10 Key Regulatory Reporting Solutions for Investment Management

In the constantly evolving landscape of investment management, the challenge of staying compliant isn’t just a straightforward path—it’s more akin to navigating through a storm of regulatory complexities. But fear not, for there’s a silver lining on the horizon: the advent of advanced regulatory reporting tools that promise not just to keep us afloat but to propel us towards operational brilliance and strategic insight.

Let’s embark on a journey and talk about what is RegTech and why it’s important for Fund Management, and why now is the best moment to implement it if you haven’t already.

What is the RegTech?

RegTech is an independent stream of Regulatory Technology and sometimes referred to as a subset of FinTech (Financial Technology). In fact, it is the shining beacon that guides the financial sector through the dense fog of regulatory complexities and compliance challenges. RegTech, with its innovative arsenal, transforms the daunting task of compliance into a streamlined, efficient process, enabling fund managers to navigate the ever-changing regulatory landscape with agility and precision.

And what will the promised land of RegTech look like? Like seamless regulatory compliance tasks being part of your daily operations utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as AI, machine learning, and blockchain. From automating compliance reports to real-time monitoring of transactions for any signs of non-compliance, RegTech tools are supposed to safeguard your Fund against penalties and reputational damage.

The state of the regulatory reporting now

Meanwhile the Buy-Side industry is drowning deeper and deeper in the regulatory reporting. Hedge Fund Managers, for example, are required to spend a significant amount of time daily reporting that discloses their fund’s net asset values (NAVs), transactions, and significant holdings to ensure transparency and compliance with market regulations. Additionally, they must adhere to reporting obligations related to leverage, risk management practices, and counterparty exposures to meet the rigorous demands of financial oversight bodies and maintain market integrity. But if that was not enough, they are facing a significant regulatory updates in 2024, with private equity, venture capital, and hedge fund groups bracing for the most substantial changes since the 2008 financial crisis.

These changes, introduced by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), are driving an unprecedented surge in compliance and legal spending, estimated to cost the industry nearly $1.9 billion annually. This regulatory shift is pushing even smaller funds to hire their first full-time general counsels and chief compliance officers, while larger entities are expanding their legal teams and investing heavily in compliance technology. The new rules aim to enhance audit transparency, and require rapid disclosure of significant events, reflecting a broader trend towards increased oversight and transparency in fund management. This evolution underscores the growing complexity and costs of regulatory compliance, prompting a strategic rethink in how funds operate and manage their legal and compliance frameworks.

Challenges the Fund Managers are facing

When it comes to reporting to regulators, the current setup for fund management operations encounters numerous obstacles. Let’s have a look at the common challenging areas.

Firstly, Data Sourcing and Validation emerges as a primary hurdle. Investment managers face the daunting task of crafting an in-house system capable of aggregating, enriching, and validating data from a plethora of sources, all while racing against the clock to meet tight regulatory deadlines.

The challenge of Data Integration can be likened to the quest for a common language among diverse systems. Achieving a single source of truth across investment operations necessitates overcoming the fragmentation caused by multiple third-party service providers and disparate software systems.

Scale and Expansion pose their own set of issues. Adapting to growth and technological shifts requires not just embracing automation and digitization but also integrating sophisticated tools like AI and machine learning to enhance analytical capabilities.

The pervasive Reliance on Spreadsheets is a legacy issue that continues to hinder progress. This dependence complicates data control, increases the potential for human error, and obstructs the transition to automated, straight-through processes.

Lastly, ensuring Data Quality at Granular Levels is a complex task. Investment managers must accurately manage and aggregate data across various custodians and policy trees, catering to both public and private market needs, which is essential for precise reporting and analysis.

Each of these obstacles requires a tailored approach and innovative solutions to ensure that regulatory reporting not only meets compliance standards but also enhances operational efficiency within the investment management sector.

Bridging Challenges with RegTech Solutions

Navigating through these obstacles requires more than just resilience; it demands a strategic pivot towards leveraging cutting-edge RegTech solutions. As we transition from identifying the hurdles to exploring the realm of possibilities, it’s clear that innovative technologies are they key in transforming these challenges into opportunities for growth and efficiency.

Key Trends in the RegTech Industry for Investment Management

The development of Regulatory Technology (RegTech) is marked by several key trends poised to redefine the industry’s approach to compliance and risk management.

