Forms Logic with Rick Burgess | E352

Making forms not suck.

In today’s episode, Jason interviews Rick Burgess, CEO of Forms Logic. They delve into the origin of Forms Logic, a platform designed to streamline data collection and form processing for financial advisors. Rick explains the challenges firms face with legacy systems and the inefficiencies that arise from inconsistent data management. They explore the potential improvements in client onboarding, data handling, and operational efficiency that Forms Logic aims to address. The conversation also touches on broader issues in financial services, such as the difficulties in achieving industry-wide data standardization and optimizing processes for better client experiences.

Key Highlights:

  • 00:11: Introduction to the podcast and overview of Forms Logic's purpose in the financial advisory sector.

  • 00:53:Rick Burgess presents a concise elevator pitch for Forms Logic.

  • 01:37: Discussion on Forms Logic's origins and how it evolved from solving internal inefficiencies.

  • 02:21: Challenges in financial service onboarding due to diverse forms and data requirements.

  • 03:08: Complexities of designing adaptable systems for financial services.

  • 03:58: The issue of inconsistent data formats among different brokerage platforms.

  • 04:50: Historical stagnation in document digitization and the lack of true innovation in client servicing.

  • 05:35: Generating efficiencies in processes through improved data handling.

  • 07:28: Describing the challenges in uniformity among client onboarding processes.

  • 08:09: Impact of platform variances on acquisition strategies in financial firms.

  • 09:45: The importance of understanding data landscape for effective CRM transitions.

  • 10:36: Discussion on usable industry data points in CRM platforms.

  • 11:26: Industry challenges in creating a universal dataset in financial services.

  • 12:12: Exploring innovation potential in form processing and data normalization.

  • 13:53: The transition from paper to digital in financial record keeping.

  • 14:41: Innovative client onboarding methods that reduce dependency on traditional e-signatures.

  • 16:09: Potential efficiencies through universal datasets and streamlined processes.

  • 18:08: Customizability of processes and the balance between standardization and individuality.

  • 18:57: The potential drawbacks of retaining inefficient big producing advisors.

  • 19:38: Leveraging data to evaluate advisor and employee efficiency.

  • 20:28: Cost analysis and profitability in client and advisor management.

  • 21:49: Understanding regulatory changes as an opportunity for best practice adoption.

  • 22:28: The importance of structured onboarding systems in compliance management.00:23:11: A detailed overview of Forms Logic's capabilities beyond form handling.

Key Points:

  • Data standardization is a significant barrier to efficiency in the financial services industry. Effective onboarding processes can mitigate compliance issues significantly.

  • Evaluating advisor and employee performance through data can uncover hidden inefficiencies and optimize operations.

  • The financial sector needs to move beyond traditional document formats to embrace true digital transformation.

  • Adopting better data management systems can streamline operations and enhance client experience.

Tweetable Quotes:

  • "We make forms not suck." - Rick Burgess

  • "Optionality is painful and expensive." - Jason Pereira

  • "Firms need to evolve into data companies to truly innovate." - Rick Burgess

  • "The greatest thing on earth was to make it from a piece of paper to a PDF . Innovation stopped at that point." - Rick Burgess

Resources Mentioned:

Fintech ImpactJason PereiraFintech