Top 3 Simple Ways to Review Front Office Operating Models

Ever wondered if your front office operations are performing well? We know keeping things running smoothly is crucial. It doesn’t matter if you’re at a large corporation, a fintech bank, or another financial institution—regularly reviewing your systems can make all the difference.

When you are face to face with a difficulty, you are up against a discovery. The more you understand what is wrong with a figure, the more valuable that figure becomes.” – Lord Kelvin

Here are three simple tips from our playbook to help you keep things in top shape.

1. Investment Strategies

Keeping your investment strategies sharp and on point can enhance the overall performance. Here are some tips to help you stay ahead of the game:

  • Evaluate Performance: Are you regularly checking your investment portfolios? Spotting trends can show you what’s working and what needs a tweak.
  • Risk Management: How well do your strategies match your risk tolerance and goals? Make sure to run stress tests and scenario analyses.
  • Dealing: Are manual steps required for trade execution and order generation? A central TMS with complete asset class coverage and diversification can make a big difference for good STP and accessing ecosystem partnerships.
  • Cash Visibility & Data: Is your infrastructure providing real-time centralized cash monitoring and long-term projections? Quality of data is considered the main hurdle to improving the accuracy of cashflow forecasts and the lack of effective tooling.
  • Rebalancing Automation: Do you use automation to maintain asset allocations?

Visual 1: Portfolio performance Management

 

2. Funding and Hedging Operations

For funding and hedging operations to be more efficient, here are some tips to help you achieve just that:

  • Funding Efficiency: Have you checked if your funding sources are really cost-effective? Maybe it’s time to explore some alternatives and boost your cash visibility.
  • Hedging Strategies: When’s the last time you reviewed your hedging techniques? Regular check-ups can keep those strategies sharp.
  • Collateral Management: Make sure to frequently forecast and stress test your margin and collateral needs. Perhaps an overdue initial margin check-up.
  • Structured Products: Tailor made product that can facilitate portfolio diversification, help optimize the funding risk / return ratio and carry certain risks!

 

3. Integrate Middle and Back Office Functions

Are you looking for seamless integration with your middle and back-office functions? If not, you might consider doing so as it will help ensure smooth data flow and improve operational efficiency.

Here are some points to consider:

  • STP Processing: Constantly check STP rates, trade processing time, exception rates, settlement efficiency, and operational cost.
  • Valuations and Market Data: In-source, outsource or hybrid? Are you procuring model libraries when valuations are outsourced? The same for market data? The costs can spiral.
  • Compliance Monitoring: Strong pre- and post-trade systems are a must with defined rules. Don’t skimp on the expertise here!
  • AI & Data Analytics To assess risk exposures across various dimensions including performance, market, credit, and operational risks. Integrate multiple data sources and train AI to gain a cockpit view of risk factors and implement effective risk mitigation strategies.

 

Visual 2: The integration between front, middle, and back office functions with data flow

 

Why Prodktr’s Treasury Advisory Service?

1. Optimized Treasury Operating Models

We create proven treasury operating models that maximize productivity and minimize risk, optimizing every aspect of your treasury operations for efficiency and effectiveness.

2. Expertise, Strategic Insights, and Innovative Solutions

We have our own applied IP Treasury Operating Models (TOM) frameworks and definitions for operational excellence and risk mitigation with our clients. Our services include current state operating model reviews, solution selection, and project delivery.

Are you handling the complexities of treasury and risk management within your financial operations effectively?

Prodktr’s treasury advisory service offers a comprehensive Transformation Review to help firms redefine treasury services, modernize operating models, and plan for growth. By partnering with us, you can enhance visibility, control, and efficiency in your treasury operations.

Contact Prodktr today to start your journey towards streamlined operations and enhanced data.

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Further Readings:

KPMG. (2023). KPMG Target Operating Model.

KPMG. (2023). Front Office Transformation.

PwC. (2023). The strategic operating model: transforming into the right organisation to execute your strategy.

Deloitte. (2023). Operating model transformation.

Prodktr. Designing a Seamless Treasury Operating Model

Prodktr: Treasury and Risk Management Operating Model

Prodktr: Streamline Your Operations: A Case Study