Schwab, best known as the first discount brokerage for individual investors, also serves independent advisors that use its technologies and products for their own clients. In the early days of the business, Charles (“Chuck”) Schwab made a make-it-or-break-it wager on technology by investing significantly in a mainframe computer to automate processes. The bet was successful, and Schwab continued to embrace new technologies, becoming one of the first firms to launch online trading. Today, with Salesforce, Schwab is reinventing its interactions with investment advisors and giving them new ways to engage with their customers.

The technology infrastructure Schwab provides to its 7,000+ advisor customers integrates Sales Cloud with proprietary investment tools to help advisor partners manage their businesses more effectively, and grow them efficiently. More than just recordkeeping and safekeeping assets, the company is providing a true platform that helps advisors simplify their interactions with clients so they can help them more. Schwab recognises that when consumers hand over their nest egg to an investment firm, they want to retain a personal relationship. Salesforce helps everyone stay connected.

Schwab sees a future where communities enable clients to quickly access the right experts at the right time, so they can get the advice or service they need, when they need it. Communities can also help solve problems collaboratively, as well as maintaining the personal relationships that consumers demand for financial services. Schwab expects that communities will play a similar role for independent advisors, enabling them to get together to compare best practices and share tips and tricks.