InvestOps Europe Connect 2024
21 - 22 May, 2024
Sopwell House, St Albans
Main Day 1 | 21st May
8:00 - 8:45
Registration and Networking
Catch up with your peers and colleagues before the event kicks off and enjoy a selection of freshly made pastries, fruit and healthy smoothies
8:45 - 8:50
Welcome Address: Rory Pilbrow, Editorial Director, InvestOps
8:50 - 9:00
Chairperson's Opening Address
Future Proofing Operational Capabilities
9:00 - 9:35
Opening COO Keynote Panel: Defining your target operating model: How can you develop a strategic transformation plan that builds the key capabilities required to succeed in future markets?
Martha Fee -
Industry Practitioner & Former COO,
Independent
Mike Tumilty -
COO,
Aegon Asset Management
Danielle Johnston -
COO, Europe,
Principal Global Investors
- How can organisations identify and cultivate these capabilities, and what strategies or approaches have proven effective in doing so?
- How can operations functions develop the skills needed to use the latest technology developments to enable you to build the target operating model?
- What are the common challenges encountered during the transformation process, and what strategies can be employed to mitigate these?
- How can organisations strike a balance between maintaining stability and embracing innovation when building a target operating model, and are there best practices for managing this tension effectively?
Streamlining Cross-Asset Operations
9:35 - 10:05
COO & CTO Interview: Driving Front-to-Back Transformation: How can post trade functions best collaborate with the front office to align on new technology initiatives and work towards wider business goals?
Panos Nikopolitidis -
Global Head of Operations,
Janus Henderson Investors
Chris Herringshaw -
CTO,
Janus Henderson Investors
- How can cross-functional teams best work together to bridge the gap between operational requirements and technology inefficiencies?
- How can investment operations leaders effectively define and communicate business objectives to technology teams in a way that ensures alignment and gains internal buy-in?
- How can technology teams play a pivotal role in driving seamless front-to-back process transformation and which technologies are most critical for success?
- What metrics and KPIs can you use to assess the success of collaboration between post-trade and technology teams in driving business transformation?
10:05 - 10:10
5-minute transition
Buy-Side Only Think Tanks
Head of Investment Operations Think Tank
10:10 - 10:50 Innovation Think Tank: Reserved Indus Valley PartnersHead of Investment Operations Think Tank
10:10 - 10:50 Innovation Think Tank: Reserved Intellimation AI
10:50 - 10:55
5-minute transition
10:55 - 12:00
Refreshment Break
10:55 - 11:25
Private business meetings
11:25 - 11:30
5-minute transition
11:30 - 12:00
Private business meetings
12:00 - 12:05
5-minute transition
Developing Data-Driven Operations
12:05 - 12:35
360 Panel Discussion: Optimising data-driven operating models: How can you build a robust data foundation to enhance connectivity and transparency between operational processes and drive greater business insights?
Igor Bosnjak -
Global Head of Investment & Data Operations,
Russell Investments
Maria Isaza -
Managing Director, Global Head of Investment Operations,
Man Group
- What are the key elements of a robust data foundation to best support seamless connectivity and transparency between various operational functions?
- How can you ensure that data from different operational functions is easily accessible and integrated into wider processes to drive meaningful insights?
- What steps should you take to ensure that your operations teams have the necessary data literacy and analytical capabilities to leverage enhanced data capabilities to deliver business insights effectively?
Capitalising on AI Innovations
12:35 - 13:00
Fireside Chat: Exploring new frontiers in AI: How can you best track and adopt new generative AI developments to benefit from greater process optimisation, risk management and intelligent analysis?
Eigil Ingebretsen -
Global Head of Investment Control & Analytics,
Storebrand Asset Management
Thomas Vinding -
Global Head of Investment Operations,
Nordea Asset Management
Davina Goodall Smith -
Former COO,
Independent Consultant
- Which AI applications hold the most promise for delivering tangible benefits to investment firms, and how can these be effectively implemented?
- What strategies and structures should organizations put in place to facilitate the integration of emerging AI technologies into their workflows, and how can they ensure that these technologies are effectively leveraged for process optimization?
- In a rapidly evolving AI landscape, what strategies should organizations employ to foster a culture of innovation and experimentation, allowing them to discover and maximize the potential of AI-driven value creation?
- Are there frameworks or guidelines for ethical AI adoption in the investment industry, and how can firms ensure that they align with these principles?
13:00 - 13:05
5-minute transition
13:05 - 13:35
Private business meetings
13:35 - 14:35
Networking Lunch
Optimising Outsourcing Strategies
14:35 - 15:05
360 Panel Discussion Increasing performance with outsourcing: How can you identify which processes to outsource to enhance your internal capabilities and enhance client services?
Sam O'Neill -
Head of EMEA Investment Operations,
JP Morgan Asset Management
Sandi McNamara -
Head of EMEA Investment Operations,
Morgan Stanley Investment Management
Davina Goodall Smith -
Former COO,
Independent Consultant
- How can you best assess the impact of your outsourced partnerships on operational efficiency, cost reduction, and investor service quality?
- What strategies should you implement to enhance collaboration and communication between internal teams and external providers to ensure a seamless and integrated approach?
- How can you effectively meet regulatory, compliance and risk management requirements when outsourcing critical processes?
- How can you differentiate your offering to investors when outsourcing your operating model?
Succeeding in Private Markets
15:05 - 15:35
Innovation Panel: Thriving with private assets: Which processes and capabilities can you equip your operations function with to support increasing investor and front office private markets demands?
Martin Kwiatkowski -
Investments COO,
Abrdn
David Ribchester -
Head of EU Investment Operations, Principal,
Ares Management
- Which strategies can you implement to best address the unique challenges associated with less liquid assets?
- How can you strike a balance between building internal expertise and leveraging external partners to enhance your capabilities in private market operations?
- How can you optimise your operational processes to best adapt to longer settlement cycles and reduced liquidity challenges in private markets?
15:35 - 15:40
5-minute transition
15:35 - 16:40
Sweet Treats Break
Treat yourself to some sugary treats for an afternoon pick-me-up, along with freshly brewed coffee and tea selections.
15:40 - 16:10
Private business meetings
16:10 - 16:15
5-minute transition
16:15 - 16:45
Private business meetings
16:45 - 16:50
5-minute transition
Buy-Side Only Think Tanks
New Product Innovation Think Tank
16:50 - 17:30 Head of Investment Operations Think Tank: How can you identify pain points and inefficiencies in your investment operations processes to increase agility and seamlessly adapt to new market conditions? Siobhan Clarke - Chief Investment Operations Officer, Royal London Asset Management
Head of Investment Operations Think Tank
16:50 - 17:30 Managing Operational Risk – What measures should you implement to ensure that increasing complex product offerings and shortening settlement cycles are underpinned by robust operational risk foundations? Tom Cunningham - Global Head of Investment Operations, Hargreaves Lansdown
17:30 - 18:30
End of Day One Networking Drinks
18:25 - 19:25
Networking Dinner
InvestOps Spring BBQ... Luxuriate in the stunning grounds of Sopwell House and enjoy a full barbeque spread as you unwind with your peers after a busy day full of learning and making new connections. Whilst basking in the late afternoon sun, continue important conversations and networking with the leading minds in the Investment Operations Industry.