The future of fund operations

Faxes, cheques, wet signatures and manual processes – the use of tech in fund operations has increased in recent years but these and others areas remain in places, which can make working from home a challenge.

Some process or documentation requirements have been eased to facilitate remote working but what does the future look like? Join us for a panel discussion with IA members and the Transfer Agency Forum, where they will share their insights on how recent experience may provoke a greater use of tech and more streamlined procedures in the space.

John Allan, Senior Operations Specialist, The Investment Association
John is responsible, among other things, for fund operations at The Investment Association (IA), supporting IA member firms through operational challenges and developments, the application of emerging technology and regulatory change. Prior to joining the IA, John has held roles at BMO Global Asset Management and BNY Mellon in fund operations roles covering the UK, Ireland and Luxembourg.

Luke Attfield, Director, Global Investment Fund Solutions Euroclear SA/NV, Euroclear
Luke is part of the Product Sales Specialist team, focusing on funds, and has nearly 20 years’ experience in the industry. As a provider of Financial Market Infrastructure (FMI), Euroclear offers expert transaction settlement, asset servicing, collateral management & data provision as well as a wide range of services for issuers. We offer multi-asset solutions including bonds, equities, derivatives and funds.

Stephen Leggett, Chief Operating Officer, Calastone
Steve Leggett joined Calastone in 2008. Steve was one of the original members of the Calastone team who as Global Head of Operations, established the operational functions that underpin Calastone’s global network. Appointed as Chief Operating Officer in 2018, Steve leads Calastone’s UK and European business, as well as managing global operational functions including product development and service delivery. Prior to joining Calastone, Steve has held senior project management and operational positions at firms including Reuters, Lloyds TSB and digital brokerage Instinet giving him over 25 years experience of program, operational management and business transformation.

Andrew Lelliott, Managing Director, Link Fund Administrators & Link Financial Investments / Primary member of the TA Forum.
Andrew the Managing Director, of LFA & LFI, with overall responsibility for the operational delivery, business growth and profitability of this strategically important business line. Andrew is also a long standing primary member of The TA Forum, an organisation which was set up to provide a centre of excellence for the development of knowledge, efficiency and best practice for the Transfer Agency industry. Andrew has worked within the Financial Services industry for over 35 years, both as a Senior Leader in a number of diverse organisations and as a Management Consultant, with detailed Transfer Agency industry knowledge plus a proven ability to lead business growth to achieve robust and efficient business model and operational success. Previously, Andrew was with Northern Trust for nearly 10 years as Head of the UK Transfer Agency Business achieving significant operational improvements and growth, prior to this Andrew held senior positions at Barclays Bank, Schroders and IFDS.

Olivia Vinden, Deputy Chair of Engine Advisory panel, Head of FinTech and Innovation, UK, Alpha FMC
Olivia leads the Fintech & Innovation practice at Alpha Financial Markets Consulting in the UK and is a specialist in emerging technology and its impact on Asset and Wealth Manager operating models. She is on the advisory panel of Velocity – a fintech accelerator from the Investment Association, and she leads a number of client forums on innovation. She previously spent six months seconded to a blockchain start up focussed on the post-trade industry. She has 15 years of experience with large transformational change programs within Asset and Wealth Managers, and she has designed and implemented a number of different solutions covering the front, middle and back office.