Investment Firms | OpsCheck

Is OpsCheck A Good Fit For Your Firm?

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.3″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”-50px||||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”]

[/et_pb_code][et_pb_social_media_follow _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”linkedin” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/company/opscheck/” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#007bb6″ follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]linkedin[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”twitter” url=”https://twitter.com/_opscheck” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#00aced” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]twitter[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ text_font=”Roboto Condensed||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_letter_spacing=”0.4px” header_font_size=”32px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

You may be asking yourself, is OpsCheck a good fit for our firm?

That question is crucial because there are a few scenarios where OpsCheck is not the right option. There are pros and cons associated with any service, of course. But OpsCheck is not a good fit for firms whose leadership takes a hands-off approach.

OpsCheck delivers powerful results, greater efficiency, and productivity, and promotes a culture of accountability and excellence in firms. If management doesn’t insist that teams use it and doesn’t actively check on the solution, however, staff won’t give it the attention it needs. People tend to not do things if they believe that management is not committed to them. Over time, if fewer and fewer people use the solution or more people use it in the wrong way, the positive benefits disappear.

This is important: Firms that subscribe to OpsCheck but don’t use it set themselves up for failure. The positive changes that come from using OpsCheck don’t all happen overnight. But they happen more quickly as leaders integrate the solution into normal business practices. Senior managers are responsible for making sure they and their teams adopt OpsCheck. It has to be a team effort to succeed.

Another example of a bad fit is when firms are overly attached to current practices. Research shows that firms resist improving antiquated operational controls that they don’t even know are cumbersome and have a lot of room for improvement. It is normal to be comfortable with the way things are. But good managers must always be looking for new ways to make positive changes.

OpsCheck challenges firms to think forward and take control of their operations. Imagine no more spreadsheets, email chains, and guesswork when managing operations. It bridges the gap between employees, departments, and managers by streamlining operational and workflow procedures. But you need to be open to making these operational as well as cultural changes.

OpsCheck is a great tool to manage all your processes and can deliver on its promises. But when firms use processes that are highly customized and cannot be accommodated through OpsCheck – or any other application, for that matter – those firms will never find an outsourced solution due to the extreme customization they require. They will need to develop their own tool and have constant development and maintenance costs along the way.

OpsCheck is highly flexible and can adapt to any type of financial firm. But it cannot solve every detail for every firm unless the firm’s leaders are committed to innovation. Check out the testimonial videos on our website from our clients around the globe. You’ll hear our OpsCheck improve their operations. I would love an opportunity to hear from you whether you want to schedule a demo or simply learn more. Thanks.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ text_font=”Roboto Condensed||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_letter_spacing=”0.4px” header_font_size=”32px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]

Start your risk-free 60-day trial of OpsCheck by filling out the form:

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”]

[/et_pb_code][et_pb_social_media_follow follow_button=”on” admin_label=”Follow us” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”linkedin” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/company/opscheck/” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#007bb6″ follow_button=”on” url_new_window=”on”]linkedin[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”twitter” url=”https://twitter.com/_opscheck” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#00aced” follow_button=”on” url_new_window=”on”]twitter[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

OpsCheck Testimonial: Travis Breznak

At Redmile Group, this approach created a “ball of yarn” of different checklists for the venture capital and private equity firm, said Director of Operations and Accounting Travis Breznak.

“If you want an overview of where you might stand on all your funds and processes, you’re opening up a bunch of Excel checklists, and then those all have to roll forward,” said Breznak. “That’s sustainable to a certain extent. But we found that, as Redmile grew as an organization, it was becoming unsustainable, especially as we started hiring more people.”

Especially problematic were transitions between departments within the firm. Moving a task like an investor’s letter, for example, from operations and accounting to the investment team and then to investor relations often entailed extra work to make sure nothing was lost in translation along the way.

OpsCheck provided a solution. San Francisco-based Redmile Group now tracks all their tasks and open items with OpsCheck, making it easy to hold individuals both up and down the chain of command accountable for assigned responsibilities. When someone completes one stage of a task, the next person sees the next stage of the same workflow in their queue. Everyone knows the day’s priority without needing to check on their OneNote, Excel, or other personal to-do list. And they don’t need to update their Excel lists as their workflows progress.

“You want to make sure everyone’s checking their box along the way,” said Breznak. “OpsCheck is perfect for that. You can kick off a workflow so that it’s really easy to track a task across departments. OpsCheck is really beneficial for any organization that has multiple departments and wants to scale while making things more efficient.”

Furthermore, managers like Breznak could use OpsCheck to observe how teams were progressing with their assigned tasks – as many as 75 at a time in his case – as well as drill down on what was on time or not and who might have been responsible for expediting or delaying work. The tool provided excellent data for reviews and self-reflection among everyone who wanted to improve.

The solution’s superior approach to operations reflects OpsCheck founder Frank Caccio’s depth of experience in finance, added Breznak. “Frank, being an investment industry professional, understood a lot of the pain points that we were experiencing,” he said. “He was a mentor – a huge help in implementing the solution and streamlining our work. He and OpsCheck could help not only anyone in the investment industry but any large organization that has lots of processes.” [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ text_font=”Roboto Condensed||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_letter_spacing=”0.4px” header_font_size=”32px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]

Start your risk-free 60-day trial of OpsCheck by filling out the form:

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”]

OpsCheck Testimonial: Jason Etherington

In 2019, hedge fund asset manager East Lodge Capital wasn’t using any software as an operational management tool. Then the pandemic happened. Now leaders at the London-based firm overseeing more than $ 1 billion use OpsCheck “religiously,” said Chief Operating Officer Jason Etherington.

During the pandemic, East Lodge Capital’s teams worked from home. Without an online management tool, executives couldn’t track tasks, who should be doing them, when they were completed or not, and other oversight. The firm’s 26 employees were used to exchanging this information in person, on a day-to-day basis.

As East Lodge Capital increasingly saw the limitations of the ad hoc processes that they used to schedule virtual meetings and work remotely during lockdowns, they tried OpsCheck. Etherington first deployed the solution in his department. It quickly spread to others. Now the firm’s leadership uses OpsCheck to track monthly, daily, and weekly tasks and responsibilities.

“It’s enabled me as a manager to sit above and have a look and make sure that we are delivering against commitments in a timely manner,” said Etherington, who said he has saved time on managing and can now focus more on other work. “I’m able to just suddenly flick to it and have a look and make sure that everything has been updated and make sure everything has been done.”

