End-to-end operational support in compliance, RFP and ESG functions to a global asset manager

Cost savings: Saved c.USD5m in annualised costs through offshore resources, cutting overhead and training costs

Technology integration: Developed 30+ micro automations, saving c.1,200 hours p.a.

High-quality team: The team had a 1:5 lead-to-staff ratio, ensuring a customer satisfaction of 4+ across work streams since kick-off in 2017

End-to-end ownership: Delivered an end-to-end solution across different phases of marketing functions

Improved efficiency: Reduced turnaround time and delays in reporting to investors and clients; delivery was 70% faster

Onshore-offshore synergy: Ramped up the offshore team significantly to reap the benefits of this model across layers and levels of the onshore process

  • 50-60%

    cost reduction achieved

  • 200+

    compliance rules streamlined for improved operational efficiency

CLIENT CHALLENGES

  • Compliance gaps: The Manila captive lacked expertise in complex compliance tasks such as pre-/post-trade monitoring, guideline coding (BBG AIM) and forensic testing, causing inefficiencies in nine regions.
  • Strained RFP resources: Limited bandwidth for managing private markets RFPs led to inconsistent responses and underutilised the RFP database, slowing down proposal timelines.
  • ESG integration: Labour-intensive ESG research, particularly of emerging-market securities, was delayed due to incomplete coverage by external providers, complicating investment decisions.

OUR APPROACH

  • Acuity engaged the client in whiteboarding sessions and in-depth discussions to understand their needs and delivered a comprehensive solution:
    • Whiteboarding and collaboration: Conducted workshops with client leadership to map workflows, identify operational gaps and design an offshore centre of excellence (CoE) that streamlined compliance, RFP management and ESG research processes.
    • Enhanced compliance support:
      • Deployed an 18-member team with expertise in BBG AIM for seamless pre-/post-trade monitoring, forensic testing and guideline coding.
      • Established a CoE to standardise workflows and best practices in nine regions, optimising 200+ compliance rules and correcting 50+ guidelines for enhanced regulatory accuracy.
    • RFP process optimisation:
      • Took full ownership of private markets RFPs (real estate, infrastructure, private equity, credit), managing drafting, approvals and stakeholder coordination.
      • Optimised the client’s RocketDocs (PMAPS) database, enabling faster, more accurate RFP responses with minimal onshore involvement.
    • Tailored ESG research:
      • A specialised team of five ESG analysts provided real-time analysis of hard-to-cover emerging-market securities using a proprietary ESG scoring framework, integrating CSR, TCFD and SDG goals into the client’s decision-making process.
      • Delivered deep-dive ESG reports covering 200+ equities and 250+ fixed income securities, complementing existing vendor coverage and enhancing portfolio management.

IMPACT DELIVERED

  • Cost savings: Achieved a 50-60% cost reduction through offshore resources, cutting overhead and training costs.
  • Operational efficiency: Streamlined 200+ compliance rules and eliminated 50+ guideline issues, significantly improving global compliance operations.
  • Faster RFP turnaround: Improved RFP accuracy and reduced response times, enabling the client’s onshore teams to focus on strategic tasks.
  • Enhanced ESG integration: Provided detailed ESG analysis of previously uncovered emerging-market securities, driving better portfolio insights.
  • Strategic focus: Acuity’s holistic approach freed senior teams to focus on growth and strategy while ensuring robust operational support across the value chain.
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