Washington, D.C.– January 13, 2020 – Today, leading asset management trade association NICSA is announcing it is rebranding to “Nicsa” and is upgrading its technology tools to better serve its members. The enhancements bring a fresh new look and improved engagement functionality as it further expands its presence in the global asset management space.
“We are very proud and excited to introduce our Nicsa 2020 rebrand and upgrades. We believe these vital changes will help convey the breadth of content and opportunities we offer as well as provide an improved member experience,” said Jim Fitzpatick, President and CEO of Nicsa. “We hope the new Nicsa will invigorate our members in this new year and beyond, as we further our mission to connect all areas of the global asset management industry.”
Nicsa’s refreshed brand emphasizes connectivity and community within the global asset management industry. The brand encompasses Nicsa initiatives such as the Diversity Project North America and Blackwell Scholarship programs, and underscores the association’s modernization and expansion into cutting-edge business areas such as technology, distribution, and product innovation.
Nicsa’s platform improvements focus on three main components: a redesigned website, a new community portal, and a new learning management system. The website, nicsa.org, features streamlined navigation, enhanced functionality, and new analytics tools. Via the website, users can access Nicsa Hub, a community platform allowing members to connect and share information, and the Nicsa Knowledge Center, a learning platform featuring Nicsa content and resources. “I look forward to seeing Nicsa’s momentum continue with this meaningful update. I’m also pleased that our members now have a platform upon which to share valuable resources and collaborate on the development of best practices,” said Jylanne Dunne, Vice President of the Diversity Project North America.
“The updates to Nicsa’s technology platforms and brand provide a great new foundation for even bigger and better things to come from our growing number of members across the asset management space,” said Dan Houlihan, Chairman of the Nicsa Board of Directors and Executive Vice President, Head of Asset Servicing for the Americas at Northern Trust Company. “I am excited about Nicsa 2020 and look forward to all the new strides we will be making from these upgrades in the months and years to come.”
About Nicsa
Nicsa is a not-for-profit trade association striving to connect all facets of the global asset management industry in order to develop, share, implement, and advance leading practices. For over fifty years, Nicsa has promoted an open and collaborative environment, where members’ and partners’ deep expertise and unique perspectives have come together to help strategically implement and support the industry’s most vital issues. Click here for more information about membership.
Nicsa aims to help firms operating in all segments of the global asset management industry meet the changing needs of their clients by aligning and educating industry participants through formal education programs, interactive forums, networking opportunities, and initiatives such as the Diversity Project North America. The Diversity Project’s goal is to accelerate progress towards a diverse and inclusive culture in the asset management industry to deliver the best possible results for clients, reflect the society we serve, and ensure long-term business sustainability. Click here for more information on Nicsa’s Diversity Project North America initiative.
Join us in Fort Lauderdale from February 26-28 to address the industry’s most important issues head on. Solidify your 2020 business plans with timely insights from a diverse set of perspectives—asset management firms, broker dealers, and an extensive group professional service firms. Nicsa has over twelve hours of educational content lined up with an impressive slate of expert speakers.
Conference highlights include:
Guy Adami, One of CNBC's original "Fast Money Five" and Wall Street Veteran
This year’s Face the Membership feature promises to be a dynamic and interactive session. Asset managers and broker dealers take the stage for a discussion around the latest business trends and challenges. A must attend session for all areas of the asset management industry!
Jimmy Blackmon, Author, Leadership Expert, Military Leader
Having spent 30 years leading soldiers in the U.S. Army, Jimmy Blackmon has led high-risk missions all over the world. Jimmy uses these experiences to teach others how to get the most out of teams under extreme pressure in high stakes situations. From storytelling to time management, from conducting effective meetings to holding people accountable, Jimmy helps business leaders put it all together while navigating the complexities of working in the 21st century.
Peter Kraus, Chairman & CEO of Apeture Investors
Innovations in Client-first Fee Structures will tackle the shifting paradigm around fee structures for asset managers. Wall Street veteran Peter Kraus takes a deep dive into what investors are paying for performance, what's incentivizing portfolio managers, and how the asset management business model is evolving to address structural shifts.
Candida "Candi" Wolff, Executive Vice President, Global Government Affairs, Citi
With the 2020 presidential race in full swing, investors and industry participants alike brace for the potential outcomes of the election season. What's the impact to the broader economy and financial markets in particular? Candi Wolff of Citi provides an in-depth and candid look at today's unique political landscape and the future impact on the global asset management industry.
“Nicsa’s Strategic Leadership Forum provides a great value to our members,” said Jim Fitzpatrick, President and CEO of Nicsa. “The association continues to expand its reach by providing timely and educational insights on the industry’s top issues to all segments of our membership, including distribution, product development, and technology. I welcome our members to actively engage in the development of best practices within the industry we serve by attending the 2020 SLF.”
