From Excel to AI: How an independent firm transformed their distribution operations
In 2016, Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management embarked on a transformative journey, moving away from their reliance on spreadsheet-based tools to modernise their distribution operations. This leap into automation and integration, led by Adjuto, revolutionised their processes.
When Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management decided to move beyond their spreadsheet-based tools in 2016, they didn't expect their transformation journey would lead to processing rebates within 15 days of quarter-end. But that's exactly what happened.
"We started this journey back in 2016 when we were working with an internal tool that was not Excel, but was not very far from Excel," shares Edmond de Rothschild's Head of Client Services in our recent webinar. "We decided we really wanted to fire up our efficiency in following inflows/outflows of our clients, the client Book of Records and rebate management." After a year-long RFP process with three vendors, Edmond de Rothschild chose FE fundinfo's Adjuto and completed implementation in just six months.
"People that know me know that I hate Excel," Edmond de Rothschild’s Head of Client Services admits candidly, so the team worked to automate the processes as much as possible. The first thing they did was link Adjuto to their transfer agents. As a result, the team now receives everyday inflows and outflows from TAs in a totally automated manner.
With 99% automated trade matching, the results were impressive:
• Real-time inflow/outflow visibility in CRM
• Rebate processing reduced from months to 10-15 days
• Seamless integration with banking and accounting systems
The transformation went beyond just automation. The system became fully integrated into their operating infrastructure, with visibility extended to sales teams and top management through their CRM. "Anybody can click in our CRM and see all the inflows and outflows," explains Edmond de Rothschild .
And while cost reduction wasn’t a primary driver, resulting savings made a difference, and allowed Edmond de Rothschild to focus on their main priorities: "I don't think we calculated exactly how much we decreased costs, but more important was giving better service to our clients. We definitely managed that."
Looking ahead, the system is helping Edmond de Rothschild tackle new challenges, including private markets distribution. "We see it has a lot of challenges and differences with the traditional Asset Management market and, we are already injecting commitments, capital calls, distributions into Adjuto, and calculating trailer fees for those funds."
Hear the full story of their six-month implementation journey - and the lessons learned – in this on-demand webinar:
