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Envestnet Partnership Produces Form CRS SolutionEnvestnet Partnership Produces Form CRS Solution

The wealthtech provider is working with Compliance Solutions Strategies to roll out a web-based Form CRS builder.

Samuel Steinberger, Senior Technology Editor

March 25, 2020

1 Min Read
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Envestnet is working with compliance automation provider Compliance Solutions Strategies to offer a “comprehensive, fully customizable” Form CRS solution, according to an announcement. The web-based tool gives RIAs and broker-dealers another option for completing their Form CRS filing requirements ahead of the SEC’s June 30 deadline.

“Many regulated firms are understandably concerned about how they are going to digest the SEC’s 524-page Form CRS Adopting Release and 18 pages of instructions,” said Keith Marks, executive director of CSS’s Compliance Services, in a statement. The software solution provided by the firm and made available through Envestnet fully meets the SEC’s requirements, he said. 

CSS’s regtech tool extracts dozens of data points from existing Form ADV, Part 1A and FINRA filings. It also gives users the option of exporting their Form CRS documents to Microsoft Word, to allow further edits and changes. The web-based application does not require outside software implementation. 

Envestnet’s own Chief Compliance Officer gave the tool her seal of approval. “We were very impressed with the innovative, thorough compliance solution that CSS developed,” said Debra DeVoe, CCO and managing director at Envestnet, in a statement. 

At its most basic, new Form CRS regulations require RIAs and broker-dealers to create and provide two-page documents to retail investors. Distilling the required language into something both brief and clear, however, has confounded some firms as they prepare ahead of the summer deadline.

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About the Author

Samuel Steinberger

Senior Technology Editor, WealthManagement.com

Samuel Steinberger is Senior Technology Editor for Informa Connect’s WealthManagement.com. In his role, Mr. Steinberger provides the publication’s wealth and financial technology coverage. 

Mr. Steinberger’s editorial insight and familiarity with technology accelerates Informa’s growth within the financial advisor and wealth management communities, providing in-depth news for advisors and financial professionals. 

Before joining Informa Connect, Mr. Steinberger produced documentaries with former CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien at Soledad O’Brien Productions (formerly Starfish Media Group). He specialized in research, shooting and editing, as well as finding distinct voices to explain topics like mental health, poverty and racial divide. 

Prior to joining Soledad O’Brien Productions, Mr. Steinberger managed multi-departmental technology projects for global legal technology leader Transperfect Legal Solutions. After obtaining his graduate degree in journalism from Columbia University, he completed his transition from technology management to media. 

Mr. Steinberger is an award-winning journalist, author and researcher who has written, edited and reported for a number of publications, including The New York Times, Financial PlanningAmerican Banker and PBS. He is founder of beverages publication Give Me Weird Drinks

Mr. Steinberger’s technology analysis and insight has been featured in several books on virtual and augmented reality. Mr. Steinberger has received awards and recognition for his reporting and research, including the American Business Media's prestigious Jesse H. Neal Award for editorial excellence.

Follow on Twitter: @slsteinberger