Financial Portfolio Management System (FPM) has passed through a few development cycles in response to user requirements since the release of the first version in 1987. Today FPM has grown into a mature and functionality rich product which mimics the established habits and practices of investment managers.
FPM is particularly suitable for start up operations due to its low entry cost and unlimited growth path. Presently, FPM users range from one to twenty work-stations, though there is no upper limit. Many FPM users have started with the Back Office and added further modules as their business has expanded. Others have started with the Order Management and Compliance modules. Some users have put greater emphasis on the accounting functions from the beginning. So, for FPM users it is very much horses for courses.
We have witnessed a few fashions and cycles in the investment business since 1987 through the eyes of FPM. Here is a selection of case histories.
Fund Managers
For fund managers risk management and compliance are often the key requirements. FPM’s order management system which lets the dealers know in advance if intended trades are likely to cause breach has alleviated the job of the compliance officer. FPM’s transparent front office to back office connectivity has also been very welcome in this environment. FPM emulates the traditional job functions at the back office. If you are working at the back office, rest assured that with FPM you will do your job the way you know it except that FPM will eliminate the repetitive chores and duplications for you.
Hedge Funds
FPM has been in use in the hedge fund industry since the late 80s. Hedge fund managers particularly like the scalability of the FPM system, its user friendliness and flexibility, and low implementation and customisation costs. FPM system's multi-instrument functionality (p&l for a portfolio of diverse instruments) is also particularly appreciated by hedge fund managers.
Family Office
FPM first entry into the world of family office was at the trust fund of an archetype shipping tycoon in the late 80's. FPM's accounting functions and consolidation capability, (across the numerous branches of the family business) are deemed to be indispensible. Flexible and accurate reporting are the other sought out features of the FPM system in this market sector.
Discretionary Portfolio Management
FPM's Client Reporting Module is a must if you have thousands of clients eagerly awaiting their statements at the end of the month! The Deal Wizard and Compliance Modules are also essential for ensuring that your clients' portfolios have remained within the terms of their mandates in the interim. FPM’s management fee calculation functions and its ability to produce fee notes in automated runs are other features of the FPM system appreciated by discretionary portfoio and wealth managers.
Investment Trusts
FPM has something for all departments of the investment trust organisation. FPM can prepare the financial statements for the accountant, the compliance check list for the compliance officer and the performance charts for the marketing department. An integrated system is provided linking the front and the back office from trade entry to published accounts in one stream.
Broker Dealers
FPM is particularly suitable for mid size broker dealers. FPM can provide exactly what is needed for an economical price and 24 hour support. One of the main requirements for the off-shore broker dealer is that clients should have timely and easy access to their statements. This requirement is satisfied by webFPM (FPM’s integrated function for publishing / viewing reports on the Internet). Wire transfers, commission earnings, company expenses are handled by the private banking functions and consolidated on the general ledger and the p&l is available for the company accountant as soon as the last input of the day is made.
CTAs / Managed Futures
If you are into corn and wheat and orange juice and you are trading in your name and/or others you would be pleased to hear that we have all the functions necessary for computerising the back office of your operation. FPM has had years of use in the hands of CTAs. FPM general ledger can provide you with on-line p&l reports, revaluations, raise alerts for margin calls provide all the necessary cash management functions and interfaces to your prime brokers.