Gravitas Technology, a technology service provider to the alternative investment management industry, has launched its Business Consulting Services division which will be headed by industry veteran Steven Richard.
The division has been specifically designed to meet the evolving needs of larger hedge funds that require complex and scalable operating platforms.
“The core offerings in the Business Consulting Services division are part of a new paradigm in high-end technology and operations consulting services now in demand in the alternative asset management space. Gravitas is pleased to introduce a range of vital business consulting services that complement the core offerings of systems integration and software services. These business consulting services will be offered at a variable cost model that scales with the fund managers needs allowing the firm to concentrate on pursuing alpha, while controlling IT and operational costs,” says Jayesh Punater, CEO, Gravitas Technology.
Gravitas Business Consulting Services division will be headed by Richard, who as executive director brings over 20 years of experience in the asset management industry to the firm. Prior to Gravitas, Richard was a partner and served as COO for Spectrum Global Fund Administration, where he developed and implemented a service-based organisational structure, in addition to leading the firms globalisation effort by opening offices in the Cayman Islands and Bangalore, India. Prior to Spectrum, Richard worked at Investors Bank & Trust and for US Trust of NY, Mutual Funds Services Company, and was also an audit manager at Price Waterhouse.
“Managers need to successfully react to and address the institutional demands of todays markets. A strong control environment and scalable infrastructure to support rapid asset growth and complexity of products traded will position the best managers to achieve future success,” says Richard.
The Business Consulting Services division is staffed by a team of experienced hedge fund professionals in operations, accounting and IT. The team will advise clients on both applying and using technology to achieve effective business results, and deliver this as part of a Gravitas holistic service offering that covers business operations expertise, software development, and infrastructure design.