TECH QUESTION OF THE DAY: Is knowledge of the fundamentals of computer software and programming a pre-requisite for only those professionals in the asset management industry who work in the IT Department?
The ANSWER is "no". Just as all folks in management positions in the industry need to know the fundamentals of regulatory requirements that apply to their firm and their own position within the firm ( they can't leave that responsibility to someone in the Legal Department), virtually all managers and professionals at today's major asset management firms need to know the fundamental principles and characteristics of their firm's software, systems, and computer programming activities and methodologies ( IT is now so deeply woven into the investment advisory business that everyone has a duty to acquire basic knowledge, and an understanding of, the basic governing tenets and skill sets in this area of their own asset management firm.)
Moreover, modern technology, as we approach the 2020's, is revolutionizing the asset management industry. If you are part of a team at your firm that is looking at opportunities concerning the acquisition of new sources of real time securities pricing data, for example, it is imperative for you to know whether this data is being transmitted via proprietary or open source software and whether the design of any open source software is accessible by third parties. And theses are only the threshold areas of inquiry; the customs and practices that have arisen in connection with remote and cloud computing are more than likely integral to the efficacy of what your portfolio managers an others are trying to achieve for investors.
Finally, at Asset Managers Tech (AMT), industry members involved in our trade group initiatives are embracing opportunities to shed more light on the evolution of today's modern technology throughout the industry. Technology affects all asset management professionals.
Please feel free to contact AMT; we welcome your suggestions concerning our TECH QUESTION OF THE DAY publication. www.assetmanagers.tech