Charles Stanley Direct has rolled-out a new version of the App that it launched in October 2017. The latest version, which is compatible with Android and iOS, incorporates new functionality including the ability to trade in over 4,000 funds and instant account access thanks to a new biometric log-in process utilising face or fingerprint recognition.
Managing Director of Charles Stanley Direct, Magnus Wheatley, believes the news signals a ‘bold future’ for the platform.
“The first half of 2018 has been great for us,” he says. “We have moved into profitability, and the Charles Stanley Direct App, launched in October 2017, has been incredibly popular with over 23,000 downloads. In a world where we all have very busy lives, having access to our savings and investments when it suits us is important. For instance, we know our users tend to access the App during peak commuting periods, at lunchtimes and in the evenings. The new version means users can now trade in over 4,000 Funds via the App and the new biometric log-in process, which I personally love using, offers face or fingerprint recognition that is both secure and provides instant access.
“Banks have been ahead of wealth managers and asset managers in investing in this technology, but what is clear to me is that the industry needs to catch-up. I like the idea of a world where my Car, once it recognises my face, will tell me what is happening with the weather, traffic flow and my investment portfolio. Or Alexa can update me on how well my investment and cash savings are doing. I’ve been struck by the reality that many younger investors will have only ever accessed investment via an App, not even using a website. The pace of change is rapid, but more importantly the way that this technology is changing the way we interact with our investments, making them more accessible and familiar, is a game changing opportunity. Charles Stanley Direct is investing more in this technology and we will be announcing some exciting updates later in the year.”
Biren Patel, Digital Manager at Charles Stanley, managed the upgrades to the App. He says: “My task was to make it ‘insanely simple to invest’ via the App and this has been the focus of our delivery. Of course, simple to use is not simple to build and it was challenging to integrate across our systems. I’m pleased with the result. The stability of the build and the user experience (UX) is very strong and I think we have delivered as tasked. There are more challenges ahead, which the in-house team are already busy working on.”
The Charles Stanley Direct App is available from Google Play and Apple Stores. An update is available for users of the existing App.
