info@meradia.com
A Proof of Concept (PoC) is a crucial step when evaluating new technology. In addition to testing a vendor’s core capabilities, a PoC is an opportunity to confirm the system’s functionality, efficiency, and compatibility with unique business requirements. In previous articles, we’ve discussed the importance of a well-defined PoC scope and documenting the results. In
Read Full Article
Attribution for Asset Owners
While much has been written about attribution in the context of individual asset classes, the asset owner confronts a much more complex scenario. In the interest of maximizing return/risk payoff (often subject to external mandates, liability streams, and risk constraints), asset owners frequently diversify their total fund amongst multiple asset classes: equity, fixed income, hedged
Read Full Article
Establish Solid Foundations to Drive Successful Outcomes From Proof-of-Concept Work
The most effective system implementations start by running a Proof of Concept (PoC) to validate a vendor’s ability to support your requirements and highlight areas where custom solution design may be required. A key component of a successful PoC is a clearly defined scope that identifies the types of scenarios, goals, and criteria for completion. Yet we see time and time again firms overlook this element.
by Nicol O’Connor, Manager
Read Full Article
How to Find the Right Solution for Transforming Your Front-to-Back Office Operations
On a recent panel at the InvestOps 2023 Conference, Martin Ouellette shared key insights about how firms can effectively transform their front-to-back operations. In this paper, he recaps his top three tips and offers practical strategies for alleviating operational challenges in pursuit of growth and scale.
by Martin Ouellette, Director
Read Full Article
Replacing Your Legacy Investment Operations Software? Don’t Ignore These Three Red Flags
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 efforts your part of the organization has ever seen. Are you making the right decisions? Or do you need 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 Lollar, Managing Director
Read Full Article
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
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…
Read Full Article
2022 Industry Outlook: Investment Performance
Investment performance teams are under pressure to adapt to economic and market volatility amid rapid industry consolidation, operational outsourcing and technological disruption. When working with institutional asset managers, asset owners, wealth managers, insurers, and asset servicing vendors, Meradia has observed the impact of these trends firsthand. Here, we examine the forces at play and how the industry may evolve in 2022 and beyond.
by the Meradia Investment Performance Practice
Read Full Article
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…
Read Full Article