The software was designed to help give chartered accountants a greater insight into the financial needs and goals of their clients, and to provide a space for collaboration. The platform by RQ can also assist with adhering to the ICAEW Designated Professional Body (Investment Business) regulatory regime, though is not a substitute for compliance.
Under the agreement, RQ will provide ICAEW firms with free access to the platform in exchange for input and support from ICAEW.
John Gaskell, Head of Personal Financial Planning, ICAEW, said:
“We are pleased to have worked with RQ to design this technology platform which will enable ICAEW members to collaborate with other professionals on advisory services.
“ICAEW Chartered Accountants have a long and successful track record helping SME businesses remain competitive and this software will help strengthen client relationships and drive more value.”
Sarah Ghaffari, Director Communities, Business and Practice, said:
“We know there have been barriers to closer collaboration between the professions, and we think this platform will help break down these silos and put our members at the heart of a professional eco-system.
“Our collaboration with RQ represents an important component of ICAEW’s wider drive to help enable members to take advantage of technology solutions that can drive business growth.”
Johnny Ridd, Chief Executive Officer, RQ, said:
“I am extremely grateful for the institute’s support and input as we’ve developed the RQ platform and I’m excited to announce this partnership and continued collaboration. We believe that our technology will help chartered accountants build higher margin practices and work more closely with their clients.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
CONTACT: ICAEW media office at stephen.froome@icaew.com or 07970 402 073
- “ICAEW firms” are defined as ICAEW member firms, ICAEW firms with an Anti-Money Laundering (AML) contract, and firms with an ICAEW DPB (Investment Business) licence.
- The Designated Professional Body (DPB) (Investment Business) regime is a regulatory regime that allows professional bodies to supervise and regulate their members who undertake investment activities.
- Under the terms of this agreement, the core RQ referral platform (excluding Compass) will be provided to ICAEW member firms free of charge
- A short video about the RQ/ICAEW platform is available here.