The FTF Exchange Podcast

FTF News

Podcast by FTF News

  1. T+1: Why 'Fix Your Data First' Might Be Wrong

    2d ago

    T+1: Why 'Fix Your Data First' Might Be Wrong

    Most financial firms have been told the same thing: clean up your data before you layer AI on top, or automation will only magnify the mess. But Steve Shillingford, CEO and founder of DeepSee, doesn't quite agree. With settlement cycles getting shorter and operational pressure mounting, he makes a case that runs against much of what the industry has been saying, and it's the kind of thing that makes you stop and go "wait, what?" In this episode, Steve joins David Kirby of Broadridge Consulting to discuss their recent partnership, why orchestration matters more than simply deploying another AI agent, and where the real settlement pain points are hiding — from overflowing shared inboxes to SSI errors that go undetected until it’s too late. With T+1 already live in the US and Europe's transition deadline approaching in October 2027, the pressure to solve these challenges isn't going away anytime soon. Topics covered: Why "clean your data first" may be the slower, costlier path to AI Orchestration vs. deploying a single AI agent Email inboxes and reconciliation as hidden settlement risk SSI errors and where they do real damage T+1 in the US and what's coming for Europe and the UK What AI means for jobs in capital markets Guests: Steve Shillingford (CEO, DeepSee.ai) and David Kirby (Broadridge Consulting) Host: Maureen Lowe, FTF

    1h 23m
  2. AI Isn’t the Risk… Missing the Boat Is

    Feb 10

    AI Isn’t the Risk… Missing the Boat Is

    What’s the bigger risk in 2026: adopting AI… or waiting too long? In this episode of the FTF Exchange Podcast, Maureen Lowe sits down with Toby Glacier, Chairman of Finbourne Technology (and a 2025 FTF News Award winner for Best Data Management Solution), to flip the usual AI conversation on its head. Instead of debating whether AI is “too risky,” Toby makes the case that the real risk is falling behind, operationally, financially, and competitively. Drawing on decades of experience leading massive global operations teams (including overseeing thousands of staff at Northern Trust), Toby shares what firms often get wrong about AI adoption, why data preparedness is the true starting line, and how AI agents can actually reduce risk when implemented with the right guardrails. They also get real about what happens when firms “try AI” and feel underwhelmed, what private markets are teaching the industry about automation gaps, and how jobs will change—not vanish—over time. If your team is still stuck in “why we shouldn’t adopt AI,” this one is your push off the dock.

    48 min
  3. The Client Reporting Toolbox: What to Add, What to Fix

    Jan 20

    The Client Reporting Toolbox: What to Add, What to Fix

    Most firms can generate strong performance data internally. Fewer can deliver it to clients efficiently, at scale, and without adding more manual work. In Part 2 of our podcast series with FactSet, Maureen Lowe is joined by McKay Marschalk and David Mellars to open up the modern “reporting toolbox” and break down what actually belongs inside. We talk about automation gaps, building a reliable data pipeline, and using AI-generated commentary with human oversight. We also dig into managed services versus outsourcing, the move beyond emailing PDFs, how firms define golden data sources, and how reporting teams measure ROI through lower costs, faster cycles, and fewer manual steps. Clean data is just the start. This episode explains how the right tools, working together, are changing how firms deliver results to clients. NOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: New eBook: A Buy-Side Playbook for Reporting Success Download the latest eBook from the FTF Research Institute and FactSet, featuring insights from 325+ reporting leaders. Access the Flipbook PMCR 2026 Registration — February 24–26, NYC Join us live in New York City for the industry’s premier event on performance measurement and client reporting. Register Here Use code: FactSetAI for 15% off Explore the Full Agenda Plan your sessions and see what’s in store for 2026. View Agenda Follow FTF on LinkedIn to stay connected!

    54 min
  4. AI for Performance Teams: Where Firms Are Winning (and Getting Stuck)

    12/11/2025

    AI for Performance Teams: Where Firms Are Winning (and Getting Stuck)

    Most firms know they should be using AI for performance measurement. Fewer know how to actually do it without breaking something—or losing their team's trust in the process. In this episode, Sean Murray and David Mellars from FactSet get into the real implementation challenges. We talk about what it takes to build trust in AI-generated narratives, how to create a "golden source" of data, and navigating the shift into private markets and alternative assets. Plus, the question everyone's thinking about—what AI means for performance teams and the people on them. Some firms are already seeing wins. Others can't get out of the pilot phase. This episode breaks down why. NOTES FROM THIS EPISODE New eBook: A Buy-Side Playbook for Reporting Success Download the latest eBook from the FTF Research Institute and FactSet, featuring insights from 325+ reporting leaders. Access the Flipbook - https://www.ftfnews.com/FTF-Research-Institute/at-the-end-of-it-a-buy-side-playbook-for-reporting-success/ PMCR 2026 Registration — February 24–26, NYC Join us live in New York City for the industry’s premier event on performance measurement and client reporting. Register Here - https://pages.ftfnews.com/event-registration-2026 Use code: FactSetAI for 15% off Explore the Full Agenda Plan your sessions and see what’s in store for 2026. View Agenda - https://pages.ftfnews.com/performance-measurement-and-client-reporting-agenda

