Finance Forward with

IVP Consulting

What types of challenges do buy-side firms typically bring to a consultant?

Investment managers often face situations that require a unique solution. Firms may be experiencing unusual circumstances, dealing with a mix of legacy technology, or trying to find the best way to solve a complex challenge related to a new market or asset class. In these cases, firms need a consulting partner that understands the nuances of buy-side strategies as well as the data and technology involved.

How does strategy consulting differ from technology or operations consulting?

Strategy consulting helps buy-side firms determine what to do, or what strategy to pursue. Strategy consulting focuses on high-level issues and the overall, long-term direction of the organization. Technology consulting focuses on selecting and implementing specific IT systems. Operations consulting focuses on the fund’s day-to-day processes.

When should a firm consider engaging a consulting partner?

Buy-side firms should consider engaging a consulting partner when they find themselves in uncharted territory. In other words, when part of the challenge is determining the scope of the challenge itself as well as the possible solutions. Consulting partners excel at big picture issues that require complex problem solving and strategic thinking.

What is advisory consulting in the context of investment management?

Advisory consulting helps investment managers navigate the intersection of business growth and technology. This may involve designing scalable delivery models, implementing new strategies, or integrating complex operations technology. In these cases, advisory consultants help ensure your infrastructure supports your long-term goals and drives operational efficiency.

How can consulting help with technology roadmaps and target operating models?

Consulting can help asset managers create technology roadmaps for scalable, user-centric infrastructures with a focus on seamless integration and traceability. Consulting partners can also develop target operating models ensure that your business structure is agile, scalable, and aligned with your long-term objectives.

What role does consulting play in AI and digital transformation?

When it comes to AI enablement and digital transformation, the right consulting partner can help asset managers harness the power of AI technologies such as Agentic AI using generative AI (GenAI) and large language models (LLMs), as well as seamlessly integrate AI into operations, accelerate automation, and reveal new avenues for growth and efficiency.

Can consulting firms assist with regulatory preparedness and compliance strategy?

Yes, a consulting partner can provide both the high-level strategic planning and tactical support required to ensure that new target operating models, technology, or processes are designed and implemented to align with relevant regulatory compliance frameworks. This is a critical aspect of consulting in a heavily regulated industry like buy-side finance.

How can consultants help optimize organizational workflows?

Consultants typically offer business analysis services that help asset managers enhance core operations with a focus on optimizing efficiency. Related services may include process re-engineering, system integration, workflow analysis, and solution development.

Can consulting help with front, middle, and back office process integration?

Yes. Consultants that have extensive domain expertise in buy-side operations can be particularly adept at process integration that spans the front, middle, and back office. The key is an understanding of the complex, highly nuanced workflows in each part of the firm as well as deep technical knowledge of the underlying technology systems.

What is process re-engineering and when is it needed?

Process re-engineering refers to the redesign of core business processes or workflows in order to achieve specific objectives related to efficiency, accuracy, and profitability. It typically involves a deep analysis of existing processes followed by the design and implementation of new processes that are faster, more streamlined, or better able to meet a business need.

How do consultants measure the impact of operational improvements?

Consulting partners should have structured frameworks and proven methodologies for measuring the impact of new processes or solutions. These methodologies should provide concrete results that buyside firms can use to evaluate improvements in efficiency, accuracy, cost, or ROI.

How can consultants ensure technology solutions are scalable and future-ready?

The key here is the target operating model. While technology choices are important, it is the target operating model that ensures the firm is agile, scalable, and aligned with top priorities. By transforming the operating framework, consultants can help optimize processes and incorporate new technologies that are specifically designed to support long-term scalability.

Can consultants help with cloud migration and tech stack modernization?

Yes, cloud migration and tech stack modernization are exactly the kinds of complex, long-term transformations that consulting partners excel at delivering. The right consultant should be able to help funds optimize technology infrastructure to improve integration, scalability, and efficiency with a goal of managing the tech stack so your teams can focus on core business objectives.

What is bespoke development consulting?

Bespoke development consulting helps create customized technology that meets specific operational objectives or strategic needs. Buyside consulting partners should be able to build scalable, user-centric infrastructures utilizing open-source platforms and the latest technology to create solutions that adapt to evolving needs.

When should a firm choose custom technology over off-the-shelf solutions?

At times, off-the-shelf solutions aren’t sufficient to solve a unique challenge. Firms should choose custom technology at times when the available solutions are not capable of delivering the specific set of capabilities required. Your consulting partner should be able to guide you through the process of evaluating costs, schedules, risks, and rewards of custom development.