10 Must-Have Financial Advisor Tools in 2025
The financial industry is currently undergoing rapid technological transformation. As a result, more tools are available than ever to help financial advisors save time, streamline costs, and strengthen their client relationships.
Embracing the right tools can make the difference between honing your competitive edge and falling behind. It can also help your firm retain top talent. After all, over half of financial advisors are considering leaving their current firm for one with better tech tools.
So, which tools for financial advisors are worth the investment in 2025? Below, we’ll outline ten must-have tools for financial advisors.
#1 CRM for Financial Advisors (Customer Relationship Management)
Our Pick: Salesforce
CRM software for financial advisors helps them store and review client data from one place. As a result, it serves as the cornerstone of your financial advisory practice. Along with helping you manage client interactions efficiently, a robust CRM can streamline your recordkeeping and ensure all relevant information is easily accessible to everyone at your firm.
Key features and benefits of CRM software include:
- Streamlined client interactions – CRMs centralize client information into one platform, enabling you to access critical details about past interactions with a few clicks.
- Automated reminders – Acquiring clients doesn’t always happen overnight. You often need to schedule well-timed follow-ups to obtain their business. A CRM can simplify this process by automating follow-up reminders and ensuring no client requests fall through the cracks.
- Data analysis and reporting – Many CRMs can provide valuable insights into clients’ behavior and preferences. You can use this data to optimize your marketing efforts and service offerings.
- Segmentation and targeting – CRMs allow you to segment your clients based on their age, investment preferences, and financial goals so you can target different segments with tailored messaging.
- API integrations – Many CRM platforms integrate seamlessly with other software tools you may be using, such as email marketing platforms or financial planning software.
While Salesforce is the leading CRM program in the United States, there are many others you can choose from. For example, Redtail is a popular CRM for financial service providers, while Wealthbox is a CRM designed specifically for financial advisors.
#2 Financial Planning Software For Advisors
Our Pick: Right Capital
Financial planning software is essential for creating comprehensive financial plans, running scenarios, and demonstrating value to clients. The right planning software can help you model different strategies and show clients the potential outcomes of their financial decisions.
Key features to look for include:
- Comprehensive planning modules – Look for software that covers retirement planning, tax planning, insurance analysis, and estate planning
- Monte Carlo simulations – These help you show clients the probability of achieving their financial goals under different market conditions
- Client-friendly presentations – The ability to create visually appealing reports that clients can easily understand
- Integration capabilities – Software that integrates with your CRM and portfolio management systems
- Real-time data feeds – Access to current market data and account information
Popular options include Right Capital, eMoney Advisor, and MoneyGuidePro, each offering different strengths depending on your practice’s needs.
#3 Turnkey Asset Management Platforms (TAMP)
Our Pick: SharpeMetrix
A Turnkey Asset Management Platform (TAMP) can revolutionize your practice by providing institutional-grade investment management capabilities without the overhead of building your own investment team. This is where SharpeMetrix excels, offering alternative data-driven investment strategies that can help differentiate your practice.
Why SharpeMetrix stands out:
- Alternative Data Integration – Our proprietary signals leverage alternative data sources to identify investment opportunities before they appear in traditional financial metrics
- Institutional-Grade Analytics – Access to sophisticated risk management and portfolio optimization tools typically only available to large institutions
- Customizable Model Portfolios – Choose from various strategies including value, momentum, and blended approaches across different market capitalizations
- ETF-Based Solutions – Cost-effective implementation through ETF strategies that maintain liquidity and transparency
- Comprehensive Reporting – Detailed performance attribution and risk analytics to help you communicate value to clients
Unlike traditional TAMPs that rely solely on fundamental analysis, SharpeMetrix’s quantitative approach and alternative data sources can help you deliver alpha while managing risk more effectively.
#4 Scheduling Software
Our Pick: Calendly
Scheduling software streamlines the meeting booking process by allowing clients to choose their preferred time slots to meet with you online. It reduces the back-and-forth emails and phone calls that often accompany appointment scheduling.
Features to prioritize:
- Automated booking capabilities – Eliminate cumbersome email exchanges by allowing clients to book meetings online
- Customizable appointment types – Set up different meeting types with appropriate durations
- Calendar integration – Automatic updates to prevent double bookings
- Meeting confirmations and reminders – Reduce no-show rates with automated notifications
- Time zone support – Essential for advisors working with clients across different regions
Calendly leads the market with its user-friendly interface, while alternatives like Acuity Scheduling and SimplyBook.me offer additional customization options.
#5 Video Conferencing Software
Our Pick: Microsoft Teams
Since 2020, video conferencing has become essential, with Zoom experiencing a 2,900% surge in daily meeting participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Video conferencing allows you to meet with clients globally while maintaining the personal connection that builds trust.
Essential features include:
- Screen sharing capabilities – Present financial plans, performance reports, and documents during meetings
- Meeting recordings – Document discussions and share with colleagues who couldn’t attend
- Security measures – Robust security features for discussing sensitive client information
- AI transcription – Eliminate note-taking during discussions
- Integration capabilities – Connect with your other business tools
Microsoft Teams integrates well with Office applications, while Zoom offers broad compatibility and WebEx provides enhanced security features.