OpsCheck is a one-stop shop where managers can check on imminent deadlines and the progress of the workflows that must be completed to meet them, vital tools for leaders who must apportion their resources every day to deal with pressing responsibilities. The solution is flexible, too. East Lodge Capital easily introduced new processes in their tailored OpsCheck platform, like when they stopped using LIBOR, for example, in new business.

In tracking everyone’s tasks, OpsCheck also creates a record that is ideal for business continuity. If anyone couldn’t work, the team can see what was on their agenda.

East Lodge Capital doesn’t even use all of OpsCheck’s features, but Etherington expects to use more in the future. The onboarding and OpsCheck’s manuals have made it easy to use the system and learn more applications over time. Working with OpsCheck representatives on deployment and periodic questions has been easy, too.

“There’s never been a software issue,” said Etherington. “I recommend OpsCheck.”

Start your risk-free 60-day trial of OpsCheck by filling out the form:

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”]

OpsCheck Testimonial: Lia Oyman

Franklin Templeton is a global investment firm with teams based all around the globe. The firm had been using the follow-the-sun approach for important tasks, handing off checklists and deadlines from office in office in one time zone to another as each began their days. Maintaining workflows among as many as 250 people in the US, Asia, Brazil, and Europe was prone to error and was becoming cumbersome, however.

That’s when Lia Oyman, an operations manager responsible for innovation and implementing efficiencies, came across OpsCheck.

At first, Oyman only needed a solution that would automatically save a single document at the end of the day in each office, without human intervention. Financial services is full of daily deadlines. A single process might have numerous deadlines over time. Tracking the status of each process is essential. Otherwise, managers don’t know where they need to throw additional resources in order to satisfy their responsibilities to their clients.

OpsCheck representatives showed Oyman how to tailor the platform to Franklin Templeton’s specific needs and answered questions on a daily basis as staff learned how to use the technology.

Today, OpsCheck provides the firm with much more than a checklist to hand off to another office at the end of the day. It’s now the workflow solution for Franklin Templeton’s global teams. Oyman and her colleagues can monitor daily activities, check on deadlines throughout the day, and generate reports that give internal auditors more details on each task, like who has completed it or not. OpsCheck also sends e-mail alerts to the responsible person’s inbox if they miss a deadline.

“There’s a very, very nice monitoring dashboard that supervisors and managers can use throughout the day, to make sure that tasks are being completed on time,” said Oyman. “We’re able to regularly monitor where we stand with our activities. OpsCheck was over and above what we were initially looking for.”

Franklin Templeton is now considering deploying OpsCheck for onboarding brokers, custodians, and others so that they are automatically added to the firm’s workflows.

Oyman would recommend OpsCheck for anyone in the financial industry who uses Excel spreadsheets to track their daily activities, tasks, and workflows; who regularly converts spreadsheets into PDFs to meet internal audit requirements on saving information in time without the possibility of manipulation; and who want more control over daily deadlines. Organizations with remote workers located around the globe can especially benefit, she added.

“You don’t have to be looking over somebody’s shoulders,” said Oyman. “You log onto the platform, see what has been done, what meetings have been scheduled, etcetera. You get a lot more peace of mind.”

Start your risk-free 60-day trial of OpsCheck by filling out the form:

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”]

Using Private Equity Project Management Software to Improve Business Processes

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”mid-width” _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_padding=”10px|2px|65px|0″][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_social_media_follow url_new_window=”off” disabled_on=”off|off|off” module_class=”share-soc” _builder_version=”3.0.106″][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” url=”https://www.facebook.com/” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ custom_css_main_element=”display: none;” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”off”]Facebook[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”linkedin” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/company/opscheck/” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”off”]LinkedIn[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ text_font=”Roboto Condensed||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_letter_spacing=”0.4px” text_line_height=”1.8em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||60px|”]

Why would a private equity or other financial firm take a project-management-oriented approach to improve business processes? How would they implement such a system? What purpose would this approach serve for private equity and financial firms? What benefits would this approach afford to firms needing services for capital calls, subscription documents, compliance, and other responsibilities? The answers to these questions lie in private equity project management software.

As a distinct discipline, project management is a relatively new field. Although the concept has been around for millennia, recognition of the practice only started in the 1950s. Before then, project managers were simply professionals who handled many tasks in an undertaking at the same time. Early project management methodologies were limited to basic scheduling and resource allocation. Over the years, approaches like Waterfall, Agile, Scrum, and Lean have developed to address the growing complexities of different industries such as construction, manufacturing, and engineering.

Today, private equity, fund administration, and other firms around the world are seeing paybacks from applying project management methods to their financial-related tasks and workflows.

What Is Private Equity Project Management?

Investopedia defines project management basics “as the planning and organization of a company’s resources to move a specific task, event, or duty towards completion.” For example, when constructing a building (a single task), a contractor would use any one of several standard project management methodologies.

In project management terms for the finance sector, the planning and organization of a firm’s resources would apply to the day-to-day functions performed in the execution of its business (e.g., NAV calculations, reporting, reconciliations, treasury reviews, counterparty risk, document archiving, and other tasks). This is a business process, a group of related tasks ending in delivering a product or service to a client. When a private capital firm or fund administrator adopts software based on project management fundamentals, they utilize every available resource to optimize their business processes.

Adopters should understand some project management best practices. Not every firm needs a project management office or a dedicated project manager to reap the rewards of the discipline. Your company doesn’t have to join the league of large, multinational organizations like Bank of America or JP Morgan.

Today, many organizations rely on general project management tools such as Excel, email, Slack, Trello, Asana, and Monday to manage their projects. These tools are great for basic scheduling and task management, but they lack the depth and sophistication needed to support the complex financial operations of the finance, venture capital, and private equity industries. These industries require specialized tools that can handle things like repeatable financial tracking, budgeting, and reporting, which are essential components of project management in these sectors. Organizations without project management methods waste 28 times more money than their counterparts who use proven practices.

Why Use Private Equity Project Management Software?

Adopting a project management approach for business process improvements in the financial industry isn’t rocket science. Private equity project management software has made these solutions available to any firm wishing to improve productivity and, at the same time, mitigate operational risk amid turbulent conditions in the markets and broader economy. Project management systems, in short, boost efficiency and growth.

The most cost-effective means of accomplishing this is via project tracking software that organizes workflow and task management systems using an easy-to-use project management dashboard.

A project and workflow management platform must be flexible, adapting to different business models and processes. But effective project management software streamlines repetitive, mundane, and complex tasks. Best of all, it can be tailored to the specifics of your office and your project management plan.

