Client Spotlight: Legal & General Investment Management
We're pleased to share an insightful article featuring our esteemed client, Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM)'s Global Chief Data Officer, Garry Barr. In this exclusive piece, Gary delves into the journey of data evolution and the transformative work he and his team are spearheading to deliver value-driven data and technology change. Since 2021, LGIM has entrusted Fundipedia to manage their static and dynamic data, a testament to our product's robust capabilities. We are incredibly proud to contribute to their tech and data transformation, and in turn, their overall success. But this partnership isn't just one-sided. Being part of our tech ecosystem, LGIM challenges us to push boundaries, inspiring [...]
Is in-house software putting your asset management firm at risk?
If you have the budget, know-how and, yes, the fortitude to take it on — in software development, if something can go wrong, it's almost guaranteed to do so — building enterprise software in-house can seem like an attractive proposition. But while there's no arguing with the benefits of getting it right — a completely bespoke, tailor-made platform that fits like a glove into your legacy infrastructure (and which you could potentially monetise) — there's an important question you should ask yourself before you get stuck in. Is it worth the risk? Admittedly, we're a bit biased. But we strongly believe the answer to this question should [...]
Engine’s breakfast event showcases successful FinTech – Asset Manager collaboration
On the morning of 26th April, Engine, The Investment Association’s FinTech hub, hosted a FinTech breakfast in collaboration with previous Engine Innovators Jacobi, Kore and Fundipedia. The Investment Association (IA) supports over 270 UK-based investment managers to create an environment in which the industry, and therefore the savers who rely on it, can thrive. This means creating the right conditions for UK FinTech to flourish. To help achieve this, in 2018 the IA established our FinTech hub and accelerator, Engine. Engine is boosting our industry’s adoption of new technologies and helping investment managers to identify new opportunities, work more efficiently and cut costs, ultimately benefiting our customers. [...]
One tool to rule them all: the case for consolidating enterprise software systems
How many enterprise software tools does your asset management firm use? Whether it's two or ten, we're willing to bet that, if your setup involves multiple systems made by different vendors, it's probably causing more problems than it solves. Maintaining several different enterprise software tools is resource-intensive, time-consuming, and expensive. More to the point, even with integrations in place that enable them to talk to each other, storing your data in a patchwork of tools creates an environment where many common issues can develop: fragmentation, duplication, inaccuracies, lack of visibility, and lack of accountability. In this post, we'll make the case for sticking to one specialised, end-to-end [...]
What’s new to the European ESG Template (EET) Version 1.1.1
The European ESG Template (EET) was first released in April 2022 to help financial market participants to comply with European sustainable finance legislation such as SFDR, IDD or MiFiD. Since its conception, two further versions have been released by FinDatEx in October 2022 and January 2023 to adapt to changes in regulation. Any notable changes in these versions 1.1 and 1.1.1 are detailed in the article below, along with a brief summary of the EET and its importance for financial market actors. Background The European ESG Template is a project developed by FinDatEx to comply with ESMA and FCA regulations, such as the SFDR, MiFiD and IDD, [...]
Running a successful POC
How can you be sure your chosen software will meet your asset management firm's needs? Unless you've tested it, the reality is that you can't. All too often, a solution's drawbacks and limitations only become apparent during the latter stages of a digital transformation project. So while, on paper, a vendor might tick all the right boxes, there's still a risk things might not turn out as you'd hoped. Needless to say, once you've invested a significant chunk of your resources into integrating new technology into your workflow, it's difficult — and, sometimes, impossible — to course-correct, even if you realise the software isn't actually a [...]
Release – January 2023
In 2022 Fundipedia onboarded more new clients than in any previous year. Our teams created a range of new features in response to new and existing customer feedback that ensures Fundipedia continues to evolve to meet the ever-changing data management demands across our wider industry. If you would like to see one or more of these features in action please get in touch for a demo. A wide range of powerful enhancements are planned for 2023, including new additions to Fundi Launch Workflow that our clients use to drive down product lifecycle times and increase data accuracy. One login for different [...]
Another year of work from anywhere
In April of last year, over 2 years since the Coronavirus pandemic began, Deloitte - one of the world's largest accountancy and consulting firms - decided to significantly reduce its office space in the capital. Abandoning two buildings in London totaling 250,000 sq ft, and leaving just two remaining sites with 485,000 sq ft, they appear to be leading the way in promoting a hybrid working environment. And they are not alone. As of September 2022, 37 percent of workers in Great Britain advised that they had worked from home at some point in the previous seven days. Sectors such as information and communication, scientific and [...]
ESG update – New FCA Greenwashing Rules
On 25th Oct 2022, the FCA published its "Sustainability Disclosure Requirements ("SDR") and investments labels" Consultation Paper (CP 22/20). The aim of the paper is to outline the FCA's stance on greenwashing as concerns grow that investment funds are making ESG-related claims that have been misleading and/or unsubstantiated, failing to stand up to scrutiny. In this article, we will discuss why the FCA have felt the need to consult on this further, what the new rules are and who they will affect. Why The FCA Is Consulting A year ago the FCA made it clear that tackling greenwashing was a core regulatory priority, publishing a [...]
How to ensure digital transformation succeeds with our proven DATA framework
While the success or failure of a digital transformation project typically becomes apparent only at adoption stage, the warning signs appear much earlier in the process. The question is, how do you pick up on them before it's too late to course-correct? At Fundipedia, we use the DATA framework to objectively assess a firm's current state, identify potential weaknesses, and nip them in the bud before they can derail the project. In this post, we'll walk you through each of the four principles underpinning this framework, and explain how they can help you make sure you meet the objectives you've set out to achieve. What's the [...]
Fundipedia and Kore announce partnership to create end-to-end product lifecycle and data management solution for asset managers
28th November 2022 – Fundipedia and Kore Labs (Kore) today announce that they have entered a strategic partnership to integrate Fundipedia’s enterprise fund data management solution with Kore’s product governance and end-to-end digital lifecycle management platform. Connecting the two platforms enables investment managers to manage product design, creation, reviews, and changes efficiently and effectively. The combination eliminates silos of tasks and data to create a seamless flow of information between the teams involved. Firms are having to work harder than ever to differentiate themselves from their competitors due to a range of regulatory pressures, including Consumer Duty and upcoming reporting obligations such as PRIIPs. Against this [...]
Ready for takeoff: How to take the effort out of launching new funds
When you're launching a new fund, timing is critical. But despite the meticulous planning that goes into validating the idea, developing the right investment strategy, and obtaining all the necessary approvals, the launch process often ends up being drawn out, fragmented, and expensive. So why does it take so long for new funds to go from idea to investor-ready product? And, more importantly, what can fund managers do to shorten the launch process and get to market sooner? The single biggest cause for launch delays (is not what you think) It's easy to blame mounting regulation and, more recently, growing divergence between the UK and [...]
How is alternative asset management supervision changing in the UK?
If you're a UK-regulated alternative asset management firm, change is afoot. In an August 2022 letter — mercifully, this is addressed Dear CEO, not Dear John — the FCA has set out the supervisory approach it plans to take moving forward. And while it's not exactly radical, the devil is in the details. Here's a look at the letter's key themes, and what they mean for the alternative asset management industry. Who's in scope? The FCA kicks off the letter by reaffirming the proportionality principle — the idea that the level of oversight should be appropriate to a firm's size and the risk it presents. [...]
Why smart asset managers are partnering with specialist fintechs
To expand data capabilities — and 95% of asset managers think this will be critical to their survival moving forward — working with one of the large, incumbent data firms might seem like the logical way to go. For close to 40 years, the likes of Morningstar, Bloomberg, and Refinitiv have been asset managers' go-to technology partners. They have the depth of expertise — plus unparalleled resources — that all but guarantee any business transformation project, no matter how complex, will be a resounding success. Right? Not necessarily. It sounds counter-intuitive, but while these data firms undoubtedly have compelling advantages, the way they're set up and [...]
The FCA Consumer Duty – Improving how firms serve their customers
Just over a month ago, the FCA published their final guidance on the upcoming rules that comprise their new Consumer Duty. These rules are being put in place to set higher and more precise standards of consumer protection across the financial services world, requiring firms to put their customers’ needs first. This is another step forward on the FCA's journey to becoming a more data-led, effective regulator. While the requirements and timeline for its implementation have not deviated substantially from their original rule proposals at the start of the year, we will take a look at some of the most pertinent information and dates all asset [...]
Why asset managers need a robust data management strategy in 2022
Is your asset management firm's data management strategy on solid ground? With efficient, effective, and, most importantly, digital-first data management processes, your firm can be more flexible, more responsive to change, and better-placed to seize new opportunities. Conversely, if your firm’s data is siloed and still largely reliant on time-consuming, mistake-prone, manual processes, you risk — as Accenture bluntly put it — setting your firm up for failure. So what does a robust, modern data management strategy look like? And how do you get started putting one in place? Striving for growth in a difficult environment Ross Tremblay, a senior manager in Accenture's asset management [...]
The power of ‘I don’t know’
Our society values correctness. Be that providing answers to difficult questions, or simply the acquisition of knowledge, being right is the pinnacle of intellectual achievement. Conversely, as human beings, we have been conditioned to hesitate when we don’t know or understand something. ‘Fake it till you make it’, as the saying goes. The asset management industry is no different. Despite a huge rise in the level of complexity and change occurring all around the industry, there is a lack of acceptance regarding the changes needed to bring firms into the modern day, which goes beyond just outdated processes and legacy systems. Before asset management firms can [...]
10 critical points to help turn your sales calls into fully fledged proof-of-concepts
While all are eager to transform sales calls into a fully-fledged proof of concept, it’s important to come to the table with a process in place to ensure both you and your client are getting the most out of the ensuing discussion. In this post, we look at 10 of the critical points to consider during these initial meetings. This will help to maximise understanding, promoting positive client/vendor interactions, thereby enhancing outcomes. 1. Some initial points to consider include: Are you asking the hard questions and getting the right answers? Who is ultimately responsible for making the decisions in your company? What is your budget for [...]
5 compelling reasons to choose Fundipedia for your data management needs
Looking to invest in technology that will simplify your operations and help your asset management firm become more data-driven? Perhaps we're a bit biased, but Fundipedia would be a great fit. Here are five reasons we think our platform is the way to go if you want to make better use of data, ditch manual processes, and become the asset management firm everyone else aspires to be. 1. Built-in data governance controls One of the key mistakes firms make when implementing technology is believing it can fix data quality issues. Any platform, no matter how advanced, can only work with the inputs it's given. So if [...]
TSAM Digital Interview with Simon Swords
https://vimeo.com/713717683 Fundipedia is a proud sponsor of TSAM London 2022, taking place on 16th June in Houndsditch. This interview sees Fundipedia Managing Director, Simon Swords, answer questions posed by Ana from TSAM Digital. So, tell me about Fundipedia – what does it do for clients? Why can’t asset managers build their own solutions for data management? Are there any other advantages of working with a fintech over an incumbent? What are the common data problems that you see across the asset management industry? In other words, where do asset managers encounter the most pain? How do Fundipedia and its team keep in the loop [...]
What are asset managers’ real data challenges? Hard-won lessons from 15 years in the industry
Ask any asset manager what their biggest data challenges are, and we're willing to bet outdated technology will be at the top of their list. Successive research reports — this one by Temenos and this one by Alpha FMC just to quote two recent ones — have singled out modernising data infrastructure and digital transformation as asset managers' biggest priorities. And, by the end of 2023, they'll be collectively spending $84 billion a year in pursuit of them. There's just one problem. While technology is undoubtedly a powerful tool, it can only work with the inputs it's given. Which is a nice way of saying 'garbage [...]