Together, these RegTech trends are not just addressing current compliance and risk management needs; they’re also setting the stage for a more secure, efficient, and forward-looking investment management industry.

Here, in this article, we present you with 11 standout solutions, yet it’s important to note that the market’s horizon stretches far beyond these offerings. As we explore these technologies, remember that they represent just a glimpse into a vast ecosystem of innovations, each with the power to transform obstacles into opportunities for growth and strategic advancement in the investment management sector.

Regulatory Reporting Systems and their Unique Features

Oracle Cloud EPM Narrative Reporting:

Dynamic Data Access: Oracle Cloud EPM Narrative Reporting ensures real-time data accuracy by directly accessing data from multiple sources, enhancing the reliability of reports.

Collaborative Environment: Facilitates seamless collaboration among stakeholders during report creation, catering to both internal management and regulatory reporting needs effectively.

Complex Data Management: Offers advanced technology solutions to address intricate investment data challenges, supporting the investment management industry effectively.

Funds-Axis:

Comprehensive Regulatory Coverage: Funds-Axis Limited provides a wide range of modules covering various regulatory reporting requirements such as AIFMD Annex IV Reporting, FCA Assessment of Value, and more.

Operational Efficiency: Streamlines compliance processes, alleviating the burden on operational and compliance teams through its Global Regulatory Reporting Solutions.

Efficiency Enhancement: Streamlines the regulatory reporting process, making it easier for funds to maintain compliance with regulations.

AQMetrics:

Regulatory Risk Focus: AQMetrics specializes in regulatory risk and compliance solutions, offering a robust RegTech platform tailored to address regulatory challenges effectively.

Operational Efficiency: By automating data collection, risk calculations, and regulatory reporting, AQMetrics enhances operational efficiency through a consolidated data view, streamlining compliance processes.

Fairmort – WILF Reporting:

Versatile Reporting Tool: Fairmort – WILF Reporting is a versatile management information and regulatory reporting tool designed to centralize disparate data for comprehensive business reporting and regulatory compliance.

Cost-Effective Solutions: Fosters cost-effective, flexible, and comprehensive reporting solutions, enabling organizations to meet regulatory requirements efficiently while optimizing costs.

MSCI:

Comprehensive Toolset: MSCI offers a suite of tools encompassing regulatory compliance, risk reporting, and analytics to assist asset managers in managing risk effectively and enhancing transparency[202†source].

Global Regulatory Support: Provides tools that help navigate the complexities of the global regulatory framework, ensuring compliance with diverse regulations across jurisdictions.

Efficiency Enhancement: Streamlines the reporting process, enhancing operational efficiency and compliance by automating regulatory reporting tasks efficiently.

Confluence Technologies (Unity NXT platform):

Automated Solutions: Through the Unity NXT platform, Confluence Technologies offers automated regulatory reporting solutions that aid fund management clients in maintaining compliance and managing risks effectively.

Operational Streamlining: Automates regulatory reporting processes, improving operational efficiency by reducing manual efforts and ensuring accuracy in compliance tasks.

SaaS Solution: Replaces manual processes with Software as a Service (SaaS) technology for investment accounting and analytics, offering a modern approach to investment management reporting.

JUMP Technology:

Process Automation: JUMP Technology centralizes activities and automates processes to support growth strategies for asset managers dealing with new asset classes, targeted markets, and management models.

Cost-Effective Management: Provides a centralized view of management information, aiding in cost reduction and time-saving measures for businesses looking to optimize their operations effectively.

Navigating Tech Selection in Fund Management with FinTech4Funds

In the dynamic arena of fund management, pinpointing the right tech ally is paramount. It’s a realm brimming with plug-and-play solutions, each promising swift integration and instant gains. Yet, the true quest lies in finding a solution that resonates with your fund’s unique rhythm—aligning with your operational cadence, strategic aspirations, and growth trajectory. This journey, while rich with opportunity, is laden with hazards like investing in non-scalable tech or solutions that clash with your existing digital ecosystem.

Enter FinTech4Funds. We’re your compass in the intricate world of fund management technology, offering both ready-to-deploy solutions for quick wins and bespoke systems for tailored needs. Our mission? To guide you past the pitfalls of tech adoption, armed with insights, research, and a comprehensive guide for fund managers. Let’s embark on this journey together, ensuring your choice not only fits today’s needs but also empowers tomorrow’s success. Dive deeper with us at FinTech4Funds, where your future tech solution awaits discovery.