Tanmoy Roy.
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US asset manager · $200B AUM

My role: Lead advisor, platform selection

Choosing a front-to-back platform for a $200B manager

A platform decision that shapes the firm for a decade, made on total cost and real functional fit rather than the best demo.

$200B
AUM
4
platforms compared
1
front-to-back choice
  • BlackRock Aladdin
  • Charles River
  • SimCorp
  • Bloomberg AIM

From

BlackRock AladdinCharles RiverSimCorpBloomberg AIM

To

BlackRock Aladdin

The situation

The investment operating model had grown around several systems and spreadsheets. Leadership wanted one front-to-back platform and a central data function that could support it.

What I did

  • Reviewed the current operating model end to end, from portfolio management to the back office.
  • Ran a structured selection across BlackRock Aladdin, Charles River, SimCorp and Bloomberg AIM.
  • Compared total cost of ownership with functional coverage, then supported the Aladdin implementation.
  • Wrote the central data strategy and designed the operating model for a new central data function.

By function

BlackRock AladdinCharles RiverSimCorpBloomberg AIMCoverage × total cost of ownership (illustrative)

Vendor selection

Four contenders, one decision

Scored each platform on coverage and total cost, so the choice held up with the board and with users.

Front officeRiskAccountingReportingMarket dataCentral datafunction

Central data function

A central data function, not a data project

Designed the central data strategy, team and operating model that feed the new platform.

What changed

Before · 01

Several systems and spreadsheets

After

One front-to-back platform on Aladdin

Before · 02

A choice driven by demos

After

A decision on coverage and total cost the business signed up to

Before · 03

Data owned by no one

After

A central data function in place before go-live

Facing something similar?

Platform & vendor selection

For a decision you'll live with for ten years.

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