ION’s RMS will allow SJP to consolidate both qualitative and quantitative data into a dynamic, integrated platform that spans various asset classes, facilitating a more efficient and comprehensive analysis process.
ION Analytics has announced a partnership with St. James’s Place (SJP), a prominent UK wealth management organization that selected Research Management Software (RMS) by Backstop Solutions, an ION-owned company, to enhance its fund due diligence process.
The RMS provided by Backstop Solutions is set to streamline SJP’s fund due diligence process. Backstop’s RMS will integrate solutions and services that align with SJP’s technology strategy to shift to a singular investment research management platform.
SJP, established in 1991 and listed on the London Stock Exchange as a FTSE 100 company, manages more than £157.5 billion in funds. The organization supports over 941,000 clients and manages diverse portfolios across equities, fixed income property, and private equity.
RMS allows SJM to consolidate qualitative and quantitative data
The RMS will allow SJP to consolidate both qualitative and quantitative data into a dynamic, integrated platform that spans various asset classes, facilitating a more efficient and comprehensive analysis process.
With its ten investment teams working across different asset classes, SJP will benefit from a consistent, holistic view of all inputs through the RMS. This uniform approach is expected to foster better collaboration and informed decision-making among teams.
Clint Coghill, Head of Investor Segment at ION Analytics, said: “We’re delighted that St. James’s Place has selected Backstop Solutions to improve its fund evaluation, selection, and due diligence process, using our advanced RMS and data integration services.”
Joe Wiggins, Head of Research at St. James’s Place, stated: “We’re excited to partner with ION Analytics and Backstop Solutions. We believe it will allow us to continue delivering our investment technology strategy for better client outcomes.”
ION’S Backstop conducted a study on Business Development and Investor Relations
Backstop Solutions, now a part of ION Analytics, conducted a significant study in 2022 focusing on how Business Development and Investor Relations (BD/IR) professionals in the alternative investment sector allocate their time. The findings from this research provide valuable insights into the daily activities and challenges faced by these professionals.
Key Findings from the Study
Dual Roles: A notable 62% of the professionals surveyed are handling both business development and investor relations roles. This dual responsibility indicates the multifaceted nature of their positions in the industry.
Multiple Responsibilities in PE Firms: In private equity (PE) firms, BD and IR professionals often take on an additional role, spending an average of 10 hours per week on sourcing and originating deals. This highlights the expanded scope of their responsibilities beyond traditional BD and IR tasks.
Unplanned Interactions: The study found that 25% of the workweek for these professionals is consumed by unplanned interactions with Limited Partners (LPs). This significant portion of time spent on unexpected engagements underscores the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature of their roles.
Productivity and Frustrations: The report delves into whether BD/IR professionals feel they are using their time productively, their common frustrations, and their perspectives on what areas they should be focusing on more.
The findings of this study are particularly relevant for understanding the evolving role of BD/IR professionals in the alternative investment space, especially in terms of time management, task prioritization, and the balancing of diverse responsibilities.
