Fidelity Investments has unveiled a new Web-based electronic signature facility designed to help US independent registered investment advisors automate a new account opening process.

The facility will allow advisors and their clients to electronically sign all documents, including Fidelity and advisor-specific forms, required to establish and fund a brokerage account, the company said.

The e-signature capability eliminates the need for advisors to send account forms through the mail to clients or have them physically come into their office to sign paperwork.