In the highly regulated finance industry, there is an inherent need for accuracy and efficiency in major projects, from capital calls to auditing and compliance. Because of these demands, financial professionals tend to have a careful, methodical approach to their work. They need team task management.

Private equity project management software automates reminders, reporting, and compliance, freeing up managers to focus on more important tasks. These tools also provide real-time tracking, centralized information-sharing, and complete visibility of the workflow, preventing missed deadlines and improving project quality.

Along with mathematical ability and financial acumen, the sector also requires many so-called soft skills, like relationship management and communication. Using a system that can automate clerical, record keeping, and other administrative tasks, that frees up managers for this important work is advisable.

As software steps in to enable accuracy and efficiency with online project management, managers can be hands-on with investors or other stakeholders or regulators, supervising their teams, identifying cost efficiencies, or pursuing other areas of improvement rather than getting bogged down in distractions.

How Software Enables Private Equity Project Planning and Management

Private equity project management software delivers the transparency needed for full oversight. Having project task lists and complete 360-degree visibility of the workflow identifies issues before they become problems.

When your system has the built-in ability to track and record work in real-time, missed deadlines become a thing of the past and project quality improves. With centralized information-sharing, you get simple reviews and monitoring in a single location.

Powerful private equity project management software will drill down, providing data from your teams, departments, and custom categories. Red flags are quickly picked up, letting you focus on any workflow sphere needful of support. Robust workflow technology gives wide-ranging transparency for operations and compliance. All-in-one management of tasks and workflows will support all your essential operational objectives, such as audit trails and logs.

These critical records of a firm’s day-to-day business operations form a vital part of an operational risk management strategy. Not only does this fulfill the needs of the C-suite, regulators, and clients with auditable workflow logs, but managers can quickly see whether or not the company’s task and workflow ecosystems display well-ordered business processes.

This complete oversight and project quality control, which prevents delays and advances your organizational goals, is the value of project management.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”]

Start your risk-free 60-day trial of OpsCheck by filling out the form:

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_social_media_follow url_new_window=”off” module_class=”share-soc” _builder_version=”3.0.106″][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ custom_css_main_element=”display: none;” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”off”]Facebook[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”linkedin” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”off”]LinkedIn[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_class=”bottom-banner” _builder_version=”3.22″ background_color_gradient_direction=”168deg” background_image=”https://opscheck.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/base.png” background_position=”center_left” custom_padding=”55px||55px|” custom_padding_tablet=”68px||68px|” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”0px||20px|” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||15px|” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_font_size=”18px” text_letter_spacing=”0.4px” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”32px” header_2_font=”Catamaran||||||||” header_2_font_size=”38px” header_2_letter_spacing=”1.2px” header_2_line_height=”1.1em” text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_2_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_2_font_size_phone=”” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=”0.9px” header_2_letter_spacing_phone=”” header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_2_line_height_tablet=”” header_2_line_height_phone=”” header_2_line_height_last_edited=”on|tablet”]

See how OpsCheck can upgrade
your Business Operations

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_class=”banner-cta bn-btns” _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”||0px|” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_button button_url=”#contact” button_text=”Try for free” module_class=”inline-btn try-for-free-modal” _builder_version=”3.16″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”21px” button_bg_color=”rgba(47,47,63,0.93)” button_border_color=”#00e8d8″ button_icon=”%%20%%” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”|50px||50px” custom_css_main_element=”display: inline-block;” button_bg_color_hover=”#565656″ button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#565656″ button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”][/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”#contact” button_text=”Book a Demo” module_class=”inline-btn book-a-demo-modal” _builder_version=”3.16″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”21px” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#03bbce” button_border_color=”#ffffff” button_icon=”%%20%%” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”|50px||50px” custom_css_main_element=”display: inline-block;” button_bg_color_hover=”#565656″ button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#565656″ button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

How Private Equity Firms Optimize Portfolio Operations

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_social_media_follow _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”linkedin” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/company/opscheck/” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#007bb6″ follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]linkedin[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”twitter” url=”https://twitter.com/_opscheck” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#00aced” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]twitter[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ text_font=”Roboto Condensed||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_letter_spacing=”0.4px” header_font_size=”32px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]When a private equity (PE) firm invests in a business, for example, a start-up, that company becomes part of the firm’s portfolio.

The key reason a private equity firm would buy a stake in a portfolio company is to increase its value, then sell the company for a profit mostly within five to seven years.

For a private equity firm to get the highest return on investment (ROI), they often begin optimizing the operations of their portfolio companies immediately after they invest.

How do private equity firms optimize the operations of portfolio companies? Read on to find out.

What is the Optimization Phase of a Portfolio Company?

PE firms no longer just sign a check to their portfolio companies.

They get involved in management, strategy, hiring, brand building, training, and much more.

The private equity portfolio optimization process often involves the use of data and technology to improve operational infrastructure, risk controls, organization structure, functional process financial performance, talent and culture programs, etc.

This phase is usually conducted by the private equity operations team.

The private equity operations team is normally made up of accomplished executives who have a long track record in operations, management, finance, auditing, or human resource.

Ideally, the PE operations team should get involved in a portfolio company during the due diligence phase.

Getting the team involved early allows them to identify weak areas in a portfolio company and develop game plans to address the problems post-investment in the fastest time possible.

Key Things the Private Equity Operations Team Does

As mentioned above, the private equity operations team performs several tasks all aimed at optimizing the performance of a portfolio company.

Private equity firms will often deploy these individuals to their portfolio companies to do the following.

Foster good relationships with the portfolio companies executives

If the private equity management and the executives at their portfolio companies don’t get along, this could get in the way of the portfolio companies’ success.

So, the PE operations team is tasked with ensuring a cordial relationship is in place and everyone is working hard towards creating value for the business.

A recent survey by Kearney, a leading global management consulting firm, found that almost 90% of portfolio company CEOs expect to begin a relationship with the PE operations team during the pre-acquisition phase.

The minority want this relationship to be in place as soon as practically possible after they close the transaction with a private equity firm.

An example of how a good relationship between a PE firm and portfolio company can help improve a performance is, instead of exposing shortcomings and finger-pointing, the two can work to identify problems and solutions.

Get the right team in place

Private Equity firm executives are fond of saying “A great management team can make a good company great.”

That’s why when a private equity firm invests in a company they might let the current management stay on if their leadership positively impacts the company.

If the portfolio company is underperforming or at risk of having financial problems, replacing the management is often a top priority.

In the interim, members of the private equity operations team could take over the company and oversee the hiring of the right management.

Due to their experience, the PE operations teams are really good at finding top-notch talent that can grow their portfolio companies and give them the highest return on investment.

