We’ve made big efforts around streamlining and efficiencies - everything everyone says they want to do.
CEO
The challenge
Like many advice firms expanding through acquisition, GSI juggled multiple tools, disconnected systems and overly manual processes. The result was inefficiency, mounting admin pressure and rising costs.
They needed to:
- Remove reliance on multiple IT solutions
- Reduce admin overhead and manual tasks
- Scale operations without increasing headcount
- Deliver a tech-enabled service across an expanding client base
The approach
Xplan first
CEO Mark Buck led a bold internal transformation, re-engineering the company’s existing tech stack and workflows. His target was to have less reliance on multiple IT solutions by using Xplan to its fullest.
Key moves included:
- Making Xplan the operational core
GSI upgraded from Xplan Essentials to a single-site Xplan, which they made the foundation of their business. Mark’s main principle was: “Xplan isn’t going anywhere - so make it number one and build everything else around it.” - Cutting costs, not capability
Tools like CashCalc were phased out in favour of native Xplan capabilities, improving data flow and reducing their software bill. As Mark says, “ If Xplan has a portal, why are we using CashCalc, which costs us more money?” - “Beefing up” their client portal
By embracing Xplan’s built-in client portal, GSI dramatically improved service levels and back-office productivity. A key driver behind this was the need to maintain consistency and quality across the GSI brand. Mark explains: “One of the businesses we bought had clients who embraced online activity. So we went out of our way to get our client portal up and running. Now all our client communications happen through the portal, and the team speaks well of it.” - Automating annual reviews
Channelling all their client communications through the portal enabled GSI to completely overhaul their review process, turning a time-consuming manual task into a fast and seamless experience. Mark says, “We now run our entire annual review process through the portal. 95% of our review compliance is automated, and our admin team can knock out a month’s worth of work in a morning.”
95% of our review compliance is automated, and our admin team can knock out a month’s worth of work in a morning.
CEO
The results
The results speak for themselves: profits up tenfold, review compliance 95% automated, a month’s work done in a morning, and costs reduced - all while improving client service.
✅ 10x increase in profit
✅ 95% of annual review compliance automated
✅ Admin time and overhead significantly reduced
✅ Reduced software costs
✅ Improved service levels - “We’re doing it better, bigger and faster.”
✅ Best place to work - three years running
A strong partnership with Iress
A key driver of GSI’s success has been its close, collaborative relationship with Iress, particularly with their Account Manager, Beth, and Implementations Specialist, Rich. This partnership has helped the team optimise their use of Xplan, stay ahead of new features, and maximise return on investment.
“The relationship with Iress is superb. We feel well-informed about what’s on the roadmap and make the most of user groups to stay across the latest developments.”
What’s next?
Now, in a position of strength, Mark says he is focused on optimisation - polishing what’s working and maximising every feature of the Xplan platform.
“This year is about fine-tuning how our advisers interact with clients and how Xplan supports that. We’re very comfortable with what we’ve got.”
Key takeaway: Simplicity for the win
Mark set out to make Xplan, and IT generally, the foundation of what GSI does well. Their success story is a powerful reminder that focus drives results. By committing to a clear Xplan-first strategy, GSI has built a highly profitable and competitive business, along with an award-winning culture, ready for the future.
That’s the power of Xplan.
