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Ian Watson, vice-president of sales and marketing, Guardian Asset Management Jamaica Limited.

Guardian Asset Management Limited (GAM) has been offering a web messenger service since July 17 to capture those clients willing to invest, but who, for different reasons, do not seek out or visit local brokerages.

It also targets potential business in overseas markets.

Branded the 'Guardian Asset Management Web Messenger', the Kingston-based investment house said the service was the first of its kind to be offered in Jamaica.

"It operates similarly to the 'MSN Messenger' where persons can log on to the website and chat with any of our executives and investment officers," marketing manager Ian Watson told Sunday Business.

So, whether the investor is in his or her office or home, or travelling, he or she can get real-time information about investments once he or she has access to the Internet, he said.

The user can access the service by choosing the link 'Speak to a customer service representative now' on the company's website.

Service charges

GAM charges for the service. Watson said the cost was "relatively inexpensive", but declined to quote the rate.

Although the service is for general queries about investments, Watson said transactions were allowed.

The Lisa Gomes-led GAM, a subsidiary of insurance conglomerate Guardian Holdings Limited, estimates that about 80 per cent of its existing client base would tap the service, but Watson said it was too early to gauge how much new business it would bring in.

"This service will certainly generate interest from both existing and potential investors with the expectation that this will translate into revenues," he said.