How to use tech to help improve your client relationships as a financial advisor

Financial advice is a relationship business and for a long time, technology was seen as getting in the way of client relationships. That may have been true when tools were clunky and interfaces weren't user friendly, but today's RIA tech has flipped the script.

Instead of getting in the way, technology can help advisors deepen relationships with clients, make life easier for operating staff, and save everyone time. The strongest firms know that taking care of clients depends on having the right tools and creating space to listen and focus on what their clients need.

This is why client-centric innovation and technology fluency were rated among the top four leadership capabilities most critical to firm success in Schwab's 2025 Independent Advisor Outlook Study. The study also found that 58% of firms plan to upgrade their firm's tech stack over the next three years and 47% have already begun applying artificial intelligence (AI) to their work.¹

Now let's dive into a few technologies that financial advisors are using to improve the client experience.

Digital onboarding

Onboarding is often a client's first real experience with your firm. Manual work like re-typing information, shuffling paper, and waiting for approvals can get clients off to a bumpy start—and is hard on your team. A smoother start can help clients feel confident in choosing your firm, so make it easy to open and fund their accounts.

With a digital client onboarding process, you only enter information once and can quickly route files and approvals to the right people. This doesn't just save time, it saves relationships and is often more secure, too. As clients increasingly expect fast, efficient service, a smooth, accurate digital onboarding process shows them that you're ready to take care of them from day one.  

These are a few of the reasons why Schwab is focused on the use of digital onboarding and tools. If you're not already onboarding clients digitally, consider moving it up on the priority list.

Virtual meetings and client portals

Today's investors want to reach their advisor quickly, wherever they are. The good news is that digital tools make this easier: a scheduling app can handle the back-and-forth of setting up a meeting, and a video call lets you share charts and even make account adjustments on the spot with your client. And when the financial headlines feel overwhelming, virtual meetings can help you connect faster to address a client's questions or concerns.

Client portals offer another connection point for always-on clients. Many portals allow clients to see their accounts, access information such as disclosures and reports, and complete simple tasks. With on-demand access to account information, your clients can gain a stronger sense of their overall financial picture and may become better collaborators as life and plans shift.

Gamification

Digital tools can also add a little fun to the financial planning process, especially during onboarding and goal setting. Gamifying planning with simple charts or visuals that show progress toward a goal can make the plan feel more real and motivating. And when a planning milestone is reached, it's a great time to celebrate with a treat or a small gift.

Automation

You don't have to be an AI superfan to get value from automation. One easy place to start is using AI notetaking apps to transcribe conversations and summarize key takeaways. According to insights in our recent Schwab Advisor AI in Action study, advisors who use notetakers report being better able to pay attention to clients in meetings.² With AI helping you spot themes and key statements, you're ready to respond to client needs in the moment.

Beyond notetakers, automation can streamline back-office operations such as form preparation, document management, and report creation. Many RIA software systems have built-in AI functions that are worth taking for a test-drive.

But how is automation good for clients? It's about focus. When routine busy work takes less of your time, you can spend more of it with clients. With more mental bandwidth, it's easier to look at the big picture and make strategic moves that may benefit both clients and your firm.

CRM and data management

Can a CRM system have a heart? In the right hands, it kind of can.

When your CRM system is connected to the rest of your systems (and set up to feed you information about clients when you need it), you can show up for clients in unique ways. Birthdays, milestones, hard times, investment goals, hopes, fears, tendencies: the context you need is at your fingertips. That makes it easier to do things like reach out at the perfect moment or send a thoughtful gift.

Recently, many RIAs have turned to hybrid tech stacks to gain this efficiency and flexibility. A hybrid approach allows firms to establish a core integrated system and then add on specialized tools. In the latest Independent Advisor Outlook Study, 37% said their firm has built a hybrid tech stack—the most of any configuration.³    

An integrated tech stack can also help make prospecting easier. It can help you target specific client segments, reach them through multiple marketing channels, and capture details along the way so that you're better able to share the right message or resource at the right time.

Tech helps you show up for clients

Digital onboarding, virtual meetings, an integrated tech stack—technology is more than machines and algorithms. Keep looking for ways to use tools to create real connections and bring you closer to your clients. Because that's what it's all about. At the end of the day, the bells and whistles don't mean much unless they help you be there for your clients when they need you.

What you can do next

• At Schwab, we try to make technology easy—so you can focus on your clients.
  • Digital client onboarding: Open, set up, and fund multiple accounts in minutes. Check out Schwab's workflow.
  • Tech integration: Our flexible approach lets you combine award winning tools with leading third-party solutions. Learn about Schwab's integration capabilities.
  • Schwab Alliance: Give clients access to accounts and help them collaborate with you. See how it works.
• Curious about how Schwab helps RIAs? Wealth services, technology, and business support are just the beginning. Whether you're exploring independence or considering a custodian swap, we're here to help you take your next step.