System and method for aggregate portfolio client support Number:7,103,556 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent

Title: System and method for aggregate portfolio client support

Abstract: A system for facilitating client and advisor communications which may include a port to an aggregate database of a client's holdings and profile. When servicing or analyzing a client's financial needs, a financial advisor at a call center or other facility may be presented with a screen displaying some or all of the client's accounts, profile or analysis tools, collected via Internet or other sources. Other parties, including the client, may be offered access to the same, similar or related data and the financial advisor's analysis via a Web browser or other interface.

Patent Number: 7,103,556 Issued on 09/05/2006 to Del Rey,   et al.

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Inventors:	Del Rey; Bernard M. (Chicago, IL), Sheehan; Mark R. (Middletown, DE), Weldon, Jr.; Donald J. (West Chester, PA)
Assignee:	JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (New York, NY)
Appl. No.:	09/962,217
Filed:	September 26, 2001

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Current U.S. Class:	705/1
Current International Class:	G06F 17/00 (20060101)
Field of Search:	705/36,35,37,38,1 379/265

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Primary Examiner: Eddy; Elisca Pierre
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Hunton & Williams LLP

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Parent Case Text

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from provisional application Ser. No. 60/244,914, filed Nov. 2, 2000, which is incorporated by reference.

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Claims

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What is claimed is:

1. A method for facilitating an exchange of information between at least one client and at least one advisor, the method comprising the steps of: accessing client data wherein the client data comprises an associated account portfolio and a client profile; retrieving aggregated data from an aggregate database wherein the aggregated data is related to the associated account portfolio and wherein the associated account portfolio comprises account data from a plurality of accounts from a combination of independent sources; analyzing the retrieved aggregated data in accordance with the client profile; enriching the analyzed retrieved aggregated data by graphically displaying one or more of performance data, accuracy data, pricing data, benchmark data and historical data associated with the associated account portfolio; and communicating the analyzed retrieved aggregated data between the at least one client and the at least one advisor to enable the at least one client and the at least one advisor to collaborate on the analyzed retrieved aggregated data via an online interface over the Internet; wherein the at least one client and the at least one advisor interact jointly with at least each other to access and exchange information related to the analyzed retrieved aggregated data; wherein the at least one advisor is a human advisor.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one client and the at least one advisor collaborate simultaneously in real time.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the plurality of accounts comprises one or more of cash accounts, demand deposit accounts, checking accounts, savings accounts, credit card accounts, loan accounts, investment accounts, trust accounts, brokerage accounts, securities accounts, real estate accounts, certificate of deposit accounts, risk management accounts, insurance accounts, derivatives and mortgage accounts.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the retrieved aggregated data is further analyzed in accordance with at least one client input, wherein the at least one client input comprises a client initiated financial query related to the associated account portfolio.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: sharing at least one document related to the associated account portfolio between the at least one client and the at least one advisor wherein the document is viewed simultaneously.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of: displaying the analyzed retrieved aggregated data based on display specifications which comprise at least one of client defined display specifications and default display specifications.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of communicating comprises utilizing one or more of message boards, conference capabilities, notification inboxes, alerts, announcements, real time chats, and electronic messages.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein client profile comprises client data retrieved from client registration with one or more external channels.

9. A method for facilitating an exchange of information between at least one client and at least one advisor, the method comprising the steps of: accessing client data wherein the client data comprises an associated account portfolio and a client profile; retrieving aggregated data from an aggregate database wherein the aggregated data is related to the associated account portfolio and wherein the associated account portfolio comprises account data from a plurality of accounts from a combination of independent sources; analyzing the retrieved aggregated data in accordance with the client profile; and communicating the analyzed retrieved aggregated data between the at least one client and the at least one advisor to enable the at least one client and the at least one advisor to collaborate on the analyzed retrieved aggregated data via an online interface over the Internet; enabling the retrieval of personalized client account data from a personalized client portal wherein the account data contains information posted by the at least one advisor; wherein the at least one client and the at least one advisor interact jointly with at least each other to access and exchange information related to the analyzed retrieved aggregated data; wherein the at least one advisor is a human advisor.

