Remote and hybrid work have become the new standard for many financial advisory firms. Clients expect seamless communication, secure access to their data, and uninterrupted service regardless of where advisors are working. For financial advisors, the challenge isn’t just staying connected—it’s protecting sensitive client information while maintaining compliance standards. That’s where a Managed Service Provider (MSP) can play a critical role.
Why Financial Advisors Need an IT Checklist for Hybrid Work
Financial advisors deal with sensitive client data daily, from investment strategies to personally identifiable information (PII). In a hybrid work environment, data flows across home offices, mobile devices, and cloud platforms. Without a structured IT checklist, firms risk gaps in security, compliance, and productivity.
A well-structured IT checklist helps ensure:
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Secure communication across devices and networks
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Compliance with regulations such as the SEC, FINRA, and the FTC Safeguards Rule
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Business continuity in the face of disruptions
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Client confidence through reliable, professional service delivery
Essential IT Checklist for Hybrid Financial Advisors
Secure Access and Authentication
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Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all applications.
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Use secure VPNs or zero-trust network access (ZTNA) for remote connections.
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Regularly review and update access rights for employees.
Device and Endpoint Management
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Ensure every device, whether firm-issued or personal, has endpoint detection and response (EDR).
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Maintain strict patch management to eliminate vulnerabilities.
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Require encryption for laptops and mobile devices.
Data Security and Compliance
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Encrypt client data both in transit and at rest.
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Implement secure cloud storage solutions with strong backup protocols.
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Align with industry regulations including SEC, FINRA, and FTC Safeguards Rule requirements.
Communication and Collaboration Tools
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Adopt secure messaging and email platforms with anti-phishing protections.
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Ensure video conferencing is protected with meeting access controls.
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Standardize approved applications to prevent shadow IT.
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
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Test data backup and recovery plans regularly.
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Create redundancy for critical systems to ensure uptime.
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Document a disaster recovery plan accessible to both on-site and remote staff.
The Role of MSPs in Supporting Hybrid Financial Advisors
A Managed Service Provider can help financial advisory firms bridge the gap between security, compliance, and productivity. MSPs deliver:
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Proactive monitoring of systems and networks to detect threats early
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Compliance expertise to align IT infrastructure with SEC, FINRA, and FTC Safeguards Rule requirements
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Scalable IT solutions to adapt as firms grow and adopt new technologies
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24/7 support to reduce downtime and keep advisors connected to clients
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Strategic IT planning tailored to the financial sector, ensuring firms invest wisely in secure, efficient technology
By partnering with an MSP, financial advisors can focus on building client relationships while knowing that their hybrid IT environment is secure, compliant, and optimized for performance.
Building Confidence in a Hybrid World
For financial advisors, the ability to serve clients securely and efficiently in a hybrid environment is no longer optional—it’s expected. A clear IT checklist combined with the support of an experienced MSP ensures that firms remain compliant, resilient, and client-focused. Advisors who prioritize strong IT foundations will find themselves well-positioned to build trust and deliver value, no matter where they or their clients are located.
For more insights into how MSPs turn IT challenges into strengths, check out our article in the Indiana Business Journal here.
Every business faces IT challenges, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Core Managed helps businesses secure their data, scale efficiently, and stay compliant. If you’re struggling with any of the issues discussed in this blog, let’s talk. Give us a call today at 888-890-2673 or contact us here to schedule a chat.