🎥 Arcesium's David Nable - architecting private markets technology infrastructure for the future

Welcome back to the Alt Goes Mainstream podcast.

Today’s episode dives into how operations and streamlining technology processes can be turned into a strategic advantage.

We sat down with Arcesium’s MD and Head of Client and Partner Development David Nable to discuss how technology is impacting how funds manage their processes, operations, and data.

David was an early employee at Arcesium, helping the firm scale and working with many of the industry’s largest asset managers across the lifecycle of an investment. David joined Arcesium after a career in fund services and fund administration that spanned senior roles at Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse, and BNP Paribas Securities Services.

David and I had a fascinating conversation. We discussed:

* How David’s background in prime brokerage and fund admin helped him approach the technology problems for asset managers.

* How asset managers should approach where and how technology can be a strategic advantage.

* What does it mean to be a tech-forward asset manager?

* How does the growth of evergreen funds impact how firms manage their data and serve investors?

* What still needs to be built next to continue to improve private markets market infrastructure.

Thanks David for coming on the Alt Goes Mainstream podcast to share your expertise and wisdom on private markets technology and post-investment processes.

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Clip #1: What is the true cost of a technology solution?

Clip #2: Architecting your systems and data for the future.

Clip #3: Be careful with vibe coding.

A word from AGM podcast sponsor, Ultimus Fund Solutions

This episode of Alt Goes Mainstream is brought to you by Ultimus Fund Solutions, a leading full-service fund administrator for asset managers in private and public markets. As private markets continue to move into the mainstream, the industry requires infrastructure solutions that help funds and investors keep pace. In an increasingly sophisticated financial marketplace, investment managers must navigate a growing array of challenges: elaborate fund structures, specialized strategies, evolving compliance requirements, a growing need for sophisticated reporting, and intensifying demands for transparency.

To assist with these challenging opportunities, more and more fund sponsors and asset managers are turning to Ultimus, a leading service provider that blends high tech and high touch in unique and customized fund administration and middle office solutions for a diverse and growing universe of over 450 clients and 1,800 funds, representing $500 billion assets under administration, all handled by a team of over 1,000 professionals. Ultimus offers a wide range of capabilities across registered funds, private funds and public plans, as well as outsourced middle office services. Delivering operational excellence, Ultimus helps firms manage the ever-changing regulatory environment while meeting the needs of their institutional and retail investors. Ultimus provides comprehensive operational support and fund governance services to help managers successfully launch retail alternative products.

Visit www.ultimusfundsolutions.com to learn more about Ultimus’ technology enhanced services and solutions or contact Ultimus Executive Vice President of Business Development Gary Harris on email at [email protected].

We thank Ultimus for their support of alts going mainstream.

Show Notes

00:00 Message from our Sponsor, Ultimus

01:18 Welcome to the Alt Goes Mainstream Podcast

02:05 Guest Introduction: Arcesium’s David Nable

03:48 David's Career Journey

04:19 Parallels Between Running and Finance

05:24 Observing Industry Trends

06:47 Evolution of Private Markets

08:59 Impact of Technology on Investment

09:54 Challenges of Scaling Investments

11:40 Data-Driven Investment Strategies

13:04 Technological Advancements in Finance

14:15 Importance of Foundational Data

18:06 Data Silos and Harmonization

18:50 Case Study: Investor Relations

22:22 Data-First Approach Benefits

22:37 Architecting Systems for Flexibility

23:31 Timing for Implementing Technology

23:39 Real-World Challenges and Solutions

24:10 Inflection Points in Management

24:28 Logical Breakpoints for Change

24:45 Preparing for New Strategies

24:53 Publicly Traded Private Markets

25:21 Investing in Scalable Distribution Channels

25:42 Strategic Business Planning for SMAs

26:09 Data Architecture and Implementation

26:44 Understanding Data in Different Business Models

28:16 The Role of Technology in Investment Firms

28:47 Strategic CTOs and Their Impact

30:46 The Paradox of Data in Decision Making

32:04 Leveraging Data for Competitive Advantage

33:00 The Impact of AI on Data Utilization

33:43 Challenges for Mid-Sized Firms

34:33 Technology as an Enabler for Niche Specialists

35:24 Advice for Mid-Sized Firms on Technology Implementation

36:43 Focusing on Major Technological Investments

37:58 Point Solutions vs. Platforms

40:29 The True Cost of Technology Solutions

41:05 Operational Challenges with Multiple Systems

42:43 Arcesium's Technology Platforms

45:09 Simplifying Complex Investments

46:20 Customization vs. Standardization in Private Markets

48:14 The Future of Private Market Software

48:42 AI: The Step Function Change

49:36 Efficiency Gains from AI

50:08 Advice on Using AI in Asset Management

50:18 Caution Against Vibe Coding

51:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

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