At this year’s Elevate conference, Crystal Andrus, Envestnet’s Principal Director, Strategic Relationship Management led a panel of highly experienced, advanced Tamarac users from CliftonLarsonAllen Advisors, Beacon Pointe Advisors, and Andersen who shared their “game changers” or tips for going beyond the basics. These aren’t just everyday users—they’re changing the game, by changing what’s possible through smart strategy, streamlined processes, and the innovative use of integrations.
If you’re looking to take your Tamarac experience to the next level, these insights offer a roadmap. Here are six real-world power tricks and the best practices behind them to help you make the best possible use of your tech stack.
1. Centralization is the key to consistency and scale
Technology sprawl can become a major roadblock to consistency. CliftonLarsonAllen’s (CLA) major breakthrough came from centralizing key operational areas, starting with reporting, trading, and portfolio management. For CLA, by moving trading responsibilities away from individual advisors and into a centralized operations team, they created a consistent, scalable process that supports faster decision-making and execution.
Crystal noted, “Scalability remains the name of the game, whether you are a $2B or $100B RIA; as it gives advisors more time to do what they do best—grow, nurture, and become the quarterback of their client’s financial picture.”
Today, over 90% of accounts are on allocations managed directly within Tamarac Rebalancer, allowing their team to rebalance faster, respond swiftly to market events, and deliver a more consistent client experience.
Best practice
Centralization requires trust and cultural alignment, but it unlocks massive efficiency gains. The payoff? More time for advisors to focus on client relationships. Tamarac enables centralized execution, even in a decentralized model.
2. Use proxy models to stay flexible
Advisors can personalize portfolios by utilizing proxy models and a firm-approved fund list, which includes approved managers available through the Unified Managed Account (UMA) framework.
All trading is executed through Tamarac Rebalancer, which provides centralized oversight. The platform monitors allocations for drift and ensures portfolios remain aligned with Andersen’s investment philosophy.
Best practice
Using Tamarac Rebalancer enables advisors to maintain consistency and compliance while also delivering highly tailored investment solutions to clients.
3. Automation and API integration to expand capacity
Beacon Pointe is all-in on automation. Their team utilizes APIs to integrate Salesforce, Tamarac, and Power BI, enabling a seamless flow of data across platforms. Custom fields, macros, and automated reporting have freed up time and enabled more informed decision-making.
By doing this, tasks like custom field checks, compensation updates, account type changes, and new strategy entries are automated and flow seamlessly across platforms. Advisors no longer need to toggle between systems or manually enter data.
Crystal pointed out, “Technology, as always, is top of mind as RIAs continue to evaluate who the right partners are for them. APIs, ease of integration, and a smooth onboarding process are of paramount importance. It’s not about being everything to everyone but about doing the RIGHT things with perfection.”
Best practice
Utilizing Tamarac’s Open Access APIs to integrate CRM and reporting software automates manual workflows, enabling advisors to concentrate on higher-value tasks and grow without increasing headcount.
4. Tackling complex challenges with private investments
Private placements remain one of the most complex areas to manage. They introduce a level of complexity that standard processes often can’t handle, like onboarding, data accuracy, performance reporting, and system integration. How do firms implement better workflows and integrations to manage this segment more efficiently?
CLA is addressing this by integrating with iCapital, aiming to bring more transparency and efficiency to alternative investments. Beacon Pointe is focused on internal audits and improving how performance spikes are identified and addressed. Andersen has partnered with Canoe.
Best practice
Alternatives require both tight internal processes and smart integrations to ensure accurate, scalable reporting. Our integrations with platforms such as iCapital and Canoe are helping firms centralize data, streamline operations, and improve reporting for private investments.
5. Evolving onboarding and client experience
Client onboarding is getting a much-needed upgrade across the board. When we spoke with our advanced users, a common theme was the need for better coordination across teams and tighter integration between systems. The onboarding process spans multiple steps like account opening, portfolio proposals, documentation, and implementation. Without the right tools, it can become fragmented.
Andersen operates on a structure and well-defined 16-week timeline to set expectations early, while CLA leverages CRM workflows and service requests to keep things moving. Meanwhile, Beacon Pointe is white-labeling Tamarac’s new client portal, with an eye toward personalization and improved usability.
Best practice
A structured yet flexible onboarding framework reduces friction and builds client trust from day one. Tamarac’s proposal, CRM, and client portal capabilities play a key role in achieving this streamlined onboarding process.
6. Enhancing reporting and customization
Advanced users are turning reporting into a strategic advantage by investing in tools that offer more tailored insights, better visuals, and streamlined delivery. CLA and others are utilizing the PDF Report Scheduler internally for various purposes, including family office summaries and cash position reports, with plans to transition these into client-facing portals. Custom Views in Tamarac are being used creatively to track everything from billing exclusions to IRA contributions.
Best practice
Thoughtful customization reduces manual work, increases visibility, and improves accuracy. By utilizing Tamarac’s reporting tools to automate internal workflows and personalize client-facing deliverables, firms can integrate reporting into the client portal experience, reducing email volume and enhancing transparency.
Don’t just implement, optimize
These firms aren’t just using Tamarac—they’re optimizing it. They’re simplifying where it matters, automating where possible, and continually evaluating how technology supports the advisor-client relationship.
Finally, the panelists also emphasized that it is nearly impossible to unlock any platform’s full potential without change management. CLA’s successful journey to centralized trading took several thoughtful years and relied heavily on building trust with advisors and securing buy-in from leadership. Whether you’re simplifying processes or rolling out new tools, your team’s mindset and engagement are crucial.
If you're ready to move beyond the basics, these strategies offer a solid foundation. Start with one, tailor it to your firm, and observe how your processes improve.
Visit www.envestnet.com/rias or email us at RIASales@envestnet.com to optimize your own implementation.
