I recently had the pleasure of participating in the SIFMA Ops 2025 leadership panel discussion, Navigating Change and Technology in Operations. The session was moderated by Deb Guarino of BNY Pershing and included Erin McCourt of Morgan Stanley and Lou Rosato of BlackRock. Together, we explored the challenges and opportunities presented by regulatory changes, the integration of innovative technologies and the impact of market volatility.
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The panel provided a valuable forum for discussing these critical topics and how the industry can navigate the complexities of modern operations through collaboration, innovation and a proactive approach to technology and compliance.
Here are my top three takeaways from the discussion.
- Embracing Technology and Innovation
The conversation around technology and innovation naturally gravitated toward the indispensable role of technology in navigating the complexities of modern operations. At DTCC, we’re deeply involved in modernization efforts aimed at supporting the industry's need for resilience and readiness. The integration of AI, digital assets, and real-time data analytics are not mere buzzwords; they possess the potential to revolutionize our industry. These technologies enable operations leaders to transition from a reactive to proactive approach, empowering more informed decisions, thereby improving overall efficiency and client satisfaction and adding greater value to their organizations. The operations professional of the future will need to be fluent in the language of transformation. Understanding data, APIs, and the latest in vendor technology will be essential.
- Regulatory Changes and Compliance
A significant portion of the discussion revolved around regulatory change. Compliance should not be viewed as a burden but rather as a gateway to reimagining how we operate. Take, for example, the ISO 20022 standard. While it may seem like an obligatory task, it’s an opportune chance to modernize and enhance our operational processes. By thinking beyond the mandatory aspects, firms can unlock new efficiencies and capabilities that drive our industry forward.
- The Impact of Market Volatility
Market volatility and high trading volumes were also key topics of discussion. The importance of real-time observability and dashboarding is crucial to effectively manage peaks in trading volume. The surge in market activities underscores the need for robust infrastructure and proactive monitoring. Seeing potential disruptions before they occur is crucial. Our focus should be on building a resilient and adaptable infrastructure capable of seamlessly handling high-volume periods.
I encourage you to view the entire discussion below: