March 13, 2015 - ISITC (The International Securities Association for Institutional Trade Communication), the industry trade group focused on standards in transaction processing and related communications, today announced the results of its annual member survey which examines perspectives on the financial services industry's progress and focus for the year.
The 2015 annual member survey polled nearly 50 ISITC members from leading investment management firms, broker/dealers, custodians and solution providers. Findings revealed an industry focus on managing increasing operational complexity and risk with 61% of respondents saying they encounter operational challenges associated with alternative and non-traditional investments and regulatory change. Additionally, 43% believe that reducing operational risk is most important in terms of measuring success for the year. This was compared to other issues such as reducing costs, increased alpha and improved data quality. The shifting forces transforming the financial services industry and how firms are addressing risk management in response to these changes are the primary topics at the upcoming 21st Annual Industry Forum and Vendor Show where the theme is ‘Connecting the DOTS: The Future of Data, Operations and Technology.’
Additional survey results revealed:
- 88% of respondents believe firms will benefit from increased technology spend in 2015
- 84% have noticed that the industry has improved its infrastructure and processes as a result of the financial crisis
- 57% think firms have specific plans to invest additional resources towards cybersecurity efforts in 2015
- 50% believe firms will focus the most technology/operational resource on the front-, middle- and back-office collectively
“Operational risk has been a core focus for the financial services industry in the years following the financial crisis, and it continues to be in 2015,” comments Jeff Zoller, Chair of ISITC and Vice President at T. Rowe Price. “The results of our annual member survey confirm that the increasing pace of change and growth in complexity within data, operations and technology are creating a fundamental need for firms to evaluate their operational risk profile and their change and risk management capabilities. We look forward to continued dialogue on these key drivers and how firms are responding at our upcoming industry forum in Boston.”
The ISITC 21st Annual Industry Forum and Vendor Show will be held March 22-25, 2015 at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel. Over 300 industry professionals, representing all areas of the financial industry will be attending and Karen Peetz, President of BNY Mellon, will be delivering the keynote address. Event delegates include c-suite and senior executives from ISITC’s member firms who hold a wide variety of roles in both business and operations.
