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Front-to-back office solutions are on the rise. Are they right for your firm?
by John Leavy, Senior Manager
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Outsourcing: An Insider’s Framework for Finding the Right Service Provider
Now more than ever, investment managers are outsourcing the responsibility of improving operational efficiency. Service providers taking on this task have enhanced their offerings over the last several years to accommodate the ever-changing complexity of the financial services industry. As such, your firm will need a focused due diligence effort to assess the available options in the marketplace. This includes evaluating the capabilities of different market solutions, the ability to configure versus customize, the overall operational model and, most important, assessing your readiness for the transformation itself. Meradia’s consultants leverage their decades of outsourcing experience to provide a framework for your firm’s next outsourcing project.
by Tom McCorkell, Senior Manager
Jeremy Welch, Manager
Core Principles To Abide By for Effective Outsourcing
What processes are poised for outsourcing, and what areas should be kept in-house? These are the first questions investment managers should ask before delegating specific business processes to external providers. Outsourcing is complex, but abiding by these three principles will ensure your firm’s decision supports enhanced business operations well into the future.
by Benjamin P. Smith, Client Partner…
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Blinded by Pageantry: the Perils of Neglecting Performance Data Readiness
Once the decision to replace an investment performance system has been made, most firms kick off the effort by mobilizing a formidable complement of resources, all charged with a single objective: selecting the vendor(s) who will make it so. Sponsors, steering committees, stakeholders, managers, experts and analysts are convened. RFPs listing thousands of criteria, elaborate scoring schemes, long lists and short lists are constructed. Initial and targeted demos, proof-of-concept, final selection, management approvals and contract negotiations are conducted. Boxes are ticked. This elaborate pageant commands vast amounts of both internal resources and calendar time — once the winner has finally been announced, a festive celebration is held, and backs are patted all around.
by Mark R. David, CFA…
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U.S. ESG Disclosure Rules Are Coming. Here Are 3 Key Challenges for Investment Managers
ESG disclosure rules are evolving, and there is much uncertainty. While we await further developments in the U.S. and abroad, let’s explore potential challenges investment managers may face in complying with these regulations.
by Andrew R. Jacob, CFA, Consultant…
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Top Benefits of Hiring a Consultant To Manage Your Front-Office Transformation
The front office of an investment management firm is rarely, if ever, managed by a consultant. Key functions such as Head of Portfolio Management and Head of Trading are roles best suited for internal personnel. However, there are certain scenarios when it’s more effective to leave the work to an external resource. Here, we explain how front-office consultants can help your firm through a business transformation in ways internal resources can’t.
by Elizabeth M. Colebrooke, Principal…
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3 Red Flags You Are Missing Business Transformation Opportunities
Have you selected a new investment operations system to replace your legacy technology and manual workarounds? Or have you decided to outsource investment operations to a service provider?
Both efforts are significant, and likely the largest your part of the organization has ever seen. Are you making the right decisions? Or are you missing a golden opportunity to advance your business and improve the way you work? Here are three red flags you’re overlooking business transformation opportunities.
by Brian J. Lollar, Managing Director…
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What is a Performance Book of Record (PBOR), and Why is it Important to Leverage Data as an Asset and Driver of Growth?
The concept of a Performance Book of Record (PBOR) has continued to evolve across the investment management industry. This paper, which was featured in the Journal of Performance Measurement, outlines the state of PBOR today and why it can help firms leverage enterprise data for future growth.
by Richard E. Mailhos, Principal and Investment Performance Practice Lead
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Signs It’s Time To Re-Evaluate Your Outsource Solution
Has your outsource solution lived up to its expectations? Have real-world problems with integration and the production environment simply shifted bottlenecks or errors to new areas? Key operational components and workflows are the lifeblood of any large organization. But when decisions to outsource were made years or even decades ago, the criteria becomes dated and inapplicable. Don’t overlook these three signs it’s time to re-evaluate your outsource solution.
by Benjamin P. Smith, Client Partner…
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Bigger Isn’t Always Better: How To Choose Your Niche Consultant – Part 2
In a previous post, we highlighted how niche consulting firms can provide meaningful business value over larger entities. But when you’ve decided to hire a niche provider, how do you go about evaluating your options? Let’s uncover ways to vet the landscape.
by Jose R. Michaelraj, CIPM, CAIA, Senior Consultant…
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