Client Overview

The Financial Services Institute (FSI) is a membership-based organization dedicated to advocating for financial advisors and independent financial services firms. Focused on supporting its 100+ member firms (and over 100,000 independent financial advisors!), FSI wanted to modernize its operations to work more efficiently, deliver a better member experience, and integrate smoothly with their existing systems.

The Challenge

FSI’s old on-premise system came with its share of hurdles. Data was fragmented, making it tough to connect with their 3rd party platforms and causing inefficiencies and even occasional data loss. Managing individual memberships relied heavily on manual processes that ate up time, and staff struggled with limited access to tools when working remotely.

FSI needed a solution to centralize data, simplify processes, and give staff and members easier, more reliable access to update their data, submit membership applications, and maintain their memberships.

The Approach

Cobalt partnered closely with FSI to move them from iMIS on-premise to Cobalt’s cloud-based Engagement Dynamics platform. Collaboration and transparency were at the heart of the process, with ongoing feedback to ensure the system was tailored to FSI’s unique needs. 

The project focused on migrating data to the cloud, integrating essential third-party tools like ClickDimensions, Great Plains, PayFlowPro, and KnowWho, and streamlining membership management. A top priority was creating a user-friendly interface to simplify daily tasks for both staff and members.

With virtual access to update member contact information, submit applications, or receive notifications and reminders, the member experience has been elevated. Staff can easily keep track of member data through their customized built-in dashboards!

Insights & Results

Since making the switch to Cobalt, FSI has seen remarkable improvements:

  • Reliable, Trusted Data: Seamless integration with tools like ClickDimensions and Great Plains ensures data is accurate and consistent across systems. 
  • Anywhere Access: The move to a cloud-based platform gives staff the flexibility to work from anywhere, solving the challenges of their previous on-premise setup. 
  • Simplified Membership Processes: More efficient workflows save time and reduce errors, making membership management easier for everyone. 
  • A Smooth Transition: Cobalt’s collaborative approach ensured the implementation was seamless, with plenty of opportunities for testing and feedback to guide the project to its end goal. 

FSI’s shift to the cloud has addressed longstanding challenges like fragmented data and inefficient workflows. The result is a modernized system that empowers staff and members with reliable access, streamlined processes, and seamless integrations with essential tools.

Switching from our old on-premise AMS was a smooth and collaborative process, and the improvements have been fantastic. Our data is now accurate and works seamlessly with tools like accounting, marketing, and legislative systems. The platform is so user-friendly – it’s made life easier for both our team and our members. Moving to the cloud has given us the flexibility we’ve been wanting. We’re thrilled with the results!

Sharjeel Saleem, Customer Relations Systems (CRM) Manager