Client input is critical to the ongoing development of the Black Diamond® Wealth Platform, SS&C Advent’s portfolio management solution built specifically for investment advisors. That input takes many forms, from ideas and suggestions in everyday conversations to full participation in beta testing. Because Black Diamond is a cloud-based platform, enhancements based on client feedback is incorporated at a rapid and frequent rate.
Under the leadership of CEO James S. Gladney, Portfolio Solutions®, a $1.5 billion RIA firm with an emphasis on diversified index investing, has been a key contributor of ideas and a sounding board for new development. The Troy, Michigan-based firm has been a client of SS&C Advent since 1998, and migrated from the Axys® portfolio accounting system to Black Diamond in 2014. Since Jim acquired Portfolio Solutions in 2015, he has been a champion of serving clients better through technology, and his firm has been a frequent early adopter of Black Diamond enhancements.
“We have been very impressed with SS&C’s consistent delivery of enhancements that have supported our growth into a national, full-service wealth advisor,” Jim says. “The Black Diamond team very much shares our philosophy of relentlessly seeking better ways to serve clients, which has powered our success.”
Most recently, Portfolio Solutions was part of the beta test group for the Black Diamond Client Experience, a highly interactive online portal that gives investors 24/7 access to their account information, while providing advisors with a secure two-way digital communication channel with clients.
“The beta experience was great,” says Brad Cox, Portfolio Solutions’ Director of Operations. “It really allowed us to provide feedback to Black Diamond and get functionality into the system that we felt was important, for us and for our clients.”
Launched in 2018, the Client Experience is designed to help advisors differentiate their firms in a competitive market for high-net-worth investors. It enables advisors to provide clients with their complete wealth picture, complemented by custom content relevant to their financial goals.
“Our relationship with Portfolio Solutions is a shining example of the kind of partnership we build with our clients,” says Steve Leivent, SS&C SVP and head of the advisory business unit. “We are thrilled to be part of Portfolio Solutions’ phenomenal growth since Jim Gladney took the reins four years ago.”
Portfolio Solutions recently announced its intention to renew its agreement with Black Diamond and to add SS&C’s Data Broker, which will enable integration between Black Diamond and the firm’s Salesforce-based CRM system. To hear more about how the Black Diamond Client Experience and CRM integration will help Portfolio Solutions build client relationships, watch this one-minute video interview with Brad Cox.