Chicago-based Northern Trust has entered a partnership with client reporting and marketing communications firm Equipos to provide investment operation outsourcing clients with a range of new client communication capabilities.

With investors still smarting from losses incurred during the financial crisis, improved client reporting remains a hot topic. During what are still uncertain times clients are now more than ever demanding comprehensive and timely data on their investments, and wealth managers are increasingly viewing cutting-edge reporting practices as a means to differentiate themselves from their competitors.

Through its partnership with Equipos, Northern Trust will deploy the firm’s Coric STR software as part of its investment operations outsourcing service. Designed to be a complete client reporting package for investment managers, Coric provides not only customisable client reporting functions and investment commentary, but also fund fact sheets and other marketing material, in print, web and video formats.

“Client communication has never been more important to investment managers, who must navigate volatile financial markets while providing comprehensive data, analysis and advice to ease the uncertainty that investors are feeling. Our agreement with Equipos keeps Northern Trust clients on the forefront of client communications by enabling timely, sophisticated communications through print, web and video channels,” said Dan Houlihan, head of product and strategy for investment operations outsourcing at Northern Trust.