When technology works well, wealth managers move seamlessly from planning to portfolio analysis to client communication without thinking about logins, data gaps, or disconnected systems. But when a firm’s technology falls short, it slows productivity, operations, and growth.
According to a recent WealthManagement.com survey, only about one in four advisors feel highly satisfied with their firms’ overall use of technology. Encouragingly, firms are listening with nearly three-quarters of respondents saying their organizations plan to make technology operations a high or important investment priority in 2026.
When evaluating new software, the spotlight usually lands on features, dashboards, and integrations. Those are key components of the software; however, it’s only half the story. The real test of a technology partner starts after the contract is signed.
What to Look for in a Technology Partner Beyond the Feature List
Implementation is the first moment of truth. A structured onboarding process with a clear plan, dedicated support, and guidance tailored to a firm’s workflows is critical to a successful implementation. The right partner helps users become comfortable, confident, and productive.
Then comes training. It’s more than a one-time walkthrough. As teams grow and roles evolve, new users will need to be onboarded, experienced power users need deeper capabilities, and everyone benefits from refreshers on best practices. Technology delivers more value when people know how to use it well.
Communication is another differentiator. Firms should expect regular updates about releases, enhancements, and system improvements that are clear, relevant, and easy to understand. If vendors don’t communicate proactively, firms can’t plan ahead and take advantage of new capabilities.
Finally, the strongest technology partnerships feel less like vendor-client transactions and more like a collaborative partner. Questions get answered, feedback is welcomed, and support teams understand the challenges their clients face every day.
This is what a real technology partnership looks like in practice. It’s the approach SS&C Black Diamond® Wealth Solutions brings to every client relationship.
Black Diamond Is Committed to Our Clients’ Success
At Black Diamond, we pair innovative technology with the people, processes, and communication clients need to succeed.
Onboarding
Our onboarding process is tailored to our clients’ needs, ensuring a mutually beneficial approach. New clients are paired with a dedicated onboarding team that learns their business and configures our solution alongside a firm’s existing tools to ensure they work together seamlessly.Training & Education
We offer practical programs that align with how clients use our systems. From live virtual sessions to in-person workshops, a wide variety of formats and styles are available to meet the needs of every user, team, and training style.Our newest offering is team-based workshops designed around specific firms supported by a specific service team. Instead of one-size-fits-all training, this is content tailored to firms in attendance and focused on real-world challenges and opportunities.
Client Communication
Black Diamond hosts an annual client webinar to outline our roadmap and priorities for the year ahead. We share updates on how our team is advancing solution capabilities, services, and the overall advisor and client experience.
We believe great ideas start with our clients. They can submit enhancement requests directly through our in-platform Great Ideas tool. Our product development team receives these ideas, tracks common themes, and makes improvements based on client suggestions.Support & Service
Clients have direct access to a dedicated service team that understands their goals and workflows. Whether it’s to ask a question, get troubleshooting help, or share feedback, we’re available and ready to respond.
In the end, evaluating wealth management software is the first step. Making it work consistently, smoothly, and at scale is where the right partner makes all the difference. Wealth management firms and trust companies choose Black Diamond for both our technology and the partnership behind it.
Ready to see how SS&C Black Diamond® Wealth Solutions can help your firm scale smarter, serve clients better, and grow with confidence? Request a personalized demo, call 1-800-727-0605, or email info@sscblackdiamond.com today.