    1h 6m
  5. From Sticky Notes to Success Stories: What It Really Means to Mentor the Next Generation of Capital Markets Professionals

    07/02/2025

    From Sticky Notes to Success Stories: What It Really Means to Mentor the Next Generation of Capital Markets Professionals

    From Sticky Notes to Success Stories: What It Really Means to Mentor the Next Generation of Capital Markets Professionals by FTF News

    56 min
  6. When Robots Help Write Your Client Reports: AI at Alliance Bernstein

    05/07/2025

    When Robots Help Write Your Client Reports: AI at Alliance Bernstein

    In this episode, FTF’s Maureen Lowe explores how artificial intelligence is transforming asset management. She’s joined by Madhu Rojukhirdu, Head of Fixed Income Performance Attribution and Global Benchmark Data at AllianceBernstein, and Che Guan, Principal Data Scientist, who leads the implementation of AI models that are redefining how AllianceBernstein delivers insights to clients. Together, they discuss how AI is reshaping investment strategies, improving operational efficiency, and tackling data management challenges. In this enlightening (and occasionally jargon-filled) conversation about AI, Madhu and Che demystify how machines are now drafting client commentaries without causing compliance panic attacks. You'll learn why "garbage in, garbage out" also applies to fancy AI, discover the strange world of "robots training robots," and hear why your job is probably safe—though your tedious tasks may not be. Wondering if AI will be your new assistant or even your new boss, then this episode's for you (spoiler: it's the former...for now).

    45 min
  7. Between the Spreadsheets: Why Asset Managers Are Rethinking Reconciliation

    03/13/2025

    Between the Spreadsheets: Why Asset Managers Are Rethinking Reconciliation

    In this episode of the FTF Exchange Podcast, host Maureen Lowe sits down with Dawn Pischetola, Director of Investment Operations at Olmstead Associates, for her perspectives on why reconciliation processes—often overlooked but crucial to operational success—are now at a turning point in asset management. With transaction volumes surging and legacy systems struggling to keep pace, what does the future hold for firms still clinging to spreadsheets and manual processes? Dawn brings 25 years of front-to-back office expertise to address the pressing question: How can asset managers transform their reconciliation operations without disrupting their business? What you'll discover: • Why there a staggering number of asset managers still rely on Excel-based reconciliation processes—and the hidden risks (and costs) this creates • Insights on why firms might hesitate to modernize their legacy systems despite growing operational pressures • How AI is emerging as an "operations companion" rather than a replacement for skilled professionals • The unexpected challenges that arise when untangling years of customization during system implementations • Practical insights on building a successful business case for reconciliation transformation • Critical advice for firms facing the "reconciliation reset" as they navigate increasing data complexity and regulatory demands Whether you're considering a reconciliation system upgrade, curious about AI's potential impact on your reconciliations processes, or simply interested in how back-office transformation is evolving, this conversation offers valuable perspectives from someone who has guided numerous firms through these transitions. Show Notes: Download the survey referenced in this episode, The Tipping Point for Asset Management Operations: https://www.ftfnews.com/FTF-Research-Institute/the-tipping-point-for-asset-management-operations-the-rising-costs-of-operational-complacency/ Register for the webinar Dawn is moderating, Reconciliation Reset: The Shift from Liability to Operational Excellence: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4882217/F1A1671736DF17D411B4D33B678F252A?partnerref=Dawn_Podcast

    40 min
  8. Bridging Performance, Reporting & Risk: Insights from PMCR Chair Todd Juillerat

    02/24/2025

    Bridging Performance, Reporting & Risk: Insights from PMCR Chair Todd Juillerat

    In this podcast episode, Todd Juillerat, chair of the upcoming PMCR conference in New York City, shares his extensive experience and insights into the performance measurement and client reporting space. Drawing from his career trajectory that began in fund accounting and led to performance analysis at major institutions including JP Morgan, Juillerat discusses the evolving landscape of performance measurement and reporting. Key discussion points include: • The increasing convergence of performance measurement, client reporting, and risk management functions • Todd’s career and industry involvement, including the CFA Institute • Current industry trends around A.I., • Todd’s pick of PMCR conference highlights and reasons to attend the show. The discussion emphasizes the interconnected nature of performance measurement within investment management firms, highlighting how the role serves as crucial connective tissue between various departments including operations, sales and marketing, executive management, and compliance.

    16 min
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About

Podcast by FTF News

Information

  • Creator
    FTF News
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The FTF Exchange Podcast