Barclays Stockbrokers has introduced an investment communications platform that uses Twitter, blogs and podcasts to keep clients up to date with news, views and insights.
Investment ViewPoint provides access to information relevant to three approaches: cautious, moderate and opportunistic. The system uses 'abacus' imagery to signpost each one, with content relevant for cautious investors denoted by a yellow abacus, moderate by amber and opportunistic red.
Investors are then provided with a range of possible ideas and strategies, as well as access to market insights and research, to guide them.
Barclays says the platform has been developed using client insight modelling, with each of the three investment approaches reflecting a significant portion of its client base.
The firm says that with clients online and highly mobile, it has sought new ways to communicate with them through interactive media and social networking sites. Almost 95% of Barclays Stockbrokers clients now transact online and the number of pages viewed per client has increased significantly year on year.
Barbara-Ann King, head, investments, Barclays Stockbrokers, says: "Our clients are predominantly online self-directed investors and the trend towards individuals taking control of their investment decisions means they need all the information and investment ideas that they can, to manage their portfolios. Through Investment ViewPoint our clients benefit from the highest quality investment information, delivered through a variety of tools that reflect today's lifestyles."