10. A system for facilitating an exchange of information between at least one client and at least one advisor, the system comprising: an access module for accessing client data wherein the client data comprises an associated account portfolio and a client profile; a retrieving module for retrieving aggregated data from an aggregate database wherein the aggregated data is related to the associated account portfolio and wherein the associated account portfolio comprises account data from a plurality of accounts from a combination of independent sources; an analysis module for analyzing the retrieved aggregated data in accordance with the client profile; and a communication module for communicating the analyzed retrieved aggregated data between the at least one client and the at least one advisor to enable the at least one client and the at least one advisor to collaborate on the analyzed retrieved aggregated data via an online interface over the Internet; wherein the at least one client and the at least one advisor interact jointly with at least each other to access and exchange information related to the analyzed retrieved aggregated data; wherein the at least one advisor is a human advisor; and wherein the analyzed retrieved aggregated data is enriched by graphically displaying one or more of performance data, accuracy data, pricing data, benchmark data and historical data associated with the associated account portfolio.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the at least one client and the at least one advisor collaborate simultaneously in real time.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein the plurality of accounts comprises one or more of cash accounts, demand deposit accounts, checking accounts, savings accounts, credit card accounts, loan accounts, investment accounts, trust accounts, brokerage accounts, securities accounts, real estate accounts, certificate of deposit accounts, risk management accounts, insurance accounts, derivatives and mortgage accounts.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the retrieved aggregated data is further analyzed in accordance with at least one client input, wherein the at least one client input comprises a client initiated financial query related to the associated account portfolio.

14. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a document sharing module for sharing at least one document related to the associated account portfolio between the at least one client and the at least one advisor wherein the document is viewed simultaneously.

15. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a personalized client portal for enabling the retrieval of personalized client account data wherein the account data contains information posted by the at least one advisor.

16. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a display for displaying the analyzed retrieved aggregated data based on display specifications which comprise at least one of client defined display specifications and default display specifications.

17. The system of claim 1 wherein the communication module utilizes one or more of message boards, conference capabilities, notification inboxes, alerts, announcements, real time chats, and electronic messages.

18. The system of claim 1 wherein client profile comprises client data retrieved from client registration with one or more external channels.

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Description

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FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of customer support services, and in particular, to providing an automated, network tool to permit advisors at call centers and other facilities to manage financial and other client inquiries using a portfolio aggregator and related tools.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the financial services industry, the ability of an organization to provide enhanced customer service may be a valuable competitive advantage. Within the financial industry, certain categories of customers tend to have a range of financial needs and use a variety of financial vehicles to meet their needs. For instance, comparatively higher net worth individuals may maintain a number of cash, securities, insurance, credit and other accounts within a financial institution or from a number of institutions.

Financial advisors at call centers or other facilities asked to service that type of clientele may be hampered in their ability to service those relationships fully, because when a call or other contact arrives the financial advisor may only be able to pull up a single account related to that customer. More powerful support platforms are desirable. Other problems exist.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention overcoming these and other problems in the art relates in one regard to a system and method for aggregate portfolio client support in which a client's collective account holdings may be registered to an aggregate database. According to the present invention, the aggregate database may be maintained and updated for access by a financial advisor or other support personnel to give reports, run summaries, and provide projections and other financial advice on a portfolio basis. Other operations may also be performed. The client themselves may be given access to the aggregate database via a Web portal or other user interface. The client's portfolio information may be kept current using spiders, Web crawlers or other data feeds to the aggregate database, or using other techniques.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an overall system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an example of an account data aggregation module, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an account establishment process, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an example of an account presentation module, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an example of a client portal, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6a is a diagram of an outgoing message, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6b is a diagram of an incoming message, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an example of an advisor desktop, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an example of a profile management module, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a method and system for enhancing client-advisor relationships by providing the ability to aggregate reporting of various client financial accounts, a vehicle to perform advanced analysis and enriched reporting regarding client account information, and an online platform for communication between clients and advisors.