5 data management lessons asset managers can learn from Amazon
When most people think of Amazon, they think of being able to order just about anything from their phone and getting it delivered to their doorsteps in a matter of days (sometimes even in a matter of hours). But if Amazon dominates e-commerce — and was named the world's most valuable brand for three years running as a result — it's because it doesn't see itself as an online retailer. First and foremost, Amazon is a data company. Data fuels its mission 'to be the Earth's most customer-centric company.' More to the point, being data-first has enabled Amazon to successfully expand beyond e-commerce, and build market-leading [...]
Aligning your data to meet upcoming EET reporting challenges
Version 1 of the European ESG Template (EET) was released by The FinDatEx group on 14th March 2022. It contains the official 620 field data-exchange template for ESG data, following the definitions from applicable EU regulations (eg. SFDR, Taxonomy Regulation, IDD, MiFID). As firms are getting to grips with the data, as well as the product information and the requirements needed for each field, we will look at the key EET dates between now and 1st January 2023, when the SFDR pre-contractual and periodic reporting goes live. 1st June 2022 A reduced version of the EET template (EET-Light), will be used from 1 June 2022. [...]
Q&A with the Fundipedia Developer Team
We recently spoke to Senior Software Developer Steven Day about his experience of working at Fundipedia for over 10 years. You’ve worked at Fundipedia for over a decade – why did you join the company and what keeps you here? I started working at Fundipedia as an apprentice after I left college and had no real commercial or technical experience. My initial meeting with Simon and Dean was super relaxed and they were both very welcoming which is exactly what I was looking for in my first role. As I finished my apprenticeship and was offered a full-time position it never crossed my mind to [...]
Video – Modern approaches to data for asset managers + The European ESG Template – what you need to know
This webinar was recorded on March 10th 2022 and features: Simon Swords from Fundipedia Graeme Devlin from Devlin Mambo Simba Mamboininga from Devlin Mambo Simon will explore how asset managers are using modern processes and systems to put data governance on autopilot, allowing them to remain focussed on their core services. Topics include: How to align your data projects for successful outcomes The benefits of efficient data management Leveraging control models to automate data governance Integrating internal and external data sources Ensuring that your data across the market is consistent and accurate using automated reconciliation Using workflow to optimise your fund and share [...]
Fundi Launch Workflow
Fundipedia has added a new product to our comprehensive, end-to-end data management platform. Fundi Launch Workflow is a user-friendly, customisable, fully integrated fund and share class launch solution that is designed to help asset managers streamline and optimise their fund and share class launch processes. Building Fundi Launch Workflow, we set out to solve what we found to be the most common pain points experienced by asset managers when embarking on a new launch. With an ever increasing amount of data to process, constantly evolving regulations and competition to get new products to market faster, we understood the need for a product that would increase efficiency [...]
How asset managers and FinTechs can work better together
When the first wave of fintechs launched in the late 2000s and early 2010s, they made no bones about being in direct competition with traditional financial services firms. From the terms they used to describe themselves — challengers, or disruptors — to how they marketed their products, fintechs highlighted at every possible opportunity that they were more customer-centric, more agile, and, well, just better than incumbents. Then, in the mid-2010s, something happened. Fintechs and traditional firms realised they could achieve bigger and better things if they worked together instead of trying to out-compete each other. But despite widespread agreement that technology is fundamental to the industry's [...]
Fundi Launch Workflow Released
Fundipedia adds automated workflow for product launches to its platform for investment managers With Fundi Launch Workflow, investment managers can unify data, automate time-consuming processes, and align their product team around a shared purpose: launching products to market more efficiently and accurately than ever before. Fundipedia, the leading master data management platform for investment managers, is expanding its suite of tools with the addition of Fundi Launch Workflow. This latest addition to Fundipedia transforms the way product teams collaborate on the launch of new products, share classes and other product development processes. With Fundi Launch Workflow investment managers can efficiently collaborate on the completion of tasks [...]
Q&A with the Fundipedia Implementation Team
Recently, we spoke to Edward Dunkley (Ed), one of our Implementation Associates about what working at Fundipedia is really like. Ed –You were interviewed not long into this role and said that ‘understanding all the acronyms’ was what you found the most challenging. Is this still the case? My industry and project management knowledge has certainly improved but I still get the odd term or acronym I don’t know popping up! There’s certainly more to learn. I think the next step in improving my industry knowledge is moving from the ‘what’ to the ‘why’. So, for example, even though I might know what a [...]
The EU’s AIFMD II proposals: What asset managers need to know
It may have taken the best part of four years — the directive was due for review in July 2017 — but the EU commission has finally published its proposals for reforming the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive, or AIFMD. And while many in the industry were expecting a radical overhaul, the proposals are surgical. Which is to say they're limited in scope but fairly significant. So what is the EU Commission proposing? And what are the implications for asset managers, should these proposals become law? The story so far: A quick refresher on the AIFMD Like many regulations that came about in the 2010s, the [...]
Webinar: Modern approaches to data for asset managers and The European ESG Template – what you need to know
Modern approaches to data for asset managers Register here to secure your space at the event: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4572968236754749711 Simon will explore how asset managers are using modern processes and systems to put data governance on autopilot, allowing them to remain focussed on their core services. Topics include: How to align your data projects for successful outcomes The benefits of efficient data management Leveraging control models to automate data governance Integrating internal and external data sources Ensuring that your data across the market is consistent and accurate using automated reconciliation Using workflow to optimise your fund and share class launch processes The European ESG Template - what you need [...]
Release – version 1.4.14
Prevent further changes when records have pending changes Fields that have a pending change will be read only for users and can not be edited. A tooltip will be displayed providing more information to the end user. Additional notes: Administrators will have the ability to toggle this feature on or off Sensitive changes do not block additional changes Feature does not prevent change events from submitting changes Future dated changes block additional changes Entity lookups support secondary fields for UI display and reporting For multi entity lookup fields allow administrators to configure what fields are visible on the selection screen. At present, only the name or [...]
Future-proofing asset management: 6 key changes to succeed in 2022 and beyond
While asset management firms are starting 2022 in a position of strength, the times — as Bob Dylan would say — are a'changing. Despite the precariousness caused by a certain deadly virus that's been doing the rounds, the industry hit double-digit growth during 2020 and 2021. But, to paraphrase a well-worn investment disclaimer, these numbers aren't a guarantee of future success. With mounting regulation, rapid technological change, and, most importantly, investors' shifting attitudes and expectations, the products, tools, and approaches that firms have relied on for decades are no longer fit for purpose. So what does the asset management firm of the future look like? And how [...]
Press release: Liontrust selects Fundipedia for its data management and dissemination platform
Liontrust has selected Fundipedia’s data management platform to deliver a golden source, providing validated, trustworthy data to both Liontrust and its downstream data vendors. This followed the recognition by Liontrust that gaining more effective control and management of its product data was a critical step on the path to supporting its future growth and empowering the entire organisation. Fundipedia’s audit trail and reconciliation features evidence that data delivered downstream are accurately published to investors. The project was delivered by Fundipedia’s implementation team who bring decades of asset management experience and a deep knowledge of the challenges faced by asset managers. This combination of experience and cutting-edge technology [...]
Basic ESG and SFDR terms all Money Managers need to know
The SFDR was introduced by the European Commission, alongside the Taxonomy Regulation and the Low Carbon Benchmarks Regulation, as part of a package of legislative measures arising from the European Commission’s Action Plan on Sustainable Finance. The main provisions (Level 1) of the Disclosure Regulation came into action in March this year. The initial application date of detailed rules for requirements (Level 2) was set for January 2022. However, the European Commission decided to defer by six months as a consequence of its failure to hit the deadline for adopting draft regulatory technical standards (RTS) submitted by the European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) in February. While this delay [...]
Fundipedia 2021 – a year in review
As 2021 nears its completion and we prepare for 2022, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what we have achieved over the past 12 months 🥂 We continued to grow our client base and now provide Fundipedia data platform and consultancy solutions to firms with a combined AUM of over US $4 trillion 🎉 We have quadrupled annual recurring revenue and a onboarded a raft of new global (and incredibly happy) clients. A recent client quote from a global asset manager: "Thank you again for your team’s outstanding partnership which we look forward to maintaining going forward.". 💪 We formed 6 new partnerships with best-in-class market data and technology [...]
Eye of the TIGRR: what’s next for financial services regulations in the UK?
Whether you think it's a catastrophe or the best decision the country has ever made, Brexit has happened. And with the UK now no longer obliged to follow EU rules, the government is keen to make wide-ranging regulatory reforms. To this end, in February 2021, the Prime Minister appointed TIGRR — the Task Force on Innovation, Growth, and Regulatory Reform — to look at how the UK could be less bureaucratic, foster innovation, and increase competitiveness. The ensuing 130-page report is packed with ambitious and far-reaching proposals which the authors believe will: '...drive innovation and accelerate the commercialisation and safe adoption of new technologies... reduce barriers to [...]
The future of intelligent machines and investment management
Technology will continue to play a critical role as the challenges facing the financial industry intensify. Such challenges may include but are not limited to, volatile capital market returns and margin compression. Those embracing innovative technology will be better placed and more capable of adapting to changes thus enabling rapid business transformation as well as maximising efficiency and value creation. Thus far, Intelligent Machines have been predominantly used by Asset Management firms to boost operational efficiencies. So, where have we seen the adoption of Intelligent Machines in investment management? Identifying trends and patterns to support sales and distribution, product pricing, trade allocation, portfolio construction and analytics Streamlining [...]
9 ESSENTIALS to gain a competitive advantage for your Wealth Management Firm
According to a cross-industry research by Accenture, over 80% of Asset Management companies don’t have enterprise-wide Master Data Management (MDM). Half of the respondents didn’t even regularly assess and update their data governance process definitions. So what is Master Data Management? MDM empowers Asset Managers to link all critical business data to a single point of reference. This reduces errors while ensuring business processes are not made redundant. It is the core process used to manage, centralise, organise, categorise, localise, synchronise and enrich master data while adhering to business rules. Why is MDM so important for the AM industry? Implementing MDM, and thus the ability to change [...]
8 pain points manual reconciliation brings to the table
In seeking to meet and overcome the challenges Investment Managers face in the wake of soaring trade volumes, increasingly complex transactions, and mounting pressure for faster reconciliation, firms today face an unprecedented level of hardship but also a myriad of opportunities. One of the greatest challenges Asset Managers must overcome is their capacity to meet the growing market demand for accurate and fast data reconciliation, regardless of volume levels. Efficient scaling has become impossible with existing manual processes. Here are 8 potential pitfalls of manual reconciliation that can hold your business back: Higher operational risk from unmatched data items Account errors that mislead Portfolio Managers, particularly regarding [...]
Summary of the FCA’s 2021/22 Business Plan and what it means for asset managers
The Financial Conduct Authority has been publishing its annual business plan for close to a decade. But this year's plan, published on 15 July 2021 — three months later than usual — is radically different to its predecessors. The first plan under new CEO Nikhil Rathi, sets out a broad and ambitious vision for the financial services industry's Covid-19 recovery and the future of regulation in the UK. In order to achieve that vision, the FCA plans to implement sweeping changes to how it operates, how it engages with the businesses it regulates, and what it expects from those businesses moving forward. Here's a look at the [...]
