Archives: Thought Leaderships

Unlocking GIPS® Compliance Benefits for Asset Owners

Introduction For asset owners, the investment performance function effectively serves the Chief Investment Officer (CIO) and Risk, both of whom have a vested interest in overseeing and optimizing the fund’s total performance and maintaining a cross-asset class view. The lack of access to complete and reliable data from asset class silos can hinder cross-firm evaluations

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Balancing Art and Science: Returns & Benchmarking Processing for Asset Owners

In the first paper of our asset owner series, we explored the unique business drivers, valuation methodologies, and considerations for private market and external manager processing. Now, in our second installment, we shift our focus to returns and benchmarks.
Asset owners often invest across a diverse mix of private and public market asset classes. But should the same return methodology be applied to both the asset class and the total fund level? Are there acceptable deviations?
Sophisticated benchmarking capabilities are essential for accurately consolidating returns at the total fund level. The complexities of substitution and benchmark specific overrides present challenges driven by various underlying factors. What are these factors, and how can best practices help overcome these challenges? Read on to discover our perspectives and practical solutions

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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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Vendor Spotlight: FundGuard

A frequently asked question Meradia encounters is our opinion on various vendors. To assist our audience, we have launched a Vendor Spotlight Series, engaging in open dialogues with vendors to discuss industry trends, product positioning, and their collaborations with clients and partners.

In this first installment, Jeremy Welch, Manager for Meradia’s Trading and Investment Operations practice, interviews Diane McLoughlin, Program Management Director at FundGuard. With 35 years of experience, Diane has led onboarding teams for over 150 clients and has previously held leadership roles at Clearwater Analytics and Eagle Investment Systems, a BNY company. Jeremy and Diane discuss how FundGuard’s AI-driven investment accounting platform alongside Meradia’s expertise in investment operations and technology consulting. We cover the adoption of modern technology and data management, emphasizing the integration and implementation process, and highlighting how both companies are enhancing scalability, reducing costs, and improving customer experiences in the investment industry.

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Migrating from Internal Data Stores to Cloud-Based Data Vaults: An Exploration

Organizations are increasingly migrating from traditional, internal data storage systems to more dynamic, cloud-based data vaults. This transition is crucial for businesses looking to leverage the vast potential of big data in a modern, data-driven environment. With platforms like BNY Mellon’s Data Vault, State Street Alpha Data Platform, JP Morgan Fusion, and several others, enterprises

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Recap: 2024 Investment Data and Analytics Symposium

Investment Data professionals joined Meradia’s Brian Buzzelli, Mick Cartwright, and Ben Smith in Chicago at the 2024 Investment Data and Analytics Symposium. KEYNOTE SESSION BREAKDOWN Meradia Director, Head of Data Practice Brian Buzzelli, had the honor of introducing a distinguished panel of Chief Data Officers. These industry leaders, Elizabeth Pritchard (Liberty Mutual Investments), Anand Sahasram (Dodge &

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Competitive Edge and Business Value Begins With Data Quality

The strategic importance of maintaining high data quality in asset management is pivotal, given the industry’s reliance on precise and timely information for decision-making, regulatory compliance, and client satisfaction. In this article, we explore the crucial role of data quality in various facets of asset management. Getting data quality right enhances operational efficiency, fortifies client

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Cash Drag or Collateral-Derived Alpha: The Choice Is Yours

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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Charting the Course: Enhancing Performance Through Effective Private Market and External Manager Practices

Asset Owners¹ play a pivotal role in the institutional side of the investment landscape, utilizing capital markets to fulfill the long-term needs of beneficiaries. Their objectives are intricately tied to liquidity requirements and investment horizons, overseen by stakeholders such as Boards, Trustees, and Investment Committees. Given the diverse asset classes involved, a blend of internal

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