Financial Services

Overview

EPC Integration provides a number of financial services solutions ranging from spreadsheet applications through to bespoke fund control, and risk management systems. In all cases we have been relied on to integrate seamlessly with the client’s original systems and information providers such as Beauchamp, Eze Castle, Aexeo, Citco, Event Monitor and Bloomberg.

Spreadsheet Solutions

We have provided a number of distinct services for hedge funds using Excel VBA 2003/2007 and the Bloomberg DDE Server. These are generally portfolio management systems for trading managers and operations staff by which they can monitor and reconcile their portfolios whilst still retaining the flexibility to add, remove or customise any calculated information they would like to see “on the fly”. Types of portfolio we have covered include long/short strategies, CDS positions and day trading. In addition to constructing the layout, formatting and calculations for these spreadsheets we also provide robust macros to automate and thus quicken any manual tasks such as those performed at the beginning or end of day.

Application Development

In the case of some hedge funds a spreadsheet solution is not sufficient for their needs; in these cases EPC Integration has provided custom n-tier applications using the VB/C#.NET Framework, usually interfaced with a back-end SQL Server database. Such applications can vary in simplicity from a windows form to update database information to a bespoke OMS including intraday portfolio analysis tools, trade input functionality and reconciliation, working off a centralised database and integrated with existing 3rd party solutions. We have also provided solutions which are mid-way between the two, for instance real-time data servers which interface with Bloomberg and provide users with the ability to use formulas in Excel to pull server data into their worksheets. In most of these cases we use the Bloomberg desktop and/or server API in order to pull real-time data in an efficient manner.

Reporting Solutions

We use a wide range of tools in order to provide efficient reporting for reconciliation, performance, end-of-day and more. Previous projects have involved the use of SyncFusionXIxIO, DataDynamics ActiveReports, SQL Reporting Services and Excel. These reports are based on data coming from the client’s current OMS, a SQL database or a mix of both. Outputs are usually requested in Excel, PDF, web or windows application formats. In turn these may be transposed into automated print-outs or e-mails to the relevant authorities.

SQL Server Solutions

With over 13 years of continuous day-to-day experience in SQL Server one of EPC Integration's main competencies is in Data Management Solutions. We can help architect, install, configure, optimise, and maintain your SQL Server implementations. We also assist in implementing disaster recovery via the various SQL technologies such as log-shipping, mirroring, and replication.

Development Consultancy

Many organisations have in-house applications that they wish to enhance, streamline, or rationalise to best preserve prior investments. EPC Integration has experience in lending hands-on advice in the form of due-diligence, evaluation, training, and overall management of longer-term projects. This includes suggestions for best practices in financial systems, design architecture, project implementation plans, and developer coaching and training.