The role of the operations team is to provide the right set of tools and services to enable the business to deliver solutions to our clients in a high quality, cost efficient, scalable and risk controlled manner. We only undertake operational activities where we believe we can add value or gain competitive advantage. In many cases, where credible alternatives are available, we will work with external partners to deliver core functions, for example, IT applications or administration services.
Information technology (IT)
We have a highly skilled team who have access to some of the most comprehensive and sophisticated technology available in the investment industry. Our business application architecture combines market leading and internally developed applications.
IT ensure a smooth and seamless integration of new systems into our architecture and manage suppliers and relationships to ensure that applications continue to operate to our high standards and develop along with our changing requirements.
Internal development of a propietary solution is undertaken where there is a lack of credible solutions in the market place or where we believe we can gain competitive advantage; these applications tend to be in the modelling, OTC derivatives and risk management areas. Each development project is governed by rigorous design and development standards.
Middle office
Insight has successfully executed initiatives to provide an efficient and scalable operations platform made up of some of the market leading providers.
Since 2007, the ‘back office’ functions for our core activities have been undertaken by Northern Trust. Northern Trust is a strategic partner and we enjoy very strong relationships at all levels of both organisations and work with them as they evolve their platform.
Administrative services for our UK based pooled funds is performed by Bank of New York Mellon whilst Northern Trust Dublin and State Street Dublin administer offshore pooled funds.
The Middle Office is responsible for managing the services provided by the three main administrators as well as undertaking functions we have decided to retain in-house, such as performance analysis, mandate restriction management and fund manager and dealer support.
Quant Operations
Quant Operations is focused on the design, development and provision of analytical services within Insight. The department consists of two teams.
Quant Projects and Development is responsible for the system platforms relating to risk analytics and OTC derivatives order management, dealing and pricing. The team is responsible for defining and implementing system strategy and also has operational responsibility for daily provisioning of pricing for all Insight’s OTC derivatives positions, including data quality, exception management and resolution of counterparty pricing queries.
Performance is responsible for the provision of performance measurement and attribution services within Insight. The team is responsible for monthly and quarterly reporting using managed outsourced services and internal resources.
Finance
Made up of two teams, the Finance department is responsible for the maintenance and control of financial and management accounts, management information and business planning.
Financial Analysis and Planning is responsible for constructing the annual Insight Business Plan and providing regular forecasts and analysis of performance against plan. To support and ensure focus across the business, the team provides in depth analysis on flows, revenue and profitability.
Financial Accounting is responsible for the preparation of Insight’s statutory results as well as any associated reporting to external parties such as the FSA and the general public through the preparation of the annual financial statements.
Corporate Strategy and planning
The corporate strategy and planning function supports Insight's Chief Operating Officer in the development of Insight’s business plan and corporate objectives and, by working collaboratively with Insight's senior management team, seeks to align the focus of each division and employee with our business plan. As part of the planning process the function seeks to identify the key initiatives and projects which have the potential to drive future growth in our business and deliver our long term strategy.
Throughout each year this role will monitor and measure how well Insight is delivering against its objectives and progressing with new initiatives and provide quarterly reports to the EMC so that they can consider what, if any, changes may be needed to achieve our plans. In addition this role manages strategic projects and initiatives on behalf of the COO as and when necessary.
