H.D. Vest Launches Remote Check Scanning for Advisor Offices

Innovative Technology Offers Same Day Check Processing Via Scanner

For Immediate Release

PR Contact: Susan Patrick
H.D. Vest Communications Consultant
(972) 870-6149
pr@hdvest.com
www.hdvest.com

IRVING, TEXAS (November 7, 2008)— H.D. Vest Financial Services^® introduced remote check scanning and depositing to its 5,400 Advisors this week. Unlike check readers at retail stores, H.D. Vest Advisors can use standard desktop scanners to scan and securely submit checks with client paperwork for processing. This innovative technology is an addition to H.D. Vest’s HDVdocs program (H.D. Vest documents online capture and search) which provides Advisors with the ability to remotely scan client paperwork and then access it online. H.D. Vest is one of the oldest and largest independent financial services firms specializing in training and supporting tax professionals with over 5,400 independent Advisor affiliates.

Through remote check scanning, H.D. Vest Advisors scan both sides of a check, along with the client’s brokerage or mutual fund paperwork, and securely submit the images to the H.D. Vest Operations department. The images are then routed electronically through the H.D. Vest processing areas for deposit and account opening. Advisors track the progress on HDVLink^®, the firm’s Advisor only access website. Internally, H.D. Vest’s Operations department also scans and remotely deposits checks which are received in the mail. If the check and paperwork are processed before 2:30 p.m. Central, the check will be deposited on the same day in that it was submitted. After the time cutoff, the checks will clear on the next business day.

“Earlier this year, we introduced our Remote Capture technology to Advisors, and they praised the faster processing times and reduction in costs with mailing paperwork,” said Roger Ochs, H.D. Vest president. “By adding remote check scanning and deposit, our Advisors will experience greater practice efficiencies and will be able to free up more time to work with clients.” H.D. Vest’s Technology group worked with Wells Fargo Bank, H.D. Vest’s parent company, to develop and implement check scanning technology as part of the HDVdocs program. Prior to rollout, H.D. Vest enlisted a small group of Advisors to pilot the check scanning technology.

“Remote check scanning gives us total control of our clients’ paperwork and checks and allows us to manage more volume between two locations,” said H.D. Vest Advisor Joe Hancock of Five Star Partners and pilot group participant. “The technology is easy to use, provides a compliance audit trail, eliminates any concerns about losing checks in the mail and helps use serve our clients better.”

H.D. Vest’s HDVdocs technology stores documents electronically per regulatory guidelines. More enhancements to the HDVdocs platform are being planned, including enabling Advisors to store all components of their client files within the H.D. Vest image repository by allowing Advisors to eliminate file cabinets and offsite storage costs.

About H.D. Vest, Inc.

Based in Irving, Texas, since its inception in 1983, H.D. Vest Financial Services supports an independent network of tax and non-tax professionals who distribute comprehensive financial planning solutions, including securities, insurance, money management services and Wells Fargo banking products. Approximately 5,400 independent contractors manage over $30 billion in assets for some 1.8 million individuals, families and small businesses in all 50 states. H.D. Vest became a non-bank subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company in July 2001.

Securities offered through H.D. Vest Investment Services^SM , Member SIPC,
Advisory services offered through H.D. Vest Advisory Services^SM ,
non-bank subsidiaries of Wells Fargo & Company,
6333 N. State Highway 161, Suite 400, Irving, TX 75038 (972) 870-6000.