Charles Schwab 2012 Annual Report Download - page 21

LETTER FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 19
clients who prefer face-to-face contact, while still maintaining
the highest level of service over the phone and online. Clients
want an easier way to invest in ETFs, so we responded with
ground-breaking innovation — our new Schwab ETF OneSource™
platform featuring commission-free trades on ETFs from most
of the major ETF providers. Later in 2013, we plan to introduce
an industry-rst full-service 401(k) program that will offer
employees the ability to invest in low-cost, index ETFs.
Schwab will continue being a challenger and innovator,
consistent with our heritage. Ultimately, trust is built when
someone shares your values and puts your interests at the
forefront. And that is what Schwab is all about. Chuck Schwab
reinvented investing once four decades ago, and we are doing
it again... one trusting relationship at a time.
Thank you for your condence.
Warmly,
WALT BETTINGER
March 8, 2013
Mobile Apps. Schwab enhanced its mobile apps with the
release of Schwab Bill Pay® for iPad, iPhone and Android,
and mobile deposit capabilities for iPad users. By year-end,
more than 1.2 million check deposits were made on a mobile
device, up from 426,931 the prior year. In addition, the new
Schwab Advisor Center™ app for both iPhone and iPad gave
independent advisors convenient mobile access to key client
data, such as balances, positions, and transactions.
Schwab Global Account™ . Schwab expanded global investing
capabilities with the launch of the Schwab Global Account,
which provides investors with direct, 24/7 online access to
12 foreign equity markets with the ability to trade in their
local currencies whenever the markets are open.
Options Trading. optionsXpress, Inc. introduced two new
tools for options traders — Idea Hub™ and Walk Limit™ . Idea
Hub is a new idea-generation tool that lters real-time data
from various sources — including options screeners, strategy
scanner, and earnings calendars — and packages the results
into actionable options trading ideas. Walk Limit tool can
“walk” or adjust an option order’s limit price automatically
to help optimize execution.
StreetSmart Edge® Platform in the Cloud. Schwab put its
most powerful trading platform on the web to be accessed
from any Mac or PC with an internet connection, giving active
traders exible access to everything that was previously
available only using downloadable software.
Advisor Technology. Schwab Intelligent Integration
added more third-party software providers to its platform
as it continued to increase integration between various
systems and workows used by independent advisors.
Schwab Intelligent Technologies also announced the new
Schwab OpenView MarketSquare™ review site, which will
provide ratings and advisor feedback on popular providers.
Practice Management Consulting. Advisor Services
expanded its Insight to Action workshops, offering
independent investment advisors hands-on training and
support. Since its inception in 2011, nearly 900 advisors
have attended workshops on strategic planning, client
protability, and other topics.
Schwab Index Advantage®. Retirement Plan Services
launched a one-of-a-kind 401(k) plan offer designed to
lower costs, simplify investing, and help workers better
prepare for retirement. The offer provides index mutual funds
with low operating expenses bundled with a professional,
independent advisory service that develops a savings and
investment program.
Schwab Compliance Solutions. Schwab brought together
the regulatory compliance software of Compliance11® , which
was acquired in 2011, with the trade monitoring services of
Schwab Designated Brokerage Services to create Schwab
Compliance Solutions. The comprehensive compliance
offering helps companies better meet regulatory requirements,
manage risk, and protect their reputations.
MAJOR 2012 INITIATIVES
(1) From FORTUNE® Magazine March 19, 2012. ©2012 Time Inc. FORTUNE is a registered
trademark of Time Inc. and is used under license. FORTUNE and Time Inc. are not
afliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, Licensee.
(2) Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. received the highest numerical score among self-directed
investing service providers in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2012
Self-Directed Investor Satisfaction StudySM
. Study based on responses from 3,733
investors measuring 10 providers and measures satisfaction of self-directed investors.
Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers
surveyed in February 2012. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com