Coach portfolio company executives and staff

A portfolio company could be underperforming not because they have a bad product but due to leadership gaps.

Because a private equity operations team is made up of individuals with lots of experience in human resources and management they can easily identify the leadership issues and ways to address them.

For example, they could teach portfolio company executives industry best practices and growth hacks to improve the performance of their business.

Create a strong brand

Private equity firms know that a strong brand can survive product failures or economic downturns.

That’s why they are often keen to help their portfolio companies create brands that are people-focused and meet market needs.

The PE operations team usually has marketing and advertising gurus who can create strong brands, which when established can give a PE firm massive ROI.

Identify growth opportunities

One of the first things a PE operations team will do is look at opportunities their portfolio companies are yet to take advantage of.

The untapped opportunities could mean higher revenues for the portfolio company and better returns for the PE firm.

For example, a portfolio company could only be selling its products or services through a physical store.

A PE firm could see an opportunity online and develop a high-converting eCommerce website for the portfolio firm, which will increase their customer base and make the company global.

Boost productivity by using technology

One of the best ways to optimize private equity portfolio operations is by using technology.

The PE operations team often assesses portfolio companies’ operations and provides the best tools to eliminate repetitive and mundane tasks that don’t need to be done by humans.

They can also bring in technology that will help company staff communicate more easily, collaborate better on projects, and have all data in one place for easier and faster decision making.

Optimizing Private Equity Portfolio Operations With OpsCheck

Ops Check has customizable tools your private equity operations team can use to better collaborate and create more value for your portfolio companies.

For example, they can use OpsCheck to generate detailed information about a portfolio company’s processes. This information can be used to expose inefficiencies and redundancies which when addressed will streamline portfolio operations for better output.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”]

Start your risk-free 60-day trial of OpsCheck by filling out the form:

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_social_media_follow follow_button=”on” admin_label=”Follow us” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”linkedin” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/company/opscheck/” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#007bb6″ follow_button=”on” url_new_window=”on”]linkedin[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”twitter” url=”https://twitter.com/_opscheck” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#00aced” follow_button=”on” url_new_window=”on”]twitter[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

How to Build a Good Deal Flow Management Process

Hunter Walker, a partner at Homebrew Venture Capital (VC) is often quoted saying “you lose 100% of the deals you don’t see”.

As a venture capitalist, if your deal flow process is poorly managed, you’re likely missing out on a lot of suitable investment opportunities, and this statement by Walker should jolt you to improve on your VC deal flow process.

A smooth-running venture capital deal flow process will give you more exposure, which could lead to better utilization of your funds, reduced operational costs, and more profits from your investments.

But how do you make your VC deal flow management process efficient?

Read on and I’ll share with you how to improve your venture capital deal flow process. First, however, let’s define what deal flow is.

What is Deal Flow and Why is it Important?

Venture capitalists, investment bankers, and angel investors define deal flow as the rate at which they receive investment pitches and business proposals.

Proper deal flow is crucial as it makes a VC aware of all the investment opportunities that need to be on their radar. It also helps weed out the bogus investment opportunities from the many funding requests received and quickly convert the interesting opportunities before a competitor does so.

Most successful VCs are bombarded with hundreds of emails and calls from companies looking to be funded each year. These funding requests often reach them through:

Companies or entrepreneurs the VC has funded in the past.
Other VCs that want to syndicate a deal.
Their network of attorneys, accountants, investment bankers, or other professionals involved in business funding.
Finders. These are individuals who look for the best businesses to invest in and in return expect to be paid a fee.
Some VCs may also accept investment pitches from companies whose owners are not referred to them. Unreferred pitches, however, rarely get funding.

While a VC can receive lots of requests for funding, most of the requests are ignored.

While being interviewed at Stanford Graduate Business School, Marc Andreessen, a founding partner of Venture Capital firm Andreessen Horowitz said “Each year approximately 4,000 startups are seeking to raise venture capital funding. From an aggregate perspective, the top VCs fund approximately 200 startups per year, which is about 5%”

Vetting all the business proposals and investment pitches to pick the most viable can be challenging if you don’t have the right processes in place. OpsCheck offers a deal flow management tool that allows VCs to quickly vet and narrow down to the best possible investment opportunities for them.

A VC’s deal flow is considered efficient if it creates enough revenue-generating opportunities for the firm to keep it functioning at its peak.

Understanding the VC Deal Flow Management Process

How you manage VC deal flow can determine whether you succeed or fail.

To create an efficient deal flow process that increases and maintains your overall investment opportunities, do the following.

Network

Like any other business, VCs have to network to get a quality deal flow and learn the latest happenings in their industry.

Venture capitalist meetups, company launch parties, investor meetings, startup events, conferences, etc. are the right places to go build your network of people who can help create and maintain your deal flow.

Social media platforms like Twitter are also a good place to interact with others in the VC industry and build a network that can help you know the best places to invest.

You could also use startup aggregators such as AngelList and SeedInvest to identify companies you would like to work with, then reach out to them to network and begin working on potential deals.

Have an Inbound Marketing Engine

This is one of the best ways to improve VC deal flow. Inbound marketing involves keeping an active profile online. You can do this by creating interesting blog and social media content.

The content you put out should easily explain and answer any question anyone looking to work with a VC would have. Over time, that content will drive visitors to your website and social platforms who you can convert to potential leads.

Use Deal Flow Management Tools

From your networking and inbound marketing efforts, you should be able to build your VC brand. This will get you more business proposals and investment pitches, which will maintain a sufficient VC deal flow for you.

However, your exposure to increased investment opportunities could create an unexpected problem.

If you use Excel, PowerPoint, or other old ways to manage your deal flow, getting the data you need to make the best investment decisions could be extremely complex.

The difficulty in getting the right information will slow your decision process, something that can give other VCs a chance to make a deal with a company before you do.

That’s why you should use a VC deal management tool like OpsCheck to efficiently manage your deal flow.

With OpsCheck, you can organize the investment pitches you get according to industry, compile valuable data on a company, track all operations and maintain oversight across your VC fund, effectively communicate with your VC team and partners, and create powerful visual reports that will move deals forward.

These and other things that OpsCheck lets you do will ensure you have more concise deal flow information that will make it easier for you to make better-informed decisions about the investment pitches you receive.

To learn more about how OpsCheck can help improve your VC deal flow process, get in touch with us today at 732-221-9625 or email contact@opscheck.com.

