Products October 22, 2008

Geneos Updates Technology Platform for Advisers

Geneos Wealth Management, Inc., a Denver-based broker/dealer, announced enhancements to its technology platform for broker/dealers and registered representatives.
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The latest version of the Web-based Geneos application, Nexus 2.0, automates many of the tasks associated with an independent financial adviser’s business, including account opening, compliance, and reporting, according to a press release. The open architecture platform enables its users to manage data in multiple formats and applications and allows paperless document imaging. The Web-based system also allows reps to access information virtually anywhere, the release said.

Nexus 2.0 incorporates straight-through processing, which virtually eliminates faxing and cuts printing and mailing costs and audit preparation time, according to Geneos. Nexus 2.0 also provides all client data to its clearing firm partners, Pershing and National Financial, in a single interface.

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With more than 70 different reports available in the full version of Nexus 2.0, Geneos allows its representatives the ability to pick and choose the components that best suit their independent practice, the company said. “There’s no comparing Nexus 2.0’s data power over any other competing system, but the system can exist in many different forms,’ said Dean Rager, senior vice president for Geneos, in the release. “There is no paying for things you don’t need with Nexus 2.0.’

Deals & People October 21, 2008

Putnam Continues Effort to Build Up Investment Team

Nick C. Thakore and Robert D. Ewing will join Putnam Investments as managing directors and portfolio managers of the firm’s Large Cap Equities Team, the company said.
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In addition to their roles as large cap equity team leaders, Thakore will become portfolio manager for the Putnam Voyager Fund, while Ewing will become portfolio manager for the Putnam Fund for Growth and Income, according to the Putnam announcement. The two join Putnam from RiverSource Investments, where they developed an approach to research and managed several of RiverSource’s large-cap equity funds.

Prior to joining RiverSource in April 2002, both Thakore and Ewing had strong records of investment achievement at Fidelity Investments.

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The industry veterans will start at Putnam on November 3.

The company said Eric Harthun, who had been Portfolio Leader for the Putnam Fund for Growth and Income, will return to his core expertise managing the Putnam Small Cap Value Fund, led by Edward T. Shadek. Putnam’s Global Asset Allocation team, which had managed the Putnam Voyager Fund and is led by Jeff Knight (see “Putnam Announces Fund Manager Shifts“) will now re-focus on Putnam’s suite of asset allocation funds.

In the past few months, Putnam has bolstered its investment team through the hires of Gerard Sullivan and Robert Brookby, from American Century, and David Calabro, formerly of MFS. Putnam has also hired seven experienced senior research analysts and plans to add several more by year’s end.

Earlier this month, Putnam also announced the hiring of Jeffrey R. Carney to head its global marketing and product development (see “Fidelity Alum Carney Joins Reynolds at Putnam“).

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