Nicsa is committed to bringing together today’s top thought leaders within the asset management industry to create an optimal opportunity for collaboration, networking and idea sharing.
Secure your spot today at the Nicsa Strategic Leadership Forum.
McLean, VA, January 30, 2017—The National Investment Company Service Association (NICSA) announced at its annual General Membership Meeting in September 2016 the election of Dan Houlihan, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Fund Services at Northern Trust Company, as Chairman of its Board of Directors.
As Chairman, Dan will preside over the governing body of the Association as well as NICSA’s executive committee. The board is responsible for oversight of policy and activities of the trade association, whose members include investment management companies, broker dealers, banks, and professional service firms that support the global financial services industry. An announcement was put forth by Northern Trust Company on January 30.
Commenting on the appointment, NICSA President Jim Fitzpatrick said, “Dan brings a comprehensive knowledge base and a strategic outlook on the financial services industry to NICSA. We are very pleased to have an individual of Dan’s caliber lead our Association.”
About NICSA
The National Investment Company Service Association (NICSA) is a not-for-profit trade association providing leadership and innovation in independent education programming and information exchange within the global financial services industry.
NICSA member companies operate in all segments of the financial industry and include mutual fund complexes, investment management companies, broker dealers, custodian banks, transfer agents, and other professional service firms including audit, tax, legal, technology, marketing, telecom, and compliance.
NICSA was established in 1962 as an education and networking forum for financial professionals. Today, NICSA offers a comprehensive range of services, allowing members to develop, share, and advance leading practices among global investment management industry participants.
“To live in the past is to die in the present.” Hey, if the motto is good enough for Bill Belichick, it’s good enough for me. Team loyalties aside, I think we can all agree that victory in business (as it is on the field) requires leaders who are change agents that promote teamwork and an unrelenting desire to persevere.
Be a Change Agent
There’s no doubt that business leaders in asset management are challenged by today’s reality of rapid developments and increased complexity across virtually every business application—technology, regulation, and product development, to name a few. A company’s ability to adapt quickly and turn learning into action can translate into a meaningful competitive advantage.
Change management is no longer limited to operational improvements, process re-engineering, and cost efficiencies. It’s pretty much the new normal for leadership successand has become interwoven into ouroverall industryfabric.
What are the catalysts for radical re-evaluation of share class offerings, product distribution, data analytics, and compliance reporting? How do executives manage the overall big picture while staying focused on the tasks of the day?
Join Me in a Timely Discussion
I’m gathering several industry leaders on March 15—from Fidelity, American Funds, OppenheimerFunds and MFS—to talk with me about how they determine which issues to tackle first, which decisions will impact long-term business plans, and how to manage all of the interdependent business functions.
Learning how to be a change agent starts with good change management. Belichick would say: “Do your job.”For asset managers, that starts with staying informed, collaborating with peers, and constantly adjusting the playbook.I hope you can join me for an interactive discussion with these influential executives as we tackle the issues so relevant to our industry today.
Throughout the 2017 NICSA Strategic Leadership Forum, which took place January 29-31 in Hollywood, Florida, the theme of Disruptors Facing the Asset Management Industry prevailed. From new technology to uncertainty in the regulatory landscape, discussions focused on how financial professionals will handle strategic business planning in 2017 and beyond.
Whether or not you were able to attend the conference, here are a few follow up items that may be of interest:
1. GET A GOOD OVERVIEW OF SLF TAKEAWAYS from these select trade publication stories:
Money Management Executive
NICSA to Managers: Don’t Fear Technology
MME sits down with President Jim Fitzpatrick and Chairman of the Board Dan Houlihan on the themes of this year’s SLF and what they mean for the asset management industry.
Fund Operations
NICSA: Embracing Disruptions
FO delivers in-depth coverage of SLF sessions and lessons for today’s mutual fund and financial services industry professionals.
2. Take a few minutes to reach out and CONGRATULATE THE 2017 NICSA MVP AWARD WINNERS.
Each year, NICSA recognizes certain volunteers whose sustained contributions over the previous twelve months were deemed exceptional by committee co-chairs. Read the press release and review the list of committee award winners here.
3. Review and SHARE CONFERENCE MATERIAL WITH A COLLEAGUE.
To find presentation slides from our 2017 SLF public sessions, visit nicsa.org. Materials are available to all employees of NICSA member firms.
THANK YOU to all of the attendees, presenters, sponsors, and exhibitors that helped make the annual NICSA Strategic Leadership Forum a great success!