10 Commandments for Achieving Operational Excellence

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|” _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_padding=”0px||2.5%|” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ module_alignment=”center”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ custom_margin=”-15vw|||” custom_margin_tablet=”-20vw|||” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” always_center_on_mobile=”on”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” module_class=”mid-width” _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_padding=”10px|2px|65px|0″][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_social_media_follow url_new_window=”off” disabled_on=”off|off|off” module_class=”share-soc” _builder_version=”3.0.106″][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” url=”https://www.facebook.com/” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ custom_css_main_element=”display: none;” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”off”]Facebook[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”linkedin” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/company/opscheck/” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”off”]LinkedIn[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ text_font=”Roboto Condensed||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_letter_spacing=”0.4px” text_line_height=”1.8em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||60px|”]

Download full white paper here

Over the past 20 years the investment management industry, and specifically hedge funds, has achieved tremendous growth. As assets under management increased, so did diversification in strategies and investments. During that time investors have become very sophisticated in their selection of investments as well as the operational due diligence process. This growth and sophistication has reinforced the critical role of operational executives, and their teams’ responsibility to effectively manage the operational infrastructure. These are the people, functions and technology that are an integral part of keeping these firms thriving.
I have been on the operational side of the hedge fund business for 23 years, holding various senior positions. The first 8 years I had the privilege of being at Tiger Management, one of the premier firms at that time. The people I worked with were brilliant, the standards were high, the positive energy was contagious, and I felt honored to be a part of it. My background includes leading Global Operations for Tiger Management and Highbridge Capital, as well as having several COO positions for emerging managers.

Industry Evolution

I’ve witnessed and participated in the evolution of the operational side of hedge funds. In the early years hedge funds launched with mainly portfolio managers and traders, and relied heavily on their prime brokers to fulfill their back office needs. As assets grew so did the investment process, and subsequently, it was imperative to start building out an “operations group” within a hedge fund. Expansion from U.S. to foreign investments began, as well as diversifying from only equities and bonds to now including all types of derivatives and over the counter contracts. Also happening was the addition of multiple prime brokers to meet their “shorting” requirements. All these changes were occurring simultaneously.

Rapid Growth

The investment side of the business was growing so rapidly that the operations side had to quickly adapt to meet the challenge. As this expansion was happening the prime brokers were not as equipped to take on these new investments since their early model was built principally to support equity investments. Additionally, with hedge funds now engaging with multiple prime brokers, supporting them was even more challenging. Therefore, hedge fund operations, especially the larger firms, were taking back some of these functions from prime brokers to manage them more closely.

For a while, the trend was to take back processes and manage them in-house in order to gain greater control. However, the pendulum swung once again to outsourcing. The prime brokers quickly adapted to supporting various investments and became experts in many areas; from capital raising, to consulting services to risk management and more. Additionally, new service providers began emerging in specialized sectors (administrators, valuation vendors, compliance, risk management, and many others). Now it is common to find the best experts in these areas, outsource the work, and manage these providers remotely.

Challenges

The challenge today is to find the proper mix of what to manage in-house and what to outsource. However, regardless of where these tasks are performed, the responsibility of their accuracy remains with the hedge fund manager. Additionally, the overall demands, including greater transparency from regulators and investors alike, are at an all-time high. Also at an all-time high is the breadth of responsibilities and the amount of tasks the operations group needs to perform.
Recently I launched a new application, OpsCheck, to support the operational infrastructure and to meet the challenge of achieving and maintaining operational excellence in the present and future environment.

Specifically Designed for the Finance Industry

OpsCheck is a web based application which was developed to centralize, manage and warehouse all the tasks performed that support your business operations. OpsCheck enhances management oversight, promotes continuous improvements, and builds a culture of operational excellence. It’s easy to configure, very customizable, and inexpensive. OpsCheck can support firms of any size, and supports hierarchical as well as flat line organizational structures. You can track tasks as granular or as high level as you prefer. I strongly believe, by employing OpsCheck, you will manage your operational infrastructure with even greater command. You will also benefit in a variety of ways, and quickly become part of the industry’s leadership.

Best regards,
Frank Caccio
Managing Partner

See how OpsCheck can upgrade
your Business Operations

Digital Trends in Fintech for 2021

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|” _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_padding=”0px||2.5%|” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ module_alignment=”center”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image alt=”digital trends in fintech” title_text=”digital trends in fintech in 2020″ align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ custom_margin=”-15vw|||” custom_margin_tablet=”-20vw|||” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” always_center_on_mobile=”on”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”mid-width” _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_padding=”10px|2px|65px|0″][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_social_media_follow url_new_window=”off” disabled_on=”off|off|off” module_class=”share-soc” _builder_version=”3.0.106″][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” url=”https://www.facebook.com/” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ custom_css_main_element=”display: none;” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”off”]Facebook
[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”linkedin” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/company/opscheck/” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”off”]LinkedIn
[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ text_font=”Roboto Condensed||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_letter_spacing=”0.4px” text_line_height=”1.8em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||60px|” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

There’s no question that the Covid-19 pandemic has permanently altered the way we do business. Regardless of what tomorrow holds, the financial asset management industry has had to implement new policies and procedures that will continue into the future.

Obviously, an unprecedented event, the pandemic, has forced firms to activate their business continuity plans. Some have made a smooth transition. Others are discovering that their plans need serious re-evaluation and improvements.

As we moved deeper into the new market environment and explore how we must change the way we do business, several key considerations have risen to the top of the priority list.

Data Security in an Online World

Firms have been doing business using internet technology for some time, but the current environment has served as a real-time stress test for its capabilities. Companies are looking at higher data security measures up and down their business chains. This includes how clients interact with them, how staff members interact with each other, and how the firm interacts with its third-party vendors.

Out of necessity, most clients have moved to online portal and dashboard options in order to access their accounts. Here they can review their account performance and business decision-making, initiate new requests – like opening and closing accounts-or move assets from one place to another.

With the lack of personal interaction, the threat of identity theft has risen dramatically. Firms are reviewing their permissions and password controls to ensure the highest standard of security.

Things like two-factor password access are now the base-line. However, organizations are exploring issues around blockchain technology – familiar from its use with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin – that offer a higher confidence in protecting data and private information.

Controlling Access to Critical Information

Likewise, as work and staff move online, firms are strengthening their inhouse policies and procedures to control access via regimented permissions controls. Staff responsibilities are reviewed for “need to know” protocols that help them perform while protecting data confidentiality.

Even hardware issues are being re-evaluated. Positions that previously had no alternatives for remote work environments must now catch up to the rest of the firm. By ensuring that the organization’s data, information, and procedures are limited to company-specific devices and software, firms are able to maintain control of the flow of data with no loss to personal staff devices in the home.

