Creating a unified and efficient operating model to support multiple private market strategies has historically been challenging for asset managers as different asset classes are often supported on separate accounting platforms and serviced by different teams. The challenge is compounded when managers co-mingle public and private assets in single structures to assist in managing liquidity and exposure for open-ended structures in particular. This leads to asset-specific workflows and reporting that can generate additional costs and complicate oversight requirements.

To address this challenge, BBH embarked on a multi-year investment program to deliver a singular client service model and technology platform across all private market strategies. The solution is live across multiple clients, enabling them to manage assets, exposures, and liquidity more efficiently. It has recently been integrated with platforms servicing public assets to create a fully cohesive service experience.

Managers can now add asset classes and products without causing disruption to their businesses. They can streamline their operations by relying on a single source for their asset values, cash positions and accounting data, and has created a more harmonized investor experience.

“BBH’s ability to service both private and hybrid private-public portfolio strategies across open and closed ended structures in a unified manner has been a key differentiator in supporting the growth of our private market platform.” Peter Arnold, COO of Schroders Capital

Launched in 2019, Infuse® Alternatives, BBH’s online portal providing data aggregation and visualization of fund, investment, and investor level data across asset classes, overlays this experience. It allows clients to interact with BBH within a series of clearly defined workflows, providing digitized communications across the entire asset spectrum. The integration of SWIFT connectivity to the broader investor community creates new opportunities for distribution as the democratization of private markets gathers pace.

“People talk about how the private markets industry is challenged to automate, but it doesn’t have to be this way. New technology and smart product design now mean we can automate more than ever before, streamlining workflows and data to create a much more effective service model”, says Lata Vyas, Head of Product for Alternative Funds at BBH.

Looking ahead, BBH is continuing to develop enhanced data and reporting capabilities, integrating machine learning into our operations, and building deeper digital connectivity with investors.