Asset and Wealth Management services

Asset management consulting

The asset and wealth management sector is always changing. Firms face challenges including increased regulation, higher pressure on fees and profitability and the continual evolution of technology.

At PwC, we use our industry knowledge and experience aligned with our expertise in areas such as technology, digital, data analytics, risk and regulation and strategy to help firms prepare for the future. Our key offerings include:

• Digital and technology: RPA proof of concept and implementation; digital operating model and transformation; digital analytics; information management and reporting; information security
• Operational excellence: Target Operating Model framework; process engineering and workflow; outsourcing operating model design; Fit-for-growth assessment; client service or coverage model
• Mergers and acquisitions: M&A strategy; deal evaluation and strategy; commercial due diligence; merger integration optimisation; project and change management
• Business strategy: Market entry strategy; service provider evaluation; Brexit strategy; client onboarding and journey mapping; product strategy; outsourcing strategy; location strategy
• People and talent: Digital human capital management; organisation and people strategies; organisational culture; talent optimisation; workforce planning and analytics; HR strategic change, transformation and technology.

Audit

Trust is an essential factor in gaining and sustaining the confidence of stakeholders. Using our experience and proven track record in auditing some of the biggest asset management clients in Ireland, we can provide the smooth, efficient audit you need to give comfort to you and your stakeholders.

Fund distribution support

Maintaining a successful, viable and compliant distribution strategy is not easy. Keeping pace with the changing regulatory, tax and reporting requirements in your chosen markets can be a challenge.

PwC's distribution services team understands these challenges. Our full-service offering covers everything from market intelligence and compliance, to fund registration and tax reporting. Use our insights to enhance your product development and distribution strategies.

Governance and risk management services

The speed of change in the industry means that Boards of Directors often need support. They will also seek additional comfort for the companies whom they are overseeing. Our suite of services includes:

• Help with compliance or risk management frameworks
• Corporate governance reviews
• Reviewing approaches to organisation effectiveness
• Tailored director training

Internal audit services

To maximise the value and effectiveness of the internal audit function, the directors and senior staff of fund management companies need to understand certain things. These include the organisation's objectives, risk management priorities, regulatory environment and critical stakeholders' needs.

We can help by:

• Developing and assessing whether your internal audit and risk management methodologies are delivering as effectively as possible to stakeholders
• Solving your resourcing problems, including full outsourcing or complementing your team with specialist skills or geographical coverage
• Developing training solutions unique to your business using our extensive market and industry knowledge

Regulatory advisory services

The nature of the industry means that firms and individuals need to prepare to adapt to regulatory change. Increased regulations and costs pose additional demands on asset and wealth management firms.

We can provide you with clear guidance on what you need to do to be compliant. PwC can offer a range of services to help you to identify the impact of these regulations on your business, your people and your processes:

• Advice on regulatory obligations
• Assurance on regulatory reporting systems and controls
• Assistance with Central Bank of Ireland regulatory authorisations
• Regulatory remediation support
• Regulation watch service

SOC 1 or ISAE 3402 reporting

A client such as a Fund administrator, Transfer Agency, Custodian or Investment Manager may ask for a SOC 1 or an ISAE 3402 report. These reports allow them to understand and rely on the robustness of the internal controls in your organisation. Having them to hand provides a considerable competitive advantage. A contract for services or response to an RFP may need a SOC 1 or ISAE 3402 report. Sometimes it will be to allow your client to continue to outsource their business to you.

We can work with you to select the right reporting framework for you and your stakeholders.

Tax consulting services

Asset management firms operate in a complex global tax environment. Our dedicated group of over 50 AWM tax professionals focus on the international and local tax issues facing asset and wealth managers. Their work spans traditional, alternative and real estate asset classes.

We have a wealth of expertise and resources to support you on all tax matters relevant to your operations in Ireland. We also support the international structuring and distribution of your investment strategy, including:

• Structuring of investment vehicles
• Managing portfolio tax risk across global investment portfolios
• Investment due diligence
• Support on tax considerations of distribution to investors internationally, including management of European investor tax reporting
• Corporation tax advice including transfer pricing support for Irish operations
• VAT advice
• Tax Information Reporting services: FATCA or CRS

Third-party services

Commercial awareness

When as asset management firm decides to outsource, we can help you choose the right third party, define contract terms and provide assurance about the decision you have made. When determining whether third parties are adhering to contract terms, we can perform risk analysis of your outsourcing programme and agreements, as well as contract management and negotiation.

Ongoing review and assessment

When an asset management firm outsources activities to a third party, they can have the right to audit, inspect or review the service provider. This can be written in the terms of their contract or may occur after an issue has arisen. The organisation may want to assure themselves independently that the matter has been resolved.  PwC can partner with you in the ongoing review and assessment process, structuring or performing the audit itself.