28 April 2016
New online financial problem-solving platform for farmers: ASK Crowe Horwath
Earlier this month accounting and business advisory firm Crowe Horwath announced the launch of the online platform, ASK
Crowe Horwath.
ASK Crowe Horwath, an obligation-free, online financial problem-solving service allows questions to be posed by New
Zealand agribusinesses and individuals that are then answered by Crowe Horwath advisors – ‘get a real answer from a real
advisor’ is indeed the tagline of the platform.
There are no boundaries to the questions that can be asked, with rural professionals covering the full spectrum of
financial services.
Neil McAra, Crowe Horwath Head of Agribusiness said, “It is a brilliant portal that provides an easy point of access to
farmers whose schedules are varied and they can’t always get into the office, or find time to hang around on the phone.
“Crowe Horwath clients have a trusted advisor at the centre of their relationship with the firm who ensures they
receive timely and strategic advice over a wide range of issues.
“We want others to be able to experience this first hand. We are giving them a taste of our knowledge, skills, style and
level of care, without any obligations or charge.”
The service is structured so that an enquiry is replied to in writing online, generally within 48 hours, and those with
more specific needs can register for a follow-up consultation with a local agribusiness specialist direct from the ASK
platform.
“With the dairy industry going through a tough period, it gives farmers an opportunity to get a second opinion,
something that may be daunting and difficult, especially when they are trying to cut costs,” Mr McAra said.
The New Zealand launch of ASK Crowe Horwath comes on the back of a successful launch last year in Australia facilitated
by Crowe Horwath’s Australasian parent company Findex.
Findex partnered with FinTech start-up FinancialAsk to provide ASK Crowe Horwath.
Thomas Paule, Chief Marketing and Digital Officer at Findex said, “We are committed to FinTech – it is in Findex’s DNA
to harness technology to provide better and timelier services for clients.”
FinancialAsk is headed up by founder and FinTech expert Andrew Lai who commented, “We are delighted to work on an
exclusive basis with Findex. As an ambitious start-up we could not wish for a better partner to bring our first project
to market under the Findex and Crowe Horwath brands.”
ends