Client Background
A U.S. based investment advisor with approximately $10 billion in assets under management was navigating a period of acquisition-driven growth. As the firm scaled, it faced resource constraints and increasingly complex Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®) compliance requirements, alongside rising demands for accurate, timely client and prospect reporting.
To address these challenges, the firm required a scalable, compliant solution that could support performance calculations and client reporting without disrupting operations or compromising regulatory alignment during a critical transition period.
The Challenge
Rapid growth and acquisition activity introduced new operational demands, exposing gaps in resourcing and increasing the complexity of the firm’s GIPS and performance reporting requirements because of:
- Limited internal resources to support expanding GIPS and performance reporting needs
- Increased complexity due to acquisition integration and operational change
- Pressure to maintain regulatory alignment, data accuracy, and reporting timeliness
- The need for continuity in performance reporting and marketing materials during organizational transition
The ACA Solution
ACA delivered a fully outsourced performance and reporting solution, assuming responsibility for the firm’s GIPS and client reporting functions.
Key components of the engagement included:
- Comprehensive outsourcing: ACA assumed the role of Outsourced Head of GIPS and client reporting, providing end-to-end oversight of performance operations and branded reporting deliverables.
- Integrated expertise: ACA’s Managed Performance Services (MPS) team collaborated closely with ACA Foreside’s marketing production team to ensure a seamless, compliant workflow from performance calculation through final marketing and client-facing reports.
- Process optimization and strategic guidance: ACA implemented standardized workflows, enhanced reporting accuracy, and provided best-practice consulting to improve operational efficiency and strengthen GIPS compliance throughout the organization.
The Results
The partnership delivered immediate and long-term value, enabling the firm to scale confidently while maintaining regulatory rigor.
- Scalable partnership: Internal teams were freed to focus on strategic priorities while ACA provided dedicated GIPS and performance expertise aligned to the firm’s evolving needs.
- Operational continuity: Accurate, timely performance reporting and marketing materials were delivered without disruption throughout the acquisition and transition period.
- Compliance confidence: Regulatory risk was reduced through ACA’s proven methodologies, standardized processes, and deep GIPS expertise, providing leadership with confidence in ongoing compliance readiness.
Conclusion
This case highlights ACA’s ability to act as an extension of an investment adviser’s internal team, combining deep GIPS expertise, operational rigor, and cross-functional delivery. By outsourcing performance and client reporting to ACA, the firm gained the flexibility to scale, confidence in regulatory alignment, and a future-ready operating model designed to support continued growth.
Contact an expert to explore how outsourced performance and reporting support can strengthen your operating model.