Monday, July 11, 2016

What hedge funds need to look for in their back office solutions

Transparency is, without a doubt, very important in the hedge fund industry, as it is important that fund managers provide investors with precise details on fees, performance, and other relevant pieces of information. This should all be done while remaining compliant with operational policies and procedures, and that all adds up to a lot of pressure on hedge funds, pressure that can be eased with the right choice of back office solutions.

Making the right decision when it comes to back office administration is crucial to the performance of hedge funds. It could lead to more efficient operations, both in terms of cost and on a broader level. And with improving efficiency a paramount goal for many hedge funds, they have tended to outsource back office duties to asset services firms. Doing so allows hedge funds to focus more on activities that could generate more revenue going forward.

When choosing a back office solution provider, it is important that hedge funds opt for a company that offers a lot of variety in the products and services they carry. These should be on the bleeding edge of technology, especially those solutions that leverage the cloud. Cloud-based solutions are becoming more and more common in different industries, and are slowly becoming de rigueur, must-have features for any company shopping around for the right back office provider. Among other reasons, this is because of these solutions’ flexibility, the ability to securely and conveniently access data, and the ease in which said data can be recovered in case of unforeseen events.

Experience is another key area of consideration when looking for the right back office solutions provider. There are many companies that offer these solutions, but hedge funds should prioritize those that have years of proven experience in what they do. And while years of experience is almost always worth something, that experience should be backed up by proven results, and a reputation for integrity.

Hedge fund managers need to tap outsourcing providers that have a solid track record as an asset services firm, one with a top-of-the-line cloud-based platform, as well as a team of in-house experts that can cater to a wide range of hedge fund needs. They need to find a partner that prides itself on transparency, accuracy, and timeliness when delivering essential reports. A mix of expertise, core values, and a solid suite of high-end back office solutions will inspire confidence among client investors, especially amid volatile market conditions.