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Generating alpha is hard enough, so why let cash drag stifle returns? With derivative-laden portfolios in a high-interest rate environment, collateral presents opportunity to improve returns. The decade-long period of low-interest rates created detrimental habits with a default cash collateral model. Asset owners face challenges in diversifying collateral beyond cash due to existing infrastructure that
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Data-Centric KPIs Enable Effective Management of Investment Performance Operations
Consider the irony… Performance departments exert their time and energy to calculate performance results that inform consumers of the impacts of their decisions on investments. Though Performance executes complex calculations and solves firm-wide data challenges for consumers’ benefit, oftentimes they forget to measure the most important performance of all… their own. This fourth installment of the Performance is Data Series explores exactly how Investment Performance teams can embark on a key performance indicator (KPI) centered approach to measure more than just the performance of others and introspectively assess operations.
by Clay Corcimiglia
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Driving Strategic Transformation for Wealth Management Firms: A Framework for Technology Vendor Selection
Like many industries, wealth management is undergoing a change. Demographic and generational shifts in wealth will continue to reshape services and enhance the digital experience . In a survey of 120 wealth managers, 87% reported that they have made significant investments in technology over the past several years. Tech transformations within large wealth management firms are often achieved through integrations of vendor platforms with proprietary applications, as stakeholder needs are particularly diverse. A single platform solution may solve for a set number of stakeholders, but firms with various client types require multiple solutions that integrate seamlessly. Deciding on the best technology partners requires a proven, structured approach to technology evaluation.
by Tina Madel, CFA, Senior Manager
Jose Michaelraj, CIPM, CAIA, Manager
Josh Gerwick, CFA, CIPM, Consultant
4 Mistakes When Implementing a Data Catalog
Building and implementing a data glossary are two common goals for many investment firms in their annual strategy setting. But what happens when you rush into it without proper planning? Four common mistakes can occur which can hamper your development or make the final product irrelevant. This paper will discuss these missteps and offer prevention strategies.
by Andrew R. Jacob, CFA, Senior Consultant
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Automation: Taking Back Control From Excel and Email Anarchy
If your firm relies on homegrown tools like Excel and email to coordinate tasks, track status and transfer information, your business could be at risk of inefficiencies, or much worse. Here, we explore how business process automation can transform your operating model.
by Mick Cartwright, CIPM, Managing Director
Tim Jager, Senior Manager
Byron Derti, Analyst
Four Signs Your Firm Is Ready for a Consolidated Front-To-Back Solution
Front-to-back office solutions are on the rise. Are they right for your firm?
by John Leavy, Senior Manager
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Market Data Contracts – Managing the Invisible Fence
Market data is like a river that flows through an investment firm’s landscape, supplying the essential data to function and operate competitively. Exchanges and vendors that own and provide this data often charge a premium due to its exclusive nature. The way investment firms acquire this data is via market data contracts, which may carry restrictions that seem onerous. In this paper, we will discuss the nature of these restrictions and four approaches to handling them.
by Andrew R Jacob, CFA, Senior Consultant
Jose Michaelraj, CIPM, CAIA, Manager
Selecting a Data Aggregation Vendor? Here Are 5 Questions You Should Ask
Numerous vendors provide data aggregation services, and choosing the right one for your business requires asking the right questions. You may be tempted to select a solution based on the broadest coverage of sources, such as custodians and banks, or product pricing. Those criteria work well if your goal is to provide a snapshot view for your front-office advisors and clients who require a holistic financial picture. On the other hand, if your objective is to create an accounting book of record (ABOR), providing key inputs for critical investment management and reporting activities, you need to ask vendors about their processes. Here are five questions that will help you narrow your search and find the best fit.
by Tina Madel, CFA, Wealth 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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Cracking the Code on Automating Alternatives Data Management
We’ve seen a number of technology solutions emerge in recent years that attempt to address the challenges facing Alternatives Data Management (ADM). No two tools are the same, and it’s important for investment management firms to understand their capabilities. We reached out to Canoe Intelligence, a financial technology company focused on reimagining alternative investment data processes for institutional investors, wealth managers, capital allocators and asset servicing firms, for their perspective on how alternative investors and allocators manage their reporting needs.
by Christine (Tina) M. Madel, CFA, Principal
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