7 Risks and Lessons learned when implementing a 3rd party Product Master Data Management Platform
Fundipedia is a product data management platform built in partnership with, and delivered to the asset management industry. We work with some of the biggest names in the industry and through the delivery of dozens of successful Fundipedia installations, we have identified the most common risks and established strong mechanisms to mitigate them. From initial demonstration to user-ready, our implementation team will typically have Fundipedia Data Management up and running in less than 12 weeks. Delivered in an agile manner, ensuring the solution delivers value early and often using an incremental delivery model Client-owned and managed but delivered Software as a Service (SaaS) so you get the [...]
How the global pandemic affected individual investors…
NATIXIS, an asset management firm ranked among the world’s largest, surveyed 8,550 individual investors with $100,000+ investable assets globally across 24 countries in March and April 2021. The study sought to understand how the global pandemic had affected individual investors’ finances and emotions in the past year. Their findings revealed that: About 1 in 10 experienced the loss of their job or business for at least part of 2020 More than 20% reported the loss of household income About the same number said they were forced to withdraw from their savings accounts and other assets 1/5 said they had experienced a setback to their financial security. Despite [...]
Fundipedia and Opus Nebula integrate their SaaS solutions to provide a seamless data management and fund reporting solution
November 2021: Fundipedia and Opus Nebula have integrated their cloud-based SaaS solutions to provide a turnkey solution for fund data management and fund reporting for investment houses, wealth managers and asset servicers. The initial integration was undertaken to provide an automated end-to-end solution for a UK based independent investment management house dedicated to providing a high-quality and efficient service for private clients, charities and institutions. The investment house was struggling with a lack of a formal data structure, data controls and data accuracy, with an over-reliance on spreadsheets. In addition, the resulting fund reports, fund factsheets, KIIDs and other Regulatory required reports were labour intensive and slow [...]
5 Competitive Boosters of an Automated Reconciliation System
Reconciliation is often overlooked and undervalued by firms. Done right, reconciliation can help you avoid regulatory risks, make informed decisions, and ultimately reduce costs. Unfortunately, reconciliation at many firms remains a laborious, time-consuming and risk-prone process relying heavily on spreadsheets and manual labor. This approach is not only inefficient but also fundamentally unsustainable in the long run. Planning well ahead, and considering automating your data reconciliation process early on, could be the competitive edge your firm has been seeking. Here are 5 competitive advantages to consider when deciding whether automated reconciliation is the right choice for you: 1. Informed investment decisions Asset managers are increasingly demanding further [...]
PRIIP KIDs are a go: what happens now?
At last, it's happening. Two years since consultations started — and over three years since the PRIIP regulation came into force — the European Commission has agreed a final version of the PRIIP key information document (KID). The asset management industry was never keen on the PRIIP KID requirements. And, given that it now has less than a year to make sense of a delegated act and 46 pages' worth of amendments to complex technical standards, it's safe to say not many people will change their minds. That said, regardless of your views on the matter, the new rules are coming into force from 1 July 2022. [...]
Deloitte Luxembourg and Fundipedia to provide joint data management solutions to asset managers
Date: 21st October 2021 Fundipedia is pleased to announce that they have entered into a strategic collaboration with Deloitte Luxembourg. As of September 2021, Fundipedia’s data management platform has been integrated into Deloitte Luxembourg’s portfolio for their clients to complement its existing range of advisory, consulting and integration services. This collaboration is the latest addition to Deloitte Luxembourg’s successful ManCoTech initiative, launched in April 2021. Deloitte Luxembourg’s ManCoTech initiative creates a scalable, operational framework via the delivery of a range of modern and innovative technologies to its clients, utilising technology to alleviate mounting regulatory pressure and growing challenges. Fundipedia, who provides fund data management software and consultancy [...]
11 Key Capabilities to look for when considering an Automated Reconciliation Solution
Reconciling data manually is, more often than not, a good choice for firms just starting out. It requires minimal initial setup, almost no cost, and no development projects to implement. However, as the organisation grows, so too does the risk of errors. As data increases in volume and complexity, firms quickly realise that their lack of governance and audit trail, two of the foremost limitations of manual data reconciliation, become a real issue and risk to their business. This is also the point at which macros start to become increasingly complex. This is a precarious point for firms that, as a result, can end up with a [...]
Is SFDR simply recoloring old businesses with new names?
At the beginning of August 2021, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a milestone assessment that drew an “unequivocal” link between human activity and global warming. The Secretary-General of the UN made it clear that the conclusions of the report mean one thing...“code red for humanity.” Meanwhile, money managers are “flooded with cash” chasing ethical causes. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, in just four years the global market for ESG investing is set to exceed $50 trillion - more than 1/3 of global AUM. The question is how much of this is simply “greenwashing”? In spite of being ahead of the curve when implementing regulations [...]
Release – version 1.4.13
Report enhancements New option to include the report execution date and/or time in a report column output. New 'Is in' and 'Is not in' report filters - this allows reporting across a range of values. Report groups can be defined to store a list of values which can be used with these filters. New administrator reports added All Active Groups and Permissions - Lists all active security groups and the permissions assigned to each. All Active Users In Groups - List of all active users and the security groups they are in. All Active Lookup Values - Lists of all active lookup values for lookup fields. Openfunds ID Fields [...]
What to expect when choosing Fundipedia at the heart of your data ecosystem?
Fundipedia is the only fully data agnostic data management platform for the Asset Management industry. Through intelligent automation and powerful control models, Fundipedia provides firms with complete control of their product data without increasing staff headcount. It connects effortlessly to any system to leverage your data across multiple areas of the business and with 3rd parties. Our data management solution is used by some of the largest companies in the world. We care about the projects we take on and we’re proud of our clients and their achievements. Here is what to expect when working with Fundipedia: The software development process Fundipedia development follows the Agile [...]
What’s behind Fundipedia’s service quality and resilience?
Fundipedia is backed by a team of technology experts, Asset Management industry veterans, and entrepreneurial builders. We’ve been helping the likes of Barclays, Prudential and M&G take control of their data since 2007. Our innovative technology enables the user to disseminate and reconcile any type of data. This results in end-to-end control, as well as insights that drive smart business decisions, inspiring the confidence to meet regulatory requirements with ease. You can learn how Fundipedia employs the latest developments in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning >> here. Fundipedia is delivered via a web application built on top of the .NET Framework connecting to a SQL Server database. [...]
5 ways your Asset Management firm will stay ahead of the game with AI and ML
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine learning (ML) may seem both a distant and even scary prospect to some, straight out of a sci-fi movie plot, but in reality they’ve been around in our lives for quite some time now. Think Siri or Cortana, for example. A growing number of financial institutions are applying AI to their businesses via the back office and customer advice interactions to name just a couple. And, according to a report from the last World Economic Forum, 76% of banking CXOs agree that adopting AI will be critical to their organisation’s ability to differentiate in the market. Yet, the Asset Management industry seems [...]
A good run of bad luck: what does asset managers’ 2020 performance tell us about the industry’s future?
It's the year most industries reached never-before-seen lows, the world economy suffered the worst downward spiral since World War II, and things took such a left-field turn 'unprecedented' became the word of the year. Yet, against all odds, asset managers ended 2020 on a high. Despite the turbulent economic climate, total assets under management grew by 10% in Europe and 11% globally compared to 2019. But while this (and other numbers we'll get to in a bit) make it look like the industry is as strong as it's ever been, things aren't as positive as they seem at first glance. Here's what went well and what didn't [...]
The EC just published a finalised version of the PRIIPS KID
Asset Managers can now access a finalised version of the PRIIPS Key Information Document (KID), almost 2 years after the European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) started consultations on how the PRIIPS KID should be amended. The EC has published a couple of days ago a delegated legal act and a A 46-page annex, amending the regulatory technical standards laid down in the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/653. This addresses the underpinning methodology and presentation of performance scenarios, the presentation of costs and the methodology for the calculation of summary cost indicators, the presentation and content of information on past performance and the presentation of costs by packaged retail [...]
Fundipedia and the Investment Association collaborate on real-time data service
Fundipedia is happy to announce our latest partnership with the Investment Association (IA). With this collaboration, Fundipedia will seek to foster better relations between the asset management industry and the FCA by allowing asset managers to comply with FCA rules while accelerating the transfer and re-registration of consumer holdings. Towards the end of 2020, the IA developed an upgraded Common ShareClass Register (CSR) that went live in September. It contains listings for over 6,000 individual Funds for 130 retail-facing investment firms. It also displays the commonly available class of Funds made available by its members to assist the class conversion processing of investment platforms and administrators. Fundipedia [...]
4 potential areas of financial regulatory reform to keep an eye on in the UK
In June this year, the UK Government published a report by the Taskforce on Innovation, Growth, and Regulatory Reform to pinpoint potential areas of regulatory reform. The idea behind generating this report was clear; the UK needs to find new ways of refreshing its approach to regulation now that they have left the EU. The UK must take advantage of their newfound regulatory freedom as well as providing support for innovation, and growth. The Taskforce on Innovation, Growth and Regulatory Reform organised dozens of roundtables and meetings with over 125 experts including entrepreneurs, businesses, trade bodies, academics, Think Tanks, and others who shared their insights and ideas. [...]
Are you certain you’re fully complying with MiFID II?
Asset managers have been living with MiFID II for close to a decade. But while that might seem like it's more than enough time to get to grips with the directive's admittedly complex requirements, it turns out many aren't as compliant as they thought they were. Or, at least, that's what the Financial Conduct Authority discovered, according to the findings of a review they published on 26 February 2021.Here's a look at the FCA's key findings, plus some tips on improving your firm's MiFID II compliance which you can start implementing straight away. What was the scope of the FCA's review?The FCA's review focused on product governance. In other words, [...]
Steps that forward thinking asset managers take after they’ve created a static data product master
So you have mastered your static product data - congratulations! You’re now one step ahead of your competition. What next? Accurate and trustworthy static data creates a foundation that offers many additional opportunities for asset managers to utilise their data, driving the business forward while keeping on the right side of their regulators. It also presents opportunities to empower customers and reduce time on unnecessary data administration tasks. So let’s get to it, what additional opportunities present themselves after the static product master is mastered... Get dynamic It’s a fantastic idea to supplement your Golden Source of static data with dynamic data e.g. prices, dividends and so [...]
A new EU directive will come into effect in August 2021. Here is what this will mean…
The EU Directive and Regulation, known as the “CBDF package”, or “the EU cross-border distribution of collective investment undertakings legislative package” was officially launched in July 2019. The Directive will impact all UCITS and Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). It will come into effect on 2nd August 2021. The impetus behind the introduction of this new directive was the discovery, by the European Parliament, that the majority of investment funds were only registered for sale in their local markets. On top of that, only 37% of UCITS funds and 3% of AIFs were registered for distribution in more than three EU member states. The CBDF will seek to [...]
5 key challenges for asset managers in 2021 and beyond (and how to tackle them)
While the Covid-19 pandemic thrust asset managers into uncharted territory, they've proved themselves remarkably resilient. Faced with the prospect of adapting quickly or not doing business for the foreseeable future, the industry made 5 years' worth of digital progress in just a few months. But if 2020 — and the first part of 2021 — have shown it's possible to digitalise successfully even if you're a traditional firm with legacy issues, that doesn't mean it's going to be plain sailing from here on out. Even as physical restrictions are lifted and vaccine rollouts are giving us hope of a return to normality. So what are the [...]
Some UK firms may have to comply with the UK and EU climate-rules in parallel.