Finally, how firms interact with their third-party partners and vendors has also come under scrutiny. Whenever a company needs to go outside their internal systems, a potential security risk arises. Businesses are examining the security of these channels for weaknesses that may affect their operations and clients.

The Priority of Workflow Management has Moved Front-and-Center

Practically overnight, the pandemic changed daily routines for everyone. With the abrupt shift to remote work environments, firms have had to scramble to implement access for their staff members to get their work done with as little business disruption as possible.

In the case of fast-moving environments like the stock market, down-time was never an option. As a result, new issues have risen that must be addressed before they cause major issues.

Naturally, different areas of a firm rely on different software and technology for their work. Maintaining oversight of all these processes and workflow status has become a challenge for C-level executives, managers, and supervisors. They have had to find new ways to monitor projects, performance, and results to keep current with the value, quality, and success of their businesses.

The answer has been to invest in new workflow management platforms that can aggregate all the various aspects of the firm into one place with easy access and analysis of workflow. These workflow systems must be clear, scalable, and easy-to-use.

Businesses like asset management, accounting, or banking, must all abide by strict government statutes and laws and other regulatory agencies world-wide. In these cases, workflow management systems are becoming a mandatory asset in order to create auditable work trails and a fail-safe for risk control and compliance issues.

Collaboration is Now a Key Person

Remote work has put new demands on staff interactions. Without the ability to interact in an office, staff members need to figure out how to work together when they don’t have face-to-face access with each other. Firms are exploring collaboration technology tools to facilitate work and, perhaps, even improve it.

While utilities like online video conferencing and instant communication software have obvious benefits, companies find that with so much of their data and information moving online, they can streamline how their staff interacts.

Cloud-based solutions have been the go-to pathway to success in this area. Once the ability to access data anytime, anywhere, is put into place, new ways to use that data have grown. Previously staff members had to spend time seeking out the work product of others. Now they can now access it directly, in real-time, enabling new-found efficiencies in the online workplace.

By opening the ability to see how their work interrelates with others’ work – and the overall needs of the firm – staff become more invested in their jobs by seeing their value more clearly. They also are finding that the pool of creative problem-solving has expanded. With more people using the same information, ideas are exchanged on how to use systems better, improve them, and execute higher performance.

Online Efficiency and Security Are the Future of Asset Management

The recent health crisis has forced everyone to re-evaluate their routines and processes. As the financial industry moves forward, they are meeting the new challenges by responding to market, client, and government demands with advanced technology solutions.

The goal has been to incorporate greater efficiencies through access and collaboration while maintaining and reinforcing security measures that will keep client assets safe and businesses thriving.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_social_media_follow url_new_window=”off” module_class=”share-soc” _builder_version=”3.0.106″][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ custom_css_main_element=”display: none;” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”off”]Facebook
[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”linkedin” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”off”]LinkedIn
[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_class=”bottom-banner” _builder_version=”3.22″ background_color_gradient_direction=”168deg” background_image=”https://opscheck.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/base.png” background_position=”center_left” custom_padding=”55px||55px|” custom_padding_tablet=”68px||68px|” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”0px||20px|” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||15px|” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_font_size=”18px” text_letter_spacing=”0.4px” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”32px” header_2_font=”Catamaran||||||||” header_2_font_size=”38px” header_2_letter_spacing=”1.2px” header_2_line_height=”1.1em” text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_2_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_2_font_size_phone=”” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=”0.9px” header_2_letter_spacing_phone=”” header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_2_line_height_tablet=”” header_2_line_height_phone=”” header_2_line_height_last_edited=”on|tablet”]

See how OpsCheck can upgrade
your Business Operations

The Challenge of Alternative Investments

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|” _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_padding=”0px||2.5%|” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ module_alignment=”center”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ custom_margin=”-15vw|||” custom_margin_tablet=”-20vw|||” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” always_center_on_mobile=”on”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”mid-width” _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_padding=”10px|2px|65px|0″][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_social_media_follow url_new_window=”off” disabled_on=”off|off|off” module_class=”share-soc” _builder_version=”3.0.106″][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” url=”https://www.facebook.com/” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ custom_css_main_element=”display: none;” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”off”]Facebook[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”linkedin” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/company/opscheck/” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”off”]LinkedIn[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ text_font=”Roboto Condensed||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_letter_spacing=”0.4px” text_line_height=”1.8em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||60px|” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

Alternative investments are no longer the sole domain of cocky, hedge fund dynamos. Mainstream firms have moved into the potentially lucrative market, lured by the promise of high returns. The downsides, of course, are the high-risk issues that can arise that traditional investors are not as familiar or comfortable with.

The financial crisis of 2008 raised red flags for all asset management firms when it came to alternative investments. Over two-thirds of companies are concerned about transparency with these vehicles and are seeking ways to elevate the risk control measures involved. Accurate and clear information-sharing has become a linchpin for firms to ensure standards and guidelines are being met for client and regulatory demands.

Alternative Investments have Unique Transparency Issues

Traditional investors are accustomed to certain levels of transparency and information-sharing. When it comes to alternative investments, however, transparency becomes complex due to the often-unique nature of particular investments.

Because of the higher risks involved, savvy investors are demanding more information linking potential gains against potential risks. Since alternatives have complex fee structures, high volatility, and limited liquidity, the decision to invest comes with higher scrutiny of strategies.

As the markets become more challenging, investors seek alternatives to mitigate losses in the mainstream. Of course, these alternatives inherently come with their own risks and on-demand information-sharing with investors have become critical competitive advantage for asset management firms.

While firms struggle to meet this demand, the SEC has its own ideas about how to manage transparency. Whether working with offshore or not, regulators are insisting on more consistent valuation policies and conflict of interest disclosures that investors need to know before taking the plunge.

Investment fund managers seek to increase their transparency with investors directly, showing clear links to returns expectations and risk. Understanding this connection increases investor confidence and establishes the relationship as a partnership. With so much at stake, investors need to assure their own clients as much as asset managers need to assure investor firms.

Data Security Demands Transparency Too

With the rise of global communications and digital economies, data security has become a high priority for investors. It seems that almost weekly, a report comes out about a data breach somewhere.

Investors need to factor caution into their decisions and data security has become part of their due diligence. It is paramount that asset managers examine data security around all third-party vendors, especially in offshore vehicles that may not operate under regulations and procedures investors are familiar with.

