Financial superportals, part 1
Scott Appleby, e-finance analyst, Robertson Stephens
Interviewed by Trevor Coe
November 3, 1999
Scott Appleby, e-finance analyst with Robertson Stephens, was one of the first analysts to cover the online brokerage industry. His recent report, The eFinance Services and Technology Guide , looks at the ongoing transformation of the financial services industry as it becomes increasingly integrated with the Internet. The first sector of financial services to be redefined online was the brokerage industry. Early movers broke the ground where full service brokers are only beginning to follow. The past year and a half has seen every type of financial service begin to move online in some form, from loans to insurance. Appleby's forward-looking research predicts the evolution of financial "superportals," web sites that will offer a host of financial services. Multex Investor's Trevor Coe recently spoke with Appleby to find out which e-finance companies hope to expand to "super" proportions.
Multex Investor: Could you give us an idea of what sites are best positioned to become financial superportals?
Scott Appleby: We're beginning to see the advent of the superportal from the following companies. E*Trade Group Inc. (EGRP: research, earnings), clearly is a leader in online brokerage and has, I think, the most pure online accounts from Greenfield Project. Charles Schwab Corp. (SCH: research, earnings), which is the largest online broker, and the best name in discount brokerage, and it really is beginning to compete with the full-service guys, as well as AmeriTrade Holding Corp. (AMTD: research, earnings), through Onmoney [now in beta], which is a super financial portal. Now those are your brokers. |