After much anticipation, the FCA published its consultation (CP21/17) on climate-related financial disclosures and rules for UK asset managers at the end of June. Objectives include increasing transparency and competition as well as stimulating the flow of capital towards firms that are better managers of climate risks and opportunities. The FCA will ensure that the new requirements are in line with existing UK and international disclosure regimes, but firms operating cross-border in the EU will have to do an additional element of reporting. Who is in-scope of CP21/17 Firms managing investments and giving investment advice Certain life insurers and FCA-regulated pension providers referred to as ‘asset [...]
FCA gave UK non-complying asset managers up to 18 months to meet the reporting standards of their annual fees assessments
At the beginning of the year, the FCA reported that, of the 145 money managers in the UK, almost half failed to disclose their costs associated with individual funds in compliance with the FCA’s criteria. According to the FCA in their early July announcement, firms are still failing to assess whether their fund fees are justified by the value they give to investors. The FCA also points to the fact that some fund managers did not meet reporting standards. The major issue here lay in incomplete assessments, lack of performance details, costs and share classes, as well as a general misunderstanding of relevant fund rules. This report [...]
Release – version 1.4.12
Record Templates Not all data items are required or applicable for certain records. For example, a fund domiciled in the UK may require additional fields to be populated compared with that in Luxembourg. To reduce the amount of data that needs to be entered, the user interface will hide fields for a record if they are not applicable based on admin user defined rules. Entity permission rules engine A new rules-based system has been introduced to make it easier for permissions to be applied automatically to records based on the data held in the system. For example, only allowing a specific business unit to view, edit or approve [...]
UK to extend the UCITS exemption by five years
At the beginning of June, HM Treasury confirmed in a press release that UCITS (Undertakings for the Collective Investment in Transferable Securities) funds will continue to be exempt under the UCITS Directive until 31 December 2026. In essence, this means that UCITS funds could still provide key investor information documents (KIIDs), as required by the UCITS Directive. In the EU, the same exemption is set to expire on 31st December 2021. The announcement of a short extension is expected, most probably 6 months. However, HM Treasury is about to review the UK disclosure regime which could lead to changes to the UK PRIIPs Regulation to be introduced [...]
Introducing: The zero-effort way to prepare for SFDR
While sustainable investing isn't a new idea — the first sustainable investment fund, Pax World, launched in 1971 — it has exploded in popularity over the past few years. Investors are rebalancing their portfolios to make them more sustainable in record numbers. But if sustainable investments are better for the planet and more resilient — in 2020, they outperformed traditional investments by an average of 0.9% — their popularity has also turned 'sustainability' into somewhat of a buzzword. As a result, legislators have stepped in to make sure that, when asset managers and other financial market players bill themselves and their products as sustainable, they really [...]
What you need to know about ESMA’s new marketing communication requirements
At the end of May 2021, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the EU’s securities regulator, set out the requirements that funds’ marketing communications must fulfill under the Guidelines for the Regulation on cross-border distribution of funds. Here is what you need to know: These guidelines apply to: UCITS management companies, including any UCITS which has not designated a UCITS management company Alternative investment fund managers EuVECA managers EuSEF managers The guidelines affect all marketing communications addressed to: Investors or potential investors for UCITS and AIFs, including when they are set up as EuVECAs, EuSEFs, ELTIFs and MMFs Marketing communications must: Be clearly identifiable as [...]
How ready is the European asset management industry for SFDR and ESG?
The first stage of the European Union’s (EU) Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) came into effect on 10th March 2021. Despite its seeming complexity, the initiative has one core objective - to avoid the ‘greenwashing’ of financial market participants. “SFDR sets out rules on transparency and requires FMPs to disclose how they consider sustainability risks in their investment processes and products and how they deal with principal adverse impacts of their investment decisions on sustainability factors, ” ~ Rebecca Macé-Balebs, Senior Associate at Ogier. To accomplish this, asset managers will be required to publish both pre-contractual and disclosure statements on their websites, distinguishing their products into [...]
Fundipedia is recognised on the WealthTech100 list by FinTech Global
We are delighted to announce that Fundipedia has been chosen to be a part of the third annual WEALTHTECH100 list of tech companies transforming the global investment and banking industries. The prestigious list recognises 100 of the world’s most innovative tech solution providers addressing the digital transformation challenges and opportunities faced by asset managers, private banks and financial advisors. "Established banks and investment firms need to be aware of the latest innovations to remain competitive in the current market, which is heavily focused on digital distribution and increased use of customer data, and even more so post Covid-19. The WealthTech100 list helps senior management filter through [...]
6 critical software implementation mistakes that could derail your project (and how to avoid them)
While organisations are investing in technology more than ever before — Gartner expects global spending to hit $3.9 trillion by the end of 2021 — returns aren't a given. From getting the technicalities and logistics right to winning over key stakeholders, implementing new technology is a complex undertaking. And even seemingly minor issues can make the process trickier than it has to be. So where can tech implementation go wrong? And what can you do to make sure the project stays on track? In this post, we'll look at 6 critical mistakes that can derail your project and the steps you can take to avoid them. [...]
Meet our new implementation associates
We are happy to announce our new implementation associates Sarah Bliss and Edward Dunkley. Once a year we select 1-2 bright, accomplished and highly motivated graduates as part of Fundipedia's Graduate Development Program. Our selection process is very competitive and goes through a short questionnaire, a quick get to know you conversation, a practical task and a proper long interview. We often get 500+ applications and we are carefully choosing the ones who are ready to roll up their sleeves. Get to know below Sarah and Edward, our news additions to the Fundipedia family. Hi Sarah, Edward, nice to have you on board with Fundipedia! What [...]
The case for inter-organisational data ecosystems for asset managers
Sharing research, product information, and other data with your competitors probably isn't the first thing you'd think of when looking for ways to grow your business, work more efficiently, and manage risk better. If anything, it would be last on your list. Or not on your list at all. Why share potentially sensitive information with firms that are vying for the same customers you are? But while it sounds counterintuitive, this approach can deliver huge dividends for everyone. When firms organise, share, and manage data together, they can create value — for both themselves and their customers — that goes far beyond what they could ever achieve [...]
How to take the pain out of third party reporting
You'd think standardisation would make reporting easier. But the EMT, EPT, and all the other regulatory reporting requirements you have to contend with as an asset manager have led to the complete opposite. If anything, putting reports together in the correct format is becoming increasingly challenging. And it's primarily down to the way data is gathered, managed, and stored The good news is that it doesn't have to be like this. With the right technology in place, you can create complete, accurate, and compliant reports quickly, without the attendant frustration. Here's how. Out of control Complying with reporting requirements is challenging to begin with. But, to make [...]
Document generation is broken, but there’s a fix
How much of their time do your staff spend on document generation? Hours? Days? Perhaps a week a month or more? While you might not know the exact figures, we're willing to bet it adds up to a significant chunk of their work week. From prospectuses, KIIDs, and factsheets, to regulatory filings and internal reports, asset managers are faced with an ever growing list of documents they have to produce on a monthly — if not weekly — basis. The kicker, though, is that most of these documents have to be compiled manually. Which means the process is not only frustratingly inefficient, but also prone to mistakes [...]
Fundipedia and Investment Solutions Consultants (ISC) announce partnership to deliver data software solutions and consultancy to asset and wealth managers
Fundipedia and ISC are pleased to announce that they have entered a strategic partnership by joining forces to deliver Fundipedia and associated data consultancy services to global financial firms. The two organisations provide complimentary services and their partnership naturally enhances the service and solution offerings for all existing clients. As Fundipedia onboards new clients at a faster pace than ever, partnerships with experts such as ISC ensure that we can continue to meet our client delivery expectations. Both new and existing Fundipedia clients benefit from an expanded team of industry experts to drive consultancy, implementation and ongoing support. ISC’s six directors bring decades of investment management experience [...]
2021 asset management regulatory matters from the Investment Association
John Allan, Senior Operations Specialist from the Investment Association, recently joined our Fundipedia quarterly User Group meeting to provide the latest news on regulatory matters as they relate to funds and firms. In summary the video talks about three main areas: Data Exchange Templates - as led by industry bodies including FinDatEx The Common ShareClass Register Additional policy and regulatory changes on the horizon in 2021 TRANSCRIPT Good morning, everyone. It is a pleasure to be invited to talk to you today at Fundipedia's User Group. As you know, Fundipedia is a part of IA Engine, our fintech hub and accelerator program, and it has been fantastic [...]
Release – version 1.4.11
Schema enhancements The schema now has its own section and improved UI and new icons. You can now filter fields from the tree view. You can now create your own custom attributes for fields (e.g. ‘Is Business Critical). These properties are available on the field tooltip and reports. All schema changes are captured and visible in a new history section. You can now set permissions from a field. Data Lineage added – you can now track/see what reports a field is part of Report enhancements User interface refresh / new icons Active filter added by default (can be removed by user) Personal copy of a report [...]
A golden source of data is pointless, unless you do this…
If you're an asset manager, having a golden source — a complete, accurate, trustworthy repository of your organisation's data which you can access quickly and easily — is a game-changer. McKinsey reckons investing in technology that organises, analyses, and stores your data in one place can slash asset managers' admin costs and increase revenue by as much as 30%. The problem is that, once it leaves your golden source, your data can change and become inaccurate. And because third parties aren't always regulated, it's your firm that could be on the hook should regulators uncover any issues. Clearly, having your data nice and organised internally isn't enough. [...]
Creating value-aligned partnerships with common goals
By Simon Swords, Managing Director There is no better approach to solving challenges than the famous saying, "two heads are better than one." At Fundipedia, we believe that real progress and big breakthroughs can’t happen in silos. Developing value-aligned partnerships that focus on common goals and complementary strengths is key to ensuring successful outcomes for all. That’s why one of our key strategic priorities is to work collaboratively with partnerships that generate the kind of energy to fuel growth, innovation, creativity and solve business problems. Kurtosys and Fundipedia Engaging with our customers to understand their entire business landscape is fundamental to how we continue to drive innovation and solve complex problems for them. We use regular meetings, quarterly user groups and a range [...]
Kurtosys and Fundipedia announce partnership to streamline data management and dissemination for asset and wealth managers.
3 November 2020 - Kurtosys and Fundipedia are pleased to announce that they have entered into a strategic partnership by integrating the Kurtosys digital platform with Fundipedia’s enterprise fund data management suite. Connecting the platforms allows asset and wealth managers to efficiently and cost effectively manage and publish their product data across a range of mediums, including regulatory reports, documents, sales materials, websites and client engagement portals. Firms are having to work harder than ever before to differentiate themselves from their competitors, and to counter external pressures they are embracing data as a mechanism to future proof growth and remain ahead of the competition. The collaboration between [...]
ISO 27001 independently recognises Fundipedia’s industry-leading security standards
At Fundipedia, the security of our software, infrastructure and your data is a cornerstone of the services we provide. It’s vital to everything we do. One of the ways in which we deliver a secure product, platform and privacy practices is to implement externally audited standards that ensure trust, control, and mitigate the risk of security breaches. Our completion of the ISO 27001 demonstrates our ongoing commitment to this promise. What is ISO 27001? ISO 27001 is an internationally recognised security standard that provides the specification for an Information Security Management System (ISMS). Based on risk management principles, the ISMS sets out the policies and procedures defined by organisations to keep all the information they hold secure, helps increase resilience to cyber-attacks, and provides a central framework for the management of [...]
Staying ahead of technology and regulation with data governance
We are fast approaching a perfect storm in asset management. From our standpoint here at Fundipedia, a data agnostic data management platform used by a range of high-profile firms such as M&G and Barclays, we have a unique perspective on the market and the challenges it faces in the next three to five years. In summary, we expect firms that are ship shape i.e. they already invest in resources, technology and drive their business forward with a clear operational focus and strategic objectives around data governance, will come out ahead. Admittedly this was always the case – but the same COVID-19 outcomes which have accelerated the demise [...]
