Asset Managers
Asset Managers are facing significant macro developments: evolving regulatory landscapes, significant AUM growth, the rise of passives, fee and margin pressure, the changing role of technology and changing client service expectations. Our experience across every aspect of the Asset Management value chain helps our clients to identify the best strategy, select the best partners and ensure implementation success.
How we work with clients
We work with Asset Managers of all sizes, from boutiques to global tier 1 firms. We have expertise across institutional, wholesale and retail client segments, as well as active and passive investment styles and multi-asset or alternative investment strategies. We provide services across all functions of an Asset Management firm.
Our support includes:
- Target Operating Model: Designing and implementing enterprise operating models
- Enterprise Technology: Guiding the design and implementation of enterprise data and technology strategies
- Investments: Supporting investment strategy and decision making to enable competitive edge
- Operational Technology: Selecting and implementing leading tools across all functions
- CX & Digital: Enhancing client experience with client service or client onboarding design and enabling digital efficiency across client functions
- Automation: Automating manual processes with innovative technology solutions
- Data: Supporting the efficient use and adoption of enterprise data applications
- Service Providers: Selecting and migrating to new middle and back office operations service providers
- Regulatory Compliance: Providing compliance, regulation and risk advice and support
- Risk: Designing enhanced internal functions to reduce operational risk
Why Alpha?
We have run and delivered complex projects across all asset manager types and all of the top 20 asset managers globally. Simply put, no other consultancy can match our expertise and know-how in this space.
Our clients are offered unique insights on leading technology solutions and outsource providers to enhance their operating model and increase efficiencies.
Our insights are also grounded in deep implementation experience. We are able to readily turn advice into practical actions.
Q&A with Jon Benson, Executive Director
What are the most transformational projects that Asset Managers are currently undertaking?
Many of Alpha’s clients are planning or are currently implementing a new enterprise-wide operating model. Rather than selecting a tool for a single function in isolation, Asset Managers are looking to maximise the benefits of a wider coherent operating model. There have been significant changes in the technology vendor and Asset Servicer provisions in this regard. Asset Managers can significantly improve their models in this way – increasing efficiency, increasing agility and improving client outcomes.
What will the Asset Manager of the future look like?
There are significant headwinds facing Asset Managers; not least fee and margin pressure, the changing role of technology and changing client service expectations. Our prediction is that client-centricity will be of vital importance - meaning significant investment in distribution and product innovation. We also expect transformation of data operating models where Asset Managers significantly improve their ability to gain insights from internal and external data.
How are firms becoming more ‘client centric’?
We define client experience (CX) as the outcome of interactions a firm has with their clients, including marketing, onboarding and servicing. Ultimately this results in the clients’ perception of the firm – it’s about both hearts and minds. We are seeing firms significantly invest in their end to end CX, starting by defining their key client groups (personas) and their client journeys to understand the current and desired future experiences. Leading Asset Managers are using CX as a strategic differentiator and a retention lever.
How are you seeing Asset Managers responding to cost pressures they are increasingly coming under?
So, while it is right to say managers are under cost pressure, it is perhaps better described as a margin squeeze. Asset Managers have for a long time accepted a linear relationship between AUM and Cost; with fee pressure, that equation is having to be re-examined. Beyond traditional cost optimization support, we are seeing our clients increasingly invest in cost and profitability capabilities, allowing them to understand their Fund, Client, and Channel costs, manage their costs with a stronger grip, and invest in the areas which will move their dial on their growth strategy.