Account data aggregation of the present invention may include gathering, at an account holder's request or other authorizing event, account or other information from designated websites and other sources using the account holder's personal identification number ("PIN") or other form of authorization and making that user's account information available at a single website (or view) operated by the aggregator. For example, a user may provide the system with information related to various institutions (or other sources) at which the user has assets (e.g., accounts, stocks, personal property, non-financial assets, etc.). The user may also provide a user name (or other identifier) and a password (or other form of access or authorization). The system may then scrape the identified institutions to provide the user with a display of comprehensive aggregated data. The display may be an interactive display where the user may analyze, view, sort, modify and perform other operations related to the aggregated data. Automated as well as manual collection techniques may be used by the system to retrieve client asset information from different sources. Manual techniques may be performed by the client and/or the advisor on behalf of the client.

An enriched account data feature of the present invention may enable customization of information in a way that makes the data more easily understood and further enables users to define their financial picture more clearly.

An online platform for communication feature of the present invention may enhance client-advisor relationships where the ability to aggregate reporting of client financial accounts online and perform advanced analysis and enriched reporting around client account information may be provided. Client-advisor communications may be enhanced through various communication mediums, personalized alerts and other notifications of predefined triggering events that may be of interest to clients and/or advisors. In another example, communication may be established through a secure bulletin board (or other message environment). This feature enables advisors to view past and/or related correspondences to gain a comprehensive understanding of the client's situation and nature of the inquiry.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an overall system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. One or more clients, as shown by client.sub.1 client.sub.N, may access aggregate client support tool 120 through Internet 114 or other mode of communication. Similarly, one or more advisors, as shown by advisor.sub.1 advisor.sub.X, may access aggregate client support tool 120.

An advisor may provide financial advice based on the client's comprehensive financial status, which oftentimes may include more than one account and other forms of assets (e.g., securities, bonds, property, etc.). The aggregation feature of the present invention enables advisor and clients to analyze and view relevant information for some or all accounts and assets associated with a particular client. Thus, the present invention enables clients and/or advisors the ability to view comprehensive financial data associated with a particular client where the comprehensive financial data may be customized for detailed analysis and insight. Aggregated data may be enhanced and/or enriched by the present invention for better understanding of a client's overall financial situation.

Aggregate client support tool 120 of the present invention enables further advisors and clients to effectively communicate through a common tool. For example, an advisor and client may share documents and other material through a document sharing feature of the present invention. In addition, message posting, conference, chat and other forms of communication may be available through the communication feature of the present invention.

Further, a client may have access to a personalized client portal where relevant information may be presented to the client, based on a client's profile, transactions and other personalized information. Alerts and/or other forms of notification may be applied to various client defined triggering events.

Advisors may correspond to a particular client or send broadcast type communications to some or all clients associated with the advisor. Advisors may also provide research and analysis through account queries applied to a client's aggregated account data where aggregated account data may be examined based on various predetermined and/or customized factors. Other account management tools may also be available to an advisor.

Aggregate client support tool 120 may provide various services, modules, functions, and access to information. For example, aggregate client support tool 120 may include account data aggregation module 122, client portal 124, advisor desktop 126, profile management module 128 and other module 130. In addition, access to information may be available through aggregated account/position database 132, document repository database 134, profile database 136 and other database 138. Aggregated account/position data may be stored and gathered by various methods, such as automated techniques 140 (e.g. web crawlers, web spiders, etc.) or manual techniques 142. Other methods may be used. Information may be stored in a single database or separate databases. Other variations may be implemented.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, aggregate client support tool 120 may enable advisors or other authorized entities to access profile database 136 to service clients. In particular, a client may not be required to subscribe or register with the services of the present invention for one or more authorized advisors to access and aggregate client data. Profile data may be supplied by customer data gathered from other channels where the customer may be registered. Other sources may also provide client data. According to this embodiment, advisors may service clients without a client request for services or other direct client contact. This embodiment may enable advisors to proactively service clients based on profile data submitted or otherwise gathered through another channel or other source.

