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Replacing legacy systems isn’t enough. To compete in today’s investment landscape, firms must rethink how people, platforms, and processes work together. In this Q&A, Meradia’s Chris Cassara and John Reilly of FundGuard share how they help asset managers and servicers modernize operations, accelerate implementation, and unlock long-term value. What they cover: Why tech upgrades alone
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From Friction to Flow: Rethinking Derivatives Operations with AI
In a world where front offices are adopting AI for portfolio construction and risk modeling, the middle office is quietly falling behind. Operational failures cost the industry Billions annually. According to DTCC, a global trade fail rate of just 2% leads to approximately $3 billion in costs each year, much of it stemming from outdated,
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ISITC Securities Operations Summit 2025 – Event Recap by Meradia: Shifting Cycles, Smarter Tech, and the Future of Ops
The 31st Annual ISITC Securities Operations Summit, held earlier this week, brought together professionals from across the financial services industry to engage with thought leaders shaping the future of operations. Centered around the theme Resilience Through Innovation: Preparing for the Next Decade in Financial Services, the event explored topics including accelerated settlement, AI, U.S. Treasury clearing,
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Trends Impacting Investment Operations, Meradia’s 2025 Viewpoint
SUMMARY A modern Target Operating Model in investment management is no longer a “nice to have” but a necessity in an increasingly competitive, data-driven, and highly regulated landscape. Firms cannot cut their way to success in the marketplace as technological innovation and operational efficiency is the source of future outperformance relative to peers. Firms who
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Reclaimable Withholding Taxes: Investment Performance Challenges
Reclaimable withholding taxes from foreign dividends and income present challenges for asset managers and asset owners. This paper examines operational challenges associated with investment performance calculations, specifically pertaining to a global portfolio with investments in multiple countries. Challenges discussed include jurisdictional nuances, uncertainty of collecting receivables, and delayed reclaims. Additionally, this paper addresses the advantages
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The Customization Conundrum: Navigating the Challenges of OTC Derivatives
In the ever-evolving world of finance, over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives are the hidden gems within portfolios of savvy managers, offering both complexity and opportunity. Initially developed to meet specific hedging needs, OTC derivatives have grown significantly in both volume and importance, now playing a crucial role in global finance. These instruments offer the unique ability to
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Silos to Solutions: The Data-Driven Approach to Front-to-Back Transformation
For the past decade, the market seemed to be racing away from multi-vendor best-of-breed implementations towards everyone implementing some type of Front-to-Back solutioning. As discussed in more detail earlier in this series, the primary reason was to reduce costs by simplifying the entire end-to-end process. Their adoption hasn’t occurred at the pace everyone initially thought
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The Front-to-Back Operation Movement in Investment Process: Evolution and Integration
In recent years, the asset management industry has undergone a noteworthy evolution towards a “Front-to-Back” (F2B) movement. While this concept is not entirely new, it has historically been dominated by a single provider for over a decade. The primary driving force behind this evolution is the realization among Asset Managers that their legacy fee structures
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Navigating Consolidation and Technological Integration in Financial Services
In the ever-evolving landscape of financial services, the industry is increasingly adopting the approach of acquisitions and advanced technological integration. These trends, driven by a multitude of factors, have profound implications for the industry by altering the strategies and resources required for success in the market. Factors to Consider During Consolidation in Financial Services MARKET
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Unlocking Potential: The Secret Weapon of Single Relationship Managers
This paper, authored by Byron Derti, a senior analyst at Meradia, underscores the pivotal role of a single relationship manager in modern investment operations. Byron’s background in data analysis and project management equips him with knowledge in performance analytics and data-driven insights, which are crucial for driving client success. Highlighting a manager who adeptly navigates multiple workstreams, ensures seamless communication, and adapts to market changes, this analogy likens them to a conductor orchestrating a symphony of collaboration, ultimately enhancing client service and operational efficiency. Embracing this model with the right support can propel your firm to new heights of success.
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