Data Sharing Technology Enhances Transparency

Since alternatives often work in unique environments, be it technology, geography, or market, developing information sharing procedures is a crucial component for asset management firms. Staff need to know they have the same stringent data support (with necessary documentation) they expect with traditional investments.

While third party resources may be using unique or limiting software platforms, their data should be integrated into the firm’s overall data management process. This should meet the transparency and compliance demands of regulators and clients.

Technology Provides a Central Hub

Implementing a flexible, scalable data information platform is one of the best ways to integrate alternative vehicles into a firm’s policies and procedures. With sourcing everything in once place, the same way as traditional investments, firms can assess their risk control and due diligence needs consistently to meet demand. The same system can identify gaps in transparency and reporting that need to be addressed and allow room to develop those as well.

By delivering the level of transparency today’s investor needs, firms can elevate client confidence in their decision making and strategies. This is how an organization signals that they take their reputation for integrity, security, and performance extremely seriously. It is the sure-fire method by which successful firms retain their current clients and attract new ones.

See how OpsCheck can upgrade
your Business Operations

How Workflow Increases Asset Management Firm Productivity

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|” _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_padding=”0px||2.5%|” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ module_alignment=”center”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ custom_margin=”-15vw|||” custom_margin_tablet=”-20vw|||” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” hover_enabled=”0″ always_center_on_mobile=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”mid-width” _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_padding=”10px|2px|65px|0″][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_social_media_follow url_new_window=”off” disabled_on=”off|off|off” module_class=”share-soc” _builder_version=”3.0.106″][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” url=”https://www.facebook.com/” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ custom_css_main_element=”display: none;” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”off”]Facebook [/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”linkedin” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/company/opscheck/” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”off”]LinkedIn [/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ text_font=”Roboto Condensed||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_letter_spacing=”0.4px” text_line_height=”1.8em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||60px|” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

Asset management firms across the industry are scrambling to maintain business continuity during the current crisis. While disaster recovery plans are critical and required, they cannot anticipate every potential business threat. Even three months ago, no one could have imagined that the US economy would be thrown into the turmoil it is in today.

With stay-at-home orders striking New York City in particular, finance organizations are challenged to fulfill their crucial economic role while also grappling with their workflows to achieve that goal. When it comes to alternative investments, workflow automation can improve an asset management firm’s complicated demands for transparency, compliance, and communication.

Workflow Automation Can Improve Asset Management Firm’s Risk Control Strategies

By their nature, asset management organizations carry higher risk in order to produce the returns they are famous for. They often are more nimble than mutual funds that strive for long-term gains with a market neutral approach.

When economies become unstable, the investment risk of asset management firms can become more volatile due to rapidly changing environments such as the one the US finds itself in currently. In such a case, companies need to focus on their investment strategies and not get bogged down in the minutiae of process matters that they may have previously relied on.

Decision-makers at all levels, from lone mavericks to large firms, need to evaluate the entirety of their workflow process to ensure that everything continues to run smoothly. What worked in the past is being challenged today since many processes have depended on immediate face-to-face communication.

Third-party applications have now become problematic with their lack of online shareability. Investment strategies that require real-time inhouse response are suffering critical lag time issues. Siloed spreadsheets and personal databases are inaccessible to others who need their information.

Client anxiety is at an all-time high and providing reassuring information has become a critical need. Asset management firms should pull as much of their workflow processes into a single, flexible platform that provides information to everyone within the chain of a transaction.

This platform could encompass the initial decision of a strategy execution, through trading desks, operational risk control and compliance. Marketing and client service, and even reporting requirements to regulatory entities can be included.

Moving to Workflow Automation Can Improve Hedge Fund Efficiency

A host of back-office responsibilities arise with any investment strategy. Valuations, investor relations, compliance, operations, and performance measurement to name just a few, all play their roles in the investment process and customer journey. A one-source data management platform, cloud-based for universal access regardless of location, will increase control and oversight of these functions.

Now more than ever, mitigating operational risk and avoiding operational failures have become critical to maintaining solid client confidence as well as attracting new clients even in this troubled environment.

Increasing Transparency Helps Compliance

Asset management firms, particularly those with offshore interests, can be especially exposed to lack of data and transparency. Governments and regulatory agencies around the world are equally stressed to maintain integrity and compliance. Investment advisors, however, are the ones responsible for maintaining workflow automation for asset management within their own organizations. They need the proper tools to oversee far-flung investments and keep their dispersed teams in fine-tuned collaboration.

Risk management and governance benefit from an automated process that feeds into a single platform by reducing errors that human intervention can cause. Task-tracking and notification systems alerting that an event has occurred, and the next event is starting allows team members to focus on productivity rather than manually confirming tasks have been completed. Reporting functions can draw from these more efficient data management tools without the need to create redundant information sources.

The Future of Workflow Automation

Verification and confirmation are assured with workflow automation for asset management firms and establishes a comprehensive audit trail for every event and every interaction by a team member. A data management platform can be thought of as “team captain” for such administration. The platform will prompt task execution, distribute information, remind of reporting needs, and notify clients with an efficiency that unrelated third-party services and siloed departments cannot match.

As the world adjusts to the current stressful environment, asset management firm managers should be aware that once the acute crisis passes, they will have to operate in a different world than prior to 2020. By moving to a more efficient workflow automation for asset management companies now, they can achieve a competitive edge with their existing clients and attract new ones by demonstrating they can weather the storm.

An operations platform tailored specifically for the financial community by finance professionals will greatly mitigate operational risk. Every asset management organization needs an application that combines operations/compliance control and oversight.

Our system incorporates proven advancements in task, project, and workflow management into a single tool. OpsCheck is cloud based and offers full transparency when working in the office or remotely, enhances team communication & coordination and promotes a culture of accountability and operational excellence.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_social_media_follow url_new_window=”off” module_class=”share-soc” _builder_version=”3.0.106″][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ custom_css_main_element=”display: none;” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”off”]Facebook [/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”linkedin” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”off”]LinkedIn [/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_class=”bottom-banner” _builder_version=”3.22″ background_color_gradient_direction=”168deg” background_image=”https://opscheck.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/base.png” background_position=”center_left” custom_padding=”55px||55px|” custom_padding_tablet=”68px||68px|” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”0px||20px|” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||15px|” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_font_size=”18px” text_letter_spacing=”0.4px” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”32px” header_2_font=”Catamaran||||||||” header_2_font_size=”38px” header_2_letter_spacing=”1.2px” header_2_line_height=”1.1em” text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_2_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_2_font_size_phone=”” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=”0.9px” header_2_letter_spacing_phone=”” header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_2_line_height_tablet=”” header_2_line_height_phone=”” header_2_line_height_last_edited=”on|tablet”]

