IRESS is set to launch a joined-up mortgage and protection solution to streamline the research process for intermediaries, during the first half of this year.
The adviser-software provider told COVER that this will sit as a module under the firm's XPlan Mortgage system.
It will be available on a range of platforms and devices including mobile, tablet and desktop computers.
IRESS launched XPlan Mortgage last year as an adviser solution that will provide integrated workflow across advice, mortgage sourcing, activity management and protection sourcing.
The technology has already been built but the portal firm is currently in the integration phase with leading providers in the protection market.
Adviser efficiencies
Andrew Simon, executive general manager for product at IRESS, said: "Advisers tell us they want a 'joined up' mortgage and protection solution to improve efficiencies.
"In response to this demand, we're currently preparing to integrate our mortgage and protection sourcing capabilities to streamline the reseach process.
"The new capability will allow advisers to refer cases within the software or choose to advise on cases themselves as part of their integrated offering."
Underwriting improvements
Meanwhile, IRESS is also looking to develop a simple online underwriting solution and work towards a ‘buy now' solution. No timeframe has been given for these changes.
IRESS will increase the number of questions asked during the underwriting process as a bolt on to the current system.
The firm said this would help advisers manage expectations and provide greater certainty around the cost of cover for clients.
IRESS said that arranging protection cases can be a "lottery for advisers" with 20% of customers requiring further medical underwriting and experiencing delays before being accepted for cover.