According to an operation of the invention, a financial or other client may access a call center, initiate an Internet telephony session, transmit email via the Internet or other network, engage in online messaging or other contact with a service facility to inquire about account and other information. If using the Internet or other network, the client may, for instance, enter via a Secure Socket Layer ("SSL") or other secure mechanism. In an embodiment of the present invention, the client may be authenticated using a PIN, a password, biometric or other information.

An advisor receiving and servicing the contact may operate an advisor workstation, for instance, to retrieve and be presented with information from the aggregate and other database(s). The advisor workstation may be or include, for instance, a personal computer running the Microsoft Windows.TM. 95, 98, Millenium.TM., NT.TM., or 2000, Windows.TM.CE.TM., PalmOS.TM., Unix, Linux, Solaris.TM., OS/2.TM., BeOS.TM., MacOS.TM. or other operating system or platform.

The presentation to the advisor may include, for instance, tables, menus, screens or other graphics to display account balances, net worth information, account holdings by asset, sub asset or class, account maintenance information or other defined sets or subsets of account information.

The invention in one regard relates to a system and method for aggregate portfolio client support in which one or more of a client's holdings and/or other identified information may be collected for analysis, presentation and service. The types of accounts or holdings which may be registered and stored in the aggregate database may be or include, for instance, cash accounts, demand deposit accounts, checking accounts, savings accounts (e.g., money market, certificate of deposit, etc.), credit card accounts, loan accounts, investments accounts (IRA, mutual funds, etc.), brokerage or other securities accounts, mortgage accounts and others. In addition, non-financial assets as well as real estate, personal property (e.g., artwork, antiques, jewelry, etc.) and other items of worth may be collected. Ownership (e.g., full or partial ownership) in a company, future interests and other intangibles may be included. Other information may also be gathered by the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an aggregate database may, include or interface to, for example, the Oracle.TM. relational database sold commercially by Oracle Corp. Other databases, such as Informix.TM., DB2 (Database 2), Sybase or other data storage or query formats, platforms or resources such as OLAP (On Line Analytical Processing), SQL (Standard Query Language), a storage area network (SAN), Microsoft Access.TM. or others may also be used, incorporated or accessed in the invention. The aggregate database may be housed locally or remotely, for instance, in a secure, scalable facility. For security and reliability, redundancy may be employed in the aggregate database.

The present invention may include a hosted data repository and various applications to provide a client with a consolidated view of the client's entire financial portfolio. Financial as well as other types of information may be aggregated according to the present invention. The present invention provides an enriched account data platform where account and other information may be customized and presented to the client so that the client may view and analyze a comprehensive depiction of the client's entire financial situation.

A client may include an individual with various accounts and/or financial items. A client may also include an entity, such as a business, corporation or other entity with various accounts and financial items.

Upon subscription with an account aggregation system of the present invention, a client's accounts may be entered into an aggregate database for maintenance, access, analysis, presentation and other operations. FIG. 2 illustrates an account data aggregation module 122, which may provide various features, such as data collection module 210, data types aggregated module 212, historical data module 214, data enrichment module 216, account establishment module 218, account presentation module 220 and other modules and features, as shown by 222.

Account data aggregation module 122 may collect client information, manage the collected information and prepare the collected information for presentation to the client and/or other authorized entity.

Data may be collected through various techniques via Data Collection Module 210. For example, data collection may involve collecting client information by "scraping" client data from previously established online accounts and converting the images into data. For example, the account information may be entered into the aggregate database using automated techniques such as Web spiders or Web crawlers configured to locate and enter various financial services Internet sites and transmit updated account information to an aggregate database.

The present invention further enables the client to manually enter account information. For example, the account information may be entered using manual techniques by a financial advisor, account manager or other authorized entity on a periodic, ad hoc or other basis.

Data collected may be updated automatically or manually. For example, client information may be updated automatically at periodic intervals. A user (e.g., client) may also request an update of specific account information at any time through an update button, for example, for an individual account. In another example, manual account information may be updated by an associated client.

