Jonathan Flitt
Global Head of Alternative Investment Solutions
Jonathan Flitt is an experienced operating executive. Jonathan has held positions across brokerage, wealth management, asset management, alternatives including, hedge fund, credit fund, private equity and private debt administration and middle office servicing. His experience includes leading global operations, product management and product development, leading large scale technology development projects and implementations, building partnerships and managing client relationships.
Jonathan is currently the Global Head of Alternative Investments for Clearwater Analytics. In this role, Jonathan leads product management, strategy and execution and works to design and implement innovative solutions that drive digitization, operational efficiency and enhance service capabilities for clients.
Prior to this role Jonathan was the Head of Credit Fund and Private Debt Fund Services within BNY Mellon’s Alternative Investment Services business. In this role, Jonathan led strategy and execution, designed, and implemented innovative solutions that drove digitization, operational efficiency and enhance service capabilities for clients. Prior to this role, Jonathan held several leadership positions at BNY Mellon across Alternatives and Middle Office Services
As an industry veteran, Jonathan also held a senior Product Management and Operations roles across Citigroup’s wealth management, asset management and securities services businesses. Based in New Jersey, Jonathan holds a Master of Business Administration from New York University, The Leonard N. Stern School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University at Albany.
The lack of structured data available for alternative investments is a major barrier to growth and scalability. As opposed to public markets, which have a wealth of data available, private markets often rely heavily on unstructured, manual input. This can be time-consuming and costly to manage, and it introduces the risk of human error.
To address this problem, organizations are looking for solutions to manage unstructured data that arrives in formats such as emails, PDFs, and faxes, to optimize their capabilities in alternative markets. While it may seem daunting to get set up for success in alternative investments, organizations that put the right tools and processes in place can tap into a space with huge opportunities for growth.
Finding the Balance Between Internal Teams and Partners
When getting set up to manage alternative assets, it is essential for organizations to determine where their internal team adds value and where they can leverage partners to increase scalability. Internal teams can provide valuable insights throughout the decision-making process, but sometimes there are advantages to be gained from working with specialists or larger servicing organizations.
It is critical to use internal perspectives to make key decisions, but it is also important to recognize the value of technology and knowledgeable partners to do manage certain processes. Overall, it is a delicate balance to achieve the best results, but it is worth looking for experts who can fill any gaps on your own internal team.
A Technology-First Approach
The key to success in alternative asset classes is to take a technology-first approach. This involves taking a critical look at any areas where technology can enable scalability, efficiency, and data quality. Consider finding solutions that can integrate easily into your business’s workflow, as that will help make the transition smoother.
A technology-first approach means understanding what the desired output should be and finding the most efficient way to achieve that goal. Rather than trying to update processes on an ad hoc basis, it is better to identify long-term goals and then create a detailed plan of action.
Investing in Scalable Technologies
Data is the cornerstone to success in today’s markets, and it is essential to have access to the right technology and infrastructure to scale operations. Having all investment data available on a single platform can reduce inconsistencies and help to ensure that all business functions are aligned.
Making proactive investments in tailored technology solutions can also enable growth and efficiency. The right technology for your business will reduce the burden of manual processes, increase profitability, and reduce costs, all of which makes technology an investment worth making.
Staying Up to Date on the Industry and Regulations
The insurance industry is constantly evolving, and insurers need to stay up to date with the latest regulations and market trends to remain competitive. Knowing the regulations and what changes might be coming next is essential for investment managers, as it can help them remain competitive and successful in the ever-changing industry.
While it may seem overwhelming to keep up with today’s fast-moving market, there are fortunately many resources available to help businesses keep up with the changes. To learn more about key concepts related to unlocking growth and scalability with alternative assets, schedule a call today to speak with a Clearwater expert.