Are you EMT 3.0 ready?
On Tuesday 10 December 2019, FinDatEx validated the new EMT (European MiFID template) v3 template. Some important changes have been made to EMT v1, the version currently used by investment funds, which include updates from existing EMT v1 fields as well as additional new fields. Key files have been made available by FinDatEx (findatex.eu): Template – click here Mapped changes between V1 and V3 – click here The fast approaching final deadline for implementation is 10 December 2020. Download our checklist below to ensure you've covered off every essential item.
4 challenges facing the asset management industry
The asset management industry entered 2020 with a great deal of optimism. Sadly, the trials and tribulations of this year will have impacted this perspective. Despite this, the smartest firms will continue to invest in their people and technology and attempt to do better than just trying to keep business as usual ticking over. We are already seeing a marked difference between firms that are struggling to maintain their pre-COVID status quo, and those who have forged ahead to attack the challenges 2020 offers head on. What are the challenges? Here, we will explore the four most pressing challenges facing the asset management industry, and provide specific [...]
Release – version 1.4.10
Document API enhancement Enhancements to the API to allow users to manage tags and categories assigned to documents. Approval enhancements Now schedule future publish changes on date and time Allow authorised users to cancel a future change before it is published Support has been added for sensitive approvals – these approvals cannot be seen by regular users via the user interface The display name for entity lookups is listed on the approval screen instead of record IDs to make it much clearer what is being approved Support has been added to show custom display names on approval, e.g. where an object doesn’t have a name field Approval [...]
What is Power BI and why should you care?
Data is the lifeblood of modern businesses. Yet, with so much amassed every day by organisations across the globe, if companies can’t make sense of the information at their disposal, they can’t use it to make worthwhile improvements to their processes and practices. That is where business intelligence software is critical in helping organisations make sense of their data and use it to generate actionable insights for their various operations. Here, we will break down Microsoft’s flagship BI solution, Power BI, and why companies should care about what it can accomplish for them. What is Power BI? Power BI is a powerful data visualisation tool, collated across [...]
6 reasons why we can’t stop using Power BI
With data being the lifeforce behind businesses of all shapes and sizes, solutions like Power BI are absolutely essential in allowing organisations to harness the information available do them and drive effective decision-making. Through it, people can visualise and analyse data in ways that were never possible before, and place it at the heart of their business strategy. Here, we give 6 reasons why our team at Fundipedia value Power BI, and how its numerous benefits extend to our clients seeking to take control of their fund data. Reason #1: Integrations, and lots of them... Out of the box, Power BI includes a huge amount of integrations with almost any data provider you need. Whether [...]
Understanding the importance of data quality metrics
When your business invests in an effective enterprise data management (EDM) solution, you will gain a core advantage of holding your critical data in one manageable location. In a time where the vast quantity of data typically found in asset management firms, these systems are becoming more critical than ever. However, to truly harness that data and use it to guide meaningful decisions within your organisation, you need a clear idea of its quality. Poor data quality can lead to significant issues if it is used to guide a company's direction. If it is outdated, inaccurate, ambiguous or incomplete, this can subsequently result in wayward strategies, as well [...]
The 5 most common mistakes in Power BI
On your journey to becoming a Power BI expert, there are a few bad habits you may fall into along the way. This is totally understandable and they won’t become apparent to you until you start to examine your reports from a different perspective. While it may feel natural to develop your Power BI reports by tailoring them to how you think they should look, it is important to remember that you will almost certainly have a deeper understanding of it than those who will eventually read it. Any extra complexities may come naturally to you, but readers might have a tougher time grasping it. In this [...]
Understanding the value of a business case
Today's businesses are driven by data. The vast amount of data that companies generate and amass on a day-to-day basis is at the heart of unlocking new opportunities, developing their processes and fulfilling their true potential. However, this is typically only true for organisations who have gotten to grips with data governance. It is one thing to create and collect data – it is another thing entirely to truly own, understand and utilise it. Consider your own company for a moment – do you have answers to the following? What does the data we've collected actually mean? Can I trust our data? Where did our data come [...]
The 7 essential steps to building a business case
In my experience, the biggest hurdle to overcome when introducing a new data initiative is found right near the beginning – getting executive buy-in. While data is the driving force behind the development of businesses in many industries, especially within the financial services sector, setting an initiative in motion that's designed to capture, store and govern this information can be a real challenge. That's because any effective data initiative needs to present business-wide benefits, not just be contained to a single department. Without a holistic approach, you risk the rest of your organisation ignoring this new source of data, rendering it ineffective in the grand scheme of [...]
Fundipedia joins IA FinTech hub – Engine
We are delighted to announce that Fundipedia has been chosen to be a part of Engine, the Investment Association’s unique 6 month fintech accelerator programme. Our fund data governance platform has been selected for the quality of solution and our focus on key industry problem areas within the investment industry. Engine’s mission is to power up the adoption of technology throughout the investment management industry so everyone can meet the goals and needs of investors and savers better. As a result of being selected to be a part of the programme, our team will benefit from unparalleled access to the IA and its industry expertise, as [...]
Software Dilemmas – The Buy vs Build Debate
By Simon Swords, Managing Director It's a question that many individuals are confronted with at some point in their career: "Should we buy this software solution, or are we better off building our own?" As the MD of a software company myself, I understand this dilemma very well. When you have the in-house skills and resources to develop your own bespoke solution to a problem, there will be a strong desire to go this route for reasons that include: You won't be required to pay an annual fee to another company for the solution You wouldn't become dependent on the supplier of said solution You will have [...]
Release – version 1.4.9
Release - version 1.4.9 Entity lookup source selector Changes have been made to the entity lookup data type to allow authorised users to select the entity and field visible to end users for selection. New login page experience The login page has been refreshed using the new Fundipedia branding. Filter records on landing pages Filter records on search pages (such as all Funds) by text fields to quickly find the record your looking for. Filtering is available on all object list and object linking pages. Approval loading and process times have been improved.
Document Management
Did you know that Fundipedia has a secure online centralised repository where you can easily search, retrieve, and share documents? From version 1.4.7 use this feature to store all of your fund related documents including KIIDs, Factsheets, prospectuses and more. The document centre, available from the Fundipedia top menu, is a convenient place view and search all documents, upload documents, revise documents, seek approvals on changes, and see a full audit trail of changes. Documents can be assigned to a specific Fundipedia record (e.g. Fund or Share Class) or standalone. Users can upload up to 100 documents at a time. The following document types are supported: csv, [...]
Release – version 1.4.8
Release - version 1.4.8 User interface language translations The user interface is changed based on the language they wish to view. The selection is saved on the user record and is maintained for future sessions. Initially Chinese Traditional, Japanese, Korean and Thai languages will be available for selection. Please speak to us to add additional languages. API Enhancements Allow end users to filter records via the API: more details. 'Date last updated' field added to all objects which can also be filtered on. HTML Data Type A new HTML data type is available for selection on the Fundipedia system when creating a new field. Users can enter [...]
Data Quality Challenges: What They are and How to Overcome Them
Data makes the world go around, there’s no doubt about it – and with increasing innovation and automation shaping our day-to-day, it’s possible to collect and store more information than before, making access to data easier than ever. However, ensuring enterprise data quality proves to be a consequential hurdle for many companies, with a lengthy list of reasons causing businesses to struggle with the soundness of their data. For example: Some companies encounter data inconsistencies across different departments. Others find that the raw data that flows into their data supply chain, both internally and externally, poses the very real threat to create data quality issues along with a lack of standardisation. [...]
Self-service data governance – optimising how businesses handle data
Big data. Data management. Data quality. Data governance. These formerly big buzzwords on the data scene have gradually become staples of business vocabulary. But just because they have less hype surrounding them doesn't mean they're any less important. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Data is the driver behind critical business decisions - decisions that support the profitability and growth regardless of their size or industry. Whether it's the way banks track the spending and borrowing habits of customers to personalise communications with customers, or people in the insurance sector use data to eliminate inefficiencies and make savings through shorter claim cycles. And, as the availability and [...]
Happy Birthday MiFID2!
Happy Birthday MiFID2! Two years old and hasn't that time flown by? Whilst there has been some uptake of the standard we hear regulators are going take the opportunity to clamp down on those firms who are still not yet compliant in this coming year and onwards. Supervisory and potentially enforcement focus is increasing in priority areas such as regulatory reporting and investor protection (Inducements, Best Execution and Costs & Charges). The FCA is empowered to use recent Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SM&CR) as a lever to boost further accountability, compliance and remediation in relation to MiFID II. So with all this in mind now is [...]
Change Events
Change events, introduced in Fundipedia version 1.4.6, give users a powerful way to program automatic updates to the information stored in Fundipedia. Field data can be automatically changed based on other field value changes based on the rules you configure. Tell me more So how would this work in a real world example? Let's consider a Share Class Extension field. This field is generally a combination of many different fields with rules depending on whether the share class is hedged. Please note this example is for illustration purposes only. Administrators can add a change event on a field from the field edit screen: To create a change [...]
Release – version 1.4.7
Release - version 1.4.7 Enhancements to document management New centralised document centre You can now upload documents not associated to an object Documents can be versioned via the approval process Enhancements to the Benchmark object This includes new relationship objects between Fund, Share Class and Sub Funds as well as a new object to allow Benchmarks to relate to themselves. Dashboards (beta) Three configured admin dashboards: Approval count Approval turnaround time Fund completeness Allow duplicate relationships Administrators can now configure whether many-to-many relationships can be duplicated via the admin settings. For example, the same fund manager can be added to the same fund record more than once. [...]
Fundipedia API
The need to efficiently share Fund data between people and systems is an issue that faces most asset management businesses today. One way to unlock this challenge is to use an Application Programming Interface (API), which at its most basic acts as a door to your data allowing other systems to interact with it without sharing anymore than it needs. From version 1.4, Fundipedia has a comprehensive set of APIs. The API can be used to extract data on a per object basis, execute a configured report, or retrieve items awaiting approval. You can also post data into Fundipedia. This includes creating and updating records. As well [...]
Release – version 1.4.6
Release - version 1.4.6 Change events Update to the change events system which will allow Fundipedia field data to be automatically changed based on other field value changes and rules you configure. See our change events help articles for more information. Enhancements to variations New combined view and edit all options available on form layouts. An administrator can configure which variation is displayed by default. The order that variations appear can now be changed by a system user. New Country variation extension has been added which appends the country ISO country code to the field name You can now make a variation extension inactive but still report on [...]
Release – version 1.4.5
Release - version 1.4.5 Reporting standards Users now have the ability to give fields extra headers and formats when building reports, e.g. for reporting in openfunds format. See our reporting in different standards blog post for more information. New 7 decimal place data type is now available Single Sign-on authentication with Azure AD Field information tooltip now available via field label click, not hover. This now allows you to copy and paste information from the tooltip.
3 Essential Elements to Successful Data Governance
Data management is at the crux of modern businesses. It is the information that sits at the heart of decisions that will propel a company forward, and unlocks opportunities that could otherwise be overlooked. Yet, despite how crucial data is to ensuring growth in today's landscape, data mismanagement remains a significant concern. Actually, it isn't hard to see why - with the sheer volume of data being created, stored and shared on a day-to-day basis, it is easy to understand how keeping this information under control remains problematic. But just because it's problematic doesn't mean companies can sweep it under the rug. Data mismanagement doesn't only prevent [...]