Account data aggregation module 122 may aggregate various types of accounts, as illustrated by Data Types Aggregated Module 212. Through Data Types Aggregated Module 212, a client (or other user) may identify accounts to be aggregated by account type. For example, accounts that may be aggregated by the present invention may include various combinations of checking, savings (e.g., money market, certificate of deposit, savings, etc.), investment accounts (e.g., brokerage, IRA, mutual funds, etc.), loan accounts, credit card accounts, merchant accounts and other account types. Account data aggregation module 122 may collect various information associated with the aggregated account types, such as summary balances, detailed positions (e.g., units, price, value, etc.), recent transaction history and/or other information.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, predefined account structures may be provided for certain account types, such as banking, investment, credit and others. Other account types may be manually entered thereby allowing any type of asset, liability or account to be entered and aggregated by the present invention. For example, some account types may need or require detailed description, units and values, for example. These account types may be manually entered. Also, position detail types may be entered and access. Position detail types may include equities, bonds, mutual funds, cash, personal property, credit and other assets.

The aggregation feature of the present invention may further capture and maintain historical client transaction and other data through Historical Data Module 214. Historical data may include past transactions associated with aggregated accounts or individual accounts, for example. Past performance history may also be available for securities and other earnings events. Other historical may also be displayed to the client for analysis and interpretation, based on various user defined factors. Historical data associated with selected aggregated accounts (and/or other data) may be displayed to the client for analysis of performance, accuracy and/or other metrics.

Data enrichment may also be available through the aggregation feature of the present invention at 216. Aggregated data, derived from a client's accounts and/or other sources of client financial data, may be customized based on user defined factors to enable a client to assess comprehensive financial status and other information. Graphical displays and other various formats may be used to display aggregated data to clients and other authorized users for analysis and understanding. Other information of interest to a client may be determined and displayed to the client through the present invention.

Data enrichment may also provide supplemental information associated with a client's accounts and other sources of financial data. For example, the present invention may enrich exchange listed securities in a client's account with additional market information to provide the client with better knowledge of the client's accounts. In another example, data enrichment may provide intra-day pricing on applicable or selected exchanged listed securities. In addition, positive gains and negative losses may be color coded (e.g., green for gains, red for losses). Other indicators may be displayed.

Thus, fundamental information about each exchange listed security may be provided through Data Enrichment Module 216. For example, a calendar of financial events for one or more exchanged listed security that may be of interest to the client may be displayed. Financial data of interest to a particular client may be determined by whether the data is part of the client's portfolio. A client may also specify (or select) financial data of interest. General financial data of importance may be displayed to a group of applicable clients. Other methods of determining enhanced or supplemental data may be utilized.

In another example, asset classifications may be defined for consistent treatment of securities across multiple accounts. In addition, each financial institution may provide its own security master for consistent asset classification. A securities table with sub assets and securities may be provided on a periodic or other basis, such as every quarter. Other forms of data enrichment may be implemented.

Account Establishment Module 218 may enable each client (or user) the ability to establish the client (or user) and associated accounts for the aggregation feature of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for illustrating a process for establishing accounts for aggregation, according to an embodiment of the present invention. At step 310, a client may identify one or more accounts and/or other sources of data to be aggregated through the present invention. Identification information may include account number, the identity of the establishment holding the account (e.g., bank name, etc.), security information, investment information and other identifying data. At step 312, the client may provide access information, such as a PIN number or other information that may be used to access the client's account and/or other data. In addition, the client may be prompted to provide other personal and/or account information. At step 314, the system of the present invention may retrieve account data for each identified account via the client's access information for the identified account. Other information may also be retrieved through the present invention. At step 316, the present invention may aggregate the data associated with the identified accounts. At step 318, the aggregated data may be displayed to the client according to various client defined specifics. The aggregated data may be further enhanced in accordance with the present invention. At step 320, the client may access, interact, view and perform other operations to the aggregated data.

FIG. 4 illustrates the various modules of an account presentation feature of aggregated data, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Account presentation may provide user interface and navigation options through aggregated and other data. Account presentation module 220 may provide various displays, such as account summary display 410, market snapshot display 420, charting display 440, calendar display 450 and other displays, as shown by 460. Display options may include client defined display specifications and default display specifications, for example.