#6 Document Storage Solutions
Our Pick: Dropbox Business
Secure document storage is crucial for managing client files, ensuring compliance, and facilitating collaboration. Cloud-based platforms offer convenience while maintaining security through encryption and access controls.
Key capabilities:
- Secure document sharing – Send documents without email security risks
- Version control – Track changes and access the most recent document versions
- Compliance support – Built-in features for regulatory adherence
- Audit trails – Track who accessed what documents and when
- Mobile access – Review documents on-the-go
Dropbox Business and Box are popular choices, while Microsoft SharePoint integrates well with other Microsoft tools.
#7 Risk Analysis Software
Our Pick: Nitrogen (formerly Riskalyze)
Risk analysis tools help assess client risk tolerance, model investment scenarios, and predict potential outcomes. These tools are essential for creating tailored investment strategies that align with each client’s risk profile.
Important features:
- Risk tolerance assessments – Objective measurement of client risk preferences
- Portfolio stress testing – Analyze performance under different market conditions
- Detailed reporting – Clear explanations of investment strategies and risk factors
- Integration capabilities – Connect with financial planning and portfolio management software
- Client-friendly presentations – Help clients understand their risk profile
Nitrogen leads this space, while Morningstar Direct and BlackRock’s Aladdin offer institutional-level capabilities.
#8 Financial Advisor Billing Software
Our Pick: QuickBooks
Efficient billing software automates invoicing, payment processing, and reporting, ensuring consistent cash flow and reducing administrative burden.
Essential features:
- Online payment processing – 70% of consumers prefer digital payments
- Recurring billing automation – Set up automatic billing for ongoing services
- Detailed reporting – Analyze revenue streams and identify improvement areas
- Integration capabilities – Connect with accounting and CRM systems
- Multi-currency support – Essential for international clients
QuickBooks dominates the market, while FreshBooks and Bill.com offer specialized features for service-based businesses.
#9 Client Portal Solutions
Our Pick: Comprehensive TAMP Solutions
Client portals provide 24/7 access to accounts, documents, and reports, enhancing transparency and reducing routine inquiries.
Benefits include:
- Streamlined workload – Reduce client inquiries about routine updates
- Secure document sharing – Safe environment for sensitive documents
- Real-time performance reporting – Clients can view portfolio performance anytime
- Direct communication – Messaging features for client questions
- Customizable branding – Maintain consistent brand experience
Many TAMP providers, including SharpeMetrix, include client portals as part of their comprehensive service offering.
#10 Email Marketing for Financial Advisors
Our Pick: Constant Contact
Regular communication builds client confidence, with research showing that clients receiving frequent advisor contact have 49% higher confidence in their financial plans.
Key capabilities:
- Audience segmentation – Target specific client groups with relevant messages
- Automated personalization – Customize emails based on client behavior
- Detailed analytics – Monitor open rates, click-through rates, and conversions
- A/B testing – Optimize subject lines, content, and layouts
- Compliance features – Ensure marketing communications meet regulatory requirements
Constant Contact and MailChimp are popular choices, offering user-friendly interfaces and robust feature sets.
Building Your Integrated Tech Stack
The key to maximizing these tools’ effectiveness is integration. Look for solutions that work together seamlessly, sharing data and eliminating duplicate entry. Consider these integration priorities:
- CRM as the hub – Your CRM should integrate with most other tools
- Planning software connectivity – Connect to your CRM and portfolio management systems
- TAMP integration – Choose a TAMP that provides APIs for connecting to your existing tools
- Unified reporting – Ensure all tools can contribute to comprehensive client reports
The SharpeMetrix Advantage
While you can piece together individual solutions, comprehensive platforms like SharpeMetrix offer integrated approaches that can simplify your tech stack while providing superior investment capabilities. Our alternative data-driven approach, combined with institutional-grade analytics and seamless integration capabilities, can help you:
- Differentiate your practice with unique investment strategies
- Reduce operational complexity through integrated solutions
- Enhance client outcomes with sophisticated risk management
- Scale your business with institutional-grade infrastructure
Conclusion
Technology adoption isn’t optional in today’s competitive landscape—it’s essential for survival and growth. The ten tools outlined above represent the foundation of a modern advisory practice, each addressing critical operational needs while enhancing client service.
The key is selecting tools that integrate well together and align with your practice’s specific needs and growth objectives. Whether you’re building a comprehensive tech stack from scratch or upgrading existing solutions, prioritize tools that will scale with your business and provide measurable value to both you and your clients.
Ready to Upgrade Your TAMP Experience?
SharpeMetrix combines cutting-edge alternative data analytics with institutional-grade investment management in a comprehensive TAMP solution. Our platform integrates seamlessly with your existing tech stack while providing the differentiated investment strategies your clients deserve.
Discover how SharpeMetrix can transform your practice:
- Access to proprietary alternative data signals
- Institutional-grade risk management and analytics
- Customizable model portfolios across multiple strategies
- Comprehensive client reporting and portal solutions
- Dedicated support from investment professionals
Ready to see the difference alternative data can make for your clients?