Data Reporting in Different Standards
Today we are pleased to announce an exciting new feature to Fundipedia; reporting standards. Timely and accurate regulatory reporting is a critical need for any financial institution. With the introduction of consortiums, such as, Openfunds and European Working Group (EWG), asset management reporting has started to become more standardised. However, many financial institutions still struggle to pull this data together. It can often involve time consuming manual processes and a massive burden on resource every month, quarter, and year-end. Incomplete, ambiguous or erroneous fund data can have serious negative consequences for financial institutions. The financial costs of these errors can be substantial. The new Fundipedia reporting standards [...]
Introducing Azure Single Sign-on (SSO)
Today we are excited to announce the launch of Azure Single Sign-on (SSO) with Fundipedia. With the growing rise in cybercrime, security has never been so important. The average person has over 30 logins, all requiring a password—these passwords are often reused, shared or become less and less complex as the number of passwords you need to remember grows. SSO can relieve the stress of password management as well as offering a host of other benefits for end users and IT managers. What is SSO? Single Sign-on (SSO) is a system that enables users to securely authenticate with multiple applications and websites by logging in only once, [...]
Addressing the Issue of Data Mismanagement
The evolution of technologies and solutions dedicated to making the handling of data more efficient, more secure and more dependable has been pivotal in helping companies confidently make data-driven strategic decisions. Thanks to this, organisations that juggle a lot of data day-to-day, such as those working in the asset management industry, can feel more confident about the validity of the information they have available and its capacity to make a real difference moving forward. However, the threat of data mismanagement still holds firm in today's landscape. With such a swell of data being stored within modern workplaces, mistakes are likely to happen if effective precautions are taken. [...]
Client Spotlight: Legal & General Investment Management
We're pleased to share an insightful article featuring our esteemed client, Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM)'s Global Chief Data Officer, Garry Barr. In this exclusive piece, Gary delves into the journey of data evolution and the transformative work he and his team are spearheading to deliver value-driven data and technology change. Since 2021, LGIM has entrusted Fundipedia to manage their static and dynamic data, a testament to our product's robust capabilities. We are incredibly proud to contribute to their tech and data transformation, and in turn, their overall success. But this partnership isn't just one-sided. Being part of our tech ecosystem, LGIM challenges us to push boundaries, inspiring [...]
Is in-house software putting your asset management firm at risk?
If you have the budget, know-how and, yes, the fortitude to take it on — in software development, if something can go wrong, it's almost guaranteed to do so — building enterprise software in-house can seem like an attractive proposition. But while there's no arguing with the benefits of getting it right — a completely bespoke, tailor-made platform that fits like a glove into your legacy infrastructure (and which you could potentially monetise) — there's an important question you should ask yourself before you get stuck in. Is it worth the risk? Admittedly, we're a bit biased. But we strongly believe the answer to this question should [...]
One tool to rule them all: the case for consolidating enterprise software systems
How many enterprise software tools does your asset management firm use? Whether it's two or ten, we're willing to bet that, if your setup involves multiple systems made by different vendors, it's probably causing more problems than it solves. Maintaining several different enterprise software tools is resource-intensive, time-consuming, and expensive. More to the point, even with integrations in place that enable them to talk to each other, storing your data in a patchwork of tools creates an environment where many common issues can develop: fragmentation, duplication, inaccuracies, lack of visibility, and lack of accountability. In this post, we'll make the case for sticking to one specialised, end-to-end [...]
What’s new to the European ESG Template (EET) Version 1.1.1
The European ESG Template (EET) was first released in April 2022 to help financial market participants to comply with European sustainable finance legislation such as SFDR, IDD or MiFiD. Since its conception, two further versions have been released by FinDatEx in October 2022 and January 2023 to adapt to changes in regulation. Any notable changes in these versions 1.1 and 1.1.1 are detailed in the article below, along with a brief summary of the EET and its importance for financial market actors. Background The European ESG Template is a project developed by FinDatEx to comply with ESMA and FCA regulations, such as the SFDR, MiFiD and IDD, [...]
How to ensure digital transformation succeeds with our proven DATA framework
While the success or failure of a digital transformation project typically becomes apparent only at adoption stage, the warning signs appear much earlier in the process. The question is, how do you pick up on them before it's too late to course-correct? At Fundipedia, we use the DATA framework to objectively assess a firm's current state, identify potential weaknesses, and nip them in the bud before they can derail the project. In this post, we'll walk you through each of the four principles underpinning this framework, and explain how they can help you make sure you meet the objectives you've set out to achieve. What's the [...]
Ready for takeoff: How to take the effort out of launching new funds
When you're launching a new fund, timing is critical. But despite the meticulous planning that goes into validating the idea, developing the right investment strategy, and obtaining all the necessary approvals, the launch process often ends up being drawn out, fragmented, and expensive. So why does it take so long for new funds to go from idea to investor-ready product? And, more importantly, what can fund managers do to shorten the launch process and get to market sooner? The single biggest cause for launch delays (is not what you think) It's easy to blame mounting regulation and, more recently, growing divergence between the UK and [...]
Why smart asset managers are partnering with specialist fintechs
To expand data capabilities — and 95% of asset managers think this will be critical to their survival moving forward — working with one of the large, incumbent data firms might seem like the logical way to go. For close to 40 years, the likes of Morningstar, Bloomberg, and Refinitiv have been asset managers' go-to technology partners. They have the depth of expertise — plus unparalleled resources — that all but guarantee any business transformation project, no matter how complex, will be a resounding success. Right? Not necessarily. It sounds counter-intuitive, but while these data firms undoubtedly have compelling advantages, the way they're set up and [...]
The FCA Consumer Duty – Improving how firms serve their customers
Just over a month ago, the FCA published their final guidance on the upcoming rules that comprise their new Consumer Duty. These rules are being put in place to set higher and more precise standards of consumer protection across the financial services world, requiring firms to put their customers’ needs first. This is another step forward on the FCA's journey to becoming a more data-led, effective regulator. While the requirements and timeline for its implementation have not deviated substantially from their original rule proposals at the start of the year, we will take a look at some of the most pertinent information and dates all asset [...]
Why asset managers need a robust data management strategy in 2022
Is your asset management firm's data management strategy on solid ground? With efficient, effective, and, most importantly, digital-first data management processes, your firm can be more flexible, more responsive to change, and better-placed to seize new opportunities. Conversely, if your firm’s data is siloed and still largely reliant on time-consuming, mistake-prone, manual processes, you risk — as Accenture bluntly put it — setting your firm up for failure. So what does a robust, modern data management strategy look like? And how do you get started putting one in place? Striving for growth in a difficult environment Ross Tremblay, a senior manager in Accenture's asset management [...]
5 compelling reasons to choose Fundipedia for your data management needs
Looking to invest in technology that will simplify your operations and help your asset management firm become more data-driven? Perhaps we're a bit biased, but Fundipedia would be a great fit. Here are five reasons we think our platform is the way to go if you want to make better use of data, ditch manual processes, and become the asset management firm everyone else aspires to be. 1. Built-in data governance controls One of the key mistakes firms make when implementing technology is believing it can fix data quality issues. Any platform, no matter how advanced, can only work with the inputs it's given. So if [...]
TSAM Digital Interview with Simon Swords
https://vimeo.com/713717683 Fundipedia is a proud sponsor of TSAM London 2022, taking place on 16th June in Houndsditch. This interview sees Fundipedia Managing Director, Simon Swords, answer questions posed by Ana from TSAM Digital. So, tell me about Fundipedia – what does it do for clients? Why can’t asset managers build their own solutions for data management? Are there any other advantages of working with a fintech over an incumbent? What are the common data problems that you see across the asset management industry? In other words, where do asset managers encounter the most pain? How do Fundipedia and its team keep in the loop [...]
What are asset managers’ real data challenges? Hard-won lessons from 15 years in the industry
Ask any asset manager what their biggest data challenges are, and we're willing to bet outdated technology will be at the top of their list. Successive research reports — this one by Temenos and this one by Alpha FMC just to quote two recent ones — have singled out modernising data infrastructure and digital transformation as asset managers' biggest priorities. And, by the end of 2023, they'll be collectively spending $84 billion a year in pursuit of them. There's just one problem. While technology is undoubtedly a powerful tool, it can only work with the inputs it's given. Which is a nice way of saying 'garbage [...]
Engine’s breakfast event showcases successful FinTech – Asset Manager collaboration
On the morning of 26th April, Engine, The Investment Association’s FinTech hub, hosted a FinTech breakfast in collaboration with previous Engine Innovators Jacobi, Kore and Fundipedia. The Investment Association (IA) supports over 270 UK-based investment managers to create an environment in which the industry, and therefore the savers who rely on it, can thrive. This means creating the right conditions for UK FinTech to flourish. To help achieve this, in 2018 the IA established our FinTech hub and accelerator, Engine. Engine is boosting our industry’s adoption of new technologies and helping investment managers to identify new opportunities, work more efficiently and cut costs, ultimately benefiting our customers. [...]
Fundipedia and Kore announce partnership to create end-to-end product lifecycle and data management solution for asset managers
28th November 2022 – Fundipedia and Kore Labs (Kore) today announce that they have entered a strategic partnership to integrate Fundipedia’s enterprise fund data management solution with Kore’s product governance and end-to-end digital lifecycle management platform. Connecting the two platforms enables investment managers to manage product design, creation, reviews, and changes efficiently and effectively. The combination eliminates silos of tasks and data to create a seamless flow of information between the teams involved. Firms are having to work harder than ever to differentiate themselves from their competitors due to a range of regulatory pressures, including Consumer Duty and upcoming reporting obligations such as PRIIPs. Against this [...]
Why smart asset managers are partnering with specialist fintechs
To expand data capabilities — and 95% of asset managers think this will be critical to their survival moving forward — working with one of the large, incumbent data firms might seem like the logical way to go. For close to 40 years, the likes of Morningstar, Bloomberg, and Refinitiv have been asset managers' go-to technology partners. They have the depth of expertise — plus unparalleled resources — that all but guarantee any business transformation project, no matter how complex, will be a resounding success. Right? Not necessarily. It sounds counter-intuitive, but while these data firms undoubtedly have compelling advantages, the way they're set up and [...]
Press release: Liontrust selects Fundipedia for its data management and dissemination platform
Liontrust has selected Fundipedia’s data management platform to deliver a golden source, providing validated, trustworthy data to both Liontrust and its downstream data vendors. This followed the recognition by Liontrust that gaining more effective control and management of its product data was a critical step on the path to supporting its future growth and empowering the entire organisation. Fundipedia’s audit trail and reconciliation features evidence that data delivered downstream are accurately published to investors. The project was delivered by Fundipedia’s implementation team who bring decades of asset management experience and a deep knowledge of the challenges faced by asset managers. This combination of experience and cutting-edge technology [...]
Fundipedia and Opus Nebula integrate their SaaS solutions to provide a seamless data management and fund reporting solution
November 2021: Fundipedia and Opus Nebula have integrated their cloud-based SaaS solutions to provide a turnkey solution for fund data management and fund reporting for investment houses, wealth managers and asset servicers. The initial integration was undertaken to provide an automated end-to-end solution for a UK based independent investment management house dedicated to providing a high-quality and efficient service for private clients, charities and institutions. The investment house was struggling with a lack of a formal data structure, data controls and data accuracy, with an over-reliance on spreadsheets. In addition, the resulting fund reports, fund factsheets, KIIDs and other Regulatory required reports were labour intensive and slow [...]