Account summary display 410 may present a client's aggregated accounts with various account information and characteristics, such as subtotals by account types, total net worth and other factors. Account summary information may be displayed in various formats and views, which may include an account type view 412, a positions view 414, and an asset type view 416. Other views 418 may also be available.

The present invention may aggregate various types of accounts. For example, account types may include banking, investment, credit and other account types. Account type view 412 may include various information, such as one or more of account name, financial institution from which account data is collected, account description, manual/electronic flag, balance/value information, last updated date/time stamp, view transaction information, update data and other information.

For example, manual/electronic flag may include a symbol or other identifier indicating to the user whether accounts are aggregated accounts or manually entered accounts. Other types of accounts and combinations may be symbolized or otherwise flagged.

Balance/Value information may represent the balance or value of a selected account (or source) as of the date the account information was updated or other specified period of time. Other information may also be available.

Last updated date/time stamp may indicate to the user when the account (or source) was last modified or refreshed. Other triggers may be defined and applied as well.

View transaction information may link the client to detailed transactional history of one or more selected accounts (and/or other sources). The present invention may provide the account history and other information that may be available from a financial institution (or other source). The client may manually input the transaction if so desired.

Update data enables the client to update the account data. For electronic accounts, a connection may be opened to the source of account information where the account information may be refreshed with current or new information available from a source institution or other source. For manual accounts, an account maintenance window may be opened to allow the user to modify the account level data. Other operations and views may be available.

For example, accounts that may be entered manually and do not have an asset that may be automatically priced (e.g., exchange listed security), may be displayed with the date the information was entered in the system of the present invention. In another example, accounts entered manually that have an exchange-listed security associated with them that can be priced, may be displayed with the latest price upon an action or event (e.g., page refresh).

Also, manual accounts that may contain positions with As-Of prices from different dates may contain a flag (or indicator) at the account summary level indicating an occurrence (e.g., that an inconsistency in overall account value may exist). The flag (or indicator) may indicate to the user that an account position view may be accessed to provide detailed information for further examination. Other information may be displayed and other triggering events may be identified.

The user may access an account position view to analyze detailed data regarding the user's accounts and/or other sources of financial and other data. Positions view 414 may provide detailed positions of a selected one or more accounts (and/or sources). Positions information may include one or more of asset name, identifier (e.g., stock symbol, CUSIP, etc.), asset description, number of units, as of date price (e.g., latest closing price retrieved), as of date timestamp, as of date value (e.g., number of units multiplied by as of date price), current price (e.g., intra day price), current price timestamp, asset price direction (which may be measured from close of previous day or other time frame), price change (which may be measured from close of previous day or other time frame), current value (e.g., number of units multiplied by current price) and other information.

Asset type view 416 may enable a user to view the user's portfolio by asset type. Other viewing criteria may be specified. The asset type may include one or more of equities, bonds, mutual finds, cash, personal property, credit and other assets. The asset type view may display for each asset or group of assets one or more of asset description, account description, units, price, value and other information.

Asset description may include one or more of stock symbol, fund symbol, CUSIP, property location, and other information, attributes and characteristics. For example, each stock symbol (e.g., exchange listed security) may provide one or more of the security's fundamental information, a financial calendar for that company, positions held by that client in that security, the client's transaction history with that security, any notes or alerts that the client may have defined regarding the security and other information.

Value information may include the current market price of the asset. If the asset value is available through intra day pricing, then the value of the asset may be the number of units (from the last date the account information was updated) multiplied by the price. Other calculations may be implemented as well.

In addition, clients may add, modify, delete one or more accounts through account summary display 410, for example. Other operations may also be performed. The client may also edit manual accounts through the account summary display. Manual accounts may also be added, modified and deleted. Restrictions may be applied as well. For example, a client may not be permitted to edit information that may be collected by aggregators.

A graphical representation of a client's accounts and related information may be displayed in various forms, e.g., pie charts, graphs, charts, etc. For example, one view may present high level asset allocation across account types. Another view may provide a detailed asset allocation view that may utilize a security master lookup to classify the asset type. Other operations may also be available.

