The Challenge: Too Many Tools, Not Enough Agility 

Our client, a global asset and wealth management firm with $300 billion in Assets Under Management (AUM), operations across 3 global regions, and 35 Portfolio Management and Front Office Teams, knew it was time for a change. Their investment operations were spread across multiple platforms, built on legacy on-prem systems, and weighed down by customizations. As the firm grew and market demands evolved, portfolio complexity, data volumes, and the need for real-time decision-making outpaced the capabilities of their tools—particularly their legacy order management system (OMS). 

The ask was straightforward: consolidate fragmented systems into a modern, unified investment platform that could support their global operating model. The solution had to scale, improve efficiency, and unlock new capabilities—not just for today, but for years to come. 

What They Needed 

The client’s leadership set a clear goal: to transition away from a patchwork of platforms and create a simplified, standardized target operating model (TOM). This new model would streamline front-to-back investment operations while laying a better foundation for innovation, data-driven decision making, and future growth. 

That meant: 

• Consolidating portfolio management, trading, and compliance systems 

• Eliminating redundant workflows and technology Improving data accuracy and transparency 

• Accelerating time-to-decision with centralized, real-time insights 

• Ensuring compliance could scale globally alongside the business 

What We Did 

Stratfield partnered with the client as part of their broader transformation program. We brought in a blended team of program leads, business analysts, and test specialists with deep experience in investment operations and front-to-back transformations. 

Over the course of the engagement, Stratfield delivered configuration and implementation support for a new, cloud-based investment platform, focused on the Charles River IMS (CRIMS) and Alpha Data ecosystem. 

Here’s how we helped make it real: 

• Worked side-by-side with business stakeholders to translate global requirements into platform capabilities across portfolio management, trading, and compliance 

• Simplified overly complex processes and eliminated unnecessary customizations 

• Designed and configured workflows to meet front-office and compliance needs 

• Led testing, validation, and onboarding for Wave 1 teams, ensuring readiness and adoption 

• Built a repeatable model to support future rollout waves across geographies and asset classes 

The Results 

The first wave of the rollout was a meaningful step forward for the client. While this transformation is ongoing, the early impact is already clear: 

• Faster decision-making through real-time data and automation 

• Reduced manual work for compliance and operations teams Improved system usability and consistency across regions 

• A more scalable, secure, and resilient investment platform 

• A modern architecture designed to support innovation in analytics, AI, and client service 

Why It Worked 

• We didn’t force the client into a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, we collaborated closely with Portfolio Managers, Compliance Officers, Traders, and Operations to ensure the platform fit the business. 

• We brought real-world experience—our team members have led investment platform transformations at global firms, and know the nuance and complexity of these environments. 

• We focused on simplicity. By cutting out redundancy and aligning workflows, we helped the client move faster and smarter. 

Looking Ahead 

This investment platform modernization is more than a tech upgrade. It’s a critical building block for how the client will scale, operate, and innovate globally. 

Interested in what a simplified, scalable investment platform could look like for your firm? Let’s talk.