Implementation of highly automated outsourced middle office solution to support launch of ACS funds.

Colin was brought in to advise on what was required to set up a long/short hedge fund in an outsourced model – something there was little experience of. This included Consultant to advise on the selection of a front office system, a fund administrator, a custodian, a derivative clearer and counterparties for a fixed income long/short hedge fund. Once selected, the coordination of the design and testing of the end to end operating model.

Advised on and implemented a Middle Office solution to support a new in house fund management capability for the Pension Scheme. Included the recruitment of an oversight team, the design of the operations model for all assets types and the selection of an outsourced service provider and derivatives clearer through competitive tender. Also managed the Middle Office on an interim basis.

Led strategy review of Investment Book of Record (IBOR) options including market testing the outsourcing option.

Innovative derivative outsourcing solution combining elements of front, middle and back office processing.

Implementation of the sale of their Private Client business

Implementation of outsourcing program.

Middle Office OutsourcingColin was invited back to lead a project team which investigated an aggressive outsourcing proposal which involved fast track provider selection for a wide range of middle office functions. The project was halted when BGI was acquired by BlackRock but not before it was demonstrated that the project could be financially viable and delivered within desired timescales.BlackRock IntegrationColin assisted with the planning of the integration of BGI into BlackRock.

Responsible for the establishment of a new middle office to enable a significant increase in OTC derivative trading and to support the launch of specialist hedge funds and long/short funds. This included the development of people, procedures and systems

Colin joined Threadneedle as a consultant to create a new Oversight Function to manage outsourced investment operations and custody:-recruitment and training of teamnegotiation of SLAs, KPIs and management information packsinterim managementdevelopment of procedures

Colin was the external consultant and the program manager for one of Europe's largest outsourcing and provider consolidation projects. In addition to building the team of external contractors to support the project Colin led the program during the following phases:-project feasibility studyproduction of RFPevaluation of bidsoptimisation of benefits to BGInegotiation of contractual termsproduction of business requirementsdefinition of optimal outsourcing modeltesting of new systems and operational modelmodel office testingmanagement of multi million pound budget

Part of very structured project team delivering a new operational support area to service an innovative, IFA based, distribution channel. Colin was solely responsible for running the sub-project which was required to find an outsourced solution for key support activities including provision of fully compliant sales support software and commission processing. This project was successfully delivered.

Advising on set up of online brokerage and online IPO products:-Systems specification - from trade capture through settlement to client reporting both online and statutorySystems implementation and testing including writing of test scenariosStaff recruitment, training and management Negotiation of SLA with chosen (internal) custody providerMonitoring of service levels achieved against agreed standardsWriting and testing very detailed operational procedures for all activities Advising on the set up of a new ultra high net worth private wealth management division: -Advising on business modelImplementation of a system for CRM, transaction reporting and position keeping Liaising with internal audit, data security and ComplianceStaff recruitment and training Agreement of SLAs with internal departments providing custody, settlement and finance supportDevelopment of unique client reporting packageDealing in structured products ahead of appointment of permanent staff memberAll budgeting and management reportingDeveloping, documenting and testing all operational procedures to support the division

Headhunted to turn around severely underperforming support areas. The functions that needed development and re-engineering included securities operations, performance measurement, outsourcer management, client management and stocklending

In addition to managing a department with 65 operations and development staff Colin managed many very successful projects. The largest were the complete integration of National Provincial’s investment management company into existing Abbey operations, the selection and implementation of a new back office accounting and administration system and the creation of an operations function to support the launch of a Dublin life company.