The MetLife Broker-Dealer Group has launched a new electronicbusiness processing system for its broker-dealer operations. Knownas eApp (Electronic Application) and eApp with electronic signatureoption, the system speeds up the application process and makes iteasier for registered representatives to do business withMetLife.

The application process has been improved by warehousingbusiness forms in a single electronic repository, eliminating theneed for paper copies. MetLife broker-dealers can eliminate theneed to print an electronic form in order to capture a signatureapproval. Both the client and the representative can secureelectronic signatures in a faster manner.

eApp performs systematic validation after the representativecompletes the form, and then it notifies the representative ofmissing information and limited suitability references. eApp alsois available on the Wealth Management Services (WMS) platform,MetLife Broker-Dealer Group's proprietary investment advisoryplatform.

“We have made significant strides in our technology to help ourregistered representatives improve the way they manage and conducttheir businesses,” says John J. Brett, senior vice president of theMetLife Broker-Dealer Group. “We already have received positivereviews from producers who see this as the future of businessprocessing. These user-friendly electronic applications also helpreduce the paper-intensive processes that are so [much a] part ofour producers' businesses, thereby allowing them to go back to whatis most important to them–their clients.”

To facilitate straight-through processing, MetLife integrated anelectronic signature solution from Interlink into the eAppplatform. Once a handwritten electronic signature is captured withInterlink's signature capture device, IntegriSign binds theelectronic signature to the document, creating a secure form thatthen can be electronically routed through the MetLife Broker-DealerGroup back office.

eApp increases back-office efficiencies due to reductions in“not of good order” (NOGO) applications. It also enables thecarrier's ability to complete fillable forms online andautomatically populate existing client information in forms toreduce redundancies.

“Moving toward an electronic, paperless processing system movesMetLife as an enterprise closer to its overall goals regarding theimplementation and practice of green initiatives and promotion ofenvironmental responsibility in our day-to-day operations,” saysBob Begun, vice president of operations for the MetLifeBroker-Dealer Group.