Trading Operations
Building a 24/5 Global Execution Desk for an International Multi-Boutique Asset Manager
Five siloed execution desks across four countries were unified into a single 24/5 global execution capability — operational within 10 months of kick-off.
10mo
From kick-off to live
5
Locations as one desk
CHF 130bn
AUM supported
Challenge
Five execution desks operating in the US, Switzerland, Germany, and Hong Kong ran independently — with different broker networks, systems, and implicit costs. Large institutional clients demanded greater maturity, while regulatory requirements across jurisdictions added complexity.
Approach
- Defined 3–5 year execution strategy with front-to-back stakeholders
- Designed multiple target operating model options
- Ran RFI/RFP for EMS vendors; led workshops between vendors and desk teams
- Negotiated EMS vendor across all locations with integrated pre-trade and post-trade TCA
- Implemented trade surveillance across all asset classes
- Harmonised broker network across all locations for enhanced negotiating power
Outcomes and recommendations
- 24/5 cash equities execution from 5 locations, acting as one desk
- Regulatory approvals obtained for cross-location order handling
- Single EMS instance with integrated pre-trade and post-trade TCA
- Harmonised broker network delivering enhanced service consistency and pricing
Anonymous · Verified reference available. Ambitions, cost targets and identified opportunities are not delivered savings. Case-specific timings and results are not guarantees for another engagement.
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