Colin Dean: Why advisers need one version of 'the truth'

To manage risk responsibly

clock • 4 min read

At a time when advisers are expected to focus ever more resources on risk management and associated areas of governance, says Colin Dean, the financial services sector is facing an uphill audit challenge thanks to its IT legacy.

Most professionals agree with the need for strong fiduciary responsibility and transparency but, in order to do their job correctly, they need a clear overview of the organisation or portfolio - especially given the regulatory emphasis on systemic risks that has emerged since the financial crisis. Unfortunately for advisers grappling with heightened regulatory scrutiny and digital demands, that overview is often impossible. Even worse, outdated IT systems and poor communication can mean they unwittingly rely on differing versions of events and long-superseded data. To ensure the appro...

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