How to Submit a Add or Change Beneficiary

Applies To:

All Portfolio Managers, Advisors, Wealth Planners, and support staff.
Eligible account types: Cash, TFSA, RIF, RRSP, LIRA, LIF, RIF, Spousal RSP, Spousal RIF, and RDSP

You can submit a Add or Change Beneficiary request from a client’s CRM Contact Record. Use the instructions below to ensure the correct designation changes are made, any associated transactions are considered, and necessary authorizations are in place.

When to Submit a Add or Change of Beneficiary request:

A client wants to update their designated beneficiary for their accounts.
A client wishes to add, remove, or modify an existing designation.
A client has experienced a life event that requires an update to their beneficiary designation (e.g., marriage, divorce, birth of a child, etc.).

How to Submit a Add or Change Beneficiary Request

To submit a Designation and Change of Beneficiary request, you'll use the Service Extension on the client's CRM Contact Record. When submitting the request, there are two distinct submission methods and workflows: Manual Submission, which involves upload a scanned or physically signed document, and Straight-Through Processing (STP), which automatically generates the required forms and sends it to the client through DocuSign.

Although both methods are valid, we strongly recommend using Straight Through Processing whenever possible for real-time tracking, reduced errors, and faster turnaround times.

Learn more about Straight-Through Processing.

How to Submit a Add or Change Beneficiary Request using Manual Submission

Choose this method if your client has already completed and signed the required banking authorization forms.

Navigate to the Client's CRM Contact Record
Go to the Servicing Tab
Select Account Administration → Beneficiaries
Select "Add or Change of Beneficiary" as your request type.
Select the Target Account
Select Manual Submission
Upload Required Documents:
- You'll need to attach a signed Designation and Change of Beneficiary Form. To add an attachment, click +Add file and upload the file from your computer.
Review and Submit
- Once you confirm the details, click Submit to create the service request ticket.

Tip: Ensure that the Designation and Change of Beneficiary Form is signed and properly filled out to avoid processing delays or rejections.

Learn more about completing a Designation and Change of Beneficiary.

How to Submit a Add or Change of Beneficiary Request using STP

With STP, Optimize automatically generates and emails the necessary forms to your client for electronic signing through DocuSign.

Navigate to the Client's CRM Contact Record
Go to the Servicing Tab
Select Account Administration → Beneficiaries
Select "Add or Change Beneficiary" as your request type
Select the Target Account
Select Straight-Through Processing
Designated Beneficiary (Spouse / Estate / Other) (For certain accounts Spouse Successor Annuitant)
- Select the Checkbox if the client wishes to designate a contingent beneficiary.
Review and Submit
- Once you confirm the details, click Submit to create the service request ticket.

Please note: Once you submit the request, the ticket will be created and the client will be automatically sent the paperwork by DocuSign. The ticket cannot progress further until the client reviews the paperwork and electronically signs through DocuSign.

After Submitting the Request

Once the request has been submitted, a ticket will be created and associated with the client's contact record. You can view the associated ticket on the contact record's right sidebar under the ticket association card, and in the Account Administration ticket pipeline, where you can track the progress and confirm the request is complete.

Processing Times

Manual Submission: Processed within 1–2 business days.
Straight-Through Processing: Typically completed within 1 business day of receiving signed documents.