Sanjay A Rao

Strategic Operations Oversight:

• Lead strategic planning and execution of operations management functions for a prominent asset management firm, overseeing a diverse portfolio of investments spanning equities, fixed income, real estate, and alternative assets.
• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with the company's overall goals and objectives, ensuring efficient and effective processes that drive value creation and enhance investor returns.

Process Optimization and Efficiency Enhancement:

• Spearhead initiatives to streamline operational workflows, optimize resource allocation, and enhance operational efficiency across all areas of asset management operations.
• Identify and implement best practices, automation tools, and technology solutions to improve operational effectiveness, reduce costs, and mitigate operational risks.

Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal policies related to asset management operations, including SEC regulations, fund administration guidelines, and anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.
• Develop and maintain robust risk management frameworks, internal controls, and compliance procedures to safeguard assets, mitigate risks, and uphold the integrity of investment operations.

Performance Measurement and Reporting:

• Oversee the development and maintenance of performance measurement frameworks, benchmarking methodologies, and reporting systems to provide accurate and timely performance analysis for investment portfolios.
• Collaborate with investment teams, fund administrators, and external stakeholders to generate comprehensive performance reports, investment analytics, and client-facing presentations.
• Recruit, onboard, and develop talent, providing ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance team capabilities, and drive organizational success.
• Established department targets and monitored progress towards KPIs, motivating and coaching teams to attainment.
• Deployed resources to cross-functional teams, supporting achievement of broader company goals.

• - Pioneered the establishment of the Northern Trust Asset Management department within the India office, serving as the first hire and instrumental in scaling the department to over 250 professionals, managing assets exceeding $150 billion.
  - Provided active support to portfolio management and trading desks, spanning multiple asset classes including Equity Index, Fixed Income, ESG, and ETFs.
  - Monitored daily cash positions to optimize liquidity management, facilitating timely trading decisions on the trading desk.
  - Oversaw a team responsible for monthly portfolio performance management, cash reconciliation, position monitoring, and Net Asset Value (NAV) calculation for various investment vehicles such as fixed income and commodity hedge funds, mutual funds, and separate accounts.
  - Assumed responsibility for reviewing and monitoring Investment Manager Agreements (IMA), supporting portfolio managers and account managers in client deal facilitation.
  - Implemented a comprehensive program to promote internal talent, fostering a cohesive leadership structure and talent pipeline.
  - Identified and implemented opportunities to enhance business processes and productivity, leveraging tools such as Blackrock Aladdin, Eagle, Charles River, TLM, and Portfolio Manager Workbench & Analytics.
  - Spearheaded recruitment efforts, hired and managed a high-performing team, and provided extensive training on best practices and protocols to maximize productivity and performance.
  - Established and monitored performance goals for the department, devising strategies to achieve milestones and enhance operational efficiency and profitability.
  - Stayed abreast of industry trends and competition, maintaining proficiency in trade lifecycle and systems troubleshooting, while utilizing tools such as Bloomberg, Fund master, Custodian weblinks, Blue Prism, UI path, PBI, and Python.
  - Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long-term goals, driving business growth and success in the dynamic asset management landscape.