Interview with Ray Pettitt, Managing Director at Galleon Wealth
Finding the right technology partner is challenging in the ever-evolving landscape of financial advice. With so many platforms available, how do you choose the right one?
We sat down with Ray Pettitt, Managing Director at Galleon Wealth Management, to discuss why his firm switched to JustFA, the benefits they’ve seen, and how digital tools are transforming client relationships.
Ray, as an owner and manager of a well-established advisory firm, what prompted you to look for another platform partner?
It really came down to rationalising the platforms we used. There’s been quite a bit of movement in the market—platforms being sold, others changing providers—so we knew we needed to do due diligence and narrow things down. We decided to make JustFA our digital offering.
There are hundreds of adviser systems and platforms out there. How did you go about researching your options?
We started with independent research. The Lang Cat report was useful, and we checked other comparison sites, too. But ultimately, we had to find what worked for us—especially when it came to direct marketing. The ability to simplify processes, cut down manual work, and reduce the need for face-to-face meetings was a big factor.
What made JustFA stand out? Were there other platforms in the running?
We looked at multiple options, including TP, where we already had some assets. But JustFA stood out because of cost efficiency and fund availability. Cost wasn’t the only driver, but the platform was competitively priced with strong fund portfolios, so it made sense.
Beyond cost and fund availability, what about the client experience? Things like a client portal and an app—were they important in your decision?
Definitely. Clients now expect an app for everything—banking, shopping, and even charging their car. Why should financial advice be any different? The JustFA app allows clients to check balances instantly rather than calling me for a valuation.
But it goes far beyond just checking balances. Clients can upload and securely store their ID documents, eliminating the hassle of scanning and emailing paperwork. They can review and accept important financial documents, streamlining compliance and reducing delays in decision-making. The app also plays a crucial role in ongoing financial planning—clients can go through their annual reviews and recommendation reports, making it easy to stay on top of their financial strategy without unnecessary meetings.
Financial services have been dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century. Having an app is no longer a bonus—it’s a necessity. Clients expect their financial management tools to be as seamless as their everyday digital experiences, and JustFA ensures that expectation is met.
Let's talk about client migration. What was your process for deciding which clients to move first?
We focused on clients who were already comfortable with using online platforms. The key factors were whether they had an email address and a smartphone. Some of my clients still don’t have smartphones, which ruled them out for now.
Another important aspect was cost efficiency. If a client had a straightforward financial plan, it made sense to migrate them. The ability to do this digitally saved about 80% of the time compared to traditional face-to-face onboarding.
Using a direct marketing approach made sense because it saved me from seeing 50 clients individually and getting them to sign all the paperwork. Instead, everything could be done seamlessly online—clients received their documents, reviewed them, and signed electronically, and we could move forward without delays. It also meant that clients who preferred a hands-off approach could complete everything conveniently rather than waiting for an in-person meeting.
This method improved efficiency and allowed me to focus more on strategic planning and higher-value interactions rather than spending time on administrative tasks. Clients appreciated the flexibility, and it reinforced the shift towards a more modern, digital-first approach.
That’s a huge time-saving. How did you find the process, and how was the support from JustFA?
The regular updates and tracking features were great. And JustFA sent chase-up client emails for me, which meant I didn’t have to spend time calling them. That really helped move things along.
And how did clients find the process? Any feedback?
The biggest thing was ensuring they knew the onboarding link was legitimate. In today’s world, scams are everywhere, so I made sure to send a preparatory email before sending the JustFA link. Even then, some clients checked with me before clicking it.
There was a bit of hand-holding for a few, but overall, it was smooth. Most clients actually found the process to be very straightforward—they simply needed to upload their ID documents and sign a few forms electronically, and their accounts were set up and transferred efficiently. The platform was designed to make it as easy as possible for them, reducing any friction in the onboarding process.
That’s actually a good sign—clients are cautious, which means they trust you. What about document uploads—was that a challenge for clients?
Not really. The process is actually very simple. Clients upload ID documents directly through the portal, eliminating the hassle of printing, scanning, or mailing anything. I also made it easier for some by offering to bring their ID to meetings so I could scan and upload it myself. This saved them from struggling with taking clear photos on their phones.
Additionally, clients can sign multiple documents electronically, making the account transfer process seamless. This speeds up the transition and removes the need for back-and-forth paperwork, which is often a pain point in traditional financial processes.
We position JustFA as a digital-first platform, but do you see it also supporting traditional client relationships?
Absolutely. Most of my clients still want personal advice—whether in-person or on Teams. If they wanted a purely digital experience, they could go to Hargreaves Lansdown or Vanguard. JustFA strikes a balance between efficient digital tools and personal advice.
Annual reviews and ongoing engagement are crucial. One feature I’d love to see is news updates in the app—for example, if markets crash due to a major political event, clients would get an instant notification. That kind of engagement keeps us front and centre.
That’s a great point. With the app, you’re now in your clients’ pockets—they see updates instantly rather than waiting for an email.
Exactly. And that keeps the relationship strong between reviews.
Ray, thank you so much for sharing your experience. It’s great to hear how JustFA is making a difference at Galleon Wealth.
Final Thoughts
This conversation with Ray highlights how financial advisers embrace technology while maintaining the personal touch their clients value. JustFA provides digital efficiency without sacrificing relationship-driven advice.
If you’re an adviser looking to streamline operations while keeping client relationships strong, it’s time to explore JustFA.
Reach out to Debbie Dry, Head of Business Development and Book a Discovery Call.