Expertise & Services

OPERATING MODEL ANALYSIS 

Review of client’s existing operating model, encompassing the front-to-back office and associated supporting functions, (e.g., IT, Finance, etc.) to identify pain points and weaknesses in the current model.

Typical Approach: Document current state for people, process and technology; define business and operational requirements and assumptions; identify key risks, control weaknesses and scalability bottlenecks.

TARGET OPERATING MODEL DESIGN

Design a future operating model that incorporates industry insights and benchmarking, closes operational gaps and addresses current business needs, while maintaining the flexibility and scalability for future anticipated growth.

Typical Approach: Conduct gap analysis; develop future state process flows and resource requirements; analyze available technology solutions; assess the possibility of existing systems redesign; identify opportunities for outsourcing; develop future state operating model blueprint.

THIRD-PARTY FUND ADMINISTRATION

Select and implement a third-party fund administrator (TPA).

Typical Approach: Document business requirements; develop and conduct the RFP; define and document conversion strategy; develop detailed conversion plan; identify necessary parallel conversion periods; develop and document a shadow model/operational and governance controls; define and document new process flows; develop service level agreement and performance metrics.

DATA GOVERNANCE

Conduct thorough review of a client’s enterprise data management challenges and make appropriate recommendations for a well controlled, centralized data management environment that enables the use of a “golden data copy” while increasing trust by end users.

Typical Approach: Document, review and prioritize all current data issues; document detailed data flows and touch points; identify and document data domains for master, referential and transactional data concepts; develop and establish data stakeholders for data elements and systems; ensure accountability for sourcing and distribution of data; define overall governance structure; create data quality guidelines and rules; establish data quality metrics and thresholds; develop policies and standards; design and document the process for requesting, making and approving changes to data elements as well as for data acquisition; develop standards for data definitions and create data dictionary; advise on vendor selection process for data quality and metadata tool.

OUTSOURCING

Evaluation, selection and implementation of third-party service providers for non-core company functions such as middle office functions, regulatory reporting (e.g., Dodd–Frank Act, MiFID II,  FATCA, AIFMD), vendor management and business continuity, disaster recovery and cybersecurity.

Typical Approach: Document business requirements; perform detailed business analysis of the future state; perform the RFP process; facilitate data integration strategy; design, document and implement future operating flows; design proper controls and oversight; define key performance indicators (KPIs) and/or service level agreements (SLAs).

THIRD-PARTY TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

Selection and implementation of new technology vendors for the front-, middle- and back-offices.

Typical Approach: Assess feasibility including organizational readiness, budgeting, staff availability and sustainability. Review business strategy. Document critical business processes and consider process re-engineering.  Identify, document and prioritize critical requirements. Document current technology and catalog all areas that may interface with the new solution. Research and refine options, establish evaluation criteria, define targeted list and send Request for Proposal (RFP) document. Develop an evaluation matrix to assess each vendor’s proposal and product demonstration. Conduct vendor’s demos and reference checks. Identify a primary option (winner) and some secondary alternatives. Negotiate and contract. Manage implementation, assign dedicated project management team to manage scope, expectations and to ensure timely and on-budget delivery. Assign resources to support the technology on an ongoing basis. Plan an upgrade path.