The Operational Crisis

Market data management has become a critical operational capability, yet most firms treat it as an afterthought. The result: teams spending 100+ hours monthly on manual reconciliation, no visibility into actual spend, constant firefighting when audits arrive, and inability to onboard or terminate users efficiently.

This isn't just inefficient—it's a strategic liability that limits your ability to scale, respond to market opportunities, and control costs.

No Clear Owner

Responsibility scattered across IT, finance, operations, and business units with no coordination.

Manual Everything

Spreadsheet-based tracking, email-based approvals, no automation of routine tasks.

Zero Visibility

Can't answer basic questions like "What do we spend on Bloomberg?" or "How many unused licenses?"

Reactive Mode

Only engage with vendors when there's a problem. No strategic vendor management.

Slow Provisioning

New hires wait weeks for data access. Terminated users remain active for months.

Audit Panic

Every vendor audit triggers weeks of scrambling to gather data and understand usage.

The Cost of Operational Dysfunction

100+ Hours monthly on manual reconciliation
$500K+ Annual waste from unused licenses
2-3 weeks To provision new user access
6 months+ Average tenure of terminated users still consuming licenses

Our Operating Model Framework

We've designed and implemented market data operations at some of the world's largest asset managers and hedge funds. We know what works at different scales and how to build operations that support growth rather than constrain it.

1

Current State Assessment

We start by understanding your existing operation comprehensively:

  • Process mapping of all market data workflows
  • Stakeholder interviews across IT, operations, finance, and business units
  • Technology stack evaluation
  • Pain point identification and quantification
  • Benchmarking against industry best practices
2

Target Operating Model Design

Based on the assessment, we design your future-state operation:

  • Organizational structure and roles/responsibilities
  • Governance framework and decision-making authority
  • Process redesign for efficiency and control
  • Technology requirements and vendor selection
  • KPIs and reporting dashboards
  • Policies and procedures documentation
3

Implementation Roadmap

We create a phased implementation plan that delivers value quickly:

  • Quick wins (0-3 months): Immediate process improvements
  • Foundation (3-6 months): Core capabilities and governance
  • Optimization (6-12 months): Advanced analytics and automation
  • Change management and training plan
  • Risk mitigation strategies
4

Implementation Support

We don't just provide recommendations—we help you execute:

  • Program management for the transformation
  • Hands-on support for technology implementation
  • Training for your team on new processes and tools
  • Vendor negotiations for technology and services
  • Post-implementation optimization and tuning

Core Operating Model Components

An effective market data operation includes these essential capabilities:

👥 Governance

Clear ownership, decision rights, and steering committee structure. RACI matrix for all key processes.

  • Market data steering committee
  • Escalation paths and SLAs
  • Budget authority and controls

📋 Inventory Management

Centralized system-of-record for all market data assets, contracts, and entitlements.

  • Real-time inventory visibility
  • Contract repository and alert system
  • Usage tracking and reconciliation

🔄 Lifecycle Management

Standardized workflows for onboarding, changes, and terminations.

  • Automated provisioning workflows
  • Access request and approval process
  • Termination checklists and automation

💰 Financial Management

Cost allocation, budgeting, forecasting, and invoice processing.

  • Automated invoice reconciliation
  • Chargeback/showback models
  • Budget tracking and variance analysis

Compliance Operations

Ongoing compliance monitoring and audit preparedness.

  • Quarterly compliance reviews
  • Audit response playbooks
  • Policy enforcement mechanisms

📊 Analytics & Reporting

Dashboards and reports that drive decision-making.

  • Executive dashboards
  • Usage analytics and optimization
  • Vendor performance scorecards

When to Invest in Operating Model Design

High-Growth Firms

When headcount is growing 20%+ annually, manual processes break down fast. You need scalable operations before the pain becomes unbearable.

Post-Merger Integration

Combining two firms' market data operations is a perfect opportunity to redesign from scratch rather than perpetuate dysfunction.

Cost Reduction Mandates

You can't optimize what you can't measure. Effective cost management requires operational visibility and control.

Regulatory/Audit Pressure

Audit findings often expose operational weaknesses. Addressing the root cause requires operating model improvements.

Technology Transformation

If you're implementing new data management or distribution technology, align your operating model at the same time.

Expected Outcomes

Efficiency Gains

Cost Impact

Strategic Benefits

Ready to Transform Your Market Data Operations?

Schedule a consultation to discuss your operational challenges and how we can help.

Schedule Consultation