Recently, a diverse group of top managers from Europe’s most impactful hedge funds gathered in London for the exclusive HFM EU COO Summit. This annual event serves as a meeting point for industry leaders, managing more than $3.2 trillion in assets collectively, to explore current trends and issues facing the hedge fund world.
The summit is renowned for providing invaluable insights into the hedge fund scene, allowing participants to gauge what industry leaders find promising or concerning as they chase global expansion. It offers a platform to tackle discussions on the future of the industry, ranging from the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to the intricacies of global regulatory compliance. SS&C played a significant role here, shedding light on how outsourcing solutions are adapting to overcome the operational challenges prevalent in the sector.
SS&C’s presence at the event was strongly felt, not just as an exhibitor and speaker, but as a significant supporter of the hedge fund community.
The event’s agenda was comprehensive, touching on a multitude of crucial topics. Discussions ranged from the impact of data and technology to the art of effective communication within global organizations, alongside managing the complexities posed by multi-generational teams.
“The agenda is packed, and it’s impossible to absorb everything as a single attendee, which is why we make sure to bring a substantial team. As a leading global fund administrator, this event is key for us—our target audience is all right here,” noted Jean White, who heads Sales for EMEA at SS&C.
Joining Jean was Andy Evered, who leads Sales for EMEA Hedge Fund Services. He noticed an interesting shift in how managers approached top issues, even if the key discussion topics across the three-day summit were largely anticipated.
“For a while now, digital transformation has been a focal point for managers. They are at various stages of integrating it into their operations. Some are still planning their modernization strategies, while others attempt self-sufficient solutions. Increasingly, however, many are recognizing that technology isn’t their strong suit—they prefer to concentrate on investing,” Andy observed.
This realization has prompted many to seek third-party expertise from firms like SS&C, who possess a deep understanding of technology—its capabilities and limitations.
Jean elaborated, “Our core mission is to deliver impactful tech solutions. We have complete ownership and deep understanding of our technology, knowing precisely how to apply it effectively within any hedge fund. We’ve been a steadfast partner to this market for nearly 40 years.”
However, technology wasn’t the only focal point. Conversations naturally steered towards regulatory challenges, managing multiple legal frameworks across borders, and cultivating a cohesive global culture.
“There’s a palpable excitement among managers about emerging opportunities worldwide, yet there’s also a sense of apprehension about managing international operations practically,” Andy explained.
Questions arise, such as employing top talent in new locations, preserving brand integrity within local markets, and integrating new offices into the organization’s global culture.
“These are exactly the challenges that SS&C excels in addressing. It’s reassuring to see that regardless of where hedge funds are operating or their chosen strategies and challenges, we are equipped and prepared to support them,” he added.
With another successful year in the books and more managers embracing the outsourced model, the next big event on the calendar is Abu Dhabi Finance Week. SS&C’s founder and Chair, William Stone, will be speaking, and, as usual, the SS&C team will be there in full force, showcasing how managers can optimize their business operations effectively.
If you’re interested in transforming your operational performance into a competitive edge, make sure to check out our whitepaper.
