QUEBEC CITY, Jan. 17, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - iA Financial Group (Industrial
Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc.) takes a major step in its shift to digital by introducing the iA Virtual
Assistant. The iA Virtual Assistant allows clients to contact iA Financial Group in writing or verbally, a natural way of
communicating, which helps people feel closer to and supported by the company.
"Hello! I am the iA Virtual Assistant. What do you want to do today?"
Although the iA Virtual Assistant is new, it can already calculate how much investors should contribute to their RRSP or
estimate the amount saved when they retire. It can also locate nearby healthcare providers that comply with the company's
eligibility criteria.
The iA Virtual Assistant can be accessed using Google Assistant on a cell phone, tablet or via Google Home. To begin chatting,
simply say "OK Google. Talk to iA Financial Group.".
"Thanks to our artificial intelligence-powered platform, the iA Virtual Assistant learns quickly. Our vision is to make the iA
Virtual Assistant able to provide personalized information to group plan members that is adapted to their profile. The Virtual
Assistant will be able to guide plan members in evaluating the options available at the various stages of their lives. It could
even help them change certain unhealthy lifestyles by encouraging them to act now. Our desire is to change the paradigm by moving
from a curative approach to a preventive approach", confirms Martin Bélanger, Senior Vice-President, Group Benefits, Group
Savings and Retirement, and Special Markets Solutions.
"As a complement to the work done by advisors on the ground, the iA Virtual Assistant is a source of useful information to
help clients make the best choices for their financial wellbeing and that of their family, adds Renée Laflamme, Executive
Vice-President, Individual Insurance, Savings and Retirement. For example, when there's an important event, like a new child, the
iA Virtual Assistant reminds new parents of the importance of reviewing their insurance coverage. It can also show the
advantages of contributing to a registered education savings plan to pay for their child's education, and even suggest the
professional services of a financial advisor, when needed."
With a sales force across the country, its customer service centres, the secure My Client
Space, the iA Mobile app and now, the iA Virtual Assistant, iA Financial Group offers its clients a myriad of
ways to contact the company, thus respecting the preferences and profile of each client. This shows the company's commitment to
giving its clients an unparalleled and personalized experience.
The ia.ca/assistant microsite shows the evolution of the
iA Virtual Assistant's functionalities and how to use them.
About iA Financial Group
Founded in 1892, iA Financial Group is one of the largest insurance and wealth management companies in
Canada. It also operates in the United States. Its stock is
listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol IAG.
SOURCE Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc.
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