Equipos has rolled out a new initiative to help senior Canadian buy-side business executives understand the implications of CRM on their firm’s processes, data and systems.

Equipos, a provider of private client reporting technology and communication tools, has rolled out an “educational initiative” to help senior Canadian buy-side business executives understand the implications of next-phase client relationship management on their firm’s processes, data and systems.

Crucially, it will also provide insight into the challenges of “CRM2” compliance and identify ways for buy-side firms to improve client service by investing in this area. 

Co-sponsored by sister publication WealthBriefing, the program will launch on April 9 with a webinar in which representatives from Canadian law firms, management consultancies and investment firms will walk through effective ways of addressing CRM2 compliance. Confirmed panelists include CRM2 experts from Deloitte Canada and Borden Ladner Gervais.

Context

Canadian buy-side investment management firms will, as required by the Canadian Securities Administrators, have to provide pre-trade disclosure of charges and disclose their compensation from debt transactions in trade confirmations as of July 15, 2014. Next year, enhancements to client statements will be introduced, while in 2016 firms will be required to produce annual reports on charges and other compensation, as well as an annual investment performance report.

“The CRM initiative aims to enhance investor protection in Canada through improved relationship disclosure, conflict management, suitability and account performance reporting. Phase 2 (CRM2) is focused on enriching investors’ understanding of the cost and performance of their investments,” Equipos said.

Recent acquisition

Last week, SimCorp - which previously held a 20 per cent stake in Equipos and its Coric Client Communications suite - announced the full acquisition of the firm for €10 million ($13.7 million).

Coric provides end-to-end client reporting and communications for global wealth and asset management firms. Coric enables client services staff to create personalized client reports, fund fact sheets, client meeting packs, presentations and other client communications, on a regular or ad-hoc basis.

The purchase will “enhance and support SimCorp’s strategy of growing the business based on its single product platform – SimCorp Dimension,” SimCorp said at the time.

SimCorp is a global firm with a presence in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. It provides investment and portfolio management software and services to investment managers, asset managers, fund managers, fund administrators, pension funds, insurance funds and wealth managers.