Deloitte Luxembourg and Fundipedia to provide joint data management solutions to asset managers
Date: 21st October 2021 Fundipedia is pleased to announce that they have entered into a strategic collaboration with Deloitte Luxembourg. As of September 2021, Fundipedia’s data management platform has been integrated into Deloitte Luxembourg’s portfolio for their clients to complement its existing range of advisory, consulting and integration services. This collaboration is the latest addition to Deloitte Luxembourg’s successful ManCoTech initiative, launched in April 2021. Deloitte Luxembourg’s ManCoTech initiative creates a scalable, operational framework via the delivery of a range of modern and innovative technologies to its clients, utilising technology to alleviate mounting regulatory pressure and growing challenges. Fundipedia, who provides fund data management software and consultancy [...]
Fundipedia and the Investment Association collaborate on real-time data service
Fundipedia is happy to announce our latest partnership with the Investment Association (IA). With this collaboration, Fundipedia will seek to foster better relations between the asset management industry and the FCA by allowing asset managers to comply with FCA rules while accelerating the transfer and re-registration of consumer holdings. Towards the end of 2020, the IA developed an upgraded Common ShareClass Register (CSR) that went live in September. It contains listings for over 6,000 individual Funds for 130 retail-facing investment firms. It also displays the commonly available class of Funds made available by its members to assist the class conversion processing of investment platforms and administrators. Fundipedia [...]
Fundipedia is recognised on the WealthTech100 list by FinTech Global
We are delighted to announce that Fundipedia has been chosen to be a part of the third annual WEALTHTECH100 list of tech companies transforming the global investment and banking industries. The prestigious list recognises 100 of the world’s most innovative tech solution providers addressing the digital transformation challenges and opportunities faced by asset managers, private banks and financial advisors. "Established banks and investment firms need to be aware of the latest innovations to remain competitive in the current market, which is heavily focused on digital distribution and increased use of customer data, and even more so post Covid-19. The WealthTech100 list helps senior management filter through [...]
Meet our new implementation associates
We are happy to announce our new implementation associates Sarah Bliss and Edward Dunkley. Once a year we select 1-2 bright, accomplished and highly motivated graduates as part of Fundipedia's Graduate Development Program. Our selection process is very competitive and goes through a short questionnaire, a quick get to know you conversation, a practical task and a proper long interview. We often get 500+ applications and we are carefully choosing the ones who are ready to roll up their sleeves. Get to know below Sarah and Edward, our news additions to the Fundipedia family. Hi Sarah, Edward, nice to have you on board with Fundipedia! What [...]
Fundipedia and Investment Solutions Consultants (ISC) announce partnership to deliver data software solutions and consultancy to asset and wealth managers
Fundipedia and ISC are pleased to announce that they have entered a strategic partnership by joining forces to deliver Fundipedia and associated data consultancy services to global financial firms. The two organisations provide complimentary services and their partnership naturally enhances the service and solution offerings for all existing clients. As Fundipedia onboards new clients at a faster pace than ever, partnerships with experts such as ISC ensure that we can continue to meet our client delivery expectations. Both new and existing Fundipedia clients benefit from an expanded team of industry experts to drive consultancy, implementation and ongoing support. ISC’s six directors bring decades of investment management experience [...]
Creating value-aligned partnerships with common goals
By Simon Swords, Managing Director There is no better approach to solving challenges than the famous saying, "two heads are better than one." At Fundipedia, we believe that real progress and big breakthroughs can’t happen in silos. Developing value-aligned partnerships that focus on common goals and complementary strengths is key to ensuring successful outcomes for all. That’s why one of our key strategic priorities is to work collaboratively with partnerships that generate the kind of energy to fuel growth, innovation, creativity and solve business problems. Kurtosys and Fundipedia Engaging with our customers to understand their entire business landscape is fundamental to how we continue to drive innovation and solve complex problems for them. We use regular meetings, quarterly user groups and a range [...]
Kurtosys and Fundipedia announce partnership to streamline data management and dissemination for asset and wealth managers.
3 November 2020 - Kurtosys and Fundipedia are pleased to announce that they have entered into a strategic partnership by integrating the Kurtosys digital platform with Fundipedia’s enterprise fund data management suite. Connecting the platforms allows asset and wealth managers to efficiently and cost effectively manage and publish their product data across a range of mediums, including regulatory reports, documents, sales materials, websites and client engagement portals. Firms are having to work harder than ever before to differentiate themselves from their competitors, and to counter external pressures they are embracing data as a mechanism to future proof growth and remain ahead of the competition. The collaboration between [...]
Client Spotlight: Legal & General Investment Management
We're pleased to share an insightful article featuring our esteemed client, Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM)'s Global Chief Data Officer, Garry Barr. In this exclusive piece, Gary delves into the journey of data evolution and the transformative work he and his team are spearheading to deliver value-driven data and technology change. Since 2021, LGIM has entrusted Fundipedia to manage their static and dynamic data, a testament to our product's robust capabilities. We are incredibly proud to contribute to their tech and data transformation, and in turn, their overall success. But this partnership isn't just one-sided. Being part of our tech ecosystem, LGIM challenges us to push boundaries, inspiring [...]
What’s new to the European ESG Template (EET) Version 1.1.1
The European ESG Template (EET) was first released in April 2022 to help financial market participants to comply with European sustainable finance legislation such as SFDR, IDD or MiFiD. Since its conception, two further versions have been released by FinDatEx in October 2022 and January 2023 to adapt to changes in regulation. Any notable changes in these versions 1.1 and 1.1.1 are detailed in the article below, along with a brief summary of the EET and its importance for financial market actors. Background The European ESG Template is a project developed by FinDatEx to comply with ESMA and FCA regulations, such as the SFDR, MiFiD and IDD, [...]
Running a successful POC
How can you be sure your chosen software will meet your asset management firm's needs? Unless you've tested it, the reality is that you can't. All too often, a solution's drawbacks and limitations only become apparent during the latter stages of a digital transformation project. So while, on paper, a vendor might tick all the right boxes, there's still a risk things might not turn out as you'd hoped. Needless to say, once you've invested a significant chunk of your resources into integrating new technology into your workflow, it's difficult — and, sometimes, impossible — to course-correct, even if you realise the software isn't actually a [...]
Another year of work from anywhere
In April of last year, over 2 years since the Coronavirus pandemic began, Deloitte - one of the world's largest accountancy and consulting firms - decided to significantly reduce its office space in the capital. Abandoning two buildings in London totaling 250,000 sq ft, and leaving just two remaining sites with 485,000 sq ft, they appear to be leading the way in promoting a hybrid working environment. And they are not alone. As of September 2022, 37 percent of workers in Great Britain advised that they had worked from home at some point in the previous seven days. Sectors such as information and communication, scientific and [...]
ESG update – New FCA Greenwashing Rules
On 25th Oct 2022, the FCA published its "Sustainability Disclosure Requirements ("SDR") and investments labels" Consultation Paper (CP 22/20). The aim of the paper is to outline the FCA's stance on greenwashing as concerns grow that investment funds are making ESG-related claims that have been misleading and/or unsubstantiated, failing to stand up to scrutiny. In this article, we will discuss why the FCA have felt the need to consult on this further, what the new rules are and who they will affect. Why The FCA Is Consulting A year ago the FCA made it clear that tackling greenwashing was a core regulatory priority, publishing a [...]
How to ensure digital transformation succeeds with our proven DATA framework
While the success or failure of a digital transformation project typically becomes apparent only at adoption stage, the warning signs appear much earlier in the process. The question is, how do you pick up on them before it's too late to course-correct? At Fundipedia, we use the DATA framework to objectively assess a firm's current state, identify potential weaknesses, and nip them in the bud before they can derail the project. In this post, we'll walk you through each of the four principles underpinning this framework, and explain how they can help you make sure you meet the objectives you've set out to achieve. What's the [...]
Fundipedia and Kore announce partnership to create end-to-end product lifecycle and data management solution for asset managers
28th November 2022 – Fundipedia and Kore Labs (Kore) today announce that they have entered a strategic partnership to integrate Fundipedia’s enterprise fund data management solution with Kore’s product governance and end-to-end digital lifecycle management platform. Connecting the two platforms enables investment managers to manage product design, creation, reviews, and changes efficiently and effectively. The combination eliminates silos of tasks and data to create a seamless flow of information between the teams involved. Firms are having to work harder than ever to differentiate themselves from their competitors due to a range of regulatory pressures, including Consumer Duty and upcoming reporting obligations such as PRIIPs. Against this [...]
Ready for takeoff: How to take the effort out of launching new funds
When you're launching a new fund, timing is critical. But despite the meticulous planning that goes into validating the idea, developing the right investment strategy, and obtaining all the necessary approvals, the launch process often ends up being drawn out, fragmented, and expensive. So why does it take so long for new funds to go from idea to investor-ready product? And, more importantly, what can fund managers do to shorten the launch process and get to market sooner? The single biggest cause for launch delays (is not what you think) It's easy to blame mounting regulation and, more recently, growing divergence between the UK and [...]
How is alternative asset management supervision changing in the UK?
If you're a UK-regulated alternative asset management firm, change is afoot. In an August 2022 letter — mercifully, this is addressed Dear CEO, not Dear John — the FCA has set out the supervisory approach it plans to take moving forward. And while it's not exactly radical, the devil is in the details. Here's a look at the letter's key themes, and what they mean for the alternative asset management industry. Who's in scope? The FCA kicks off the letter by reaffirming the proportionality principle — the idea that the level of oversight should be appropriate to a firm's size and the risk it presents. [...]
Why smart asset managers are partnering with specialist fintechs
To expand data capabilities — and 95% of asset managers think this will be critical to their survival moving forward — working with one of the large, incumbent data firms might seem like the logical way to go. For close to 40 years, the likes of Morningstar, Bloomberg, and Refinitiv have been asset managers' go-to technology partners. They have the depth of expertise — plus unparalleled resources — that all but guarantee any business transformation project, no matter how complex, will be a resounding success. Right? Not necessarily. It sounds counter-intuitive, but while these data firms undoubtedly have compelling advantages, the way they're set up and [...]
The FCA Consumer Duty – Improving how firms serve their customers
Just over a month ago, the FCA published their final guidance on the upcoming rules that comprise their new Consumer Duty. These rules are being put in place to set higher and more precise standards of consumer protection across the financial services world, requiring firms to put their customers’ needs first. This is another step forward on the FCA's journey to becoming a more data-led, effective regulator. While the requirements and timeline for its implementation have not deviated substantially from their original rule proposals at the start of the year, we will take a look at some of the most pertinent information and dates all asset [...]
The power of ‘I don’t know’
Our society values correctness. Be that providing answers to difficult questions, or simply the acquisition of knowledge, being right is the pinnacle of intellectual achievement. Conversely, as human beings, we have been conditioned to hesitate when we don’t know or understand something. ‘Fake it till you make it’, as the saying goes. The asset management industry is no different. Despite a huge rise in the level of complexity and change occurring all around the industry, there is a lack of acceptance regarding the changes needed to bring firms into the modern day, which goes beyond just outdated processes and legacy systems. Before asset management firms can [...]
Release – January 2023
In 2022 Fundipedia onboarded more new clients than in any previous year. Our teams created a range of new features in response to new and existing customer feedback that ensures Fundipedia continues to evolve to meet the ever-changing data management demands across our wider industry. If you would like to see one or more of these features in action please get in touch for a demo. A wide range of powerful enhancements are planned for 2023, including new additions to Fundi Launch Workflow that our clients use to drive down product lifecycle times and increase data accuracy. One login for different [...]
