Scottish Widows has partnered with Origo to extend its letter of authority (LoA) process for advisers across its business.

Origo’s Unipass LoA aims to cut turnaround times and improve the quality of information, giving advisers a single method for sending LoA requests to UK platform and product providers.

The system has whole-of-market provider coverage and serves as a one-stop shop for advisers to access all their LoA requests and information through a digital portal.

Scottish Widows said its Unipass LoA adoption marked the first in a series of upcoming investments to provide advisers with a seamless experience beyond their platform and across their business by utilising Origo’s range of data services.

Origo has recently announced a series of enhancements to its Unipass LoA service, including a checklist for advisers to upload specific data points they need to ensure they obtain all required information from providers to process requests smoothly.

“We are very pleased to extend Origo’s Unipass LoA service beyond the Scottish Widows platform for advisers serving clients with our workplace pensions, retirements, protection, and longstanding products,” commented Scottish Widows head of adviser lab, Ed Parker.

“We’re committed to improving our LoA servicing, including the speed of our responses and the accuracy of information at this important part of the financial planning process.

“Our intent is to deliver Origo data services to a high level across Scottish Widows, removing friction from the way we share data with advisers to deliver a consistent and industry leading experience across our business.”

Origo CEO, Anthony Rafferty, added: “Letters of Authority are a vital part of the financial planning process and, having developed our service based on direct feedback from advice firms, our ambition is to transform the LoA experience for advisers and their clients.

“While we are proud to have established Unipass LoA as a whole-of-market solution, the deep integration now achieved with leading providers like Scottish Widows represents a significant advancement for the industry.

“Delivering this level of connectivity for several major pension providers - and with further integrations already underway - demonstrates our ongoing commitment to driving efficiency, transparency and improved outcomes for advisers and their clients across the market.”

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