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Advertising

GB Group

Identity checks

www.uru.co.uk

Lender says...

GB Group's website conducts identity checks for lenders and advisers. Karyn Bright, marketing manager of GB Group, said: "The system works by cross referencing all the information that has been inputted.

"Advisers can access the page anywhere where there is an internet connection, allowing them to carry out an ID check even in front of the client.

"It is perfectly valid and it is a process that can be seen to have been done by the lender or packager further down the line."

We say...

Plus points... The product can either be accessed as a separate URL issued by the GB Group or it can back up a current system.

The system is flexible and can be customised according to the customer needs. If a user merely wants to use three sets of criteria to verify an identity then they are free to do so. The layout of the internet pages is very clear. This again can vary as once subscribed the user can even change the set up of the pages in order to suit their requirements.

When checking aspects like the address, this can be done with just a post code, which reduces the likelihood of spelling mistakes leading to a rejection of a candidate.

The system can make use of as much or as little data as possible ranging from utility bills, passport details and the birth certificate index.

To authenticate data received, it is only necessary to press the "authenticate" button and results are sent back almost instantly.

In the interests of security, a user may just be told a candidate has passed or failed thus protecting client confidentiality if being accessed in a call centre.

Could do better... It was difficult to see how this facility could be improved.

Adviser says...

Helen Love, compliance policy officer of Origen, said: "Prior to working with GB Group, our customer verification process involved a great deal of time and effort, not to mention paperwork.

"We looked at various solutions and chose URU from GB Group for the speed and accuracy of its ID checking service.

"Since we first piloted URU in December last year, we have seen a massive improvement in the speed and efficiency of our customer application processes.

"This ultimately means more sales into the business and less intrusion for our clients."

Rating: HHHHH

Intermediary

Charles Wilkinson Financial

Planning, York

www.cwfp.co.uk

Plus points... This is a well presented and easy to navigate website. The whole set up is done through a banner system, which makes it very simple to locate the appropriate section. Contact details are on every page along with sub-sections on the adviser's specialisations. Each area is very thorough. The mortgage section lists each type of mortgage including sectors like equity release and gives a bit of detail for how each type of product works. There is also a Latest News section with relevant snippets. Essential information is also available to the browser as a very comprehensive instruction guide is given about how the advisers work. Payment is also mentioned and it is possible to download an initial disclosure document for the client's perusal. It appeared at the top of the page when searched for using Yahoo.

Could do better... There are no client testimonials or mention of qualifications. Despite being so well presented and professional, the website builders had forgotten the web page has to be found in order to be effective and it did not appear when searched for using Google and Ask.

Rating: HHH

Intermediary

IIB Financial Services

www.iibfs.co.uk

Plus points... The main focus of this website seems to be on providing contact details and giving a general overview of the company, which makes it very easy to navigate.

There is a link to a list of specialities for each adviser along with a name, which would be helpful for a prospective client. Along with that, there is also a statement about how the intermediaries expect to be remunerated.

There are a lot of extras including a good A-Z of financial issues, a feature that allows rate comparison and a calculator on everything from mortgages to current accounts. There is a section for testimonials. The website appeared at the top of the page when searched for using Google, Yahoo and Ask.

Could do better... Aside from the assertion that staff are "qualified", there is little else to specify what exactly these qualifications are. This is a shame considering IIB went to all the trouble of listing in great detail each area of their adviser's specialisation. The testimonials section did not have any comments from clients at the time of Mortgage Adviser going to press.

Rating: HHH