Fundi Launch Workflow
Fundipedia has added a new product to our comprehensive, end-to-end data management platform. Fundi Launch Workflow is a user-friendly, customisable, fully integrated fund and share class launch solution that is designed to help asset managers streamline and optimise their fund and share class launch processes. Building Fundi Launch Workflow, we set out to solve what we found to be the most common pain points experienced by asset managers when embarking on a new launch. With an ever increasing amount of data to process, constantly evolving regulations and competition to get new products to market faster, we understood the need for a product that would increase efficiency [...]
Release – version 1.4.14
Prevent further changes when records have pending changes Fields that have a pending change will be read only for users and can not be edited. A tooltip will be displayed providing more information to the end user. Additional notes: Administrators will have the ability to toggle this feature on or off Sensitive changes do not block additional changes Feature does not prevent change events from submitting changes Future dated changes block additional changes Entity lookups support secondary fields for UI display and reporting For multi entity lookup fields allow administrators to configure what fields are visible on the selection screen. At present, only the name or [...]
Release – version 1.4.13
Report enhancements New option to include the report execution date and/or time in a report column output. New 'Is in' and 'Is not in' report filters - this allows reporting across a range of values. Report groups can be defined to store a list of values which can be used with these filters. New administrator reports added All Active Groups and Permissions - Lists all active security groups and the permissions assigned to each. All Active Users In Groups - List of all active users and the security groups they are in. All Active Lookup Values - Lists of all active lookup values for lookup fields. Openfunds ID Fields [...]
Release – version 1.4.12
Record Templates Not all data items are required or applicable for certain records. For example, a fund domiciled in the UK may require additional fields to be populated compared with that in Luxembourg. To reduce the amount of data that needs to be entered, the user interface will hide fields for a record if they are not applicable based on admin user defined rules. Entity permission rules engine A new rules-based system has been introduced to make it easier for permissions to be applied automatically to records based on the data held in the system. For example, only allowing a specific business unit to view, edit or approve [...]
Release – version 1.4.11
Schema enhancements The schema now has its own section and improved UI and new icons. You can now filter fields from the tree view. You can now create your own custom attributes for fields (e.g. ‘Is Business Critical). These properties are available on the field tooltip and reports. All schema changes are captured and visible in a new history section. You can now set permissions from a field. Data Lineage added – you can now track/see what reports a field is part of Report enhancements User interface refresh / new icons Active filter added by default (can be removed by user) Personal copy of a report [...]
Release – version 1.4.10
Document API enhancement Enhancements to the API to allow users to manage tags and categories assigned to documents. Approval enhancements Now schedule future publish changes on date and time Allow authorised users to cancel a future change before it is published Support has been added for sensitive approvals – these approvals cannot be seen by regular users via the user interface The display name for entity lookups is listed on the approval screen instead of record IDs to make it much clearer what is being approved Support has been added to show custom display names on approval, e.g. where an object doesn’t have a name field Approval [...]
Release – version 1.4.9
Release - version 1.4.9 Entity lookup source selector Changes have been made to the entity lookup data type to allow authorised users to select the entity and field visible to end users for selection. New login page experience The login page has been refreshed using the new Fundipedia branding. Filter records on landing pages Filter records on search pages (such as all Funds) by text fields to quickly find the record your looking for. Filtering is available on all object list and object linking pages. Approval loading and process times have been improved.
Release – version 1.4.8
Release - version 1.4.8 User interface language translations The user interface is changed based on the language they wish to view. The selection is saved on the user record and is maintained for future sessions. Initially Chinese Traditional, Japanese, Korean and Thai languages will be available for selection. Please speak to us to add additional languages. API Enhancements Allow end users to filter records via the API: more details. 'Date last updated' field added to all objects which can also be filtered on. HTML Data Type A new HTML data type is available for selection on the Fundipedia system when creating a new field. Users can enter [...]
Release – version 1.4.7
Release - version 1.4.7 Enhancements to document management New centralised document centre You can now upload documents not associated to an object Documents can be versioned via the approval process Enhancements to the Benchmark object This includes new relationship objects between Fund, Share Class and Sub Funds as well as a new object to allow Benchmarks to relate to themselves. Dashboards (beta) Three configured admin dashboards: Approval count Approval turnaround time Fund completeness Allow duplicate relationships Administrators can now configure whether many-to-many relationships can be duplicated via the admin settings. For example, the same fund manager can be added to the same fund record more than once. [...]
Release – version 1.4.6
Release - version 1.4.6 Change events Update to the change events system which will allow Fundipedia field data to be automatically changed based on other field value changes and rules you configure. See our change events help articles for more information. Enhancements to variations New combined view and edit all options available on form layouts. An administrator can configure which variation is displayed by default. The order that variations appear can now be changed by a system user. New Country variation extension has been added which appends the country ISO country code to the field name You can now make a variation extension inactive but still report on [...]
Release – version 1.4.5
Release - version 1.4.5 Reporting standards Users now have the ability to give fields extra headers and formats when building reports, e.g. for reporting in openfunds format. See our reporting in different standards blog post for more information. New 7 decimal place data type is now available Single Sign-on authentication with Azure AD Field information tooltip now available via field label click, not hover. This now allows you to copy and paste information from the tooltip.
Client Spotlight: Legal & General Investment Management
We're pleased to share an insightful article featuring our esteemed client, Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM)'s Global Chief Data Officer, Garry Barr. In this exclusive piece, Gary delves into the journey of data evolution and the transformative work he and his team are spearheading to deliver value-driven data and technology change. Since 2021, LGIM has entrusted Fundipedia to manage their static and dynamic data, a testament to our product's robust capabilities. We are incredibly proud to contribute to their tech and data transformation, and in turn, their overall success. But this partnership isn't just one-sided. Being part of our tech ecosystem, LGIM challenges us to push boundaries, inspiring [...]
One tool to rule them all: the case for consolidating enterprise software systems
How many enterprise software tools does your asset management firm use? Whether it's two or ten, we're willing to bet that, if your setup involves multiple systems made by different vendors, it's probably causing more problems than it solves. Maintaining several different enterprise software tools is resource-intensive, time-consuming, and expensive. More to the point, even with integrations in place that enable them to talk to each other, storing your data in a patchwork of tools creates an environment where many common issues can develop: fragmentation, duplication, inaccuracies, lack of visibility, and lack of accountability. In this post, we'll make the case for sticking to one specialised, end-to-end [...]
Running a successful POC
How can you be sure your chosen software will meet your asset management firm's needs? Unless you've tested it, the reality is that you can't. All too often, a solution's drawbacks and limitations only become apparent during the latter stages of a digital transformation project. So while, on paper, a vendor might tick all the right boxes, there's still a risk things might not turn out as you'd hoped. Needless to say, once you've invested a significant chunk of your resources into integrating new technology into your workflow, it's difficult — and, sometimes, impossible — to course-correct, even if you realise the software isn't actually a [...]
How to ensure digital transformation succeeds with our proven DATA framework
While the success or failure of a digital transformation project typically becomes apparent only at adoption stage, the warning signs appear much earlier in the process. The question is, how do you pick up on them before it's too late to course-correct? At Fundipedia, we use the DATA framework to objectively assess a firm's current state, identify potential weaknesses, and nip them in the bud before they can derail the project. In this post, we'll walk you through each of the four principles underpinning this framework, and explain how they can help you make sure you meet the objectives you've set out to achieve. What's the [...]
Ready for takeoff: How to take the effort out of launching new funds
When you're launching a new fund, timing is critical. But despite the meticulous planning that goes into validating the idea, developing the right investment strategy, and obtaining all the necessary approvals, the launch process often ends up being drawn out, fragmented, and expensive. So why does it take so long for new funds to go from idea to investor-ready product? And, more importantly, what can fund managers do to shorten the launch process and get to market sooner? The single biggest cause for launch delays (is not what you think) It's easy to blame mounting regulation and, more recently, growing divergence between the UK and [...]
How is alternative asset management supervision changing in the UK?
If you're a UK-regulated alternative asset management firm, change is afoot. In an August 2022 letter — mercifully, this is addressed Dear CEO, not Dear John — the FCA has set out the supervisory approach it plans to take moving forward. And while it's not exactly radical, the devil is in the details. Here's a look at the letter's key themes, and what they mean for the alternative asset management industry. Who's in scope? The FCA kicks off the letter by reaffirming the proportionality principle — the idea that the level of oversight should be appropriate to a firm's size and the risk it presents. [...]
Why smart asset managers are partnering with specialist fintechs
To expand data capabilities — and 95% of asset managers think this will be critical to their survival moving forward — working with one of the large, incumbent data firms might seem like the logical way to go. For close to 40 years, the likes of Morningstar, Bloomberg, and Refinitiv have been asset managers' go-to technology partners. They have the depth of expertise — plus unparalleled resources — that all but guarantee any business transformation project, no matter how complex, will be a resounding success. Right? Not necessarily. It sounds counter-intuitive, but while these data firms undoubtedly have compelling advantages, the way they're set up and [...]
Why asset managers need a robust data management strategy in 2022
Is your asset management firm's data management strategy on solid ground? With efficient, effective, and, most importantly, digital-first data management processes, your firm can be more flexible, more responsive to change, and better-placed to seize new opportunities. Conversely, if your firm’s data is siloed and still largely reliant on time-consuming, mistake-prone, manual processes, you risk — as Accenture bluntly put it — setting your firm up for failure. So what does a robust, modern data management strategy look like? And how do you get started putting one in place? Striving for growth in a difficult environment Ross Tremblay, a senior manager in Accenture's asset management [...]
10 critical points to help turn your sales calls into fully fledged proof-of-concepts
While all are eager to transform sales calls into a fully-fledged proof of concept, it’s important to come to the table with a process in place to ensure both you and your client are getting the most out of the ensuing discussion. In this post, we look at 10 of the critical points to consider during these initial meetings. This will help to maximise understanding, promoting positive client/vendor interactions, thereby enhancing outcomes. 1. Some initial points to consider include: Are you asking the hard questions and getting the right answers? Who is ultimately responsible for making the decisions in your company? What is your budget for [...]
5 compelling reasons to choose Fundipedia for your data management needs
Looking to invest in technology that will simplify your operations and help your asset management firm become more data-driven? Perhaps we're a bit biased, but Fundipedia would be a great fit. Here are five reasons we think our platform is the way to go if you want to make better use of data, ditch manual processes, and become the asset management firm everyone else aspires to be. 1. Built-in data governance controls One of the key mistakes firms make when implementing technology is believing it can fix data quality issues. Any platform, no matter how advanced, can only work with the inputs it's given. So if [...]
TSAM Digital Interview with Simon Swords
https://vimeo.com/713717683 Fundipedia is a proud sponsor of TSAM London 2022, taking place on 16th June in Houndsditch. This interview sees Fundipedia Managing Director, Simon Swords, answer questions posed by Ana from TSAM Digital. So, tell me about Fundipedia – what does it do for clients? Why can’t asset managers build their own solutions for data management? Are there any other advantages of working with a fintech over an incumbent? What are the common data problems that you see across the asset management industry? In other words, where do asset managers encounter the most pain? How do Fundipedia and its team keep in the loop [...]
What are asset managers’ real data challenges? Hard-won lessons from 15 years in the industry
Ask any asset manager what their biggest data challenges are, and we're willing to bet outdated technology will be at the top of their list. Successive research reports — this one by Temenos and this one by Alpha FMC just to quote two recent ones — have singled out modernising data infrastructure and digital transformation as asset managers' biggest priorities. And, by the end of 2023, they'll be collectively spending $84 billion a year in pursuit of them. There's just one problem. While technology is undoubtedly a powerful tool, it can only work with the inputs it's given. Which is a nice way of saying 'garbage [...]