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In the ever-evolving landscape of investment banking, staying ahead of the competition requires not only financial acumen but also operational excellence. Automation has emerged as a game-changer, offering investment banks the tools needed to optimize their workflows. This blog explores how automation throughout the entire investment lifecycle can collectively contribute to improving operational efficiency for investment banks. Plus, we look at some specific automation features in AXIS by AIO Logic that can play a big role in enhancing firms’ operational efficiency.

Automated Pipeline Management & Reporting

Efficient pipeline management is a cornerstone of successful investment banking. Automating this process not only streamlines the workflow but also provides real-time insights into the status of potential deals. Automated systems can update the pipeline dynamically, ensuring that investment bankers always have access to the latest information.

Furthermore, automated reporting tools can generate detailed and accurate reports on the pipeline, offering key metrics and performance indicators. This not only saves time previously spent on manual report generation but also facilitates data-driven decision-making. The ability to quickly analyze and act upon pipeline data empowers investment banks to focus their efforts on the most promising opportunities, ultimately improving overall operational efficiency.

When building AXIS by AIO Logic, we included functionality to automate both pipeline management and reporting within our deal management module. In the deal management module, when a new deal is created, corresponding deal stages are automatically created and tracked. Additionally, all deals are aggregated into dynamic pipeline reports that include key conversion analytics and identify any potential bottlenecks in the deal funnel.

Automated Loan Reporting

Investment banks often deal with a significant volume of loans, each with its own set of reporting requirements. Automating loan reporting not only expedites the reporting process but also improves accuracy and allows for more valuable insights to be gleaned from the reporting. These insights can be extremely useful in helping firms make future investment decisions based on accurate, real-time data instead of manually compiled data that may be inaccurate or outdated.

In AXIS by AIO Logic, we have included powerful automated reporting at both the loan and portfolio level, as we understand the importance of each to financial firms. Our automated loan reporting provides real-time reporting of total accrued interest, total paid interest, total interest due, total principal funded, total principal paid, and outstanding principal balance – all as of the current date or as of a date chosen by the user. Plus, users can dynamically create custom ad-hoc reports to suit their needs.

At the portfolio level, AXIS offers a robust suite of automated portfolio reporting and analytics. With our static pool and collection reporting, users can view historical balance, principal, and interest curves by vintage, by loan, or by account. AXIS also automates portfolio stratification and reporting, giving users the choice to dynamically stratify loan data by any captured data point. Additionally, AXIS automates tracking of key portfolio KPIs including total yield, cumulative charge-off rate, and default rate, while allowing users to easily and dynamically obtain KPIs by specific attribute, portfolio, or time range.

Automated Compliance Tracking

Compliance is a non-negotiable aspect of the investment banking industry, and automating compliance tracking is essential for staying on top of ever-changing regulations. Automated systems can continuously monitor regulatory due dates, provide necessary documentation, and more that reduces the level of human intervention needed to fulfill compliance requirements. By automating compliance tracking, investment banks can reduce the risk of non-compliance, avoid costly penalties, and maintain a proactive approach to regulatory changes.

There are several features within AXIS by AIO Logic that help firms automate their compliance tracking. For example, once parameters are set, AXIS automatically creates a compliance calendar, which includes the creation of related requirements. These requirements flow to the Portfolio Manager dashboard and customer portal so both parties are aware of upcoming requirements. Additionally, AXIS enables compliance certificate submission and automated covenant tracking through the customer portal. After the certificate is signed by the borrower, AXIS automatically tests the submission to the covenant threshold and triggers an alert if any covenant fails.

Integration and Synergy

The integration of these automated features creates a cohesive and synergistic system that significantly enhances overall operational efficiency for investment banks. The automated pipeline management and reporting creates a seamless workflow from deal identification to closure. This streamlined process allows investment bankers to focus on strategic decision-making and client relationships rather than getting bogged down by administrative tasks.

Automated loan reporting adds another layer of efficiency, especially for investment banks managing diverse loan portfolios. The ability to generate accurate and timely reports not only satisfies regulatory requirements but also provides clients with transparent and actionable insights into their loan portfolios.

The inclusion of automated compliance tracking ensures that investment banks operate within the bounds of regulatory frameworks. This proactive approach not only minimizes the risk of non-compliance issues but also facilitates smoother audits and regulatory examinations.

Conclusion

The incorporation of automation features in investment banking operations marks a significant leap forward in terms of operational efficiency. Automated pipeline management, automated loan reporting, and compliance tracking collectively empower investment banks to navigate the complexities of their industry with greater precision and agility.

As investment banking continues to evolve, the synergy between human expertise and automated systems will redefine industry standards. Investment banks that embrace these technologies will find themselves not only better positioned to handle current challenges but also more adaptable to the ever-changing landscape of finance. If your firm is seeking to utilize automation to enhance its operational efficiency, feel free to contact us today to schedule an intro call and learn more about how AXIS can increase efficiency by up to 3x.