Market snapshot display 420 may provide clients (or other users) with an overview of the entire market performance as well as customized portfolio information. For example, market snapshot 412 may provide various customizable functionalities, such as price quotes 422, market indices 424, performance data 426, graphical display 428, customizable portfolio watch list 430 and other information 432.

Price quotes, which may be delayed by a predetermined period of time, may be displayed for a security or groups of securities. A client may enter ticker symbols or perform a ticker symbol lookup. Price (or stock) quotes 422 may provide the exchange listed security's fundamental information, a financial calendar for that company, positions held by that client in that security, the client's transaction history with that security, as well as any notes or alerts that the client may have set for that security. Other information may also be displayed.

Current major market indices 424 may include Dow Jones, NASDAQ, S&P 500, NASDAQ 100 and other sources. For example, the present invention may aggregate a client's stock portfolio where the price of shares may be contemporary and currently updated to reflect the most recent price (or other form of valuation).

Performance data 426 may include a best and/or worst performers section where equities present in an individual's portfolio may be analyzed to summarize the top performers in each category. Various criteria and/or factors for performance analysis may also be indicated, such as accuracy, reputation, profitability, etc.

Graphical display 428 may provide pictorial summary of indices of user defined performance metrics, such as best and/or worst performers. When an index or security in the best/worst list is highlighted (or otherwise selected), the graph may display related price history and other historical data. Various time periods may also be defined or selected for comparison and analysis.

A customizable portfolio watchlist may default to the securities in a client's aggregated account. In addition, the client may modify the securities in a watchlist by adding, deleting, and modifying other securities, events and triggers. Watchlist 430 may display various types of data, including one or more of color coded stock symbols, current price data, dollar change, percent change, alert and notes indicators and other information. Various watchlist options may include the ability to set price alerts for an individual entry in the portfolio watchlist, the ability to write notes containing personal information regarding an individual security and other capabilities and options.

For example, a stock symbol may display a predetermined color or symbol (e.g., green) if the asset has increased in value for a time period (e.g., a day), or a different color or symbol (e.g., red) if the asset value has decreased in value for the time period, (e.g., that day). The stock symbol may also provide a link to information, which may include security's fundamentals, the financial calendar for that company, positions held by that client in that security, transaction history, applicable notes and alerts and other information.

Charting display 440 enables a client to graphically view a security's pricing history and/or historical information, such as accuracy and performance metrics. A client may select to view a single security or user-defined group of securities or other stock sets, at 442. Viewing options may be selected at 444. Viewing options may include time periods, frequency, indicators, moving day average, calculations, and other factors and events. Other historical data may be displayed graphically over various time periods, which may be defined by the user. Other charting capabilities may be invoked at 446.

Calendar display 450 may enable a client (or other user) to view upcoming financial and other events according to various factors (e.g., date, time, frequency, etc.) based on the assets in the user's portfolio, selected group of market securities or all market securities. For example, a user may view an events calendar for a defined set of securities, such as securities in the user's watchlist, a specific security, a selected group of securities, or all securities.

The calendar may provide event information at 452 which may include one or more of company name, company symbol (or other identifier), event date, event time, event description, link to event details and other information. The link to event details may connect the client to the event via the Internet and/or to the event's associated website. Also, the link may provide more detailed information about the event, contact and other information. Display options may be available, at 454. For example, events occurring on the current day (or other time period) may be highlighted to the user (e.g., displayed in particular manner or color).

Another embodiment of the present invention may provide enhanced client-advisor relationships by creating an environment for communication between a client and an advisor. Financial resources and various forms of data may be customized and accessed by users of the present invention. An advisor may access information related to a client's comprehensive financial situation through the aggregation feature of the present invention. For clients with more than one account, a comprehensive picture of the client's aggregated accounts may provide insightful information to the client's advisors. The present invention enables an advisor (or other authorized entity) the ability to view a selected client's aggregated information in varying levels of detail in different forms and formats for analysis and interpretation. The present invention further provides a communication and resource medium between a client and the client's one or more advisors.

The integrated support and information platform of the invention may provide multiple benefits and services. For example, account summary tools may enable the client and advisor to share access to a common client financial profile and other client information. This information may come from aggregation and man