client service and streamline operations.

“Partnering with Envestnet to integrate their managed account technology into our professional workstation allows us to provide our clients with the tools and technology they need to thrive in a fee-based advisory model,” David Crow, executive vice president and head of Axos Clearing, said in a statement. “This is a key step as we continue developing Axos Complete, our comprehensive platform for advisory and operational solutions.”

Jackson Increases Access to RILA Product Through Distribution Partnership With JPMorganChase

Jackson National Life Insurance Co., the main operating subsidiary of Jackson Financial Inc., announced it is partnering with JPMorganChase to offer its registered index-linked annuity, Jackson Market Link Pro II, to the approximately 5,000 financial professionals at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management.

Greg Masucci, a senior vice president for strategic relationships at Jackson National Life Distributors LLC, says the firm continues to see increased adoption of RILAs, also referred to as buffered annuities, within portfolios, as more clients seek protection opportunities while potentially growing their assets.

“We’re excited J.P. Morgan Wealth Management financial professionals and their clients now have increased access to Jackson’s solutions-oriented team that is focused on delivering exceptional client service,” Masucci said in a statement.

Schwab to Launch Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF

Schwab Asset Management, the asset management arm of the Charles Schwab Corp., announced the launch of the Schwab Mortgage-Backed Securities Exchange-Traded Fund. The first day of trading is expected to be on or about November 19.

With an expense ratio of 0.03%, the Schwab Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF is priced in line with the lowest-priced peer ETFs, based on the U.S. Mortgage Lipper category. The ETF will provide simple access to investment-grade mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies. It is designed to serve as part of a diversified portfolio.

“It’s been a notable period for the fixed-income market, and at Schwab Asset Management, we’re deeply committed to helping clients with their fixed-income investing needs,” Nicohl Bogan, Schwab Asset Management’s head of passive product management and innovation, said in a statement. “We’re excited to introduce the Schwab Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF as the latest example of that effort.”