Charles Schwab : Schwab Stock Plan Services Announces Significant Enhancements to Participant Experience

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Schwab Stock Plan Services, a leading provider of equity compensation plans, today announced a series of initiatives to help employees who receive equity compensation monitor and manage their awards anytime, anywhere.

Enhanced Mobile App

An enhanced mobile app is available for all platforms (iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ and Kindle)* and provides detailed account summary and balance information along with the ability to review vesting details and track purchased, exercised or unexercised shares. Trading capabilities will be incorporated within the next year. Similar functionality is being rolled into the mobile web experience as well.

'We are committed to developing tools that enable people to stay on top of their equity compensation and investments whenever they want and wherever they may be. Powerful mobile apps are mandatory today because for many, their phone is a device of choice, not just a device of convenience,' said Marc McDonough, vice president of Schwab Stock Plan Services. 'Our clients expect the kind of flexible, forward-thinking experience we are creating,' he said.

Advanced Biometric Account Access

Schwab Stock Plan Services has also launched Voice ID, which uses advanced voice biometrics technology to allow individuals to authenticate their identity with their unique voiceprint in Schwab's automated phone system. This can eliminate the need for personal identification numbers (PINs**) and personal security questions. This new option is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to securely authenticate over the phone. Once enrolled in Voice ID, participants can be authenticated just by repeating one simple phrase: 'At Schwab, my voice is my password.'

Expanded Service Access

Investments in expanded service channels have improved access and service support for participants. Live web chat was launched earlier this year and continues to be adopted by clients. To better serve international clients, participants also now have access to multilingual service professionals 24 hours/day, Monday through Friday, with support for 13 languages.

'Better tools and support help workers make better decisions when it comes to their equity awards,' noted McDonough. 'Our clients know an effective equity awards program can impact retention, engagement and overall financial wellness by helping their employees become owners as well as earners.'

These new capabilities are available at no additional charge to Schwab Stock Plan Services clients and plan participants. Visit Schwab Stock Plan Services to learn more.

About Charles Schwab

At Charles Schwab we believe in the power of investing to help individuals create a better tomorrow. We have a history of challenging the status quo in our industry, innovating in ways that benefit investors and the advisors and employers who serve them, and championing our clients' goals with passion and integrity.

More information is available at www.aboutschwab.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Schwab Stock Plan Services provides equity compensation plan services and other financial services to corporations and executives through Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., a registered broker/dealer, offers brokerage and custody services to its customers.

Disclosures

Through its operating subsidiaries, The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE: SCHW) provides a full range of securities brokerage, banking, money management and financial advisory services to individual investors and independent investment advisors. Its broker-dealer subsidiary, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (member SIPC, www.sipc.org), and affiliates offer a complete range of investment services and products including an extensive selection of mutual funds; financial planning and investment advice; retirement plan and equity compensation plan services; compliance and trade monitoring solutions; referrals to independent fee-based investment advisors; and custodial, operational and trading support for independent, fee-based investment advisors through Schwab Advisor Services. Its banking subsidiary, Charles Schwab Bank (member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender), provides banking and lending services and products. More information is available at www.schwab.com and www.aboutschwab.com.

*iPad®, iPhone®, and Android are supported.

Some PINs may still be required for higher-risk transactions.

Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Android is a trademark of Google Inc. Use of the trademark is subject to Google Permissions.

Amazon, Kindle, Kindle Fire, the Amazon Kindle logo, and Amazon Appstore are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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