See how OpsCheck can upgrade your Business Operations

OpsCheck Spotlights Covid Needs: Investment Fraud (4/6)

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|” _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_padding=”0px||2.5%|” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ module_alignment=”center”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.9.3″ custom_margin=”-15vw|||” custom_margin_tablet=”-20vw|||” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” always_center_on_mobile=”on”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”mid-width” _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_padding=”10px|2px|65px|0″][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_social_media_follow url_new_window=”off” disabled_on=”off|off|off” module_class=”share-soc” _builder_version=”3.0.106″][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” url=”https://www.facebook.com/” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ custom_css_main_element=”display: none;” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”off”]Facebook
[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”linkedin” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/company/opscheck/” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”off”]LinkedIn
[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.3″ text_font=”Roboto Condensed||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_letter_spacing=”0.4px” text_line_height=”1.8em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||60px|”]

After five months of review, the SEC’s Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (OCIE) has released a Risk Alert regarding compliance and process protocols during the era of COVID-19. As the pandemic continues, investment management firms have been challenged to maintain the high-quality service and standards their clients and the SEC demand.

OCIE Identifies Six Areas of Concern

Firms should take time to review:

protection of investors’ assets
supervision of personnel
practices relating to fees, expenses, and financial transactions
investment fraud
business continuity
the protection of investor and other sensitive information

In this series, you’ll get a detailed breakdown of each of these six areas of concern.

Investment Fraud

Times of turmoil and crisis have always raised the possibility of investment fraud and the COVID-19 pandemic is no different. The SEC has already seen a significant rise in companies making dubious claims regarding detection, vaccines, and cures related to COVID-19 and has suspended trading of a number of companies. The best protection against investment fraud, as always, remains diligent research and caution.

Investment, operations, and compliance teams need to work together more than ever to develop risk controls that will raise red flags for the vigilant investment firm. With these team members working remotely, OpsCheck can fill a critical need to keep off-site staff apprised of issues as they arise and assist the collaborative effort to prevent high risk investments based on fraudulent claims.

Particular care should be given to companies promoting their shares in areas that are COVID 19 adjacent.

Don’t Ignore Red Flags

Be cautious with “safe” interest-bearing investments that target legislative stimulus fund recipients. Scrutinize loan deals for struggling businesses in the retail and manufacturing sectors. And watch out for funds that purport to raise money for charities or local communities struggling with COVID 19 issues.

While working with unregistered offerings that raise money from investors do exist, they should raise concerns when claiming high returns or if the parties involved are themselves unregistered. Inserting an added layer for review in firm investment risk controls is an easy step to take and can be handled immediately through the OpsCheck platform for firms that may still wish to consider these offerings.

Firms and investors who suspect fraud should contact the SEC and report the potential fraud.

Looking to protect yourself against investor fraud? OpsCheck brings the best parts of innovative software to a centralized product focused on due diligence and risk management.

Watch our founder Frank Caccio break down the latest product offering in his demo:

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_social_media_follow url_new_window=”off” module_class=”share-soc” _builder_version=”3.0.106″][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ custom_css_main_element=”display: none;” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”off”]Facebook
[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”linkedin” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”off”]LinkedIn
[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][et_pb_video src=”https://opscheck.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/video.mp4″ _builder_version=”3.0.106″][/et_pb_video][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_class=”bottom-banner” _builder_version=”3.22″ background_color_gradient_direction=”168deg” background_image=”https://opscheck.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/base.png” background_position=”center_left” custom_padding=”55px||55px|” custom_padding_tablet=”68px||68px|” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”0px||20px|” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||15px|” custom_padding_phone=””][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_font_size=”18px” text_letter_spacing=”0.4px” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”32px” header_2_font=”Catamaran||||||||” header_2_font_size=”38px” header_2_letter_spacing=”1.2px” header_2_line_height=”1.1em” text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_2_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_2_font_size_phone=”” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=”0.9px” header_2_letter_spacing_phone=”” header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_2_line_height_tablet=”” header_2_line_height_phone=”” header_2_line_height_last_edited=”on|tablet”]

Start your risk-free 60-day trial of OpsCheck by filling out the form:

Start your risk-free 60-day trial of OpsCheck by filling out the form:

Start your risk-free 60-day trial of OpsCheck by filling out the form:

Start your risk-free 60-day trial of OpsCheck by filling out the form:

What Is Private Equity Project Management?

Why Use Private Equity Project Management Software?

How Software Enables Private Equity Project Planning and Management

Start your risk-free 60-day trial of OpsCheck by filling out the form:

See how OpsCheck can upgrade your Business Operations

What is the Optimization Phase of a Portfolio Company?

Key Things the Private Equity Operations Team Does

Foster good relationships with the portfolio companies executives

Get the right team in place

Coach portfolio company executives and staff

Create a strong brand

Identify growth opportunities

Boost productivity by using technology

One of the best ways to optimize private equity portfolio operations is by using technology.

Optimizing Private Equity Portfolio Operations With OpsCheck

Start your risk-free 60-day trial of OpsCheck by filling out the form:

What is Deal Flow and Why is it Important?

Understanding the VC Deal Flow Management Process

Network

Have an Inbound Marketing Engine

Use Deal Flow Management Tools

Industry Evolution

Rapid Growth

Challenges

Specifically Designed for the Finance Industry

See how OpsCheck can upgrade your Business Operations

Data Security in an Online World

Controlling Access to Critical Information

The Priority of Workflow Management has Moved Front-and-Center

Collaboration is Now a Key Person

Online Efficiency and Security Are the Future of Asset Management

See how OpsCheck can upgrade your Business Operations

Alternative Investments have Unique Transparency Issues

Data Security Demands Transparency Too

Data Sharing Technology Enhances Transparency

Technology Provides a Central Hub

See how OpsCheck can upgrade your Business Operations

Workflow Automation Can Improve Asset Management Firm’s Risk Control Strategies

Moving to Workflow Automation Can Improve Hedge Fund Efficiency

Increasing Transparency Helps Compliance

The Future of Workflow Automation

See how OpsCheck can upgrade your Business Operations

OCIE Identifies Six Areas of Concern

Investment Fraud

Don’t Ignore Red Flags

See how OpsCheck can upgrade your Business Operations

See how OpsCheck can upgrade
your Business Operations

See how OpsCheck can upgrade
your Business Operations

See how OpsCheck can upgrade
your Business Operations

See how OpsCheck can upgrade
your Business Operations

See how OpsCheck can upgrade
your Business Operations