McLean, VA, August 21, 2013 -– NICSA and Money Management Executive are pleased to announce the winners of the 2013 NOVA Awards. To be honored at the 2013 NICSA General Membership Meeting on September 20, 2013 in Boston, these awards recognize outstanding service, leadership and innovation within the fund operations industry.
Nominated by their fund industry colleagues, this year’s winners were chosen by an independent judging panel of distinguished industry leaders who blindly scored each submission to determine a winner for each of the following award categories:
CREATIVITY IN MARKETING OPERATIONS
Winner: Putnam Investments
Honorable Mention: Gregory Bassuk, Chief Operating Officer, IndexIQ
INNOVATIONS IN BACK OFFICE EFFICIENCIES
Winner: OppenheimerFunds Intermediary Services
Honorable Mention: SEI – Investment Manager Services
INNOVATIONS IN CUSTOMER SERVICE
Winner: FundVisualizer, Putnam Investments
Honorable Mention: Janus Capital Group - Team CVS: Craig Brown, Ginger Fanning, John Urosevich
VISIONARY LEADERSHIP
Winner: Jim Tracy, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Honorable Mention: Charles Rizzo, John Hancock Funds
“Each year, the NOVA Awards program highlights NICSA’s commitment to innovation and achievement within the global investment management community through the recognition of industry leaders who have set their organizations apart by exemplifying outstanding service, embracing new technologies and streamlining back office processes.” said Fred Naddaff, Chair, Board of Directors, NICSA.
About NICSA
NICSA is the leading provider of independent education and networking forums to professionals in the global investment management community. It is a network of nearly 10,000 business professionals from within the investment management industry and the firms that support the industry, including mutual fund complexes, investment management companies, custodian banks, transfer agents and independent providers of specialized products and services. The Association consists of corporate member firms with offices operating in major financial centers around the world. Membership fees are surprisingly small, yet the benefits of membership are anything but. NICSA offers the most comprehensive range of services in the industry, allowing members to learn, network and share best practices locally, nationally and globally.
We recently invited a panel of industry experts to share their insights on new technologies and the impact on client servicing and human capital management. The “Leading Change in Financial Services” webinar provided diverse perspectives on these important issues and resonated with our listeners. (NICSA members can access the replay here).
Sandy Schwan of Evolving Strategies —a consulting firm specializing in change management—led our panelists from Northern Trust, FIS, and Kevin Johnson and Associates through a dynamic discussion on the merits of leading change within their companies and clientele. We heard how these leaders are developing and executing organizational change strategies and tactics to support the benefits realization of strategic business initiatives.
“Define the change. Involve all stakeholders. And have a solid test and implementation plan.”
Joe Dedovesh, Vice President, Technology, at FIS Global, described how the integration of technology in our personal lives is driving the rapid evolution in business technology. When polled, our audience thought that robotics and AI were the technologies most likely to significantly impact financial services. Among the top tech predictions for 2017 and beyond was increased dependency on algorithms. Preparing for increased complexity and usage of data seems to be paramount. What’s one thing companies can be doing to move toward an agile implementation and adoption environment? Seeking out experts (even if that means looking to external sources), assessing internal processes, and getting buy in from all stakeholders. Joe also touched upon the importance of involving peers through organizations like NICSA, where more knowledge and expertise may be brought to the table.
“Service models have pivoted toward a two-way street of communication.”
Next, Ray Burns, Senior Vice President, Global Funds Services at Northern Trust spoke about shifting investor expectations and how financial services firms are adjusting their service models. Ray stressed the importance of keeping clients informed and highlighted how Northern Trust has pivoted toward information sharing and the integration of client feedback, including the introduction of client advisory groups and workshops that allow clients to participate in setting strategic corporate goals, and work toward identifying the issues that are top of mind. Increased access and use of data is essential and requires intuitive technology. Portability and meaningful reporting should be a key focus.
“Use diversity to drive leadership.”
Rounding out the discussion, Kevin Johnson, Human Resources Consultant, took us through leading strategies in talent recruitment and retention. Technology evolution seems to be omnipresent in all aspects of financial services and recruiting practices and talent assessment are no exceptions. Expanding candidate pools through diverse partnerships means that organizations become reflective of the talent available to the broader market.
NICSA would like to thank Northern Trust for hosting this webinar.
Through our work across the financial services sector, it is clear to us that blockchain technology has the potential to transform our industry. During NICSA’s recent Strategic Leadership Forum, disruptor technologies were a focus, and blockchain applications seemed to attract real interest. During last week’s Blockchain Trends & Applications webinar, we invited several industry leaders to take a deeper dive into this evolving topic.
Should blockchain be a strategic focus? Or, is it just hype? Could the technology gain enough traction to have a meaningful and lasting impact on the tracking and settling of financial assets?
