AdviceWorks BIC Integration
I designed compliance workflows in AdviceWorks to streamline annuity account setup for financial advisors (B2B), ensuring a smooth, intuitive experience that met regulatory standards.
Project Definitions
Problem Overview
I redesigned the AdviceWorks account setup flow to surface BIC requirements early and clearly, replacing vague terms and hidden logic with a contextual fly-in panel that provides step-by-step guidance and a seamless handoff to RightBridge—minimizing advisor confusion, errors, and compliance friction.
BIC Requirements were previously buried under the “More Menu”
I designed a contextual fly-in panel with step-by-step BIC guidance and a smooth handoff to RightBridge:
My Role
I led UX strategy by auditing BIC workflows, designing modular flows for annuity setup, and building high-fidelity prototypes. Simplified complex rules into clear UI, reducing confusion and rework.
Design Goals
By surfacing BIC requirements earlier in the Open Account flow—dynamically tailored to account and funding types—advisors now receive upfront, step-by-step guidance that reduces errors and ensures compliance.
Fly-In Panel
I designed a contextual BIC fly-in panel in AdviceWorks that guided annuity setup using logic based on jurisdiction, product, and custodian. Smart options and visual cues helped advisors create, link, or skip BICs based on licensing—ensuring compliance without disrupting workflows.
AO Workflow
The Account Opening flow, initially created by the Product Owner, was complex and deeply conditional. I restructured it into a guided, modular sequence by progressively flattening decisions. Introducing six clickable account types (e.g., annuity, brokerage, advisory) helped establish product logic early and reduce confusion.
Decision Tree
To simplify the advisor experience and reduce compliance risk, we redesigned the account selection process using a decision tree model. The goal was to trigger the correct BIC logic early—based on account type, funding source, and custodial setup—without overwhelming the user. The decision tree is evoked by selecting Create A New BIC on the Open Account Panel.
I visualized the workflow on the previous screen into Qualified and No-Qualified Account Flows. The flow branches into two primary paths:
Qualified – e.g., Traditional IRA, Roth IRA
Non-Qualified – e.g., Individual or Joint accounts
This determines whether BIC conditions will apply at all.
Qualified Flow
If a Qualified account is selected (e.g., IRA, Roth, SEP), the system asks:
Is this a QRP Rollover?
Is this an IRA-to-IRA Transfer?
Based on answers, the correct BIC is triggered:
QRP → RollOver BIC
IRA Transfer → Transfer-Only BIC
Neither → Investment-Only BIC
None → No BIC
Non-Qualified Flow
If a Non-Qualified account is selected (e.g., Individual, Joint, Custodian, ESA, Estate, or Trust), the flow branches by account subtype:
Estate / Trust → No BIC required
Individual / Joint / Custodian / ESA → If BIC applies (based on funding conditions, e.g. MET/EIV), it typically defaults to Investment-Only BIC
Outcomes
The Outcomes of either the Non-Qualified or Qualified flow determine the left.
Existing BICs
To streamline workflows and avoid duplicate submissions, I designed a panel that surfaces existing BICs during account setup, allowing advisors to quickly select in-progress or completed ones.
Key enhancements included:
Prioritized “In Progress” cases for quick access
Clear CTAs and simplified layout
Visual Status Indicators (In Progress, Completed, etc.)
Responsive design for mobile use
This update reduced support requests, increased BIC reuse, and improved advisor confidence.
Results & Impact
This project went beyond streamlining—it helped rebuild advisor confidence in a key workflow. Clearer BIC steps reduced confusion and compliance risk without extra work.
Key outcomes:
Fewer errors and support requests
More on-time completions from earlier prompts and smart defaults
Positive feedback: “This update has made the process more intuitive for me”
Modular design reused across other compliance flows
This project showed that thoughtful UX can turn complex compliance into a smooth, intuitive experience. By surfacing BIC steps earlier, simplifying decisions, and adding guidance, we reduced confusion and boosted advisor confidence. The new workflow cut errors and support needs—and became a model for other compliance features, proving how design can drive clarity, efficiency, and trust at scale.