To start off, Angus Champion de Crespigny, Financial Services Blockchain and Distributed Infrastructure Strategy Leader at Ernst & Young, discussed how distributed ledger technology impacts data storage capabilities and provides transparent access to single-source data. He also took a look at how the technology may impact, or “change the shape of,” financial intermediaries in the future.
Serge Weyland, Head of Financial Institutions at Banque Internationale à Luxembourg, took us through some pretty compelling proof-of-concept case studies from across the pond. The first example, FundChain 2016, was a collaborative initiative of industry participants including distributors, TAs, and administrators and used the smart contract concept embedded in blockchain technology to enable automation of certain shareholder recordkeeping processes. The second example, FundsDLT (led by KPMG, Intech and Fundsquare) addressed the changing distribution landscape as regulations abroad increasingly push asset managers toward disintermediation. In this case, distributed ledger technology was used to create an engine for asset managers to perform a variety of TA functions—including transactions, settlement, and record keeping—providing good insight into how a direct B to C business model can work using blockchain.
Rounding out the discussion, Justin Chapman, SVP and Global Head of Market Advocacy & Innovation Research at Northern Trust talked about how infrastructure efficiencies, cost savings, and increased transparency are a few of the potential benefits of blockchain technology that are gaining attention from asset managers around the globe.
The conclusion: While technical challenges, data confidentiality, and regulatory barriers remain, none of these issues seem insurmountable. Integrating processes across parties seems to be the big issue but this panel largely agreed that a collaborative industry environment is necessary for companies to successfully incorporate this technology into how they do business.
What should companies be doing to prepare for blockchain?
Even if the strategy is to simply gain an understanding of the technology, or to put some governance structures in place to ensure further review, action is essential. Asset managers not taking the time to comprehend the potential impact of blockchain may be putting themselves at risk.
Many thanks to The Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry for hosting the webinar, and to Chuck Gallant, Managing Director at BNY Mellon, for moderating the call and engaging our listeners in such a lively and informed discussion.
Boston Financial Data Services is excited about participating in NICSA’s upcoming Strategic Leadership Forum. Here’s why.
NICSA Board Member Anne Hebard of BFDS weighs in on the concept of disruption and how it’s impacting financial services. As we enter 2017, it certainly feels as though certain themes are rising to a crescendo. But, as Anne puts it, The Sky is Not Falling. We as financial services professionals can certainly manage disruption and change—that’s been the norm for quite some time. What’s important is thinking strategically and critically about how they are managed.
We agree, Anne. And, as anticipation builds for NICSA’s SLF at the end of the month, we are hopeful. We are optimistic. And, yes, we are confident that events such as this can help us identify the “how”: how to adjust to industry disruptors in the form of regulatory compliance, customer service, and technological advancement.
Along with others in the BFDS/DST enterprise who are presenting at this year’s SLF, Anne herself is participating in the “When Generations Connect” keynote discussion as one of the panelists. In the spirit collaboration, we’re hoping to shed some light on mending generational differences in our workforces in order to work together to meet the forthcoming changes of 2017.
Last week, NICSA President Jim Fitzpatrick sat down with several industry senior executives from OppenheimerFunds, American Funds, Fidelity and MFS to discuss the rapid pace of change within financial services and how these asset managers are evolving in response. We heard how these leaders are preparing their teams and operating models for both disruption and opportunity.
“Today’s business landscape is testing the nimbleness of financial services firms.”
The ability to pivot quickly is becoming increasingly important for investment management firms– and is constantly being tested by changes in regulatory, technology, and distribution strategies. The interdependent nature of business functions requires not only forward-looking execution planning but real and meaningful collaboration among industry participants.
In an environment of technical sophistication—where new market entrants may have the ability to identify client needs and expectations quicker than ever before—the “know your customer” mantra should remain top of mind. Preparing your teams to grasp a complex breadth of information and effectively utilize it when working with clients is essential.
Acceleration of Technology
The webinar provided great insight into the technology focus of each of these firms and it seems that regulatory and risk management initiatives are dominating tech portfolios. RPA – robotic process automation with improved data accuracy – also made the short list. A collective view was that big data and prescriptive analytics are just scratching the surface. Many are re-assessing call center models with an eye toward self-service, aimed at a “next-gen” investor landscape.
“Are you training your associates to play checkers or chess?”
Even with a tech revolution that threatens to disrupt the industry as we know it, this panel largely agreed that success still comes down to “our people.” These industry leaders are constantly assessing and preparing their teams for the future operating environment. For many companies, this means creating a culture where experimentation (and potential failure) is encouraged.
Our thanks go out to Boston Financial and DST for hosting the webinar, and to our impressive line-up of panelists who engaged our listeners in a dynamic and informed discussion.
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